After opening to the public in August 2024, as part of the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development, the Sky Deck is fast becoming a highlight of any visit to Brisbane City.
Towering 100 meters above the CBD, and boasting a glass floored viewing deck, the Sky Deck offers restaurants and cafes, in addition to panoramic views over beautiful Brisbane.
The 250-metre runway which makes up the Sky Deck is open to the public year round and is free to enter, making it an affordable option for sightseeing in Brisbane.
Note: For safety reasons – the sky Deck may be closed at times due to adverse weather conditions.
Finding the Sky Deck
While locating Queen’s Wharf is relatively easy, many visitors wander aimlessly around the precinct trying to access the Sky Deck.
To start with, keep an eye out for the purple sign boards which point you in the right direction of the Sky Deck.
From the Neville Bonner Bridge: You will see a purple sign as you descend the bridge, and while most people will immediately want to go up the escalators, you actually need to walk around them, turn left passing by some restaurants, then turn right, where you will see a bank of lifts which take you to the Sky Deck.
From George Street: Once again, look for the purple signs directing you toward the Sky Deck. Head up the stairs (not the escalator as this skips a floor and takes you to the Casino). Follow the path round to the left and then right, where you will find the Sky Deck lifts.
If you want to take the lifts, use the ones behind the escalators and get out on Level 4, before walking a short distance to the Sky Deck Lifts.
Unfortunately, there is only one bank of lifts, containing three lifts, which the general public can access the Sky Deck via. These lifts get very busy at sunset and on weekends, so keep this in mind when planning your visit. And yes, you use the same lifts to come back down!
Views From the Sky Deck
From the moment you step out of the lifts at the Sky Deck you will be presented with stunning views of the Brisbane skyline.
While the glass-floored viewing deck is on the South Bank side, you can actually keeping walking around the viewing area to glimpse the city and beyond.
Some of the attractions you may be able to spot from the Sky Deck include:
- Streets Beach at South Bank
- The Wheel of Brisbane
- The Brisbane River and City Cats
- Many of Brisbane’s bridges
- The Riverside Expressway
- Kangaroo Point Cliffs
- Mt Coot-Tha
To make your outing fun for the kids, play a game of ‘spot the attraction.’ You would be surprised what some eyes see and others miss. If you’re extra observant you may even be able to spy part of the Story Bridge!
Dining Options at the Sky Deck
If you are looking for a bite to eat for breakfast, dinner and everything in between, there are several venues located on the Sky Deck including Cicada Blu, Aloria and Babblers. As you can imagine these venues are very popular, so we suggest booking in advance, especially at sunset and on weekends.
If it’s something a little more casual you are after, you can grab a coffee or bring your own and settle back on one of the comfy couches, bar stools or chairs located around the Sky Deck and simply relax and soak up the views.
If the venues up on Level 23 are busy, then consider heading back downstairs and try your luck at the many cafes and restaurants which can be found on Level 4.
Other Places to Visit at Queen’s Wharf Brisbane
While we think the Sky Deck is the cherry on top of the Queen’s Wharf Precinct there are certainly other fun aspects to enjoy.
Popular with families is the 12,000sqm open-air leisure deck, which often hosts special events, televises sporting matches and has bean bags and chairs to relax in.
Art lovers will appreciate the fascinating artworks dotted around the precinct including:
- Being Swallowed By The Milky Way by Lindy Lee (George Street entry)
- Inhabitant by Tony Albert (William Street)
- Neville Bonner Bust by John Elliott (Northern entrance of Neville Bonner Bridge)
- Sheila by Justene Williams (Queen’s Wharf Plaza)
Down on ground level you will find The Landing, a green space by the river, as well as the Waterline Park, a recreation hub which opened in 2019 containing table tennis facilities, a climbing wall, exercise equipment and more.
For those over 18, there is of course The Star Casino, which is home to eateries such as the Food Quarter and Fat Noodle, as well as a Sports Bar and LiveWire, where you can enjoy live music.
Sky Deck Features
- Viewing deck with glass floor
- Bench seating, couches, bar stools and tables
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Lifts
- Accessible Toilets
- Casino, restaurants, leisure deck, hotels and retail shops in Queen’s Wharf Precinct
- Paid parking
Sky Deck Opening Hours: The Sky Deck is generally open to the public from 6.30am – 10.30pm Sunday to Thursday and 6.30am – midnight Friday and Saturday, though these times may vary seasonally.
Accessibility at the Sky Deck
The Sky Deck, on the 23rd floor, is accessible for all, though it can get crowded at peak times, especially in the lifts. Once you have exited the lifts and arrived at the Sky Deck you will find stairs but also ramps, to make moving about in a wheelchair, with an aide or pram possible.
Visitors will find accessible toilets and baby changing facilities throughout the Queen’s Wharf precinct at various locations, including the Sky Deck. Just look for the signs or ask a friendly staff member.
While some parts of the Sky Deck are afforded shade, the majority of it is exposed to the elements, and as such appropriate sun protection should be employed when visiting.
For your safety, security guards are constantly patrolling the Sky Deck.
What We Thought of the Sky Deck
Our family loves visiting the Sky Deck. We often just pop in to check out the views, have a coffee or rest our legs and soak up the sun when we are in the City.
It’s the perfect place to take visitors, friends and family to impress them with the spectacular views of our river city. Whenever we take visitors to the Sky Deck they’re always impressed with the outlook, especially when the skies are bright blue and the views stretch on forever.
The kids enjoy standing on the glass floor, peering down to the cars driving below. We also get a kick out of watching those standing on the glass for the first time, especially those who are a bit nervous.
How to Get to the Sky Deck
The Sky Deck is located on Level 23 at Queens Wharf, which can be found at 33 William Street, Brisbane.
There are multiple transport options available for accessing the Sky Deck at Queen’s Wharf Brisbane including walking, driving and public transport.
The closest train station is South Brisbane (850m), though Central Station and Roma Street Stations are also less than 1.5km away. If arriving by City Cat, the North Quay Ferry Terminal is just a short walk away.
Numerous buses stop nearby, including the free city loop bus.
If you find yourself in South Bank, simply walk across the Neville Bonner Bridge, which not only affords you wonderful views up and down the river, it also deposits you right on the door step of the Sky Deck.
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