Brisbane's Most Insta-worthy Locations

Since the dawn of the Instagram era, travelling for many has not been the same. The mantra ‘if it’s not on Instagram, it didn’t happen’, is now so widely embraced, it is almost as if it’s ingrained in the everyday travel itinerary.

According to National Geographic, Instagram has more than 500 million active users who share an average of 80 million photos per day, with people engaging with the platform 10 times more often than that of Facebook and, what’s more, the platform is now affecting the way we travel.

Throughout Australia and across the globe, Instagram has become a fun little addition to the travel experience, with holidaymakers sifting out all the top-spots in their destination of choice to get snap-happy, stylising the perfect pic that’s certain to snatch double-taps a plenty.

Brisbane too, is seeing its fair share of #Instalove, with the city’s picturesque, urban landscape providing a stellar backdrop in both traveller and local feeds alike. With its beautiful bridges, bustling streetscapes, hidden natural gems and of course, its majestic, winding river – there’s a standout snap to be taken around each and every Brisbane street corner.

Not quite sure where to go or how to begin creating the ultimate Instagram photo collection during your travels in Brisbane? Here are our top picks of Instagram-worthy locations for you to capture on your next visit to this vibrant city.

For The Landmark Lovers

Being a tourist, it’s hard to ignore that inner urge to gravitate towards a city’s signature landmarks. Brisbane, like most modern metropolises, has its famous attractions, and when taking an image that encapsulates that total postcard moment, it’s really hard to beat Wilsons Outlook at Bowen Terrace in New Farm. With panoramic views of the city skyline, the Brisbane River and the ever-iconic Story Bridge, this location is ideal for those looking to capture that token moment that really proves you’ve ‘been-there-done-that’.

As the cultural hub within the city, Brisbane’s South Bank is a must-see for any traveller hoping to witness an abundance of activity in the one location. Next to the elegant QPAC building by the riverside lays the Wheel of Brisbane, the Ferris wheel of fun that is not only good to jump aboard for 360-degree snapping, but is also an epic background for those travel selfies we all know you’re going to take. The Grand Arbour at South Bank is also a great stop for seriously sophisticated Insta-images. The meandering steel structure with its twisting metal curves is a sight to be seen, and covered with bright purple bougainvillea flowers, this colourful landmark will have you instantly reaching for your iPhone.

The Local Perspective

Pictures taken at local hangouts are essential to a well-rounded #travelgram, as they add that cool-kid, down-to-earth vibe that can only be obtained by those in ‘the loop’. Hiding throughout the city are a number of local hotspots. Take a view from the top at Highgate Hill Park, and snap a stunning birds eye view of the city and its suburban surrounds. Afterwards, head down the hill and stroll into the charismatic community of West End. Here you’ll find a number of street art murals betwixt buildings along Boundary Street, Vulture Street and Montague Road, ideal for those with a penchant for anything artistic.

Back To Nature

For an image that shows the tranquil side of Brisbane, head eastward to the bayside suburb of Shorncliffe, where the recently restored Shorncliffe Pier stretches out into the beautiful Bramble Bay. Take a walk along the 350-meter boardwalk – it’s dripping with centuries of history and significance, and it has breathtaking views to match. Sunrise or sunset is the prime time to capture your content, as the pier’s pylons create a dreamlike silhouette that juxtapose perfectly against pastel or molten skies. For something that could get a repost, try a time lapse of the sun rising or setting against the movement of the tide rolling in or out.

Tips and Tricks

Lauren Bath, professional photographer and Instagrammer, says the key to nailing your travel Instagram comes down to a combination of content, consistency and personality.

“Be mindful of choosing only the highest quality photos that you are capable of producing to post on your Instagram, and be consistent with these posts. It’s helpful to use an editing program on your laptop or phone like Photoshop, Lightroom, or even VSCO Cam or Snapspeed,” she said.

Little tweaks like cropping, adjusting exposure, contrast and saturation, as well as sharpening or adding a slight filter, can make all the difference to the overall quality of your images. Try to post a couple of times per day to keep your viewers captivated and your content fresh, and don’t forget to hashtag. Adding 20-30 hashtags per post will expand the reach of your travel pics for new audiences to find and engage with. Be clever with your hashtags by including popular tags, travel tags or Brisbane specific tags, and who knows, you could even score a repost. A good one to use while travelling in Brisbane is #thisisqueensland, which is linked to Tourism and Event Queensland’s official Instagram page. If your photo is chosen, it could be featured on their platform reaching over 314K followers! Wouldn’t that be the icing on an exciting whirlwind adventure through Brisbane? Just remember to have fun, enjoy the moment and be yourself.

“At the end of the day inspiring content is genuine content, as that’s what people really connect with. Stay true to yourself, share your travel stories in your captions, and let your personality shine through your images,” Lauren said.

For travellers looking to visit the River City, Oaks Hotels & Resorts offers the choice of 11 perfectly positioned properties across the CBD, Bowen Hills, Milton and Woolloongabba. Boasting spacious, self-contained apartments and premium leisure facilities, Oaks Hotels & Resorts is the ideal base for the solo traveller right through to families and groups.