Brisbane’s Best Views

Brisbane is bursting with life and this is reflected in its busy skyline. The city centre is divided by the Brisbane river which separates the bustling central business district, home to Queen Street Mall and Brisbane City Hall from South Bank, the city’s cultural quarter and street beach host. Brisbane is often considered a young city because in recent years it has been undergoing a boom in developments, making it an incredibly vibrant place to be. Fortunately for us, Brisbane boasts a number of viewing points across the city which are perfect for watching the world go by. 

Kangaroo Point Cliffs

To enjoy the view from Kangaroo Point Cliffs you have to work for it a little more than the others, but once you get up to the top, you’ll see that it is worth every step. This being said, the walk up to Kangaroo Point Cliffs is relatively short from South Bank and only mildly challenging for a matter of moments as you ascend the final steps. It is a walk suitable for everyone with the end goal enjoyed by all. Those inclined to adventure can choose to abseil Kangaroo Point Cliffs for a different take on the viewing spot. Most of us however, can enjoy the view from the cliffs by relishing an ice-cold drink at the café-bar that is perched at the top, or find yourself a shady spot and enjoy the view with a picnic. Kangaroo Point Cliffs offer panoramic views from South Bank to the infamous Story Bridge. 

Emporium Hotel & Bar

If you want to enjoy your view of Brisbane in style, then the Emporium Hotel Bar is the place for you. Whether it is a special occasion or perhaps you just live a lush life, you can rely on the Emporium for a bit of luxury. The Emporium hotel is situated in South Bank, the city’s cultural centre and like many of the city’s skyscrapers, makes the most of its location with a rooftop viewing platform. Luckily, you don’t have to be a guest at the hotel in order to enjoy its rooftop bar. However, ditch your thongs (flip-flops) and dress to impress in order to ensure entry. The Emporium towers over South Bank and offers stunning views as it does so, from South Bank’s street beach, to the Brisbane river and onto Brisbane’s central business district and its impressive skyline.  Whatever the occasion, South Bank’s Emporium hotel is an ideal place to go to enjoy a reasonably priced cocktail with a very special view. 

Mount Coot-tha

Mount Coot-tha is a popular destination to enjoy Brisbane from out of town. Situated in the west of Brisbane, Mt Coot-tha is only a short car drive or bus ride from Brisbane city centre. Mt Coot-tha offers a new perspective on the city and makes it easier to map the river’s trail and spot the city’s major sites from above. Unlike other viewing points in city, Stradbroke Island and Moreton Bay can also be spotted from Mt Coot-tha. There’s also a café and restaurant up here so you can grab a bite to eat or bring your own picnic and settle down on the grass overlooking Brisbane. If you’re up for a wander, there are several bushwalks you can do before or after enjoying the view too. Additionally, Mt Coot-tha also has its very own planetarium and botanic gardens, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Mt Coot-tha is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city, while still enjoying all it has to offer. 

River Quay South Bank

Situated in Brisbane’s South Bank, River Quay is one of my favourite places not just in Brisbane, but in the world. This natural amphitheatre is just along from the city’s street beach and overlooks the Brisbane river with the backdrop of the city centre and central business district. The River Quay is the ideal place to meet with friends and family for a drink (or several) or a picnic. Alternatively, South Bank teems with restaurants, many offering takeaway services, so there are plenty of food options available to enjoy with the view. Beware though, as South Bank’s magpies might just take a fancy to your food or, as they protect their young, make a swoop for you. Whether you choose to visit in the morning, day or night, you’re guaranteed to enjoy what you see. If you’re lucky enough, you might also time your visit with the live music events that River Quay is often host to. River Quay offers not only a stunning view of Brisbane, it encapsulates the Aussie experience – relaxing in the sun, sharing good times, with good people. 

Brisbane City Hall clock tower

If you want to see the city from another angle, book yourself onto a tour of the Brisbane City Hall clock tower. Admission is free and tours run every 15 minutes but making a booking is essential. Brisbane City Hall is the major feature of King George’s Square and a site to see in Brisbane’s CBD. Booking yourself onto a clock tower tour it is a great way to see the city from a birds-eye view, whether it is basking in the Australian sun or sparkling in the night’s sky. 

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Brisbane CityCat

Brisbane has made its name as Australia’s river city, so why not take in the city’s sites from the water. The Brisbane CityCat is a ferry that winds its way across the Brisbane river, running from Northshore Hamilton (home of Eat Street), to the University of Queensland St Lucia campus with plenty of stops in between. The CityCat is a great way to explore the city without having to walk its distance and better yet, it’s a very cheap form of transportation so hop on and off wherever takes your fancy. 

Victoria bridge

Last but not least is Victoria bridge. Victoria bridge connects South Bank to Brisbane’s central business district and main shopping area and is therefore one of the main transport links in and out of the city, for both vehicles and pedestrians. The bridge is one of many that stands above the Brisbane river and offers a great view of both parts of the city centre. The view from Victoria bridge highlights the surprising contrast in the landscape of the city, from the skyscrapers on one side, to the grassy banks and lush green gardens on the other.