The Best Views in Brisbane: 12 Breath-taking Brisbane Lookouts
Australia has many cities with breath-taking views but there is something special about looking over Brisbane's vast skyline.
As Brisbane prepares to become a new "global city" by 2031, its skyline grows more stunning. Along with the gleaming skyscrapers, the Brisbane River is ringed by distinctive bridges and lush neighbourhood parks. This mixture produces magnificent metropolitan views that are worth including in your weekend or holiday schedule. To top it off, nearly every Brisbane viewing location on this list is free. Therefore, be prepared with your loveliest grin and camera phone for these best Brisbane lookouts.
Mt Coot-tha Summit
Even while the Mt. Coot-tha viewpoint does have a certain notoriety, the windy trip up is still worth it, especially at night. The parking spaces near the lookout offers breathtaking cityscape views. Additionally, there are numerous walking paths around the mountain that lead to the lookout, as well as a cafe where you can enjoy a coffee while gazing, or pack a picnic for a meal with a view. The summit of Mt. Coot-tha is home to Brisbane's most well-known lookout, which offers expansive, far-off, views of the city. The large observation deck is an excellent spot for a few selfies and features telescopes for a closer look at city activity. At the foot of the mountain, at JC Slaughter Falls, there are numerous hiking and mountain bike trails that lead to Mount Coot- tha's summit. The 52 hectares of magnificent subtropical Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium are also not to be missed.
Sir Thomas Gaffney Lookout
The somewhat peaceful Green Hill Reservoir Park and Sir Thomas Gaffney Lookout are on the opposite side of Mount Coot-Tha. There is an off-leash dog park here that is encircled by a short walk and an extended building covered with street art. Framed by lovely vegetation, the Sir Thomas Gaffney Lookout is breathtaking. Avoid travelling to Sir Thomas Gaffney Lookout during peak hours when the roads are busy.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Popular with Brisbane's ultra-cool and fitness fanatics, the outlook atop the Kangaroo Point Cliffs is the main reason to visit Kangaroo Point. A fantastic view of the city throughout the day is provided by the waterfront location, but the sunset truly magical. Rock climbers and abseilers love to scale the imposing cliffs at Kangaroo Point, which offer a stunning background to the river opposite Brisbane Botanic Gardens. If you’re feeling energetic why not climb the 107 steps to the summit for breathtaking vistas. Book a cliffside seat at Joey's on Riverside Terrace for tapas, pizza, and drinks for a more relaxing experience.
The Scenic Rim
The Scenic Rim stays true to its name with boutique vineyards, gin distilleries, jungle hikes, and scenic settlements. This area has plenty of things to discover and is only about an hour's drive from Brisbane. Enjoy tastings or a lavender gelato while overlooking lavender fields at Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm, or stop by Tamborine Mountain Distillery or Cauldron Distillery for a drink. As you stroll through the 30-metre-high Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, take in the breathtaking vistas of the rainforest.
Mt Gravatt Lookout
Mt Gravatt Lookout, the southside's crown treasure, is the best reward for climbing the mountain. The entire city of Brisbane, our neighbouring suburbs, and even the Moreton Bay islands, D'Aguilar Ranges, and Glasshouse Mountains are all visible on a clear day. Whether you have kids or are in the mood to eat, you can relax as there is both a playground and a restaurant.
Bartley’s Hill Lookout, Ascot
Bartley's Hill Lookout is tucked away in lush Ascot and is simple to miss. When you see the views of the city and river, where you can even see the Story Bridge, you'll be pleased you didn't miss this spot. This location is so lovely that it is frequently used for wedding photos. By 1907, the first concrete reservoir had been built here, delivering pressurised water to the neighbourhood as well as areas as far away as Teneriffe, Spring Hill, and Red Hill. The hill appears to have been used as a public observation point starting around 1925. Interestingly, during World War II, an aircraft observation post was built there due to its high elevation. Parking is abundant, and there are benches where you can sit back and enjoy the sights and sea breeze.
Whites Hill Reserve, Camp Hill
Who would have imagined that Brisbane's inner metropolis could include such a sizable, gorgeous natural reserve? Of course, we're referring to Whites Hill Reserve, where you can enjoy playground equipment, BBQ and picnic areas, endless bushwalking opportunities, nature study opportunities, and views of the city from the lookout. Over 170 hectares in size, Whites Hill Reserve is around seven kilometres south-east of Brisbane's CBD, and supports a variety of plant habitats, including open eucalypt forests and rainforests. Within the reserve is Sankeys Scrub, a significant piece of dry rainforest. This bushland's mix of habitats makes it a crucial sanctuary for a variety of creatures. Dogs are not permitted because it is a nature reserve, but there is a dog-friendly area next to Boundary Road. Many visitors have also spotted seen koalas from the overlook and along several of the walking trails.
Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower
A free tour of the 92-meter-tall Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower is the best way to get to know Queensland's capital city. You can learn all about the history of Australia's largest analogue clock as a guide leads groups of four onto an antique cage lift that takes you to the top for a 360-degree view. You can follow your curiosity into the Museum of Brisbane's colourful passageways after leaving the viewing area. Free tours run every fifteen minutes between 10:15 am and 4:45 pm.
Wheel of Brisbane
Did you know our very own Wheel of Brisbane was created by the same company that created the Ferris wheels in Paris, Kuala Lumpur, and Niagara Falls?! The permanent, 60-meter-tall structure provides a 15-minute journey that offers a 360-degree view over Brisbane. There are 42 different gondolas that can accommodate parties of up to six adults and two kids under the age of 11.
Time your trip around sunset to see the city lights along the river and South Bank.
The Story Bridge
Did you know that Brisbane's most recognisable bridge can be crossed on foot? The Story Bridge is a must-see in Brissy, much as the Brooklyn Bridge is in New York City. From Howard Smith Wharves, proceed straight ahead, ride the elevator up to Bowen Terrace, and then cross the 777-meter steel bridge. From the Story Bridge's observation deck, 80 metres above Brisbane River, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Brisbane for two unforgettable hours. The Story Bridge is one of only three bridge climbs in the world that offers spectacular views of the city at sunrise and dusk. But don't limit yourself to just the climb, Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers a variety of adventures, such as bridge abseiling. Although cameras are not allowed on the climb, the guides will capture your memorable moments along the way.
Howard Smith Wharves
Take in the scenery from a bend in the river beneath the Story Bridge while sipping a craft beer from Felon's Brewery or while strolling along the promenade at Howard Smith Wharves. Walk or bike down the Brisbane Riverwalk to New Farm while you observe the riverboats passing by and look up at the bridge. Brisbane has only recently added this hip lifestyle district and when you see it in all its splendour, it's difficult to believe that such a prime position was disregarded for so long. With the magnificent Story Bridge serving as the backdrop, there are numerous vantage points here.
Brisbane’s Various Rooftop Bars
While Brisbane’s parks and nature reserves do offer some breath-taking lookouts, Brisbane's rooftop bars have some truly incredible views that you can enjoy while sipping a refreshing drink. From the colossal city views at The Terrace in South Brisbane to the actual rooftop paradise that is the Valley's Cielo or the entrancing sky-high surrounding views of MAYA and Iris. Brisbane is filled with chic and upscale rooftop bars. The Emporium Hotel South Bank's Terrace offers stunning views of the Southland Parklands, the CBD, and the river. It is open from 7am till late for everything from breakfast to post-show beverages, and has a retractable ceiling and glass canopy to handle any weather. Sixteen Antlers, located above Pullman Brisbane King George Square in the centre of the city, is a nice place to relax and take in the nearby City Hall clock tower from above while sipping on a beverage. Rooftop bars abound in bustling Fortitude Valley, which lies on the outskirts of the city. Beer enthusiasts should visit Valley Hops Brewing, located above Cloudland, while Soko, Brisbane's newest rooftop bar, is located at Jubilee Place and serves Japanese and Peruvian food.
Just looking for somewhere to have a picnic or lush nature to explore? Check out the Best National Parks to visit from Brisbane.
