The legendary Story Bridge in Brisbane is not merely a thoroughfare that connects the Brisbane Central Business District (CBD) and Fortitude Valley with Kangaroo Point. It's a portal to breathtaking views, epic adventures, and memories that’ll stick with you. No word of a lie, it's the longest cantilever bridge Down Under, and if you’re ever in Brisbane, you simply can’t miss it.
This bridge is all about connecting with Brisbane on a whole new level. Picture this: You’re doing the popular Brisbane Story Bridge climb, or simply standing on this iconic bridge, and the sun’s about to call it a day. What comes next is the definition of pure magic. In this blog, we're giving you an insider's look into experiencing the jaw-dropping city skyline from the grand Story Bridge. Be sure to stick around till the end, the last part may surprise you!
First, a walk through time
Before we get all starry-eyed about the stunning vistas, let’s tip our hat to the history of this heritage-listed (Queensland Heritage Register) masterpiece. The Story Bridge, which opened in 1940, is a living, breathing, history lesson and a testament to the resilience and innovation of Brisbane. It was named after a senior public servant and local hero, John Douglas Story, who played a pivotal role in its construction.
The bridge was envisioned as a solution to connect the northern and southern suburbs of Brisbane, which were separated by the Brisbane River. The construction began in 1935 during The Great Depression, and provided much-needed employment for local workers. Now, it is repainted every seven years using over 17,500 litres of paint! It surely ranks high on your Brisbane list of things to see.
With a bridge climb tour, you can learn more about the Story Bridge and the behind-the-scenes effort to make it an architecture marvel.
The serenading river & its banks
The Brisbane River, which silently flows beneath, is the best wingman the Story Bridge could ever ask for. The snaky river which flows through the heart of the city is a playground for numerous aqua adventures and takes centre stage during the annual Brisbane Festival.
Stroll or pedal your way across those magnificent arches, and you're bound to spot one of the popular Brisbane River cruises gliding down the water. River cruises are a hot ticket for tourists and a go-to pastime activity for locals looking for a relaxing day out on the waters. And most of ’em go underneath the bridge, so your chances are fair when it comes to spotting one!
The river banks are also brimming with activity. While you walk or drive across the bridge, the lush greenery and parklands that line up the riverfront come into view. You’ll see people strolling along the pathways, enjoying a picnic in the parks, or the heritage-listed Howard Smith Wharves, right beneath the bridge. The juxtaposition of the vibrant city and the tranquil riverbanks create a harmonious visual treat that truly showcases Brisbane’s true essence.
When the city lights groove
Nighttime is when the city shows its true personality. Brisbane’s skyline comes alive with lights that reflect off the winding river below, creating a spectacle that makes you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. From the Story Bridge, you'll have the best seats in the house to witness this breathtaking transformation as the towering skyscrapers are illuminated with multi-coloured lights. It’s like the city is whispering its secrets through the shimmering lights.
Bonus tip: Try to get your Brisbane accommodation near the bridge on the riverfront and you’ll have the best views for every meal, from breakfast to lunch and dinner!
The old & new in the cityscape
Brisbane has some of the tallest buildings in Australia. Look out into the distance and you’ll see that the city skyline is a stunning mix of historic landmarks and modern skyscrapers. From the grandeur of the Customs House to the modern elegance of the Infinity Tower, each building has a story, and they tell it in their own unique way. While you can see most of ’em as you pass by Bradfield Highway (the roadway across the bridge), we highly recommend scaling the bridge to get the full picture!
For the early risers and evening dwellers
In Brisbane, the early birds don’t just catch the worm, they also enjoy a killer sunrise from the Story Bridge! With the first rays of sunlight kissing the city awake, you’ll enjoy remarkable views at dawn. This is when you’ll also see morning joggers and cyclists in their element.
But as the evening rolls, it’s a whole different story. The sun sets the sky ablaze with fiery colours! Every single moment from the bridge is unique and gives you a fresh take on the city’s beauty.
A space for introspection
The Story Bridge isn’t just a bridge to help you get from A to B, it’s a bridge to your thoughts as well. While you immerse your senses in the grandeur of the city skyline and the serenity of the river, you can’t help but notice your mind slowly wandering into the unexplored. There’s clearly a space for introspection. While you walk or cycle, you'll find that this is the perfect setting to gather your thoughts, put ’em in order, and find solace in the midst of a bustling city. It’s like a personal zen zone smack in the heart of a sprawling metropolis.
In the end,
The Story Bridge is like a chapter in the never-ending story of Brisbane’s evolution. This national icon gives you front-row seats to witness the city's transformation and growth. And as you stand on the bridge, you’ll realise that the story of Brisbane is still being written, and you’re now part of it.
This bridge is all about connecting with Brisbane on a whole new level. Picture this: You’re doing the popular Brisbane Story Bridge climb, or simply standing on this iconic bridge, and the sun’s about to call it a day. What comes next is the definition of pure magic. In this blog, we're giving you an insider's look into experiencing the jaw-dropping city skyline from the grand Story Bridge. Be sure to stick around till the end, the last part may surprise you!
First, a walk through time
Before we get all starry-eyed about the stunning vistas, let’s tip our hat to the history of this heritage-listed (Queensland Heritage Register) masterpiece. The Story Bridge, which opened in 1940, is a living, breathing, history lesson and a testament to the resilience and innovation of Brisbane. It was named after a senior public servant and local hero, John Douglas Story, who played a pivotal role in its construction.
The bridge was envisioned as a solution to connect the northern and southern suburbs of Brisbane, which were separated by the Brisbane River. The construction began in 1935 during The Great Depression, and provided much-needed employment for local workers. Now, it is repainted every seven years using over 17,500 litres of paint! It surely ranks high on your Brisbane list of things to see.
With a bridge climb tour, you can learn more about the Story Bridge and the behind-the-scenes effort to make it an architecture marvel.
The serenading river & its banks
The Brisbane River, which silently flows beneath, is the best wingman the Story Bridge could ever ask for. The snaky river which flows through the heart of the city is a playground for numerous aqua adventures and takes centre stage during the annual Brisbane Festival.
Stroll or pedal your way across those magnificent arches, and you're bound to spot one of the popular Brisbane River cruises gliding down the water. River cruises are a hot ticket for tourists and a go-to pastime activity for locals looking for a relaxing day out on the waters. And most of ’em go underneath the bridge, so your chances are fair when it comes to spotting one!
The river banks are also brimming with activity. While you walk or drive across the bridge, the lush greenery and parklands that line up the riverfront come into view. You’ll see people strolling along the pathways, enjoying a picnic in the parks, or the heritage-listed Howard Smith Wharves, right beneath the bridge. The juxtaposition of the vibrant city and the tranquil riverbanks create a harmonious visual treat that truly showcases Brisbane’s true essence.
When the city lights groove
Nighttime is when the city shows its true personality. Brisbane’s skyline comes alive with lights that reflect off the winding river below, creating a spectacle that makes you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. From the Story Bridge, you'll have the best seats in the house to witness this breathtaking transformation as the towering skyscrapers are illuminated with multi-coloured lights. It’s like the city is whispering its secrets through the shimmering lights.
Bonus tip: Try to get your Brisbane accommodation near the bridge on the riverfront and you’ll have the best views for every meal, from breakfast to lunch and dinner!
The old & new in the cityscape
Brisbane has some of the tallest buildings in Australia. Look out into the distance and you’ll see that the city skyline is a stunning mix of historic landmarks and modern skyscrapers. From the grandeur of the Customs House to the modern elegance of the Infinity Tower, each building has a story, and they tell it in their own unique way. While you can see most of ’em as you pass by Bradfield Highway (the roadway across the bridge), we highly recommend scaling the bridge to get the full picture!
For the early risers and evening dwellers
In Brisbane, the early birds don’t just catch the worm, they also enjoy a killer sunrise from the Story Bridge! With the first rays of sunlight kissing the city awake, you’ll enjoy remarkable views at dawn. This is when you’ll also see morning joggers and cyclists in their element.
But as the evening rolls, it’s a whole different story. The sun sets the sky ablaze with fiery colours! Every single moment from the bridge is unique and gives you a fresh take on the city’s beauty.
A space for introspection
The Story Bridge isn’t just a bridge to help you get from A to B, it’s a bridge to your thoughts as well. While you immerse your senses in the grandeur of the city skyline and the serenity of the river, you can’t help but notice your mind slowly wandering into the unexplored. There’s clearly a space for introspection. While you walk or cycle, you'll find that this is the perfect setting to gather your thoughts, put ’em in order, and find solace in the midst of a bustling city. It’s like a personal zen zone smack in the heart of a sprawling metropolis.
In the end,
The Story Bridge is like a chapter in the never-ending story of Brisbane’s evolution. This national icon gives you front-row seats to witness the city's transformation and growth. And as you stand on the bridge, you’ll realise that the story of Brisbane is still being written, and you’re now part of it.
