Why you should experience Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park (River Terrace Park) in Brisbane.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, also known as River Terrace Park, offers one of the most cinematic views in all of Brisbane, a place where the city skyline glows golden over the river, and adventure hums in the air from dawn until long after sunset.
Perched along the edge of the Brisbane River, the cliffs rise dramatically from the water, their rugged rock faces painted in shades of rust and ochre. Above, palm trees sway in the breeze while locals and travelers alike gather to picnic, climb, and watch the city light up. This isn’t just a park; it’s Brisbane’s open-air living room, where urban energy meets natural grandeur. Early risers jog along the riverside path as the Story Bridge catches the first blush of sunlight, while by afternoon, rock climbers scale the cliffs, their silhouettes etched against a backdrop of skyscrapers and sky. As night falls, the park transforms again: fairy lights glow in the trees, laughter carries on the breeze, and the hum of the city feels close yet comfortably distant. Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park embodies everything Brisbane does best, outdoorsy spirit, community warmth, and an easygoing sophistication that makes you want to linger long after the sun goes down.
What you didn’t know about Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park.
These striking cliffs have a history as rich as the view they command.
Long before they became one of Brisbane’s most beloved recreational spots, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs were carved from volcanic rock known as Brisbane tuff, formed over 230 million years ago. In the early 1800s, the site became a quarry, the tuff stone was used to construct many of the city’s historic buildings, including the old Commissariat Store and St. Mary’s Anglican Church. As Brisbane evolved, so did this riverside landmark. What was once an industrial zone was reborn into a community haven, a transformation that mirrors the city’s broader journey from colonial outpost to cosmopolitan capital. The cliffs are now heritage-listed, not just for their geology but for their role in shaping the city’s architectural identity. Yet their story extends beyond the stone: they’ve become a symbol of Brisbane’s outdoorsy soul. The park attracts rock climbers, abseilers, and photographers from around the world, drawn by the rare opportunity to climb sheer cliffs in the middle of a capital city. At the top, River Terrace offers panoramic views that sweep across the Brisbane River toward the Central Business District, a sight so breathtaking it’s become a rite of passage for first-time visitors and a sanctuary for locals seeking calm in the urban rush.
How to fold Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park into your trip.
Visiting Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park should be a highlight of your Brisbane experience, a moment to breathe, move, and see the city from its most inspiring vantage point.
Start your adventure early in the morning, when the light is soft and the river glistens. Walk or cycle along the Cliffs Boardwalk, a scenic path that connects South Bank to the base of the cliffs, offering endless photo stops and shaded rest points along the way. If you’re feeling bold, join one of the local climbing tours and ascend the cliff face yourself, guides provide gear and instruction for all levels, making it an exhilarating yet accessible way to experience the site’s natural beauty. For those who prefer solid ground, the top of the cliffs along River Terrace is just as rewarding. Bring a picnic or grab a coffee from the nearby cafés, then settle in at one of the lookouts. From here, the Brisbane skyline seems to float over the river, the Story Bridge arching gracefully, CityCat ferries gliding below, and high-rises catching fire in the afternoon sun. At sunset, the view is transcendent: locals gather on the lawns to watch the city bathe in amber light, couples toast with champagne, and climbers descend by headlamp as the first stars appear overhead. As night settles, the city sparkles to life, and the cliffs glow with a quiet majesty. Before you leave, take a slow walk back toward South Bank, the reflection of the city on the water is pure poetry.
Hear it from the Foresyte community.
“Thought it was just cliffs. Turns out it’s cliffs, picnics, joggers, dogs in sweaters, and people dangling 30 feet up. Brisbane really knows how to multitask.”
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