I thought it was high time I wrote a blog about my hometown Brisbane. I mean, I have lived here for 15 years now so I do know a little bit about the place! I have photographed it to death so I put together a list of the 7 best photography locations in Brisbane. They are all relatively easy to get to, most of them you can walk to if you are staying in the city, otherwise they are no longer than a 30 minute drive away. Brisbane is a great city at sunrise and sunset as you have got great spots facing East and West around the city and the outskirts of the city. Check out my video at the end!
1. Kangaroo Point cliffs
This is a great spot at sunset as the sun usually goes down right behind the city so you can pick up the beautiful colours in the sky. There are a lot of points along the top of the cliffs that you can take photos from and you can also walk down the stairs to get photos along the waters edge. You can either go for a silhouette of the city skyline or lighten up the buildings in post processing. This is also a great spot for night photography of the city. Kangaroo Point cliffs are located on River Terrace, off Main Street, Brisbane. Stairs to walk down to the river are location to the left of the Cliffs Cafe.
2. Wilsons Outlook
Another great vantage point is Wilsons Outlook at New Farm. You get great views of the Story Bridge with the city behind it. A great spot for sunset and at night. Wilsons Outlook is located at Bowen Terrace, New Farm.
3. Southbank
Southbank is a great spot to just hang out at day or night. There is the streets beach which is the only inner city beach in Australia. It is an enormous lagoon with soft white sand overlooking the Brisbane city. You can also go for a walk along the promenade, enjoy The Collective Markets on Friday night, all day Saturday and Sunday or enjoy a relaxing “Sunday Session on the Green” at river quay where they have live music playing from 2pm, lawn games and a chilled social vibe. But back to photography, there are endless spots along the promenade to photograph the city or the Brisbane Wheel which looks great all lit up at night. Southbank is located across the river from the city along Grey Street, Southbank.
4. Cleveland Point
About 30 minutes away from Brisbane City is a place called Cleveland point which is part of the Brisbane bayside area and a popular spot for locals to have a barbecue, picnic or do some water activities like fishing, windsurfing or jet skiing. Its also a favourite for photographers because there is a few old wooden jetty’s that faces West and is great for a sunset location. There are lots of trees in the water too which always makes for a nice composition on a calm day. The jetties are located at North Street, Cleveland. You have to walk along the cement wall to your left to get to some of the really old ones.
5. Shorncliffe
On the north side of Brisbane is the bayside suburb of Shorcliffe with the famous Shorncliffe pier which is under construction at the moment due to being a hazard after termites ate the stumps from under it, but its still a great location for families having bbq’s, picnics and swimming in the bay. There is a lot to photograph out that way too, with poles in the water, the pier (once it is finished being fixed up), a rock wall and a mini beach. Shorncliffe is about 20 minutes north of the city. The pier is located off Park Parade, Shorncliffe.
6. Wellington Point
Wellington Point is on the south side of Brisbane in another bayside area. Its another very popular spot for families who want to have a barbecue, picnic or do some water sports. At low tide you can walk out to King Island but be careful if the tide is coming in because it comes in very fast and I know of a few people that have gotten caught in chest deep water before they have gotten back to shore! Its another great spot for photography as there is a jetty on the eastern side which is good for sunrise and the other side faces east for some reflections on the sand at low tide. Wellington Point is located on Main Road, Wellington Point.
7. Mt Cootha
Mt Cootha is the famous lookout of Brisbane. It is about 7km west of the city with 180 degree views across Brisbane. This is a great spot for sunrise and sunset. Its particularly beautiful on a foggy morning when the entire valley is filled with fog with the exception of the buildings in the CBD poking out the top. There is a cafe, restaurant, gift shop and function room located at the lookout. Mt Cootha lookout is located of Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mount Cootha.
I hope you enjoyed this round up of the 7 best photography locations in Brisbane. It really is a beautiful city and I am proud to live here. Ill leave you with one of my favourite quotes: “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, but it feels even better to come back”
If you enjoyed this blog post or feel there is anything to add feel free to leave a comment below!
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These are stunning photos Larissa! Thanks for sharing your fave photography spots around Brisbane.
Thanks so much for the lovely comment Kristy! 🙂
Your photos blow me away I absolutely love popping over to check out your posts although I have to admit I find it hard to read because your photos draw me in so much! Shorncliffe looks amazing, I want to add this to the list of things to see. Thank you for sharing 🙂 Kate, Wondrous
Aww, thanks so much for your lovely comment Kate! I really appreciate you taking the time! 🙂
WOW! Brisbane looks amazing. I will be putting it on my list when I come to Australia for sure! Thanks for sharing Larissa!
Awesome! Let me know when you are coming Kiki! 🙂
Thanks Larissa. It’s so lovely of you to share your knowledge of locations and especially your amazing photography skills! Love learning from you
Awww, thank so much for the lovely comment Jenni! So glad I am helping! 🙂
Great photos! There is really a lot to see and photograph in Brisbane!
Thanks Andrew! There really is! It a really beautiful city and Im so glad I live here! 🙂
Great photos. I am only new to photography and seeing great photos like this is why i like doing it
Thats awesome Peter! I have lots of beginner tutorials on my blog to help you out! But mainly just get out there and practice! Thanks for your comment! 🙂
Brisbane looks like fun
Its becoming a really cool city Ella! 🙂
Mt Coottha has to be the winner and you know wilsons, kangaroo pt & Southbank will be up there. How about from ‘on the storey bridge’, mt gravatt, highgate hill, on the gateway bridge?
Ive done a few on the story bridge. Its hard doing long exposures though as the bridge bounces. I will have to check out those other places you mentioned David! Thanks for the suggestions! 🙂
Larissa, thank you for sharing these images and locations. I found your site by Googling “places to photograph early morning in Brisbane”, because I was looking for some inspiration. Now, I’m inspired and will be heading out tomorrow morning!
HI Gavin, Thanks so much for your comment. Im so glad that you are inspired to head out and shoot some of the locations I mentioned! Even though Brisbane doesn’t have amazing beaches like the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast we do alright! 🙂
Lovely shots Larissa – you are inspiring me to get out with my camera again! My wife and I moved up from Sydney around 4 years ago. I used to photograph the beautiful rock pools down there and am looking for some ideas for Brisbane. Thanks and all the best!
Hi Aaron, so glad my blog has inspired you to get out with your camera again! There are definitely some great spots around Brisbane to photograph. It would have been lovely to have the rock pools down in Sydney to photograph. There are so many of them!
Thanks for this vital info! I will be spending 37 hrs in Brisbane and was wondering whether to take my tripod or not…. Now I know the answer! GREAT PICS!!!
So glad this blog was of help to you Cristian. Definitely bring your tripod. You never know when there is going to be an opportunity to capture something amazing! 🙂
Thank you for sharing these – I am always looking for places to go with my children and camera
I feel relaxed and at peace when behind the camera
Thanks so much Alida! Im so glad you enjoyed the blog. Being behind the camera is like meditation for me so I know exactly how you feel! 🙂
This was great i am looking for places in Brisbane city to do my photo shoot, hoping i can find these beautiful places on the day 🙂
So glad this blog came in handy for you Taylor and I hope that you find them all when you need to. Let me know if you need any help finding them! 🙂
Hello Larrisa!
Great phots i luv it..
Would you mind if i ask you what camera are you using?
Have a good day ????
Hi Dan, Thanks so much! Im so glad you liked it. I use a Canon 5D3. Its an awesome camera! 🙂
I go Brissy regularly. I have shot a lot at Wellington Point. One of the few places where you can get a sunrise or a sunset. Go down to Cleveland a bit too but have no idea where the old jetties are. Worth finding I would think. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing, was on the hunt for some iconic Brisbane locations 🙂 What sublime photos you take. xo
Awww, thanks so much for the kind comment Rene. Im glad this blog came in handy for you! 🙂
Hi Larissa,
Perfect post someone new to Brisbane. Thanks a lot it and of course your photos are sooooo beautiful. Did you use any filter to get to that many seconds especially for Kangaroo point photos.
Kind regards
Azeem
Hi Azeem, Thanks so much for your lovely response to my blog. I’m glad you found it helpful. Yes, I used a 6 stop and a graduated filter for the Kangaroo Point photos. 🙂
Thanks Larissa for the answer. No matter how many times I see your photos I always admire them. You are a great inspiration to someone who is learning photography.
Larissa,
I have just discovered your site and it is fantastic. Thanks for sharing the locations around Brisbane for ideal shooting. Your images are magical. I am a beginner to photography, at the age of 50, and I am very excited to read what the pros have to say about technique and composition. I see that you originally posted in 2015, so I’m a little late to the party. ? Nonetheless, what is here is very helpful and inspiring.
Ok, well I’m off to look at more of your work and get some inspiration.
Thanks again.
Cheers
Sean.
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a lovely message Sean. Im really glad you have found this blog helpful. All of the locations are still relevant. I probably should write another one now that there are some new places around! Haha. 🙂
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