With 240+ days of sunshine a year, picturesque riverside bars, restaurants, cafes, and beautiful wildlife and nature, Brisbane is extremely photogenic.
To help you navigate its camera-friendly spots, here are our picks for the most Instagrammable places in and around the River City.
Brisbane City Hall
Located right in the heart of King George Square, Brisbane City Hall’s towering sandstone columns provide an epic backdrop for Insta content. It was built during the 1920s, making it one of Brisbane’s most important heritage-listed monuments.
At nighttime, the building lights up in a glowing display, giving you a great opportunity to snap a picture for the ‘gram!
City Botanic Gardens
The City Botanic Gardens offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Brisbane's city centre. Pack a picnic mat and explore its various picturesque spots – from the banks of the Brisbane River and the sweeping lawns to the Bamboo Grove, Weeping Fig Avenue, Riverstage and ornamental ponds.
At night, the trees are illuminated by fairy lights, giving a magical touch to some of the largest and oldest fig trees you’re likely to see.
Great Court
The Great Court is a heritage-listed space at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus. With its vast lawns and important history, the Great Court is a must-visit spot for students and travellers alike.
The Great Court took more than 40 years to complete and is surrounded by colonnades with historical carvings on its walls and cloisters. If you're after the similar vibe of cherry blossoms blooming in Japan, the Great Court transforms into the same perfect Insta-worthy moment in Spring when the Jacaranda trees are in bloom.
Meet the man who planted 130 jacarandas and left a lasting legacy on the University.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (for the obligatory koala pic)
Let’s be honest: no trip to Australia would be complete without a photo of the adorable koala.
Luckily, the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, gives you the chance to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s cutest furry friends, along with more than 80 species of wildlife that call the sanctuary home.
Kangaroo Point
A spot known and loved by locals, Kangaroo Point Cliffs will give you some of the best views of Brisbane. Watch the sunset from here to witness sweeping views of the Brisbane River, Story Bridge and city skyline, and create some memorable golden-hour snaps.
The track that goes through the Kangaroo Point stairs is also popular for those who are after some cardio. While some prefer the more exciting activities like rock climbing, kayaking and abseiling, others come for Joey’s for cocktails with a view.
Lamington National Park
Lamington National Park is about a 1.5-hour drive south of Brisbane and unlocks some of the most beautiful landscapes that Queensland has to offer. Lush rainforest and stunning waterfalls make Lamington National Park a must for anyone wanting to experience and show off Australia’s natural beauty.
Lamington National Park is also home to O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, which offers more rainforest walks and wildlife. If you're lucky, you might snap a photo of the regent bowerbird, a rare bird endemic to Queensland and New South Wales.
MAYA Mexican rooftop bar
If you follow any Australian influencer, it’s likely you’ve seen them raving about the delicious drinks and Mexican/Australian fusion dining at MAYA.
This rooftop restaurant and bar overlooks the city from Fortitude Valley, home to Brisbane’s nightlife. It’s the perfect excuse to dress up and give your followers a bit of FOMO.
Mount Coot-tha
Mount Coot-tha is arguably the best spot in Brisbane for panoramic views of the entire city. The small mountain is a short drive from the city centre, and has walking trails, a cafe and, of course, the famous lookout. A must-visit spot for a sunrise or sunset picnic, it’s a special place to soak up Brisbane’s natural beauty and take that perfect Instagram shot.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha also includes a sensory garden, arid region, Japanese garden, bonsai house, lagoon and bamboo grove and the iconic tropical display dome.
Shipwreck at Moreton Island
Only a short boat ride from Brisbane, the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island are home to dolphins, fish and other marine life. The crystal-clear, turquoise waters rival any snorkelling, swimming or boating spot in the world. The beach gives you a perfect vantage point for an Instagram snap.
Keen for some underwater photography? Look for one of the five sea turtle species that can be spotted in Tangalooma waters all year round and they might just grace your shot.
South Bank
Head to South Bank for some of Brisbane’s best riverside dining and nightlife venues. While you're in the area, visit the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), which features a constantly evolving mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
For perfect Instagram photos, explore the curling steel columns of the Grand Arbour walkway, the bustling hole-in-the-wall restaurants along Fish Lane or the famous Brisbane Sign with a River City backdrop!
Story Bridge/Howard Smith Wharves
The Story Bridge, which connects Brisbane’s north and south, is perhaps Brisbane’s most iconic landmark – so it’s only natural you’ll want to take a picture with it.
Under the magnificent arched bridge is Howard Smith Wharves, a vibrant dining and entertainment precinct on the river’s edge. It houses many popular bars and restaurants, including Felons Brewing Co, an amazing spot for sunset beer. At night, the strip of bars and restaurants along the Howard Smith Wharves comes to life with live music and outdoor events.
UQ cafes
Good coffee and great vibes – that's the promise at Merlo Coffee Cafe. The cafe is located inside Duhig Tower at UQ's St Lucia campus and is nestled between the iconic sandstone arches.
Here you can enjoy your drink while looking over the Great Court’s beautiful lawns or enjoy some peace as the dark envelops the campus.
UQ Lakes
UQ Lakes is an iconic feature at the St Lucia campus for a reason. Its walkways are teeming with diverse flora and fauna, including the beloved pelicans that frequent its waters.
A local tip is to wait for jacaranda season in Spring (October to November) to snap a picture of the bright purple flowers in bloom.
Interested in studying in Australia? Let us introduce you to Brisbane.
Do you want to know more about studying and life at UQ in Australia?
