10 Of The Best Brisbane Lookouts | Australian Traveller

Whether you want water views, panoramic vistas, adrenaline-fuelled adventures or lazy days on relaxed islands, Brisbane is packed with activities and sights you’ll love.

At sunrise, sunset, and all points in between, catching a stunning view in Brisbane is easy. In a city blessed with plenty of hills, high points and river vistas, there’s a plethora of the best lookouts in Brisbane to choose from.

The best views in Brisbane? Well, everyone has their favourites. Here are a few of ours.

1. Climb the Story Bridge

Story Bridge Adventure Climb in Brisbane — Climb the iconic Story Bridge. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

For two amazing hours, you can take in incredible views of Brisbane from atop the Story Bridge, 80 metres above the Brisbane River.

Sunrise and sunset are terrific times to look out on the expanse of the city on one of only three bridge climbs in the world. But don’t limit yourself to the climb itself, as there are many experiences available through Story Bridge Adventure Climb , including bridge abseiling.

Cameras are banned on the climb, but the guides will capture your big moments along the way, and the memories will last forever.

2. River views from Howard Smith Wharves

Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane — Drink in the view (and maybe a brew or two) from Howard Smith Wharves.

Enjoy a craft beer from Felon’s Brewery on the boardwalk at Howard Smith Wharves, taking in the view from a curve in the river beneath the Story Bridge.

Watch the rivercraft pass by, gaze up at the bridge and take a stroll or cycle along the floating Brisbane Riverwalk to New Farm.

The lift or stairs to the top of the cliffs give you a higher vantage point, or you can head to Fiume Rooftop Bar at Crystalbrook Vincent for cocktails with a view.

3. Kayak Brisbane River

kayak Brisbane River for best views in Brisbane — Find the best views in Brisbane from the water level. (Image: Kenny Smith)

Getting out on the river gives an entirely different perspective on the city. Paddle a kayak with Riverlife by day or night for a water-level viewpoint as you glide under some of Brisbane’s many bridges.

Depending on the tide, you might even see the shipwrecked Myora clinging to the riverbank among the mangroves. Twilight tours reveal reflections of the skyline on the water, and some include a grazing platter beside the Kangaroo Point Cliffs – perfect for date night.

GoBoat Brisbane — Grab your friends and skipper your own boat around the river.

For a different pace, grab your friends and skipper your own picnic boat from Go Boat (no licence required) to explore the river. BYO food and drinks – and as a bonus, canine companions are also allowed aboard.

If you want someone else to do the driving as you take in the views, combine a river cruise with visits to some of the city’s best cocktail bars or craft breweries aboard a River to Bay tour .

On a budget? Hop aboard a CityCat ferry and travel from the University of Queensland at St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton for just a few dollars.

4. Hike to Mt Coot-tha lookout

Mt Cootha Lookout — Find the perfect Brisbane skyline views from Mt Coot-tha’s summit. (Image: BEDA)

Brisbane’s best-known lookout is at the top of Mt Coot-tha, with sweeping panoramic – if distant – views back to the city.

The expansive observation deck has telescopes for a closer peek at city life, and it’s a great place for a selfie or two. Take a picnic or grab a bite at the casual Summit Cafe for a meal with a view.

For energetic visitors, there are walking and mountain biking trails leading to Mt Coot-tha’s summit, many starting at JC Slaughter Falls at the foot of the mountain (for those who’d prefer to drive, there’s parking at the top).

And don’t miss the 52 hectares of glorious sub-tropical Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

On Brisbane’s south side, the Mt Gravatt lookout is tucked away in bushland with views to the city, Moreton Bay and Mt Coot-tha, with a social enterprise cafe, playground and native garden on the grounds.

5. Find Brisbane’s best rooftop bars

Celebrate the lush Mexican Riviera-inspired surroundings and sensational views at MAYA Mexican. (Image: Jake Roden)

Stylish and sophisticated rooftop bars are all around Brisbane. The Terrace at Emporium Hotel South Bank boasts mesmerising views over Southland Parklands, across to the CBD and along the river. With a retractable ceiling and glass roof to deal with any weather, it’s open from 7 am until late for everything from breakfast to post-show cocktails.

In the heart of the city, Sixteen Antlers , atop Pullman Brisbane King George Square, is a great space to sip and enjoy a birds-eye view of the City Hall clock tower next door.

On the city fringe, vibrant Fortitude Valley is bristling with rooftop bars. Valley Hops Brewing above Cloudland is for beer lovers, while Brisbane’s newest rooftop bar, Soko in Jubilee Place, where the menu lists Japanese and Peruvian cuisine.

For margaritas and more, head to Ann Street, where MAYA Mexican offers lush Mexican Riviera-inspired surrounds and sensational views from the 11th floor.

6. Walk to Kangaroo Point Cliffs lookout

Kangaroo Point, best views in Brisbane — Watch as the sunset transforms the city skyline at Kangaroo Point. (Image: Kenny Smith)

The towering cliffs at Kangaroo Point provide a gorgeous backdrop to the river opposite Brisbane Botanic Gardens and are popular with rock climbers and abseilers. Get your thrills with Riverlife’s adventure experts, or take the 107 steps to the top for fantastic views.

For a gentler experience, book a cliffside table at Joey’s on Riverside Terrace for tapas, pizza and cocktails.

7. Snorkel Moreton Island/Mulgumpin

Tangalooma wrecks, Moreton Island — Snorkel around the Tangalooma wrecks.

From above, below or dry land, the views from Moreton Island/Mulgumpin are hard to beat.

Take a helicopter joy flight as part of a day trip with Tangalooma Island Resort , or snorkel around the Tangalooma wrecks to spot turtles, dugongs and other aquatic wildlife.

The resort offers a host of activities, from whale watching to sand tobogganing and quad biking; at the end of the day, enjoy a drink from one of the few locations in Brisbane where you can watch the sun sink into the sea.

If you’re keen to stay on island time, Tangalooma Island Resort offers a wide range of accommodation options.

8. Explore more of Moreton Bay

Bribie Island, Moreton Bay — Cross the bridge to Bribie Island for more spectacular views.

Gaze out over the vineyards of Ocean View Estates as you unwind beyond the city in the beautiful Moreton Bay region, or take in the view of southeast Queensland’s largest lake from the Lake Wivenhoe Lookout .

You can also cross the bridge to Bribie Island for spectacular views of Pumicestone Passage and the Glasshouse Mountains.

For something completely different, take in the sights from a Venetian-style gondola with Island Gondolas . Look out for dolphins.

9. Sail to North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah

kangaroo on North Stradbroke Island — Enjoy never-ending views in Brisbane’s North Stradbroke Island.

North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah offers many great views, but one of the best is from the North Gorge Walk at Point Lookout, where you can look down into the gorge to spot turtles and manta rays and marvel at the power of the ocean at the Blow Hole.

Another top vantage point is on the headland next to Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club, where you can see along the expanse of the 32-kilometre-long Main Beach.

To connect with the island’s Quandamooka people, join Elisha Kissick from Yura Tours for a walkabout or drive-about. For a cold craft brew or dining with an ocean view, head to Straddie Brewing Co .

10. Discover the Scenic Rim

Mount Tamborine sky walk Scenic Rim — Catch your breath with unbelievable rainforest views along the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk.

With boutique gin distilleries, wineries, rainforest walks and picturesque villages, the Scenic Rim lives up to its name.

Just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane, this region offers plenty to discover. Look out on fields of lavender from Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm as you enjoy tastings or a lavender gelato, or drop in for a tipple at Tamborine Mountain Distillery or Cauldron Distillery .

Burn some energy on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk , which takes you 30 metres into the canopy for breathtaking views of the rainforest below. Serious hikers might prefer to tackle the multi-day Scenic Rim Trail through Main Range National Park.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

Brisbane’s 10 best viewpoints and lookouts