The best photography spots in Brisbane
When people visit Brisbane for incentives and business events, they want to be able to tell the world about their experience on their social media channels – and that means they need photos. Lots of photos. But they don’t want just any photos – they want photos that capture Brisbane from the perfect angle, and images that tell the city’s story. Here, then, are the most photogenic places for delegates to visit in Brisbane – from the most iconic spots in the heart of the city to a few unmissable destinations that are a little off the beaten path.
The classic city shots
The 3D, three-metre-high Brisbane sign has been a part of the landscape since 2014, when Brisbane hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit, and it has now become a city icon. Ask a friendly local to help you get that perfect shot of you with the river and the CBD as your backdrop.
From the bridges
Goodwill Bridge is for cyclists and pedestrians only, links South Bank to QUT and is a great spot to capture the city sparkling at night-time.
Victoria Bridge links the city with South Bank and is the main bridge for buses. Stand in the middle and take your pick of shots – either back towards the city or looking across at QPAC, the Wheel of Brisbane and South Bank. It’s also a good spot for a photo if you want to be in the shot yourself.
Kurilpa Bridge is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge, and its unique look and design won it Best Transport Building at the World Architecture Awards in 2011. Lit up every evening, the bridge looks spectacular at night-time and is great if you want to capture a shot of QAGOMA, South Bank and the CBD.
From your hotel
You don’t even need to leave your hotel room to get the perfect shot of the cityscape – provided you’re high enough up, that is. The two Meriton towers, Brisbane’s two tallest hotel buildings, watch proudly over the city, and are the top spots for a bird’s-eye snap of the CBD.
From Victoria Park
If you find yourself strolling through Victoria Park – the largest public park to open in Brisbane in almost 50 years – don’t miss out on a shot of the sparkling city skyline, nestled between the trees.
From River Quay Green, South Bank
River Quay Green looks out over the river and across to the CBD from the Goodwill Bridge end of South Bank. The restaurants along here fully embrace a breezy, outdoor lifestyle, and it’s the perfect place for a picnic, too – all the better for your idyllic photo opportunity.
From Mt Coot-Tha
Get up early – you only have to do it once – and make sure you get a shot of the sun rising over Brisbane from the top of Mt Coot-tha. Seeing the city wake up is a pretty spectacular thing to watch. While you’re up there, here are 11 epic things to do at Mt Coot-tha.
From Wilson’s Outlook
Wilson’s Outlook is probably the best-kept secret of all the views of Brisbane, but it is easily one of the most spectacular. Pack the tripod and head to this little park on the cliff edge at New Farm, wait for the sun to go down and take an epic Story Bridge shot.
From above
Try getting the window seat in the plane and take a snap during takeoff and landing – the city shot is always a winner.
Alternatively, book a seat on a private helicopter tour and take in the beautiful landscape from above. From up high in the sky you’ll get an amazing scenic view over the city, our islands and beaches and our lush mountain ranges, so here's our wrap-up of helicopter tours and charters around Brisbane.
From the river
This is an obvious one. Hop on the CityCat or CityHopper and see Brisbane from the river. Get a shot of yourself with the Story Bridge behind you after sunset when it’s lit up with coloured LEDs, or capture South Bank with the perfect blue sky as the backdrop.
From Clem Jones Promenade, South Bank
Clem Jones Promenade spans the length of South Bank Parklands, stretching from QPAC all the way up to the Maritime Museum. A stroll along here offers a number of opportunities for the classic city shot – including the beautiful Treasury building.
From the Wheel of Brisbane
The view from the top of the Wheel will give you an interesting perspective to shoot a picture from. It’s a good option on either a bright, sunny day (most days of the year!) or at night when Brisbane lights up.
From the Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower
Gaze down onto Queen Street Mall and over King George Square. Heading up the old clock tower in the original lift is an amazing experience, regardless of whether or not you get the winning shot – and it’s free.
From the Kangaroo Point Cliffs
It doesn’t matter what time of day it may be because the view is always incredible from here. Wear comfy shoes though, because tackling the dreaded Kangaroo Point stairs is a rite of passage for anyone in Brisbane – locals and visitors alike.
From Howard Smith Wharves
Located under the Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves has quickly established itself as one of Brisbane’s premier dining and lifestyle precincts. It’s also one of the most photogenic places in all of Brisbane – even the most reluctant photographer won’t be able to resist taking a shot of the bridge and the glittering city skyline from here, most likely with a beer in hand.
Sidenote: When you climb the Story Bridge, your photo is taken twice for you to keep. It’s a great shot – and conquering the climb definitely gives you bragging rights.
A little further afield
There are plenty of other incredible Instagram-worthy landscapes in and around Brisbane too. Here are a few worth making the trip for.
Kooroomba Lavender Farm & Vineyard
Less than two hours' drive from the CBD, Kooroomba Lavender Farm and Vineyard may be one of the region’s best kept secrets. It’s beautiful all day long, but sunset is when it’s pretty special.
Moreton Island/Mulgumpin
Moreton Island is the third-largest sand island in the world – and from above, it’s difficult to believe it’s real. The water is an incredible blue, and when contrasted with the shipwrecks, it’ll be a #nofilter shot for sure.
Tamborine Mountain
Take your pick of the views here because the possibilities are seemingly endless. From the Rainforest Walk to the many lookouts to all of the waterfalls, there’s a photo opportunity or million here.
North Gorge Walk
Take a day trip to North Stradbroke Island / Minjerribah and catch a shot of the island’s most photogenic spot, the North Gorge Walk.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Now this is a spot to grab a koala-ity photo that’ll make your friends and co-workers jealous. The world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine is the best place to cuddle one of Australia’s magnificent marsupials. For bonus points, try to snap a shot of a sleeping wombat, or take a pic while you hand-feed a kangaroo!
Eat Street Northshore
Cruise along the river to the Northshore Hamilton Ferry Terminal and overwhelm your senses at Eat Street, a world-class celebration of street food open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Find a spot under the twinkling fairy lights, take a snap of one of the seriously over-the-top treats on offer – ice cream taco, anyone? – and leave your followers drooling.
