Hands up if you’ve ever felt wanderlust, been inspired to go somewhere, or booked a restaurant after seeing pictures on Instagram? It’s so easy to be influenced by what we see on this social media platform, and that’s not a bad thing!
In Australia and all around the world, Instagram has become a fun part of planning trips, with eager holidaymakers sifting out all the high spots to get the best out of their destination and a few Insta-worthy happy photos that are guaranteed to wow their followers.
Queensland’s sunny capital, Brisbane, is filled with photography locations… If you know where to look, you’ll find cool spots for your Instagram photos. Between the beautiful bridges, urban streetscapes, hidden natural gems, winding river, and epic bar and restaurant scene, there’re dozens of spots to explore (and take amazing photos).
Here are some of our favourite photography locations in Brisbane for you to capture on your next visit to the vibrant river city.
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Get that postcard moment at Wilson’s Outlook
When looking for a photo that feels like a total postcard moment in Brisbane, it’s really hard to beat Wilson's Outlook at Bowen Terrace in New Farm. With panoramic views of the city skyline, the Brisbane River, and the ever-iconic Story Bridge, this location is perfect for capturing a classic Brisbane travel moment.
Snap the landmark Wheel of Brisbane
Brisbane’s South Bank is a must-visit for any traveller hoping to witness culture, creativity and nature in one location. Next to the iconic QPAC building and right by the riverside, the Wheel of Brisbane is a cool Instagram photography spot, a Ferris wheel that’s fun to ride, but even better for a quick selfie.
Flowers (and leading lines) are always a good idea
Speaking of South Bank, wander the expansive riverside parklands and stop where you find those Brisbane Instagram spots (hint: they’re everywhere). If you time it right the amazing Grand Arbour will be in bloom with bright purple bougainvillea flowers covering the steel structure’s twisting metal curves. Twirl around beneath the blooms for a picture-perfect moment framed by nature itself.
Cool off at the tropical inner-city beach
A man-made beach in the middle of the city? Also in the South Bank Parklands, make sure to wander by Streets Beach with its aquatic blue waters, city skyline views, and golden sandy beach. There’s no better spot to capture that tropical “Queensland capital” vibe than an inner-city beach.
Find a cool lookout spot and go explore street art
Now that you’ve ticked off some serious landmarks and icons of Brisbane, for a more local experience, these hidden murals and street art corners are among the best secret photography spots in Brisbane. Try taking in the view from the top of Highgate Hill Park, then head down the hill towards the charming, bohemian West End. Here, keep an eye out for street art murals on Boundary Street, Vulture Street, and Montague Road, or wander down Fish Lane for some incredible street art and great food or wine stops between shots.
Get tropical at the Botanic Gardens
Out at Mt Coot-tha, the city’s biggest botanic gardens house a secret, the Tropical Dome. Within this geodesic dome is a lush and lively tropical garden filled with verdant palms and jungle plants that enjoy the heat year-round.
Enjoy drinks by the river
Sitting directly beneath the Story Bridge, the Howard Smith Wharves precinct is rich with incredible restaurants and hip bars that enjoy amazing views over the river and city skyline. Perch yourself on a stool on the floating deck at Mr Percival’s and take a few photos as the sun sets on another brilliant day.
Go on a day trip
For a photography location that shows the tranquil side of Brisbane, head eastward to the bay-side suburb of Shorncliffe, where the restored Shorncliffe Pier stretches out into the beautiful Bramble Bay. Take a walk along the 350-metre boardwalk, it’s dripping with centuries of history and significance and enjoy the awesome views. Sunrise or sunset is the prime time to capture your content, as the pier’s pylons create a dreamlike silhouette that juxtaposes perfectly against pastel or molten skies.
It’s not all about adding 100 hashtags and sending your pictures, videos, or reels out into the universe. Instead, use a few clever hashtags, mixing popular and travel-specific tags, and, of course, remember to tag your shots at these amazing Brisbane photography locations.
One to remember while travelling in Queensland is the official #thisisqueensland tag or try Brisbane’s #brisbaneanyday.
If your image gets picked up by the tourism bodies, they’ll share it with hundreds of thousands of fans. Now that would be the icing on an exciting whirlwind adventure through Brisbane, right? But just remember to have fun, enjoy the moment and be yourself.
Oh, and don’t forget to tag us at @Oaks_Hotels #oakshotels.
For travellers looking to visit the River City, Oaks Hotels & Resorts provides perfectly positioned hotels across the CBD, Bowen Hills, Milton, and Woolloongabba. Boasting spacious, self-contained apartments and premium leisure facilities, we’re the ideal base for the solo traveller right through to families and groups.
