South East Queensland is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, and the area boasts various lookouts, each providing striking panoramic views of the landscape. The region’s diverse topography offers exceptional, must-see views from coastlines to mountains.
This article highlights the best lookouts in South East Queensland for locals and visitors to experience the area’s rich topography.
1. Mt Gravatt
This is among the most popular lookouts located 10 km south of Brisbane’s CBD. Mt. Gravatt offers picturesque views of Brisbane city, including CBD skyscrapers, Story Bridge, and Brisbane River.
Its main appeal is the city’s sunset views, and you can access the lookout by driving to the summit or hiking. The site is also popular among birdwatchers as it features more than 100 bird species, including Kookaburras and King Parrots.
Other facilities, like picnic areas and cafes, are also available, making it the ideal place for a relaxing day with family or friends.
2. Mt Coot-tha Summit
This popular tourist destination is located 6 km west of Brisbane. The Mt Coot-tha summit offers striking panoramic views of Brisbane. The lookout also features a designated parking spot and several trekking trails for those who prefer to hike to the summit.
Besides the views, Mt Coot-tha has a souvenir shop, restaurant, and cafe. At the summit, an observation deck offers a 360-degree view of the area.
3. Jollys Lookout
Jollys is located in the D’Aguilar National Park, approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Brisbane. It provides visitors with stunning panoramic countryside views, including Enoggera Reservoir and Samford Valley.
Apart from its scenic views, Jolly’s lookout is also a popular destination for hiking and birdwatching. The area around the lookout is home to several hiking trails that wind through the D’Aguilar National Park’s natural bushland.
Jolly’s lookout has limited facilities for visitors; thus, visitors are advised to bring their food and drinks.
4. Anne Beasley
This is a must-visit site for individuals who want to experience Queensland’s natural beauty. The Anne Beasley lookout offers stunning views of the Numinbah Valley, the McPherson Range, and the surrounding rainforest, which you can access by hiking or driving to the lookout point.
The area is home to various native Australian bird species, including King Parrot, Satin Bowerbird, and Regent Bowerbird. No food outlets are in the immediate area, and visitors are advised to carry their drinks and food.
5. Governors Chair
This scenic lookout is located 120 km from Brisbane, and it offers striking rugged views of the great dividing range, including rolling hills, deep valleys, and rugged mountain tops.
You can access this lookout by driving to the designated parking spot and taking a walk the rest of the way. Governors Chair has several boulders and rocks, making it the ideal resting place to take in the view.
You can also get to the lookout by hiking from Spicers Gap Campsite. There’s a chance you’ll encounter various wild animals, including kangaroos and wallabies, during your hike.
6. Glass House Mountains
The Glass House mountains is a must-visit lookout for individuals who want to experience Queensland’s volcanic landscape. The lookout offers picturesque views of GlassHouse Mountains’ volcanic formations.
You can access this lookout by driving to the designated parking spot and taking a short walk to the area. The area is also home to a range of flora and fauna. The lookout also has other facilities like picnic tables.
7. Somerset Lookout
This lookout is 75 km north of Brisbane and offers stunning views of Lake Wivenhoe, Somerset dam and the environs. You can access this lookout by hiking or driving.
The hike starts at the Gantry picnic site, and it’s an excellent 13km return trek passing through the rainforest, gum forest, and dry open forest. The site also offers barbeque and picnic facilities, and visitors can also stay overnight at the nearby camping site.
8. Fassifern Valley
This scenic spot is located on Cunningham Highway, 100 km Southwest of Brisbane. Fassifern valley offers excellent views of small rural towns, fertile farmlands and rolling hills.
Besides the views, people flock to Fassifern Valley to paraglide and hand glide. The spot is also known for its favourable windy conditions and consistent thermals.
9. Mapleton Falls
This scenic lookout site is in Mapleton National Park, 110 km from Brisbane. Mapleton falls offers excellent views of the falls and surrounding rainforest topography.
Mapleton is also popular for birdwatching and hiking. The area has several hiking trails allowing individuals to explore fauna and flora.
There are also other facilities like barbecue, toilet, and picnic tables. You can also stay overnight at the park’s camping area, which offers cabin and camping accommodations.
10. Queen Mary Falls
This stunning waterfall and scenic lookout is located in the Main Range National Park, approximately 130 kilometres southwest of Brisbane. The waterfall drops 40 meters over a cliff face into a deep gorge, surrounded by lush rainforest and granite boulders.
The park is home to various bird species, including the Australian king parrot, eastern rosella, and satin bowerbird. Facilities at Queen Mary Falls include picnic tables, toilets, and barbecue facilities. You can also stay overnight at the nearby Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park.
11. Springbrook
This spot is situated 100 km South East of Brisbane, and it provides visitors with stunning views of the surrounding rainforest landscape, including the scenic Numinbah Valley.
You can access Springbrook by driving to the designated car park and taking a short walk to the lookout point. The site also offers barbecue facilities, toilets, and picnic tables. You can also stay overnight at the nearby Springbrook Mountain Chalets, which offers cabin accommodation
12. Mt Tamborine
Mt Tamborine is located 70 kilometres south of Brisbane, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Gold Coast skyline, the Great Dividing Range, and the Pacific Ocean.
Visitors can also stay overnight at the nearby accommodation options, including hotels, lodges, and bed and breakfasts.
13. O’Reilly’s Mountain Cafe
This Lookout is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience the natural beauty of South East Queensland’s rainforest landscape. It’s located approximately 110 kilometres south of Brisbane and provides views of the rainforest landscape and the McPherson Range.
The park is home to various bird species, including the Australian king parrot, satin bowerbird, and yellow-tailed black cockatoo. It has a cafe, picnic tables, toilets, and barbecue facilities.
You can also stay overnight at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, which offers a range of accommodation options, including rooms, lodges, and campsites.
14. Boonoo Boonoo Falls
While this lookout is located in northern New South Wales, it’s still considered part of the South East Queensland area. The lookout offers stunning views of the Boonoo Boonoo River and the impressive waterfall that plunges 210 meters into the gorge below.
Boohoo Boonoo Falls is also a popular destination for picnicking and hiking and has picnic and barbeque facilities. There’s also a camping site that offers basic sleeping facilities.
15. Lamington Teahouse
This charming café and restaurant is located in the heart of the Lamington National Park, approximately 110 kilometres from Brisbane. It’s nestled in the rainforest and offers visitors a unique dining experience surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
Apart from its beautiful location, Lamington Teahouse is also known for its delicious homemade food, including cakes, scones, sandwiches, and traditional high tea. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and is designed to suit all dietary requirements.
Visitors can enjoy their meal on the outdoor deck, overlooking the rainforest canopy, or inside the cozy teahouse.
Bottom Line
South East Queensland is home to a diverse range of stunning lookout points, allowing visitors to experience some of the region’s most breathtaking natural scenery.
From panoramic coastline and skyline views to secluded and peaceful lookouts, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes and preferences.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely day trip, a scenic drive, or a challenging hike, the lookout points listed in this article are a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the area’s stunning natural beauty.