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BRISBANE PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE
Your guide to some of the best photography locations in
Brisbane and the surrounding areas.
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Currumbin, Gold Coast
We ❤️ Brisbane
Whether you're a local photographer or visiting us for the first time, Brisbane offers plenty to see and capture, from stunning landscapes, skyline views, colourful street art, lush gardens, iconic landmarks, wonderful wildlife and so much more.In this guide, we’ll share some of our favourite places to take photos in and around Brisbane, and there's something for photographers of all skill levels.
South Bank Parklands
Located on the southern banks of the Brisbane river, South Bank is a 17 hectare precinct that includes lush parklands, a man-made beach, a rainforest walk, Nepalese Pagoda (pictured) plus plenty of family friendly attractions such as the Brisbane wheel, art galleries and the Queensland museum.
The Brisbane Sign is a favourite landmark to capture for visitors, but can therefore be tricky to capture due to its popularity. We suggest getting up extra early when there's less people around and the sun is low in the sky, or better still, swing by in the evening when it's lit up
The Brisbane Sign is a favourite landmark to capture for visitors, but can therefore be tricky to capture due to its popularity. We suggest getting up extra early when there's less people around and the sun is low in the sky, or better still, swing by in the evening when it's lit up
Tip : Grab a spot along the river for amazing panoramic views of the city, wait until the sun has set if you wish to capture Brisbane CBD at its best.
Tip : If you get hungry whilst exploring Southbank, make sure you pay a visit to our friends at the Ship Inn for an amazing pub lunch.
The Story Bridge
Completed in 1940, the Story Bridge is a heritage-listed landmark that spans 777 metres across the Brisbane River. The bridge illuminates every night with a vibrant, programmable LED lighting system and is one of our favourite spots for night photography.
Tip : The best vantage point is from the Wilson Outlook Reserve, this is one of the locations we choose for our night photography course as it gives a great view of both Brisbane city and the Story Bridge. If visiting at night, try a long exposure shot to capture the light trails of the boats and ferries along the river.
Tip : The lights on the Story Bridge change for different events and celebrations, you can check in advance what the colour will be using the Brisbane City Council website.
Botanic Gardens / Mt Coot-tha
Just 7 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and completely free, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha is Queensland’s premier subtropical botanic garden that spans 56 hectares Located at the foot of Mount Coot-tha, highlights include the tropical plants dome, bonsai house, planetarium and the stunning Japanese Garden.
Tip : The botanic gardens is a haven for wildlife, so pack a telephoto lens (a macro too if you have one) for a chance to capture Cockatoos, King-Parrots and possibly a Tawny Frogmouth Owl if you lucky enough to spot one!
Tip : After exploring the Botanic Gardens, take the Sir Samuel Griffith Drive to the summit of Mount Coot-tha for amazing city views from the lookout, there's also a cafe and the Summit restaurant and bar.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Another popular location offering sweeping panoramic views across the river of the Brisbane skyline is the Kangaroo Point Cliffs Lookout. A popular spot for picnics, fitness fans and rock climbers. This is a great spot to capture the sun setting over the city so make sure you bring a tripod to capture longer exposures as it starts to get dark. Without a doubt, one of the best places to take photos in Brisbane.
Tip : If you're driving then allow extra time as parking is limited, especially prior to sunset which is peak time for visitors.
Sunset Brisbane CBD
Captured just as the sun was setting behind the city, this image was shot at a location just a short walk from Kangaroo Point Cliffs. If you would like to know how I got this shot, the camera settings and the exact location, watch the video below.
Paul @ Photo Genius
Manly Harbour / Wynnum
Around a 30 minute drive from the Brisbane CBD you will find Wynnum and Manly, Brisbane's premiere coastal bayside precinct along the shores of Moreton Bay.Manly is a vibrant hub with boutique stores, waterfront cafes and restuarants and is also home to the largest marina in the Southern Hemisphere, a great spot for taking photos. Wynnum has a 5km stretch of coastline that features a heritage listed wading pool, plenty of open spaces and for bird photographers, a mangrove boardwalk through native wetlands.
Tip : Set your alarm clock because Manly Boat Harbour is the perfect spot to capture the sunrise. When you're done visit the Manly Boathouse for fresh pastries, great coffee and panoramic views across the bay (we might even see you there!)
Tip : Walk along the Esplanade for great views over the bay and stop by Wynnum Creek, a popular fishing spot and our favourite place to watch and photograph the local pelicans.
Tip : Bird photographers, make sure you also visit the Sandy Camp Road Wetlands Reserve in Wynnum West.
Filmed at Sandy Camp Road Wetlands Reserve, watch this for video for some beginner tips on bird photography.
West End
Lovers of street photography will enjoy exploring Brisbane's West End, just a short walk from Southbank and two kilometers from the CBD. West End is an area that clings to its bohemian identity and independent spirit and is the ideal place for street photography. Vintage boutiques, second-hand bookstores, charity and coffee shops are where you can mix with the locals, a melting pot of Indigenous Australians, Greek, Vietnamese, Indian and African migrants and those seeking an alternative lifestyle.
Tip : Blend in, just a camera and one lens is all you really need, West End is also a great place to capture street art and older architecture.
This video explores West End Brisbane PLUS I share some street photography tips
A bit further afield....
Brisbane is also midway between some of the world's finest beaches with the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast around an hours drive away. Whilst both are stunning locations, our personal favourite spot is Kirra and Coolangatta on the Gold Coast for over 70 kilometres of pristine sandy beaches and plenty to photograph. Here's just a few that we've captured over the years....
Brisbane, why not join one our photography courses or book a One-to-One session tailored to suit your photography interests.
All photos © Paul Farris, Photo Genius Brisbane.
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Event details are provided for information and inspiration only. While we do our best to keep this guide up to date, dates, times, locations, ticket prices and event details can change, and events may be cancelled or postponed at short notice. Please check the official event website before making plans or purchasing tickets.
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