10 of the Best Lookouts in Brisbane

Brisbane is a beautiful city. Its towering buildings hugging the winding waters of the Brisbane River are lovely to behold up close, but are even more spectacular viewed from a lookout slightly further away.

We have done some research for you and put together this list of some of the most rewarding and simply the best lookouts in Brisbane that all offer a spectacular view of our wonderful city. Head to these to check out city or South Bank fireworks and avoid the CBD crowds!

Mt Coot-tha Summit, Mt Coot-tha

One of the most popular and frequented lookouts in Brisbane is at the summit of Mt Coot-tha. The Mt Coot-tha Lookout is an iconic landmark that sits 287m above sea level and offers sweeping views of the city skyline and river. Whilst you can easily drive to the summit itself (though parking can be difficult!), the many walking trails and tracks that wind their way up to it on the mountain are well-worn and loved by locals keen for a sense of adventure too. Most popular is the Summit Track, a well-maintained 1.9km walk that the whole family can do. Dog-friendly, and with a cafe situated at the top, this is easily one of the best lookouts in Brisbane, and it’s perfect for catching those sweeping views any time of the day or night.

Location: 1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mt Coot-tha

Sky Deck at Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, Brisbane City

Enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Brisbane from the Sky Deck at Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, which is free for all to enjoy. Opened to the public in 2024, the 250m viewing deck, which towers 100m above ground level, is proving to popular among locals and visitors.

With sweeping views of the mountains, South Bank and the Brisbane City skyline, there is always something new to discover from the Sky Deck.

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the Sky Deck is the glass-floored viewing deck. Yes, that’s right, a portion of the viewing deck has a glass bottom, which allows visitors to look directly below them onto the busy Riverside Expressway  and Brisbane River. Will you be brave enough to step foot on it!

Restaurants and cafes can be found at The Sky Deck, or you can explore the greater Queen’s Wharf Precinct and have a bite to eat.

Location: Sky Deck at Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, 33 William Street, Brisbane

Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Kangaroo Point

 

Rising 25m above the ground adjacent to the Brisbane River, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs are not only one of the most dramatic natural land formations in Brisbane, but they also offer one of the best and closest lookouts over the city too. Heritage listed, the cliffs are bookended by the Story Bridge and South Bank, making them a hive of weekend activity and adventure. In the vicinity, you can do the River Walk, abseil down the cliff face, or, for the fitness-mad, climb the 107 steps located at the eastern end of the cliffs to reach the top.

Location: River Terrace, Kangaroo Point

Wilson’s Outlook, New Farm

Offering postcard-perfect views of the Story Bridge, Brisbane River, Kangaroo Point and the River Walk, Wilson’s Outlook Reserve is a hidden gem that locals are constantly drawn to. Situated at the end of the cliffs behind Howard Smith Wharves, this small park is a photographer’s dream, with its sprinkle of Jacarandas, bench seating, and expansive views. Head here at sunset and capture the spectacular colours as the city and bridge lights sparkle against the orange backdrop, their reflection in the river below only adding to the lookout’s mesmerising outlook.

Location: 231 Bowen Terrace, New Farm

Bartley’s Hill Lookout, Ascot

Another one of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets is Bartley’s Hill Lookout in Ascot, which offers visitors an expansive view of Brisbane’s northern suburbs and the river. Popular due to its leafy surrounds, the elevated reserve is known to provide the perfect backdrop for brides and grooms looking for that romantic city shot. The twinkling lights and sunset at dusk provide the most magical experience, but make sure you get there with plenty of time to spare as the small carpark here can fill up quite quickly.  

Location: 6 Massey Street, Ascot

Mt Gravatt Lookout, Mt Gravatt

The lookout within Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve, situated less than 15 mins south of the Brisbane CBD, offers stunning views of not only Brisbane city, but also the surrounding suburbs, Moreton Bay islands, D’Aguilar Ranges, and the Glasshouse Mountains. Visitors can choose to drive straight to the top, or do one of the many walks to the summit. The Summit Track that leads from the bottom of the mountain to the lookout takes about 45 minutes on a round trip. Once at the top, the kids will love the summit playground, while the whole family will love both the view and a warm meal at the Lovewell Project Cafe.

Location: 185 Shire Road, Mount Gravatt 

Whites Hill Reserve, Camp Hill

With its incredible playground, sporting fields and nature walks, Whites Hill Reserve is already well-loved by the locals. Perhaps not all of them know though that a walk along the 1km Whites Hill Circuit will not only lead to plenty of wildlife and koala spotting opportunities, but also to the reserves’s lookout. From here, families can take in bush-framed views of Brisbane city from its relatively close viewpoint. 

Location: Boundary Road, Camp Hill

Wheel of Brisbane, South Brisbane

When it comes to lookouts over Brisbane, you really can’t get any closer – or more fun – than the Wheel of Brisbane.  Standing 60 metres tall and gifting thrill seekers with a 360 degree view from its individual gondolas, the Wheel offers birds-eye views of the city, the river, and all of South Bank too. With each ride running for 15 minutes, you can get enjoy views from the top without any effort and take your time admiring the scenery below. Afterwards, why not take a stroll in South Bank, which is jam-packed with fun things for families to do.

Location: Russell Street, South Brisbane

Highgate Hill Park, Highgate Hill

It’s hard to believe that one of the loveliest parks in Brisbane to take in a city view is actually one that many people drive past every day without realising. Found along Dornoch Terrace, Highgate Hill Park‘s charming rotunda is what first draws passers-by. As you walk towards the rotunda, which is situated 62m above sea level, the hill around it drops away to reveal a beautiful green space, filled with flowers and all the romantic backdrops couples might be looking for. Add to that the simply stunning, uninterrupted Brisbane city view that plays out before you, and this is one spot that is definitely one of our favourite lookouts in Brisbane!

Location: Dornoch Terrace, Highgate Hill

Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower, Brisbane City

If you are searching for a different lookout to view Brisbane city, then what better place to view it from then from the very heart of it? Brisbane City Hall is a fascinating landmark in itself, but it is from its 92m high Clock Tower that the real views over Brisbane can be attained. Reached via a vintage cage lift, tours take visitors to the very top where they can see both the inner workings of the tower’s giant clock face, as well as 360 views of our spectacular city below.

Location: 64 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City

Once you have taken in all the vistas of Brisbane city, you might want to head south and go chasing waterfalls in the Gold Coast Hinterland for some more incredible views from up high.