Make the most of golden hour with our list of the best spots to catch a Brisbane sunset!
There’s nothing better than heading out for the afternoon and basking in the warm air while watching the sky turn into a beautiful palette of oranges, reds, pinks and purples.
Whether you prefer gazing out over the city centre from the hillside or heading out to the coastline to watch the sun dip below the horizon, Brisbane has a plethora of vantage points no matter what you’re in the mood for. Bring your friends and snap up your cameras because these views are ones you will definitely want to capture.
So, for something truly spectacular, read on through our list of the best sunset spots in Brisbane!
Photographed by A Ridley. Image via Shutterstock.
Bulimba
This Southside suburb may not be the first place you think of for one of Brisbane’s best sunset viewing spots, however it still offers some lovely river views. Take a walk along the boardwalk that follows the Brisbane River or settle down at Bulimba Riverside Park for the afternoon. Watch as the setting sun casts an orange glow from behind the buildings across the water over at Teneriffe. Whether you’re after a picnic or a family-friendly afternoon, the parks and riverside location make Bulimba a great option.
Photographed by Fleur Walton. Image via Shutterstock.
Cleveland Point Lighthouse
Heading out of the CBD, some of Brisbane’s more eastern points have incredible sunset views not least Cleveland Point. Take up a spot beside the small, retired lighthouse that surveys the area and watch the sun go down over the expanse of water in front of you. If you sit on the eastern side of the point you will be able to look out towards North Stradbroke Island and the rippling water beyond. Forget a picnic, duck into The Lighthouse Restaurant and dine in on some glorious seafood while looking out over the water or grab some takeaway fish and chips that truly hits the spot every time.
Photographed by Maythee Voran. Image via Shutterstock.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
See the sunset over the city from a different angle by heading to the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. A fantastic spot to visit any time of the day thanks to its riverside location in Brisbane’s Southside; there’s no denying that it truly shines when the sun goes down. Watch the setting sun reflect off the high rises and the river and the lights in the city slowly turn on and shimmer against the darkness. Find a spot along the kilometre-long stretch of walking paths and green areas beside the bank of the river or opt for higher ground and a better view along the walkway that follows River Terrace on top of the cliffs. There are plenty of picnic tables, barbeque facilities and grassed areas to set up for the afternoon and bring in the evening with friends.
Photographed by Maythee Voran. Image via Shutterstock.
Mount Coot-tha
If you’re a Brisbane local, you would already know that Mount Coot-tha is the place to go for wide sweeping views over Brisbane’s CBD and surrounding areas. Atop this mountain in the Northern suburbs you’ll find a fantastic lookout that sits you high above the city and is only a 20-minute drive from the CBD. You can even make a day of it by visiting the Botanic Gardens at the base, bring along your own snacks and a picnic blanket, and set yourself up on the small, grassy hill for an evening of taking in the sunset. Of course, as expected, thanks to its close proximity to Brisbane’s CBD, you’ll have to get in early to claim your spot for some undisturbed views.
Photographed by Rad Fadilla. Image via Unsplash.
Mt Gravatt Outlook
For all the Southsiders looking for another mountain top lookout within 20-minutes of the CBD, Mt Gravatt is the place to go. This hilltop is surrounded by bushland with numerous walks all around so you can have an afternoon hike with a beautiful sunset payoff at the end. If you don’t feel like walking all the way to the top, you can drive straight to the lookout, but make sure not to linger too long as they close the road a few hours after dark. Watch the sun descend through the trees behind you and take in the view of the CBD from the grassy hillside.
Photographed by Ben Luke Russell. Image via Shutterstock.
New Farm Park
New Farm Park is known for its expansive grassed areas, rose garden and picturesque placement along the bank of the Brisbane River and is a perfect spot to take in the sunset. If you want to catch a glimpse of the city, head on over to the New Farm Riverwalk, a floating walkway that sits on the water and connects New Farm to Howard Smith Wharves. If you want a more laidback experience, grab your friends and picnic supplies and pick a patch of grass among the trees and roses for a blissful afternoon. Watch the sky change colour as you look out over parklands or the river and enjoy the gorgeous surrounds.
Photographed by Janelle Lugge. Image via Shutterstock.
Shorncliffe Pier
A little bit further north you’ll find Shorncliffe Pier, another beautiful waterfront location along Brisbane’s coastline. Thirty minutes from the city, Shorncliffe Pier is known for its long wooden jetty protruding out over the water. From the jetty you can gaze out as the sun dips below the horizon and you can even try your hand at a spot of fishing to pass the time. Take a stroll along the foreshore or just sit and admire the rippling expanse of water that stretches out before you as the day turns to dusk.
Photographed by Virginija Meilune. Image via Shutterstock.
Wellington Point
If staring out at the horizon is more your style, Wellington Point might be the perfect sunset spot for you. With a small beach, jetty and picnic ground, there is plenty of space to settle in for the afternoon and watch the sun go down. If the tide is low enough you can walk out over the sand bridge to King Island but make sure you head back in time so you don’t get stranded. This gorgeous spot along the coastline is sure to dazzle once the sky reflects its orange and pink hues across the open water.
Photographed by VaNight Photography. Image via Shutterstock.
Wilson Outlook Reserve
This lookout spot is a fairly hidden gem that is also one of the best sunset viewing spots in Brisbane. Looking out over Howard Smith Wharves below, Wilson Outlook Reserve is a small, grassy area along Bowen Terrace on the northern side of the Brisbane River. You will be able to observe some gorgeous sunsets with a picture-perfect backdrop of the Story Bridge and the CBD behind it. Whilst you’re here set up a picnic and stay for the sunset or head down to Howard Smith Wharves food and entertainment precinct for a lovely dinner beside the river. Don’t forget to bring your camera because this view is one you will not want to miss.
Photographed by Alfee0. Image via Shutterstock.
Woody Point
If you’re located a little bit further North, or you’re up for a drive, you may want to give Woody Point a try. This waterfront spot is located in the Redcliffe and Moreton Bay region — around a 35-minute drive from Brisbane city. Admire the sunset from the jetty or along the foreshore, taking in the salty sea air. Top your evening off with some fish and chips and you’ll be wishing the sunset lasted just a little bit longer.
Enjoy the warm weather and lay out your blanket at one of these 10 Best Picnic Spots in Brisbane. Or, why not wander through the 7 Best Secluded and Scenic Walking Tracks in Brisbane.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land mentioned in our article, the people of the Yuggera Nation, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
