Drinks with sunset views over the city and river turn into barbecue dinners beneath the star-filled sky at the scenic Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Perfectly situated overlooking the City Botanic Gardens on the opposite bank of the Brisbane River, the cliffs are popular with picnickers, rock climbers, joggers and sun-seekers.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs were created by quarrying carried out by convicts in the 1800s. See some of the Brisbane Tuff stone in heritage buildings around the city, such as the Old Windmill at Spring Hill. The top and base of the cliffs are now fantastic recreational areas, with long paths for scenic walks and green parks perfect for barbecues and picnics.
The long esplanade at the bottom of the cliffs following the river is popular with joggers, cyclists and rollerbladers. Hire a bike or a paddleboard from Riverlife near the Thornton Street Ferry Terminal or tackle an adventurous rock-climbing course up the 20-metre-high (65-foot) rock face for a close look at the handiwork of the convicts who quarried the stone.
Have coffee on the café’s upper terrace with views over the Riverside Centre, the bustling waterfront business district on the opposite bank. Take kids to the nearby play space and large grassy lawns where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy the views and the Queensland sunshine.
Watch the sunset over the city from the lookouts or the stone shelter known as Scout Place on the upper terrace. Pack a picnic and your camera and watch as the lights come on across the city.
At the end of Kangaroo Point is the Story Bridge, often illuminated with multi-coloured lights to support charity campaigns or denote historic days. Walking paths on either side of the bridge have spectacular views across the river’s bend and lead to Fortitude Valley where you’ll find multicultural dining options and Brisbane’s hippest nightlife.
Photos of Brisbane from the vantage point of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs are an essential part of any visit to Queensland’s capital. Experience this fantastic place to explore and have an adventure.
