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Soaring Above Brisbane with Sky Deck at Queen’s Wharf
I have always wanted to visit the Sky Deck due to its stunning location, which offers a breathtaking view of the city and Brisbane’s riverside precinct. Not to mention, this place has the best scenic views of the sunset.
With a variety of restaurants to choose from and exhilarating events and performances on weekends, the Sky Deck embodies modern sophistication and urban vibrancy.
If you’re planning to visit this place, be sure to continue reading for tips and insider advice to make the most of your experience at Brisbane’s newest landmark.
Overview of the Sky Deck
– Media from: thestarbrisbane
Address: The Star Brisbane, Lvl 23/33 William St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000
Contact Details: 1800 888 899
Website: https://www.star.com.au/brisbane/sky-deck
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday- 6:30 AM- 10:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday- 6:30 AM- Midnight
Average Price: $20-40 per person
The Sky Deck is perched above the signature arc-shaped building in Brisbane CBD.
This 100-meter-high observation deck offers an astounding venue for luxurious dining and futuristic entertainment. It includes live music performances and DJs on Fridays and weekends.
The entire rooftop spans 250 meters of restaurants and bars, comprising the trio— Aloria, Babblers, and Cicada Blu. Aside from the 360-degree views, the Sky Deck boasts a glass floor viewing deck that is both thrilling and awe-inspiring.
Things To Know
Entry: Free public access to the Sky Deck. Queues are likely at sunset and on weekends.
Best Time: Arrive 30–40 minutes before sunset to capture the golden hour and enjoy the night views.
Dining: Book ahead for Babblers, Cicada Blu, or Aloria at peak times. Walk-ins are possible off-peak.
Facilities and Accessibility: Accessible toilets, baby-change facilities, and seating areas are available. Wheelchair access is also accessible via public lifts to Level 23.
How to Get to Sky Deck
By Train: If you opt to ride a train, get off at Central (less than 1.5km) or South Brisbane stations (850m). The Sky Deck is a 10-15 minute walk from the station.
By Bus: Various buses stop at George Street or Elizabeth, which is within walking distance of Queen’s Wharf.
By Ferry/CityCat: If you opt to ride on a ferry, disembark at South Bank or North Quay terminals, then walk across the river along the riverwalk.
Where to Eat inside the Sky Deck
Aloria
– Media from aloria.skydeck
Website: https://www.star.com.au/brisbane/eat-and-drink/signature-dining/aloria
Address: Sky Deck, The Star Brisbane, Level 23/33 William St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Australia
Contact Details: 1800 888 899
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12:00 AM- 5:00 PM; 5:30 PM – Late
Pricing: $$
Upon entering Aloria, we were captivated by the luxurious interior of the restaurant. It was a classic blend of European opulence and Australian charm. Our reservation table? It provided us with a jaw-dropping view of the Brisbane River and the bustling city.
We ordered a delicious smoked carrot tartare, heritage pork rillette, and king prawn pancakes. But the star of the show was the slow-cooked Kidman Wagyu Rump Cap, which was perfectly tender and flavorful.
To end the night, we enjoyed a smooth dark chocolate parfait. Aloria’s beverage offerings also don’t disappoint, featuring highly curated wines and creative cocktails.
Babblers
– Media from paulkellydesign
Website: https://www.star.com.au/brisbane/eat-and-drink/casual-dining/babblers
Address: Skydeck, Level 23/33 William St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Australia
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday- 7:00 AM- 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Babblers has a modern interior, and the natural lighting that comes in makes everything vibrant. It features an open kitchen where you can watch the chef prepare your meal, as well as an al fresco setting with a view overlooking the river.
The food selections range from small plates, such as crumbed pork rillettes and grilled king prawns, to a refreshing soft herb dressing. The mains were as good as the small plates. The heirloom tomato salad is bright and tangy.
The crumbed Berkshire pork tomahawk? It was succulent and perfectly complemented by a salty Parmesan-pepper sauce. We ended the night with a glass of red wine, which offered a fruity finish to our lovely dinner.
Cicada Blu
– Media from chrome_capital_official
Website: https://www.star.com.au/brisbane/eat-and-drink/bars-and-clubs/cicada-blu
Address: Sky Deck Level 23/33 William St, Brisbane City, QLD 4000, Australia
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 3:00 PM- 10:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday- 12:00 PM- 12:00 AM
Price range: Average $
Cicada Blu’s open-air bar had the most unbeatable view stretching across Brisbane. Standing 100 meters above the ground, this bar is the highest I have been to, and the closest I have ever been to the sunset.
To pair with this captivating view are their exotic cocktails, crafted with bold botanical infusions. We had their signature Mandarin Butterfly. It’s a mix of Ron Zacapa, Napoleon mandarin liqueur, and balanced by the sweetness of honey.
Events and Private Functions
Any of the restaurants and bars at Sky Deck make a perfect venue to host events and private functions, whether it’s for a wedding banquet or a corporate event.
Moreover, the entire 250-meter rooftop “runway of restaurants” at Sky Deck can accommodate up to a thousand guests, making it an ideal venue for large celebrations.
The Cicada Blu, in particular, hosts a variety of events and entertainment. This includes live music acts and DJs that electrify the entire space. These are mostly scheduled on Fridays and weekends.
Attractions Nearby
Sky Deck is strategically positioned near some of Brisbane’s great attractions in the CBD. We love to explore some of the shopping and entertainment places at Queen’s Wharf.
South Bank Parklands
– Media from klaudija76776
Address: Clem Jones Promenade, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
Contact Details: (07) 3867 2111
Operating Hours:
- Friday to Sunday- 5:00 AM- 12:00 AM
Just across the Neville Bonner Bridge, we found ourselves in a vibrant precinct—the South Bank Parklands. This place features lush gardens, an open-air amphitheater, and green pathways similar to the Arbour.
It was a bit chilly, so we decided not to take a dip in the lagoon and went on a stroll instead in the park garden (the views here were spectacular!).
Wheel of Brisbane
– Media from channel7wheelofbrisbane
Website: https://thewheelofbrisbane.com.au/
Address: Russell St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
Contact Details: (07) 3844 3464
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday- 10:00 AM- 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday- 10:00 AM- 11:00 PM
Another attraction situated near Sky Deck is the Wheel of Brisbane. The entire Ferris wheel rises 60 meters above ground, and is probably the biggest one I’ve been on.
We were able to witness the entire Central Business District above, as well as the uninterrupted views of the river and parklands. We’ve had a comfortable ride since we hopped inside an enclosed air-conditioned gondola.
The Wheel of Brisbane offers different experience packages, but we highly recommend the Sky-High Sunset Package. It feels like being serenaded by the sunset and treated to a breathtaking panorama of Brisbane’s bustling nightlife.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
– Media from kangaroopointcliffs
Address: 29 River Terrace, Kangaroo Point, QLD 4169, Australia
Contact Details: (07) 3403 8888
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
A short walk or a ferry ride away from the Sky Deck, Kangaroo Point Cliffs sets the perfect spot for scenic walks and even cafe and restaurant hopping.
Just like the previous destinations, this place shows Brisbane at its finest, whether during sunrise or when the city skyline lights up in the evening.
The area also features parklands, playgrounds, and riverside barbecue spots. But for adventurous people like us, we jumped into a kayak for a paddle.
Our Sample Itinerary
We had a simple itinerary when we visited the Sky Deck, starting with an early arrival.
6:30 AM: At around 6:00 in the morning, we arrived just in time to witness the sunrise on the river.
8:00 AM: We had breakfast at Babblers (we had the bacon, cherry tomatoes, and hash brown & flatbread)
10:00 AM: We went on a scenic walk, took photos, and explored the precinct and nearby attractions.
4:30 PM: We returned to Sky Deck for a sunset drink at Cicada Blu
6:30 PM: We ended the night with a lovely dinner at Aloria, with panoramic views of Brisbane’s busy nightlife.
Tips for Visitors
| Pro Tips: Hotel guests enjoy 10% off lunch at Aloria’s rooftop restaurant, so be sure to make use of this discount. The process of getting to the Sky Deck can be slow due to the large crowds during peak hours. We suggest getting there earlier (especially around sunset) to avoid the long wait and secure a prime spot with the best views. If you want to catch the golden hour glow, we recommend arriving at the Sky Deck about 30-40 minutes before sunset. |
