Here at Oz Strata Panoramas, we believe the true character of a landscape is often revealed from a perspective few get to see.
South East Queensland (SEQ) is our canvas—a breathtaking region where ancient geology, sprawling waterways, and vibrant urban design collide. Through our lens, we’ve spent countless hours capturing its soul from the skies. For fellow photographers, adventurers, and dreamers, this is our curated guide to the most photogenic aerial landscapes in SEQ, each a testament to the power of the aerial viewpoint.
The Ancient Sentinels: Capturing Timeless Grandeur
Any exploration of SEQ must begin with its geological heart. The Glass House Mountains are more than landmarks; they are profound subjects. Shooting these volcanic plugs is about capturing their isolation and character. We recommend sunrise sessions. The low, raking light sculpts the dramatic faces of Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Beerwah, while morning mist often lingers in the valleys below, creating layers of depth and mystery. A medium-altitude orbit can juxtapose their rugged peaks against the delicate patterns of surrounding farmland—a story of timeless endurance. For the ultimate hinterland panorama,
Mount Mitchell and Carr's Lookout in the Scenic Rim are unparalleled.
Mount Mitchell offers a high-elevation perspective of the Main Range's endless folds. Use a telephoto lens mode from your drone to compress these ridges, creating a powerful, layered composition of blue-hazed mountains.
Carr's Lookout provides a more accessible but equally stunning vista. From here, you can frame the lush, rolling hills of the Condamine Valley, capturing the play of light and shadow as clouds drift across the landscape—a dynamic, living scene that changes by the minute.
The Liquid Landscapes: Reflections and Raw Power
SEQ’s waterways offer everything from serene mirrors to raw, cascading force. The region's dams are exercises in scale and tranquility.
Lake Moogerah, with the Main Range as a backdrop, is perfect for symmetry and reflection shots at dawn.
Wivenhoe and Somerset Dams reveal their vast, intricate shapes best from high altitude; look for the striking contrast between the deep blue water and the green, wooded shorelines, especially where the Brisbane River winds into Somerset.
Then, there’s the drama of Purlingbrook Falls. Flying in Springbrook National Park, the aerial view is transformative. Instead of looking up at the falls, you can position your drone to capture the entire 100-metre drop in context, showing the water plume dispersing into the deep, circular gorge—a powerful reminder of nature’s relentless artistry.
The Coastal Canvas: Where Land Meets Sea
Our coastline is a gift to photographers, defined by light, colour, and texture.
The Redcliffe Peninsula’s Woody Point offers a classic Queensland composition. The iconic jetty provides a perfect leading line out into Moreton Bay, pointing directly toward the distant Brisbane skyline. Shoot this at golden hour for warm, long shadows and a sky that melts from blue to orange.
Wellington Point and Cleveland Point are studies in tidal patterns and timeless charm.
At low tide, Wellington Point’s sandbar to King Island creates a unique natural pathway—a stunning abstract pattern from above.
Cleveland Point’s historic lighthouse is a fantastic focal point; orbit it slowly as the sun sets behind the mainland for a silhouette shot, or capture it under a dramatic summer sky.
Bribie Island showcases duality.
On the calm Pumicestone Passage side, capture the still water reflecting mangroves and sandbanks.
On the ocean side, use a faster shutter speed to freeze the motion of the surf crashing onto pristine beaches.
Further north, Noosa Heads is the epitome of coastal elegance. A flight from Main Beach over the national park headland frames the perfect curve of Laguna Bay, the river serpentine, and the orderly lines of Hastings Street—a comprehensive portrait of a beloved coastal town.
For raw energy, the Gold Coast Seaway is unmatched. It’s a location about chaos and control. Capture the hydraulic patterns where the tidal current meets the ocean, the precise geometry of the rock walls, and the surfers waiting beyond the break. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing scene that speaks to the engineered yet wild heart of the Gold Coast.
The Urban Geometry:
Bridges as Subjects Brisbane’s river is its lifeblood, and its bridges are architectural masterpieces.
The Story Bridge is an iconic subject. For a fresh take, we love shooting from the Kangaroo Point cliffs at twilight, ascending vertically to frame the bridge’s powerful steel lattice against the glowing city skyline—an image of solid strength and urban energy.
The Eleanor Schonell Bridge offers a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. Its sleek, cable-stayed design looks magnificent from a 45-degree angle, highlighting its lines against the river and the University of Queensland’s lush grounds. It’s a study in graceful, functional design.
Shooting with Responsibility and Artistry
As professional drone photographers, our craft is built on a foundation of safety and ethics.
Before every flight, we:
· Consult CASA’s OpenSky or ok2fly app for real-time airspace information.
· Scrupulously respect No-Fly Zones, especially in National Parks (like Springbrook).
· Never compromise privacy or safety for a shot.
Our goal is to create art that inspires without impacting the beauty or peace of these locations.
We use techniques like bracketed exposures for high dynamic range (HDR) in challenging light and careful grading to bring out the natural tones that define SEQ—the deep blues of our dams, the golden hour glow on our sand, the vibrant green of our rainforests. ---
South East Queensland is a region that endlessly rewards the curious eye.
These locations are our starting point, but the true magic lies in seeing them through your own vision.
We hope this guide inspires you to explore, to look up, and to discover the breathtaking stories that are written across our landscape, waiting to be framed from above.
Ready to see your property, event, or project from this perspective?
Contact us to discuss how we can capture your unique story with the same artistry and precision.
Oz Straya Panoramas - Capturing Queensland's Perspective.
