Kangaroo Point Cliffs is a free clifftop park on the Brisbane River with one of the best views of the city skyline, and it is open 24 hours a day. The cliffs are a heritage-listed former quarry about 4 km from the CBD, and the lookout along the top is the reason most people come.
You can sit up top with a coffee or a picnic, walk the riverside path, or watch climbers on the rock face. If you want to try it yourself, a guided group can take you abseiling down the 20 metre cliffs.
The Kangaroo Point Cliffs lookout
The park sits above and below the cliffs, and both levels face across the river to the city towers, the Botanic Gardens and the Story Bridge. The upper level is the clifftop park on River Terrace and the lower level runs along the river at the base of the rock.
The park is open 24 hours a day. The cliff face is floodlit at night, so an evening visit is popular for the city lights.
Rock climbing and abseiling at Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Council lists rock climbing and bouldering at the park. The rock is Brisbane tuff, a welded volcanic ash laid down about 230 million years ago.
If you have never climbed, you can join a guided group to abseil the 20 metre cliffs through Riverlife Adventure Centre, which also hires kayaks so you can see the cliffs from the water. Ask Riverlife directly for current prices, ages and bookings.
Walks, stairs and the riverside path
A staircase of 107 steps links the upper and lower levels. It is steep and popular with runners and walkers, so allow for it if you are visiting with a pram or tired legs.
The Cliffs Boardwalk and the Kangaroo Point Bikeway run through the park, and riverside pathways connect to South Bank and the CBD. Further along the river, Captain Burke Park sits near the Story Bridge and the Holman Street ferry terminal.
Picnics, barbecues and toilets
The park has public toilets, barbecues, picnic areas, shelters, water bubblers, seating and table tennis, and there is a cafe on the clifftop. Council also takes bookings for larger groups at six sites, including an open-air amphitheatre on River Terrace that holds 54 people.
Fees and conditions for group bookings are on council’s park booking pages.
A short history of the cliffs
The cliffs are the old Kangaroo Point quarry. Convicts cut stone here from around 1826 for early Brisbane buildings, and the quarry kept working until 1976. The site was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 2003.
Is Kangaroo Point Cliffs dog friendly?
Dogs must be on a leash outside council’s off-leash areas. Council’s Kangaroo Point page lists dog parks at James Warner Park and Raymond Park if your dog needs a run.
Planning your visit
- How long: 30 to 60 minutes for the views and a walk; longer if you climb, abseil or stop for a picnic.
- Best time: late afternoon and evening for the skyline and the floodlit cliffs.
- Cost: free. Abseiling, kayak hire, the cafe and parking cost extra.
- What to bring: water, a hat, sunscreen and shoes you can climb 107 steps in.
Getting there and parking
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park has two entrances: River Terrace Park at 461 Main Street and the Lower River Terrace section at 29 River Terrace. By car it is about 4 km from the Brisbane CBD, about 10 minutes.
Parking is metered on Lower River Terrace, River Terrace and the nearby streets. In metered areas you can park free for 15 minutes or less, so check the signs for fees and time limits.
By ferry, the Cross River ferry F23 runs between Riverside and Holman Street, which is the nearest ferry terminal to the cliffs. By bus, route 234 runs between Woolloongabba station and the City loop and stops on Main Street at River Terrace. Check times on the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30.
More detail is on council’s Kangaroo Point parks page. Details can change, so check before you go.
Nearby
- Captain Burke Park – a riverside park near the Story Bridge, further along the river.
- Story Bridge – the bridge you see from the lookout, with walking and adventure climb details.
- South Bank Parklands – the other side of the river, with Streets Beach and playgrounds.
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens – the green patch you see across the water.
- Howard Smith Wharves – restaurants and bars under the Story Bridge.
- New Farm Park – jacarandas and picnic lawns downstream.
Browse more lookouts and history and landmarks in Brisbane.
Quick answers
Is Kangaroo Point Cliffs free?
Yes. Entry is free and the park is open 24 hours a day. Parking is metered, and abseiling, kayak hire and the cafe cost extra.
Where do you park for Kangaroo Point Cliffs?
There is metered parking on River Terrace, Lower River Terrace and nearby streets. Parking is free for 15 minutes or less in metered areas.
Can you rock climb at Kangaroo Point Cliffs?
Yes. Council lists rock climbing and bouldering at the park, and you can also abseil the 20 metre cliffs with a guided group.
Are there toilets at Kangaroo Point Cliffs?
Yes. Council lists public toilets, along with barbecues, picnic areas and water bubblers.
Can I take my dog to Kangaroo Point Cliffs?
Dogs must be on a leash outside council’s off-leash areas. The nearest off-leash areas council lists for Kangaroo Point are James Warner Park and Raymond Park.
How do I get to Kangaroo Point Cliffs without a car?
Take the Cross River ferry F23 to Holman Street, or bus route 234 to the Main Street at River Terrace stop. Cyclists can use the Kangaroo Point Bikeway.
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