The Best Photography Locations in Brisbane and Surrounding Suburbs
Hiya! I’m Alison of Alison Cooke Photography.
And I’ve been photographing fabulous humans, couples, weddings, babies, and doggos, for 30-something years.
And during that time I’ve discovered some of the best, most amazing, photography locations in Brisbane (and surrounding suburbs) for your next photoshoot.
So, I’m sharing my knowledge and have compiled a list of my favourite photography locations.
Are you ready?
Good! Grab your coffee, tea, a wine (I don’t know what time it is) and here we go!
Kangaroo Point Cliffs are a popular spot for photography.
But it’s also popular for picnics, rock-climbing or spending a leisurely afternoon.
Which means, it’s nearly always busy.
So don’t rely on getting a car park down the bottom of the cliffs.
The street is very narrow and it’s a nightmare to navigate out of, particularly when it’s wedding season.
I suggest parking on one of the side streets past the cliffs (Pixley St, Hamilton St) and taking a scenic stroll along the river.
But if you’re keen for getting your steps in, you can park above the cliffs and walk down the cliff steps.
(If you’ve ever been to England, they’re like the super steep stair the cathedrals have. Really pretty but a killer on the legs).
Anyway, the steps are hard work.
Yep, you’ll be sweaty and definitely have earned a beer or two.
But Kangaroo point is renowned for its cityscape, greenery, and rock-climbing.
And the funky cliffs you’ve just injured your legs for, are totally worth it for your photos.
And when the sun sets, the city lights up, making for an impressive backdrop.
Be sure to pack your tripod, extra batteries and remote triggers for some creative off-camera flash photography.
The Brisbane Powerhouse is one of Brisbane’s most popular locations for photography.
During peak wedding season you may find yourself waiting in line like you’re at the local deli.
However, it’s popular for a reason. The historic Powerhouse sets a funky urban backdrop for your wedding or portrait photography. And if you pick the right time of day, the lighting is incredible.
And right next door to the Powerhouse is New Farm park. Always a popular place for kids, families, picnics and weddings. The park provides a beautiful splash of colour to your photos, especially in spring when the flowers are in bloom.
Teneriffe
A short drive down the road from the Powerhouse is one my favourite Brisbane photography locations. Ethel Street is a funky little street with a variety of coloured brick buildings and a cool little courtyard with ivy covered walls. And because there is ‘no parking’ on one side, you have a whole side of the street for photos.
There’s also an array of backdrops with different textures and colours. So, you’ll get a variety of images without having to travel far. This street is literally my go-to place for inner Brisbane photography. And it’s almost always shady. WINNING.
An obvious choice for photography is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. It provides plenty of locations, a variety of backdrops, and lots of colour. But beware, as it’s a popular hangout for students, tourists, photographers, and wedding parties, you’ll often have to manoeuvre around people to get your perfect shot.
At the entrance to the Botanic Gardens (on Alice Street near the Stamford Plaza) is a great spot for some urban street photography. However, timing is everything as the traffic can be hectic!
My tip: Wait for the traffic to stop at the lights, be fast with your shot, and always have a spotter to watch for oncoming cars (note the bridesmaid in the background taking her bridesmaid duties very seriously).
Anzac Square is a beautiful location for photos with its pristine gardens and sandstone walls. However, it is a memorial garden for our Anzacs so always be respectful if photographing here.
This location was sentimental for my bride as her grandfather was a veteran and was a special request for her wedding day photos.
Another favourite photography location is Mt Cootha Botanic Gardens. With lush greenery, and stunning landscapes at every turn, it’s one of Brisbane’s most picturesque photo locations. Whether it’s a wedding, family portraits, or a romantic engagement session, the gardens offer endless backdrops.
There’s the tranquil Japanese Garden, the tropical dome, the lakes, and open lawns surrounded by flowering pathways. It’s the perfect blend of nature and serenity, just minutes from the city.
You’ll find Sherwood Arboretum about 11 kilometres south-west of Brisbane. This gorgeous park spans 15 hectares and contains around 1100 trees, and is located next to the Brisbane River making it a beautiful location for families and photography.
And best of all? It’s a dog-friendly park.
Just 20-minutes east of Brisbane CBD is Minnippi Parklands, a vast 11-hectare green space. It’s located across the suburbs of Cannon Hill, Tingalpa, Carina, and Carindale.
With a variety of lush greenery, lagoons, and wide-open spaces, Minnippi Parklands is a popular location for photographers.
Sirromet Winery is one of Queensland’s premier wine and tourism destinations. It’s popular for weddings, functions, daytrips, and wining and dining.
And its outdoor music concerts are AMAZING!
The vineyards and lavender fields make a stunning backdrop for all genres of photography, and the rolling hills give photographers a perfect opportunity for silhouettes at sunset.
Sirromet Winery in Mount Cotton is just 35 minutes from Brisbane and the Gold Coast and set on over 560 acres.
As Sirromet is privately owned, you’ll need to contact them if you plan a professional photoshoot on their property.
You can get in touch with Sirromet here.
Walkabout Creek is a popular destination for nature lovers, families, wedding ceremonies, bushwalkers, and photographers.
Okay, literally everyone!
You’ll find Walkabout Creek at 60 Mount Nebo Road, The Gap.
Located at the edge of the beautiful D’Aguilar National Park, it’s just a short 20-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD.
There are so many opportunities for beautiful photos here. There’s the native bushland, the dirt walking tracks or simply standing there with the Enoggera Reservoir as your backdrop.
And…Walkabout Creek is also home to the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, where visitors can learn about Southeast Queensland’s ecosystems and native wildlife.
So, even the kids might find it interesting!
A tip for photographers.
If you’re planning a professional photoshoot of any kind, you must first contact the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre for permission.
Ironbark Gully is a peaceful bushland picnic area nestled within Samford Conservation Park, just 20 minutes north-west of Brisbane.
One of my favourite locations and there are plenty of gorgeous locations in this bushland of gumtrees, native trees, and grassy pockets. It also has walking trails a short walk from the car park making it easy to find the perfect spot for photos.
And if you’re there in golden hour, the filtered sunlight through the trees is just stunning!
One of my favourites is Mungarra Reserve. And it’s right in my backyard.
Mungarra is a huge bushland reserve in Petrie, spanning about 35 hectares and 26km north of Brisbane.
It’s filled with walking tracks, native trees, wildlife, a lake, and is situated alongside the North Pine River.
There are endless opportunities for photos.
There’s also a playground, skatepark, off-leash dog area (yes, it’s dog-friendly) so you can bring the kids, the fur kids, and make a day of it.
While you’re on the north side of Brisbane, a visit to Bullocky Rest and Forgan Cove, is a must.
This beautiful park is located on the shores of Lake Samsonvale (North Pine Dam) at Joyner, about 23km from Brisbane.
This location is stunning at sunrise and sunset with its spectacular backdrop of Mount Nebo, Mount Samson, and the D’aguilar Range.
It’s a popular picnic and bbq location for families and makes a romantic spot for a surprise engagement.
If you’re a lover of the beach, sun and sand, then Shorncliffe Pier and beach is a fantastic location for your photography.
Just 22km from Brisbane CBD, you’ll find Shorncliffe Pier, one of Brisbane’s most iconic waterfront landmarks.
The 351 metre pier is a popular location for wedding photographers, and the foreshore provides a beautiful backdrop of the ocean, sand, and the picturesque rock wall.
A short drive from Shorncliffe is Apex Park, Woody Point.
Apex Park is located along Hornibrook Esplanade and offers beautiful ocean views.
This shady oceanside reserve is a favourite with locals looking for a quiet place to picnic, unwind and take in the fresh sea air.
The park’s waterfront location provides stunning views across the bay towards Moreton Island and is a perfect backdrop for keen photographers.
These gardens are located at 20 Henzell Street and just minutes from Redcliffe’s waterfront, beaches and cafés.
The Redcliffe Botanic Gardens make an excellent backup location for photography, especially on days when it’s too windy for beach photos, or it’s high tide.
The gardens are filled with native trees, greenery, earthen walkways, shaded areas, open spaces and beautiful old gum trees. The gardens are available for weddings, functions, or just a family outing.
Be warned!
If you’re not a lover of flying foxes, this may not be the location for you. The Redcliffe Botanic Gardens are home to thousands of flying foxes and during the day, they are noisy!
Old Petrie Town is a heritage village located at Whiteside in the Moreton Bay region, around 40 minutes north of Brisbane. It’s home to rustic buildings, beautiful native bushland, and beautifully restored heritage buildings and museums. It also hosts the popular Sunday markets where you can buy homemade wares, art, leather goods, and enjoy a variety of fresh food.
It’s a popular location for locals, tourists and photographers, especially in September when the jacarandas are in bloom. The rustic old barns and buildings make an interesting backdrop for photos, and the old train station is a popular stop for everyone who visits.
If you plan on taking photos at Old Petrie Town, be sure to contact the MBRC as permission and a fee may be required.
Dayboro, Mt Mee, Mt Pleasant, Oceanview
Take your pick!
You can literally drive anywhere in these rural suburbs and find the perfect location by the side of the road for your photoshoot.
Dayboro and its neighbouring suburbs are surrounded by a stunning landscape of rolling green hills, winding dirt roads, cattle properties, horse paddocks, rustic barns, wooden fences, and pockets of long grass.
It’s a photographers’ dream!
So, grab your camera, jump in the car, and drive.
These photos were taken by the side of the road.
Check out Hamilton Road, Mt Pleasant and Mt Pleasant Road, a short drive past the Community Hall.
But there is no shortage of stunning countryside locations in any of these suburbs.
Mango Tree Meet Point is located in Elimbah, north of Brisbane, within the Moreton Bay region.
As its name suggests, it’s a popular meeting point for 4 wheel drives and off-road bikers.
However, it’s also a gorgeous location if you want your photos to have a country feel.
With the stunning Glasshouse Mountains in the background, dirt roads, long grass, and a pine forest, you can have stunning country portraits just an hour drive north of Brisbane.
Red Beach Bongaree, Bribie Island
Red Beach, Bongaree is one of my absolute favourite locations.
And there’s a good reason it’s a popular location with photographers, families and dog lovers. This beautiful stretch of beach located at the southern end of Bribie Island is 75klm north of Brisbane.
It’s well known for its gorgeous beach, calm waters, stunning views across Moreton Bay, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. This scenic beach is loved by locals and tourists for its peaceful atmosphere, natural surroundings, and doggos are welcome.
It’s a perfect location for any kind of photography.
Kholo Gardens - Ipswich
Okay, so it’s a little further out of Brisbane but it’s so pretty I couldn’t help but list this one.
Kholo Gardens is worth the trip!
Kholo Gardens, located just 7km from Ipswich’s central business district, are gorgeous.
These stunning gardens offer so many beautiful settings for any type of photography. Which is why they’re so popular for wedding parties.
The tropical gardens include a lily pond, and lush open spaces. Kholo Garden make a stunning backdrop for any photography.
And there’s also a historic chapel which adds a rustic touch to your photos.
While you’re in Ipswich, you’d be mad not to visit Nerima Gardens.
Nerima Gardens is another stunning location for wedding parties, portraits, and family photography.
There’s the lake, the traditional Japanese style gardens, the bridge, the winding paths, and stunning gardens.
These gardens are tucked away within the historic Queens Park in Ipswich, around 40 minutes from Brisbane.
These beautiful gardens provide an amazing setting for your photography.
You will not be disappointed!
Ipswich
If you’ve travelled all the way to Ipswich, you can’t go past the beautiful historical buildings that line the streets.
I admit. I’m a sucker for old brick walls, sandstone blocks, old red brick buildings, cathedrals and churches.
The old buildings have SO much more character than the stark, boring, buildings of today.
So, when Erin and Max asked me to photograph their wedding in Ipswich, AND wanted these beautiful old buildings as their backdrop, I was excited!
This is Limestone Street.
And it’s one of many streets in Ipswich that have stunning heritage architecture.
The concrete pillars, red bricks, and beautiful old buildings are just gorgeous for photos.
Honestly, I love this location so much, I’d be happy photographing clients here all the time.
Thanks for reading!
If you’ve come this far, well done! That was a lot of information.
But, as a photographer, I also know finding the perfect location for your photoshoot is half the struggle.
So, I hope this blog has helped eliminate some of the problems.
Who the heck am I?
Oops, sorry!
I’m Alison, wife, mum, crazy dog-lover and a Brisbane photographer with over 30 years’ experience in wedding photography, family photography, newborn photography, pet photography and…anything I’m asked to photograph.
But I’m not old! (I’m actually really cool).
But over the years I’ve discovered some of the best Brisbane, and surrounds, photography locations.
If you’re looking for a professional photographer, photography tips, or just have an awesome location to add to my blog, I’d love to hear from you.
