Where to snap the perfect photo in Brisbane

It is a truth universally acknowledged that when you visit just about anywhere, you must take an obligatory city shot for Instagram … and all of the other social media channels. Grab the selfie stick, pack up the tripod and get snapping - this guide is designed to save you time and your phone’s memory.

Brisbane is beautiful but we all have our best angle, so here’s our guide to the best vantage points to capture that perfect shot.

The classic city shots

Brisbane sign

The 3D, 3m-high Brisbane sign has only been a part of the city landscape since 2014 when Brisbane hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit but it is now an icon of the city. With the river and the CBD as the backdrop, stretch out the selfie stick and take a snap of yourself in front of it. If you don’t have a selfie stick, no problem, you’ll always find a friendly local to help you get that perfect shot.

From the bridges 

Goodwill Bridge

Goodwill Bridge is for cyclists and pedestrians only, links South Bank to QUT and is a great spot to capture the city sparkling at night time. 

View of South Bank from the Victoria Bridge

Victoria Bridge links the city with South Bank and is the main bridge for buses. Stand in the middle and take your pick of the shot – back towards the city or looking across at QPAC, the Wheel of Brisbane and South Bank. It’s also a good spot for a photo if you want to be in the shot yourself.

Kurilpa Bridge

Kurilpa Bridge is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge, and its unique look and design won it Best Transport Building at the World Architecture Awards in 2011. Lit up every evening, the bridge looks spectacular at night time and is great if you want to capture a shot of QAGOMA, South Bank and the CBD.

From your hotel

You don’t even need to leave your hotel room to get the perfect shot of the cityscape – provided you’re high enough up that is. The two Meriton towers stand proudly high above the city and are the top spots for a bird's-eye snap of the CBD. 

Victoria Park

If you’re out for a hit of golf, don’t miss out on the shot of the sparkling city skyline from here, nestled between the trees.

River Quay Green, South Bank

River Quay Green looks out over the river and across to the CBD from the Goodwill Bridge end of South Bank. The restaurants along here fully embrace a breezy, outdoor lifestyle, and it’s the perfect place for a picnic too. (Photo of the picnic + River Quay Green + river + views = likes on Instagram)

Mt Coot-tha

Get up early – you only have to do it once – and make sure you get a shot of the sun rising over Brisbane from the top of Mt Coot-tha. Seeing Brisbane wake up is a pretty spectacular thing to watch. While you're up there, here's 11 epic things to do at Mt Coot-tha.

Wilson’s Outlook

Wilson’s Outlook is probably the best-kept secret of all the views of Brisbane, but it is easily one of the most spectacular. Pack the tripod and head to Wilson’s Outlook in New Farm after a walk along the Riverwalk and wait for the sun to go down.

From above

Try getting the window seat in the plane and take a snap during takeoff and landing– the city shot is always a winner. Alternatively, book a seat on a private helicopter tour and take in the beautiful landscape from above. V2 Helicopters and S&S Aviation run tours daily. From up high in the sky you’ll get an amazing scenic view over the city, our islands and beaches and lush mountain ranges, so here's our wrap-up of helicopter tours and charters around Brisbane.

From the river

This is an obvious one. Hop on the CityCat or CityHopper and see Brisbane from the river. Get a shot of yourself with the Story Bridge behind you after sunset when it is lit up with coloured LEDs, or capture South Bank with the perfect blue sky as the backdrop.

Clem Jones Promenade, South Bank

Clem Jones Promenade spans the length of South Bank Parklands, stretching from QPAC all the way up to the Maritime Museum. A stroll along here offers a number of opportunities for the classic city shot – including the beautiful Treasury building.

From the Wheel of Brisbane

The view from the top of the Wheel will give an interesting perspective to shoot a picture from. It’s a good option on either a bright sunny day (most days of the year!) or at night when Brisbane lights up.

From the Brisbane City Hall clock tower

Gaze down onto Queen Street Mall and over King George Square. Heading up the old clock tower in the original lift is an amazing experience regardless of whether or not you get the winning shot – and it’s free.

Kangaroo Point Cliffs

It doesn’t matter what time of day it may be, because the view is always incredible from here. Wear comfy shoes though, because tackling the dreaded Kangaroo Point stairs are a rite of passage for anyone in Brisbane – locals and visitors alike.

A little further afield...

There are plenty of other incredible Instagram-worthy landscapes in and around Brisbane too. Here’s a couple worth making the trip for.

Kooroomba Lavender Farm & Vineyard

Less than two-hours' drive from the CBD, Kooroomba Lavender Farm and Vineyard may be one of the region’s best kept secrets. It’s beautiful all day long, but sunset is when it’s pretty special.

Moreton Island

Moreton Island is the third-largest sand island in the world and from above, it’s difficult to believe it’s real. The water is an incredible blue and when contrasted with the shipwrecks, it’ll be a #nofilter shot for sure.

Tamborine Mountain

Take your pick of the views here, the possibilities are seemingly endless. From the Rainforest Walk to the many lookouts to all of the waterfalls, there’s a photo opportunity or million here.

North Gorge Walk

Take a day trip to North Stradbroke Island and catch a shot of the island’s most photogenic spot, the North Gorge Walk.

Sidenote: When you climb the Story Bridge, your photo is taken twice for you to keep. While there’s no city view per se, it’s still a great shot and conquering the climb definitely gives you bragging rights. 

Are you a bit of a photography enthusiast? Check out these photography experiences in Brisbane.