Mount Coot-tha is Brisbane's ultimate vantage point. Standing 287 metres above sea level, it delivers a sweeping, postcard-perfect panorama of the entire city. On a clear day, the view stretches across the grid of CBD skyscrapers, follows the winding ribbon of the Brisbane River, and reaches all the way to Moreton Bay and the distant islands. The lookout's atmosphere shifts dramatically depending on when you visit. On Sunrise you have a quite, crisp and peaceful atmosphere. You'll share the deck with early-morning cyclists who have tackled the winding climb up the mountain. Around Midday, the atmosphere shifts to a vibrant, bustling atmosphere with tour buses, families and tourists taking photos. Sunset to Nightfall. This is when the lookout truly shines. As the sun dips behind the mountain, the city lights flicker to life, turning the view into a glowing, romantic backdrop.
Located right at the base of the mountain, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha is a massive, 56-hectare subtropical oasis. It is entirely separate from the City Botanic Gardens downtown and is widely considered Brisbane's premier horticultural display.
The experience feels like walking through different corners of the world, with highlights including:
Sharing the exact same entrance and parking lot as the Botanic Gardens is the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. It is the largest planetarium in Queensland and provides a brilliant, educational shift from the natural world to the cosmos.
Inside, visitors will find:
Pro Tip: As the Planetarium, Botanic Gardens and Lookout are all on Mount Coot-tha, why not do a day on the mountain?
South Bank is Brisbane's vibrant cultural heart and premier riverside playground. Spanning 17 hectares of lush parklands directly opposite the CBD, this beautifully transformed World Expo 88 site is the ultimate expression of Brisbane's outdoor-centric lifestyle. It seamlessly blends world-class dining, rich cultural institutions, and stunning green spaces along the water, making it an absolute must-visit for any itinerary.
As Brisbane's most iconic structural landmark, the heritage-listed Story Bridge is a magnificent fixture of the city skyline. Opened in 1940 after being built as a major public works project during the Great Depression, it holds the title of Australia’s longest steel cantilever bridge. Connecting the nightlife hub of Fortitude Valley to the dramatic cliffs of Kangaroo Point, the bridge carries over 100,000 vehicles daily alongside a dedicated, scenic pedestrian pathway. For the adventurous traveller, it offers the thrill of the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, which is one of only three guided bridge climbs in the entire world. Every evening, the massive steel structure is illuminated by a dynamic display of coloured LED lights, creating a breathtaking canopy over the buzzing restaurants and breweries of the Howard Smith Wharves precinct directly beneath it.
Bet you never knew: The Story Bridge was designed by Dr John Bradfield, the exact same engineer who designed the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.