26 Best Brisbane Lookouts & Beyond the City with Map

If you’re asking where the best Brisbane Lookouts are, most locals will send you to Mount Coot-Tha. As a local for the last 20 years, it’s certainly where I would send you first. However, you can choose from plenty more with Brisbane City views and even more beyond the city.

These viewpoints include City Nightscapes, rainforest views, beaches, or even just the highest point in South Queensland. Therefore, today’s blogs will have options into both Brisbane City and South East Queensland Lookout Points.

So let’s get to it!

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Best Brisbane Lookouts and Beyond (With Map)

I have a whole range listed below and pinned to this map from in the city, or within 2 hours away. So, whether you’re searching for panoramic photo ops, lunch stops, or simply want to take in mother nature’s grandeur, join me as we dive into my top picks!

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➡ Brisbane City Lookouts

1. Kangaroo Point

Kangaroo Point or Kangaroo Point Cliffs is known for many reasons. It has some abseiling down the cliffs, walking along the river to Southbank, a café for catching up, and is known for outdoor exercising.

At night, there’s a brilliant view across the river and a lovely cityscape of the CBD. Alternatively, you have city light water reflections that make it a common photography location.

2. Wilson Outlook, New Farm

The Wilson Outlook Reserve has long been the best views for the Story Bridge and the City, especially for Photographers. Parking can be limited down here, but there are side streets to choose from. 

It’s only a small grassy park, with a few tables and chairs, but you won’t regret seeing the changing colours or reflections. Each night you visit will be different!

3. City Hall’s Clock Tower

The Clock tower is at City hall located in the centre of town. The best way to get there would be by public transport and a way to enjoy old-style architecture.

Visiting the clock tower is free, but you do need to book as there are limited spaces and can be busy. The tour takes only 15 minutes and runs roughly every 45 mins throughout the day.

4. Mount Gravatt Outlook

The Mount Gravatt Outlook would have to be the second most popular to visit. Like Mount Coot-tha, you have a restaurant/Coffee Shop and walking tracks, but a slightly restricted view (by Trees) over the city.

However, this is probably not as big as Mount Coot-tha. There are plenty of parking places, but due to the walking track popularity, I still had trouble getting one for brunch on a Thursday.

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5. Skydeck at Queens Wharf

On the city side, you have one of the newest Lookouts in Brisbane. This is the Skydeck platform sitting right on top of the Queens precinct and Star Hotel & Casino. Surprisingly, it’s free to enter and you can use the lifts to get up there.

It contains a bar for drinks and light snacks, seating and a crescent-shaped deck with amazing views. There is even a see-through bridge where you can watch for the traffic below flowing along the expressway.

6. Sir Thomas Gaffney, Chapel Hill

This was not the easiest point to find, and I think it’s mostly used by locals to walk their dogs. There were a few parking spots but not a clear direction on where the actual lookout point was. The views were nice and clear, but not the kind of place I would meet up or have a family outing.

7. Francis Park, Corinda

Although Francis Park was a little higher than some parks, I found the views to be a little restrictive. There was also a cemetery with a few graves right next to it.

8. Highgate Hill Park

The Highgate hill park is a lovely point with a grassed area for picnics and relaxing with friends. You have a wooden gazebo with close views of the city, through South Bank.

Parking was limited, and seemed to be a lot of traffic passing by. If you live in the area, it would be a nice spot to visit, but still high in background noise.

9. Mount Coot tha

Find you way to Mt Coot tha Summit Lookout – not only is this spot great in the day, but the city nightscapes with lights and the fireworks festivals are also great from here. 

There are plenty of parking spaces, a Cafe and a Restaurant. Additionally, locals (including myself) will use Mount Coot-tha for exercising with some of the best hiking trails in town. Including my favourite start to the day – the popular JC Slaughter Falls summit track.

10. Bartley Lookout

Bartley has often been referred to as Hamilton Hill or Inspiration point. There are about 5 car parking spaces, but not as popular as the rest.

You can see the city and the Brisbane River from this area.

11. Wheel of Brisbane

The Wheel of Brisbane just happens to be one of the best activities in South bank. You have views across the river into the city, and it’s really great during the day or at night with the city lights. 

While it might not be the highest point, the 60 metres will generally be in your own enclosure and local commentary about the area. You can even purchase different packages for VIP sessions and romantic date nights. 

12. Story Bridge

I have climbed the Story Bridge a couple of times over the years, during the day and while watching a sunset. While the experience is unique on its own, the uninterrupted 360 degrees views from this angle are stunning and one of a kind. 

➡  Book your Tickets for the Story Bridge Adventure Climb by clicking HERE

If you think it needs a lot of fitness to climb the stairs, don’t fret, cause it doesn’t. Your guide will offer lots of breaks and have a slow schedule for you to take it all in and grab lots of pictures for you. 

13. The Terrace at Emporium Hotel

The best way to take in Southbank’s river and city views is undoubtedly The Terrace at Emporium Hotel. This is an alternative to the Wheel of Brisbane and comes with an open-air bar and balcony, as well as catering for bigger groups. 

Situated right on the River and a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, this terrace offers a fantastic perspective, with panoramic and mesmerising views of the city skyline.

14. Gateway Bridge

Walking over the Gateway Bridge is a great way to start the day, but traffic can make it a little noisy. You have a nice wide path allowing both walkers and bike riders from the Northside of town to the South (or Vise Versa).

It’s free to access this track, but the motorised vehicles need to pay a toll. Views are guarded and slightly restrictive but very high and best for a morning sunrise. The walking path is facing east and looking towards the ocean, as opposed to the City. 

➡ North of the City

15. The Sebel Rooftop Bar 

What about beachside views and witnessing a Pascal-shaded sunset over the water? The Sebel Roofbar Bar in Margate is always on my list when looking for activities in Redcliffe. 

This is open to everyone, not just the hotel’s guests, and I’ve never needed to book. You can imagine sitting with a nice cold drink while watching the waves roll in from the Moreton Bay region. 

16. Jollys Lookout

I’m still yet to get a photo of this one but gives you a mountainous view. This includes the D’ Aguilar National Park, Camp Mountain, Moreton Bay, Mount Nebo, and the northwest Region.

This spot would require packing the Family up for a day’s road trip and exploring the greater areas of south East Queensland. You’re even passing by one of the best places to swim in Brisbane, and great for those Summer activity days.

17. Winvenhoe Dam

The Wivenhoe Dam wall or Spillway Common, isn’t really a lookout for views, but easy to see the mechanics of the dam wall. If you’re lucky or time it right, you might be able to visit when the dam is releasing and all the water pumping out at high pressure.

18. Glass House Mountains

If you’re looking for one of the easiest lookouts in the Glass House Mountain, then this would be your go-to! There is a car park right beside it, but if it’s full you only have to walk for five minutes. 

From here, admire the magnificent volcanic plugs that make up this iconic mountain range. The lookout not only provides awe-inspiring vistas but also features a short nature walk and BBQs with covered picnic tables for a truly unique experience. 

19. Mount Ngungun Summit

If you’re searching for the absolute best views of the Sunshine Coast, then Mount Ngungun Summit Hike is my favourite. This is higher than the Glass House mountains lookout but will require a 40-minute walk to get to the top. 

From the top, you’ll be in awe as you gaze out over the surrounding Glasshouse Mountains, and on a clear day, you can see the ocean and the city High-rise buildings. 

➡ South of the City

20. Tamborine Skywalk

The Tamborine Skywalk is an interesting highlight of the Tamborine Mountain region and can be very popular to visit on the weekends. This includes the day trippers from the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

You can stroll among the Tree Tops and admire the rainforest views through the rainforest. Stroll through the winding paths, different canopies, and the cantilever, granting you a magnificent aspect of areas you can’t generally walk through. 

21. O’Reilly’s Mountain View Café

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat has two different lookout points you can check out. The Mountain View Café is easy to access from the Car park or Retreat. It’s essentially your starting point for supplies before hiking through the UNESCO World Heritage Listed National Park. 

➡  Compare prices for the O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat by Clicking HERE for Booking.com

Tourists will drive up for the views of the mountains and subtropical rainforests. You’ll also often see the mist roll in, adding another aspect to the scenes. The Cafe supplies basic Breakfast and Lunch menus on the weekend and is always a big visitor favorite. 

22. O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk

The Tree Top walk is only a short distance from the Car park and contained within a nicely formed boardwalk path. This leads into the suspension bridges and walking 30 metres above the ground. 

Not only that, but you can climb up higher through the enclosed ladder to the Lamington National Park View Point. Personally, I feel the lookout area isn’t that spectacular, but the Tree Top walk is always worth it!

23. Q1 Building at the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast has some stunning beachside views, but it does contain the Skypoint Observation deck, which is the highest in the Southern Hemisphere. It stands 322 tall and has the Observation deck on level 77, which you’ll get to in a lift in 40 seconds.

As you walk around the edge of the window, you’ll eventually see 360 degrees through the Gold Coast beaches, waterways, and hinterland area.  Or you can take the extreme experience of walking outside and around the top of the building in the Skypoint Climb experience.

24. Queen Mary Falls

I think Queen Mary Falls is one of the best and biggest waterfalls in South East Queensland. It will take a couple of hours to reach it from the city centre, but in terms of easy access to see it and the size – it’s well worth it. 

The lookout offers gorgeous views of the waterfall which flows 30 metres down into the canyon below. Even better, that you can reach the Two lookout points within a few hundred metres. 

25. Purling Brook Falls

Purling Brook Falls would have to be one of the more popular waterfalls in Springbrook National Park. Once again, you can access the two lookout points (either side of the falls) within a few hundred metres. However, completing the loop Hike to the bottom will take a couple of hours. 

This is part of the Gondwana region, UNESCO Worth Heritage Listed, along with Lamington National Park. This large waterfall has been sculpted into the rock face for generations.

26. Gorge Walk, Stradbroke Island

It takes slightly more effort to get to the Gorge walk and will require a day trip to North Stradbroke Island. But worth it all the same, and one of my favourite view points. 

➡  Compare prices for a Stradbroke Island Day trip by Clicking HERE for Get Your Guide.

What is so good about strolling along the Gorge Walk? Well, the beach and gorge scenes are unbelievable and are often met with exciting wildlife along the way. This includes Local Kangaroos in the bush, turtles, dolphins and Manta rays in the water, and migrating humpback whales in the distance. 

Wrap up!

For those who are based in the city, there’s no need to travel far, as the views in and around can rival those of any other city. Thanks for reading this blog post today on Best Brisbane Lookouts in the City and the rest of South East Queensland.

I hope you found what you were looking for, but if you’re still researching, please explore more Brisbane hidden treasures HERE for research and inspiration.