Kurilpa Bridge, Brisbane - The story bridge crosses a cityscape.
1 / 10

Kurilpa Bridge Brisbane

4.5
·173 reviews·South Brisbane, Australia

A striking modern bridge with a unique tensegrity design, offering panoramic river views and spectacular night illumination.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Kurilpa Bridge, Brisbane - The story bridge crosses a cityscape.

Kurilpa Bridge Brisbane

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A striking modern bridge with a unique tensegrity design, offering panoramic river views and spectacular night illumination.

4.5
(173 reviews)

"Beautiful during the day and spectacular at night. Well lit. Goes to Southbank from near roma street station"

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Lights

The bridge is spectacular at night! Bring your camera for amazing photos of the city skyline and the illuminated structure.

🚴‍♀️ Cycle Across

Enjoy a smooth ride with separated bike lanes, connecting the CBD to Southbank.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Illuminated Night Views

Illuminated Night Views

Brisbane River

Spectacular light displays transform the bridge after dark, offering a magical backdrop for photos and evening strolls.

Panoramic River Vistas

Panoramic River Vistas

Mid-span

Enjoy sweeping views of the Brisbane River and the city skyline from this unique pedestrian and cyclist thoroughfare.

Architectural Marvel

Architectural Marvel

Entire structure

Admire the innovative tensegrity design, a striking piece of modern engineering that stands out against the cityscape.

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

For the best light and fewer crowds, aim for sunrise or sunset. The bridge's unique illumination makes it a photographer's dream after dark, but be aware that evenings can still attract a good number of people.

Connecting to Southbank

The Kurilpa Bridge is a vital link, connecting the CBD's Roma Street area to the vibrant Southbank precinct. Plan your visit to include exploring the nearby Gallery of Modern Art and the riverside attractions.

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Stunning light show
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

So you only have 3 days in Brisbane! This is how I would do it! @VisitBrisbane AD #visitbrisbane
@joslaloh
41.9K likes • 6.3M views

📸 Capture the Lights

The bridge is spectacular at night! Bring your camera for amazing photos of the city skyline and the illuminated structure. Instagram+1

🚴‍♀️ Cycle Across

Enjoy a smooth ride with separated bike lanes, connecting the CBD to Southbank. Reddit

Link in bi-hoe #brisbane #thingstodobrisbane #brisbanecafe #brisvegas #queensland
@lenasdoingthings
39.3K likes • 491.3K views
Rainbow Dawn This morning's sunrise may not have been the most concupiscible, but the Kurilpa bridge lit as it was made up for any shortcomings in the sky🌈 Although the river's surface was substantially rippled due to the outgoing tide, there were patches of calm water in the main flow allowing for reflections to be discovered This location is one that I often utilise for a launch zone as the o...
brizzypix
475 likes • 0 views

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Stroll

A pleasant walk with great views, perfect for connecting to the arts precinct and Southbank. Reddit

💡 Unique Design

Appreciate the innovative tensegrity structure, a modern engineering feat. Reddit

Looking down the river from the Kurilpa Bridge. #victoriabridge #kurilpabridge #brisbanecity #discoverbrisbane #thisisbrisbane #brisbaneanyday #viewsofbrisbane #brisbaneatnight #bridges_of_our_world #bridgesofinstagram #raw_bridges #total_bridges #tv_bridges #amazing_bridges #gw_bridges #addicted_to_nights #nightscape #nightphotography #sigma2470art #sonyalpha #sonyphotographer #abcmyphoto...
robb.2505
47 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Lights

The bridge is spectacular at night! Bring your camera for amazing photos of the city skyline and the illuminated structure. Instagram+1

🚴‍♀️ Cycle Across

Enjoy a smooth ride with separated bike lanes, connecting the CBD to Southbank. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Stroll

A pleasant walk with great views, perfect for connecting to the arts precinct and Southbank. Reddit

💡 Unique Design

Appreciate the innovative tensegrity structure, a modern engineering feat. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(173 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Kurilpa Bridge for its unique, modern design and its spectacular illumination at night. It's lauded as a vital and scenic connection between the CBD and Southbank, offering great views for both walkers and cyclists. While its aesthetic is appreciated, some find its design challenging.

"Beautiful bridge over the Brisbane river. Unique structure and lovely illumination during the evening. Great for bike riders and walkers."

Joydip Sinha

"It’s cool to see a bridge that has been designed to be different, aesthetically challenging and not to everyone’s taste.
But it’s interesting and performs well as a bridge, wide, covered, separated bike lanes and lit up well.
The night time photos are fab and it’s worth coming here with camera in hand."

Paul Tooze (No Journey Too Small)

"One of a series of very handy bridges for bike riders looking to cross the river. Good bike access both ends, linking Kurilpa Point and the arts precinct with Roma Street in the city. Nice views of the river and CBD with handy lay-by seating part way along."

Zeglar “Zeg” Fergus

What People Like

Unique tensegrity design
Spectacular night illumination
Panoramic river views

What People Dislike

Aesthetically challenging for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Kurilpa Bridge is easily accessible from the CBD, particularly from the Roma Street area. For cyclists, a recommended route involves heading towards Roma Street Parklands and then connecting to the bridge. Reddit Pedestrians can also find convenient access points leading to the bridge from the city side.

Yes, the Kurilpa Bridge is a key part of Brisbane's cycling infrastructure. It offers separated bike lanes and connects the CBD to Southbank, making it a popular choice for commuters. Reddit

Absolutely! The bridge is designed for both pedestrians and cyclists, offering a pleasant walking experience with excellent views of the river and city. Reddit

While the Kurilpa Bridge is a good option, some cyclists prefer the Go-Between Bridge for easier access to the bikeway along the river. If using Kurilpa Bridge, you can connect to Roma Street Parklands and then follow dedicated paths. Reddit

The bridge connects to areas near Roma Street Station on the CBD side and is close to Southbank's transport hubs, including bus and ferry terminals.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets or entry fees required to access and cross the Kurilpa Bridge. It is a public thoroughfare. Reddit

The Kurilpa Bridge is open 24/7, allowing access at any time. However, its illumination is most prominent and enjoyable during the evening hours. Instagram+1

There is no admission fee to use the Kurilpa Bridge. It is a free public access bridge.

Yes, visiting Kurilpa Bridge at night is highly recommended to experience its beautiful illumination and stunning city views. Instagram+2

The bridge is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring wide pathways suitable for wheelchairs and prams.

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photography are during sunrise and sunset for beautiful natural light, and at night to capture the bridge's stunning illumination. Instagram+2

You can capture panoramic views of the Brisbane River and city skyline, as well as unique shots of the bridge's modern architecture and its vibrant night lights. Instagram+2

The entire length of the bridge offers great vantage points. Mid-span provides excellent city skyline views, while the approaches offer unique perspectives of the structure itself. Instagram+1

A tripod is highly recommended for night photography to ensure sharp images. A wide-angle lens can help capture the expansive cityscapes and the bridge's full structure. Instagram

Drone usage is subject to strict regulations in Brisbane. Always check the latest CASA guidelines and local council rules before flying a drone in this area.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Kurilpa Bridge is a fantastic, free activity for families. Its wide pathways are perfect for strollers, and the separated bike lanes offer a safe space for children learning to cycle. The bridge provides excellent views of the river, which kids often find fascinating. It's a great way to connect to the Southbank Parklands, where you'll find Streets Beach (a man-made swimming lagoon) and playgrounds, making for a fun-filled day out. TikTok+1

🚴‍♀️ Cyclists and Commuters

For cyclists, the Kurilpa Bridge is an essential piece of Brisbane's urban infrastructure. It offers a direct and safe route across the Brisbane River, connecting the CBD to Southbank and beyond. The dedicated bike lanes are well-maintained, and the bridge's design minimizes gradients, making for an easier commute. Reddit It's a popular choice for those heading to work or exploring the city on two wheels. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find the Kurilpa Bridge a dream location, especially after dark. The bridge's unique tensegrity design is visually striking, and its programmable LED lighting system creates a stunning, colorful display at night. Instagram+2 Sunrise and sunset also offer beautiful natural light for capturing the bridge and the surrounding cityscape. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel: Tensegrity Design

The Kurilpa Bridge is renowned for its innovative tensegrity structure. Unlike traditional bridges that rely on compression, tensegrity uses a system of tension and compression elements that are not in continuous contact. This creates a lightweight yet strong and visually striking design.

This unique engineering approach allows the bridge to span the Brisbane River with minimal support, giving it a floating or suspended appearance. The design was a deliberate choice to create a landmark that is both functional and aesthetically significant, standing out as a piece of modern art as much as a crossing. Reddit

Illuminating the Night Sky

One of the most captivating aspects of the Kurilpa Bridge is its dynamic illumination system. The bridge is lit with a spectrum of colors that change throughout the night, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. This feature makes it a popular spot for evening strolls and night photography. Instagram+2

The lighting is not just for show; it enhances the bridge's architectural features and provides a safe and inviting atmosphere after dark. Visitors often describe the illuminated bridge as 'spectacular' and a must-see when in Brisbane. Instagram+2

A Vital Link for Pedestrians and Cyclists

The Kurilpa Bridge serves as a crucial connection between Brisbane's Central Business District (CBD) and the vibrant Southbank precinct. It provides a safe and direct route for pedestrians and cyclists, bypassing road traffic. Reddit

For cyclists, it's a key component of the city's bikeway network, linking areas like Roma Street to the Southbank Parklands and beyond. The separated bike lanes ensure a comfortable and secure journey. Reddit Pedestrians can enjoy a leisurely walk, taking in the river views and easy access to cultural attractions like the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and the Queensland Museum located in Southbank.

You may also like

1 of 2