Brisbane's Best Lookouts
Updated: Dec 30, 2024
If there’s one thing that Brisbane does undeniably well it’s views and lookouts. By views, we’re not talking about the kind that you get from Centrepoint needles and Grollo towers – i.e, the ones that cost an arm and a leg and result in an attack of vertigo.
Instead, the great thing about Brisbane views is that nature has kindly provided us with a plethora of hills (or mountains, as those who have yet to see an alp like to refer to them) upon which to stand and nice weather in order to enjoy the vistas from their peaks, while obliging powers-that-be have built free viewing platforms and in most cases, roads with which to access them.
Best of all, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy them as there are several great ones in our midst.
So, along with the more popular and well-known-and-visited lookouts we’ve dug up a few lesser known ones, for those on top of the world moments:
Windsor
Take the winding Eildon Reservoir Rd (walk or drive) to Eildon reservoirs* and from here is one of the most spectacular vistas to be had, taking in the city, northern suburbs, Mt Coot-tha and more.
An historic white pavilion holds prime place in this charming little inner city park that sits 62m above sea level on Highgate hill’s highest ridge.
It is a rare city whose views come close to the extraordinary sweeping views from our oldest lookout, only 20 mins from the city centre. Something everyone should experience at least once before they leave Brisbane, or die (whichever comes first).
The south side lookout to rival Mt Coot-tha is tucked away in bushland at the top of Mt Gravatt, & comes with views to Moreton Bay & Mt Coot-tha, an onsite cafe, playground and native garden.
St Brigid’s, Red Hill
Part of Archbishop Duhig’s sizable Catholic real estate portfolio - from the car park and surrounds of St Brigid’s you can see across the hills of Paddington & south to the Border Ranges.
Park underneath the Gateway and take the ramp to the bridge-formerly-known-as-Gateway above. Take the pedestrian/bike path for some extraordinary views of the river out to Moreton Bay and the islands.
Bartley's Hill, Ascot
The Bartley's Hill reservoirs in Ascot, aka the Inspiration Point of Brisbane north are good for day or night, as they boast some of the most stunning views across the river to the city and beyond.
Kangaroo Point River Tce
Dress circle city, South Bank and Mt Coot-tha vistas are enjoyed from this prime viewing spot featuring a line up of picnic tables, BBQs and the popular Joey's
The iconic Mt Nebo lookout named in honour of early 20th century Lord Mayor William Jolly is a mecca for picnickers on weekends, those who stop for the jaw-dropping views or to go bush.
Take the high road inside the gardens (on foot at weekends or drive during the week) to a high up look out complete with picnic shelters, for a surprising panorama of the city and beyond.
In the D’Aguilar ranges only about a half hour from the CBD is this lesser known peak spot with views all the way out to sea, that was once a camp ground for crazed gold prospectors.
This one’s especially for the dog lovers – the only elevated off leash dog park with fantastic views, overlooked by the gargantuan and imposing 1968 reservoir.
Alas, the tea house that was once the attraction on the top of this hill is long gone but those who don’t mind a short bush walk are rewarded from the summit with impressive city views.
*Note to council or water board or whoever: would be lovely if some of those old federation style utility huts or whatever they are atop Windsor Hill could be converted into café/kiosks.
