Many cities in Australia have a lot of excellent views. For us, there's just something so sentimental-feeling-inducing about looking over Brisbane’s expansive skyline and the brown snake. Whether you want to relieve your suburb and place-specific Brisbane mems from above or just want to admire the night-time city lights blockage-free, here are the best lookouts in Brisbane.
Mt Coot-tha Summit
Mt Coot-tha
While the Mt Coot-tha lookout does have a certain reputation kept alive by those with fresh red p-plates, it really is worth the windy drive up, especially at night. You can catch the stunning-city wide views from the parking spots around the lookout or from the actual lookout itself. There are also all sorts of walking tracks around the mountain that end up at the lookout, and even a cafe where you can sip a latte while you gaze.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Kangaroo Point
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Don your freshest P.E Nation for this next one, because you’re sure to brush shoulders with Brisbane's ultra-cool. Kangaroo Point is good for many things—the clifftop Joey’s and their lengthy cocktail menu, the stairs the fitness hotties love to run up (personally, they set us off, and not in a good way) and of course the lookout at the top of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Prime waterfront positioning gives an unbeatable view of the city during the day but sunset is just *chefs kiss*.
Wilson’s Outlook
New Farm
Image credit: @katebennett70 | Instagram
What in the secret garden is going on here, you may be thinking. Wilson’s Outlook is kind of a locals-only mini park with one of the best views in all of Brisbane. This hidden-away sliver of greenery has a barbecue and a park table, classic Jacarandas and an expansive over-the-water view of the Story Bridge. Potentially the spot of the summer, if we say so ourselves.
Mt Gravatt Lookout
Mt Gravatt
Image credit: @thebrunettemumma | Instagram
The crowned jewel of the southside, the Mt Gravatt Lookout is the sweetest reward after the walk up the mountain. On a clear day, you can see the whole city of Brisbane, our surrounding suburbs and even the Moreton Bay islands, D’Aguilar Ranges and Glasshouse Mountains. There's also a playground and a restaurant—what could be a better setup?
Bartley’s Hill
Ascot
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Nestled in leafy Ascot, Bartley’s Hill is easy to miss. You’ll be glad you didn't though when you see the city and river views. There are many a bride and groom at this spot at any given time, that's how idyllic it truly is. Be warned, the car park fills up at the speed of light, and it can get rather busy come nighttime, so pull up in the arvo to secure your spot.
Highgate Hill Park
Highgate Hill
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Head to this little known grassy hillside on any given weekend afternoon and you'll find couples and friends spread out on picnic rugs up and down the hill, awaiting the glorious sunset views of the city. The pinky orange sunset reflecting off the CBD's glass skyscrapers is simply magical—just BYO picnic rug and bug spray.
Whites Hill Reserve
Camp Hill
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Who would've thought such a huge, lush nature reserve could exist in Brisbane's inner city? We are of course talking about Whites Hill Reserve where heaps of barbecue and picnic facilities, playground equipment, bushwalking, nature study and views of the city from the lookout await you. It’s a nature reserve so definitely no dogs are allowed, but patrons have reported spotting koalas both from the lookout and on many of the walking tracks. Furry friend on deck? A dog off-leash area is also located adjoining Boundary Road.
Camp Mountain Lookout
Camp Mountain
Image credit: @awalkaday2024 | Instagram
If you find yourself extra north on the north side, put heading to the Camp Mountain lookout on your to-do list. Nestled next to tall eucalypt trees with sweeping panoramas of Moreton Bay, the Brisbane skyline and the Glass House Mountains, this lookout is the perfect spot to unwind over lunch. Park up at one of the picnic tables for the afternoon and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Brisbane’s Rooftop Bars
Various Locations
Image credit: @cielorooftop.fv | Instagram
Ok, so yes our parks and nature reserves have some lookouts that slap, but Brisbane's best rooftop bars have some seriously extraordinary views which you can take in with a whole ass cocktail in hand. From the larger-than-life city views from The Terrace in South Brisbane to the true rooftop oasis that is the Valley’s Cielo, or the transporting sky-high surrounding views of MAYA and Iris, they shine a spotlight on some of Brisbane’s best views. You can discover all the best ones over here.
Just looking for somewhere to have a picnic? Check out Brisbane's most picturesque parks here.
Image credit: Jared Yeh/Flickr