Top Photography Locations From Brisbane to the Gold Coast

One of my favourite activities to do on a day off is fill my tank with fuel and location scout. We are very fortunate to have so many diverse backdrops here in South East Queensland but finding great spots can sometimes take a little legwork and we don’t always have the time to drive around with our fingers crossed. For this reason I’ve decided to share a few of my favourite locations that I’ve shot at recently that I know you will love just as much as I do. There are plenty more locations that are currently on my list to check out, so stay tuned for a part two to this blog in the near future.

1. BRIAN BURKE RESERVE – SAMFORD

Samford has to be the first location on my list, purely because some of my absolute favourite shoots have been out this way. Samford is great for finding quiet fields with backdrops of Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious. When I first started exploring Samford I found a spot that was being developed and it had that vibe of “pinterest girl in the field” that I personally really love to capture. A few months later this spot had sadly been turned into a new housing estate and I was devastated. Fortunately, I’ve found another spot that makes me equally as excited at Brian Burke Reserve. This location is luscious! In one direction you have beautiful forests going up into the hill and in the other you have a vacant field with the mountains in the background. Due to the long grass, this location is only really safe to shoot in during the cooler months when our slithery friends are in hiding. The location can be a little funny to find so if we’re shooting together I’ll suggest we meet in The Village and go from there.

2. SHORNCLIFFE PIER

Shorncliffe Pier is one of those spots that I always see landscape photographers shooting at because it is absolutely stunning. If you’re in Brisbane and are after a beach location, Shorncliffe should at the very least be on your short list. Unfortunately because it is such a beautiful location, it can be quite busy at times. I recommend shooting here when the tide is on the lower side, as it will give you more options to venture out onto the sandbanks and under the jetty, where your shots are less likely to be interrupted by passers-by.

3. THE BOTANICAL GARDENS MOUNT COOT-THA

I was super late to the party with this spot but now I know the potential of the Botanical Gardens, they’re right up there on my list. At the Botanical Gardens you will find cactus-lined pathways, a serene lake perfect for a picnic shoot, vivid greens and the must-see Sir Thomas Planetarium. There’s so many location options at the Botanical Gardens that you’ll want to bring comfy shoes and explore!

4. PANDANUS BEACH WYNNUM

Pandanus Beach is another sea-side location that’s not too far from the Brisbane CBD. The water here is super calm which is particularly great for family photos or maternity sessions. One of my favourite things about Pandanus Beach is that the Jetty opens out to a clearing that is uninterrupted by fences, meaning you get these beautiful shots with nothing but ocean in the background. Unlike Shorncliffe Pier, I think this location is best at high tide or close to as unfortunately the downside to shooting here is that the sand gets really murky and smelly when the tide is low.

5. ELEPHANT ROCK CURRUMBIN

I was introduced to Elephant Rock by a friend who suggested it during a shoot at North Burleigh (another location I recommend!) and I’ve been in love with it ever since. The rock itself blocks a lot of sun after lunch so it’s one of those spots that you can start shooting at earlier in the afternoon. The thing I love most about Elephant Rock is how the waves crash against the rocks in the most spectacular manner. You know that scene in The Little Mermaid when Ariel is singing the Part of Your World reprise and a wave crashes on the rock she’s perched up on? Well, that’s what shooting at Elephant Rock reminds me of.

6. OXLEY CREEK COMMON

Located less than 30 minutes from the Brisbane CBD, Oxley Creek Common is fantastic spot for family photography. The location is surrounded by paddocks filled with farm animals and a walking trail that is framed by bushland. There’s also a beautiful red barn if you want to really embrace that country vibe in your photos.

7. PIZZEY PARK MIAMI

Now this location is something else. If you live on the Gold Coast or are willing to travel, do yourself a favour and check out Pizzey Park in Miami. This spot is filled with tall pine trees overlooking a magnificent lake. Another selling point is that Pizzey Park is dog friendly, meaning even the four-legged members of your family can join in on the photoshoot fun.