McAfee's Lookout

Discover breathtaking mountain vistas, coastal panoramas and unforgettable photography locations across South East Queensland.

South East Queensland is home to some of Australia's most spectacular scenery. From ancient volcanic mountain ranges and lush World Heritage-listed rainforests to rugged coastlines and sweeping city skylines, the region offers an incredible variety of scenic lookouts for photographers, hikers, nature lovers and road-trippers.

Whether you're planning a weekend escape, searching for the perfect sunrise viewpoint or simply looking for somewhere to enjoy Queensland's natural beauty, these 25 scenic lookouts deserve a place on your travel list.

Many of these locations also feature in the panoramic image collections here at Oz Straya Panoramas, where you can experience Queensland's landscapes through immersive high-resolution photography.

1. Mount Coot-tha Lookout

Just minutes from Brisbane's CBD, Mount Coot-tha is arguably Queensland's best-known lookout. Visitors enjoy panoramic views across Brisbane City, Moreton Bay and the distant Glass House Mountains on clear days.

Best for:

• Sunrise

• Sunset

• Night photography

• Brisbane skyline

2. Jolly's Lookout

Located in D'Aguilar National Park, Jolly's Lookout offers magnificent views across Samford Valley, Moreton Bay and the Glass House Mountains. It is one of Brisbane's oldest formal lookouts and a popular destination for picnics and short walks.

3. Best of All Lookout

Perched over 1,000 metres above sea level in Springbrook National Park, this famous lookout provides spectacular views towards northern New South Wales and the iconic Wollumbin (Mount Warning).

A short rainforest walk leads visitors to one of Australia's most photographed viewpoints.

4. Carr's Lookout

Situated between Boonah and Killarney, Carr's Lookout overlooks the Teviot Valley and the rugged peaks of Main Range National Park. It's especially beautiful during golden hour and is regarded as one of the Scenic Rim's premier roadside viewpoints.

5. Gerrards Lookout

Located between Maleny and Montville, Gerrards Lookout offers sweeping views across the Sunshine Coast hinterland towards the Pacific Ocean. Early morning mist often creates magical photographic conditions.

6. Point Danger

Where Queensland meets New South Wales, Point Danger delivers spectacular coastal views over Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks and the Pacific Ocean.

Whale watching during winter is exceptional.

7. Mount Tamborine Lookouts

The Tamborine Mountain plateau offers numerous viewpoints overlooking the Gold Coast hinterland, Scenic Rim and coastal plain.

Popular locations include:

• Rotary Lookout

• Hang Glider Lookout

• Beacon Road Lookout

8. Bare Rock Lookout & Mount Cordeaux summit

Located in Main Range National Park, Bare Rock rewards hikers with panoramic views across mountain ranges, valleys and ancient volcanic landscapes.

9. Mount Mitchell summit

For adventurous hikers, Mount Mitchell provides one of South East Queensland's finest 360-degree panoramas overlooking Cunningham's Gap and the Great Dividing Range.

10. Sylvesters Lookout

This peaceful lookout overlooks the Fassifern Valley and surrounding Scenic Rim peaks after a gentle rainforest walk in Main Range National Park.

11. Picnic Point, Toowoomba

Toowoomba's iconic Picnic Point sits atop the Great Dividing Range with expansive views across the Lockyer Valley. Walking trails, gardens and picnic areas make it an excellent day-trip destination.

12. Mount Glorious

A favourite destination for motorcyclists and photographers, Mount Glorious combines rainforest scenery with elevated views over Brisbane's western ranges.

13. Spicers Peak

One of the highest accessible mountain viewpoints in the Scenic Rim, offering spectacular hiking and photography opportunities.

14. Cunningham's Gap Lookouts

Several viewpoints along Cunningham Highway showcase towering cliffs, rainforest-covered mountains and dramatic escarpments.

15. The Head Lookout

Located within Main Range National Park, this lesser-known lookout overlooks the rugged wilderness of the Scenic Rim.

16. O'Reilly's Lookout

Situated in Lamington National Park, O'Reilly's provides panoramic rainforest views and excellent opportunities for birdwatching.

17. Mount Barney summit

One of Queensland's most iconic mountain climbs, rewarding experienced hikers with extraordinary 360-degree views.

18. Glass House Mountains Lookouts

Several elevated viewpoints around Beerburrum, Maleny and the Glass House Mountains reveal the unique volcanic peaks that dominate the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

19. Wild Horse Mountain Lookout

An easy climb rewards visitors with uninterrupted views across the Glass House Mountains, Pumicestone Passage and Moreton Bay.

20. Noosa National Park Coastal Lookouts

Walking tracks reveal stunning ocean views, rugged cliffs and opportunities to spot dolphins, turtles and migrating whales.

21. Kings Lookout

Located near Boonah, Kings Lookout offers peaceful countryside panoramas and excellent sunset photography.

22. Mount Mee Lookouts

The D'Aguilar Range around Mount Mee features several scenic viewpoints overlooking Moreton Bay, forests and rolling farmland.

23. Goat Track Lookout

A hidden gem providing elevated views across Brisbane's western suburbs and surrounding mountain ranges.

24. Springbrook Canyon Lookouts

Purling Brook Falls, Natural Bridge, Twin Falls, Bilbrough Falls and surrounding canyon viewpoints showcase ancient rainforest landscapes carved over millions of years.

25. Queen Mary Falls Lookout

Located near Killarney, this spectacular waterfall lookout combines dramatic cliffs, forest scenery and one of Queensland's most impressive waterfalls.

Tips for Visiting South East Queensland Lookouts

To make the most of your visit:

• Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light.

• Check weather conditions before travelling.

• Carry water and sun protection.

• Stay on marked walking tracks.

• Respect wildlife and protected environments.

• Bring a tripod for landscape photography.

• Always follow drone regulations and local restrictions before flying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best lookout in South East Queensland?

Choosing the best lookout depends on what you're looking for, but Mount Coot-tha Lookout in Brisbane is one of the region's most iconic viewpoints. It offers sweeping views across the Brisbane skyline, Moreton Bay and, on clear days, the Glass House Mountains. For rainforest scenery, Best of All Lookout in Springbrook National Park is a favourite, while Wild Horse Mountain Lookout provides one of the best panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains.

Where are the best scenic lookouts near Brisbane?

There are many spectacular lookouts within a short drive of Brisbane. Popular destinations include:

• Mount Coot-tha Lookout

• Jolly's Lookout

• Mount Glorious

• Wild Horse Mountain Lookout

• Mount Mee Lookouts

• Glass House Mountains Lookouts

• Mount Tamborine Lookouts

Most of these destinations can be reached in one to two hours, making them ideal for day trips.

Which lookout has the best views in Queensland?

Queensland is home to countless scenic viewpoints, but some of the most impressive include:

• Best of All Lookout (Springbrook National Park)

• Mount Barney Summit

• Mount Coot-tha Lookout

• Carr's Lookout, Scenic Rim

• Bare Rock Lookout, Mount Cordeaux

• Wild Horse Mountain Lookout

• Point Danger

• Picnic Point, Toowoomba

• Mount Mitchell summit

Each offers a unique perspective, from coastal panoramas and rainforest valleys to mountain ranges and city skylines.

Where can I watch sunrise in Brisbane?

For a memorable Brisbane sunrise, consider visiting:

• Mount Coot-tha Lookout

• Kangaroo Point Cliffs

• Shorncliffe Pier

• Wellington Point

• Redcliffe Jetty

• Jolly's Lookout

Early morning light creates beautiful colours over the city and surrounding landscapes, making these locations popular with photographers.

What are the best Gold Coast lookouts?

The Gold Coast is surrounded by excellent viewpoints, including:

• Point Danger

• Mount Tamborine Lookouts

• Best of All Lookout

• Springbrook Canyon Lookouts

• Rotary Lookout

• Hinze Dam Lookout

• Burleigh Head National Park Lookout

These locations offer stunning views of beaches, rainforests, mountain ranges and the Gold Coast skyline.

Are there free scenic lookouts in Queensland?

Yes. Most scenic lookouts across South East Queensland are free to visit. National parks, conservation areas and public reserves provide access to many outstanding viewpoints without an entry fee. Some parks may charge for camping or organised activities, but lookout access is generally free.

What are the best photography locations in South East Queensland?

South East Queensland offers outstanding photography opportunities throughout the year. Some of the region's best locations include:

• Glass House Mountains

• Mount Coot-tha

• Springbrook National Park

• Lamington National Park

• Mount Barney National Park

• Noosa National Park

• Queen Mary Falls

• Scenic Rim

• Moreton Island

• North Stradbroke Island

These destinations provide diverse landscapes, from coastal cliffs and waterfalls to mountain peaks and ancient rainforests.

Which national parks have the best views?

Several national parks are renowned for their scenic lookouts:

• Springbrook National Park

• Lamington National Park

• Main Range National Park

• D'Aguilar National Park

• Noosa National Park

• Glass House Mountains National Park

• Girraween National Park

• Mount Barney National Park

Each park features walking trails leading to spectacular panoramic viewpoints and excellent nature photography opportunities.

Where are the best mountain lookouts in Queensland?

Some of Queensland's finest mountain lookouts include:

• Mount Barney summit

• Mount Mitchell summit

• Bare Rock Lookout

• Carr's Lookout

• Cunningham's Gap

• Best of All Lookout

• Mount Tamborine Lookouts

• Spicers Peak

• Mount Glorious

• Wild Horse Mountain Lookout

These locations provide sweeping views across the Great Dividing Range, Scenic Rim and coastal plains.

Can you fly a drone at Queensland lookouts?

Drone use is permitted in some areas but is restricted or prohibited in many national parks and protected areas across Queensland. Before flying, always check the latest regulations issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Respect privacy, avoid flying near people or wildlife, and ensure you are operating in a location where recreational or commercial drone flights are allowed. If you're unsure, choose a legal flying location outside protected areas and always fly safely.

A Photographer's Paradise

South East Queensland offers an extraordinary diversity of landscapes within just a few hours' drive—from subtropical rainforests and volcanic peaks to coastal headlands, waterfalls and city skylines. Whether you're an experienced photographer or simply enjoy discovering beautiful places, these lookouts showcase some of the region's finest scenery.

At Oz Straya Panoramas, we're passionate about capturing Australia's landscapes through immersive panoramic photography. Browse our growing collection of panoramas, destination guides and aerial imagery to discover even more remarkable locations across Queensland and beyond.

Have we missed one of your favourite scenic lookouts? We'd love to hear your recommendations and continue expanding this guide for fellow travellers and photographers.

Mount Cootha

Carr's Lookout

Mount Mitchell