Overview
In spots dotted across the globe, including in New York, Tokyo, Berlin, Paris and Sydney, the best way for tourists to get a full glimpse of bustling cities is to head up. We've all seen the photos. If you've ever been to one such destination, you've likely taken more than a few. Now, you can enjoy a killer view — and an excellent place to take sky-high snaps — in Brisbane as well.
Over the past decade or so, rooftop hangouts have joined the River City by the dozens. But only Cicada Blu and Babblers since late August 2024 — plus Aloria from October — are part of Brisbane's new Sky Deck. The towering attraction on level 23 at the Queensland capital's just-launched $3.6-billion Queen's Wharf precinct, the viewing platform sits 100 metres above the Brisbane CBD. Cicada Blu is its resident openair bar and Babblers is its all-day dining haven, while Aloria will give Sky Deck its signature restaurant.
Unsurprisingly, Cicada Blu takes centre stage on the lofty deck, in prime position for cocktails with a stunning vista from 3pm Wednesday–Thursday and midday Friday–Sunday. The menu here focuses on drinks with botanical infusions, which can be paired with an array of bar snacks. As the sun sets, live tunes also help set the mood.
While gazing outwards is the drawcard across Sky Deck, Cicada Blu wants patrons to notice more than the vantage. It sports a lighting installation to give the bar even more of a glow than its sun- and star-lit perch is already does, with the luminous setup taking its cues from cloud formations and summer storms.
For a casual bite or coffee, that's where Babblers on Sky Deck's eastern side comes in. The name hails from the babbler bird family. The vibe is relaxed. And the local produce-heroing food menu? It includes K'gari spanner crab omelette with fermented chilli mornay, green apple and tarragon as a breakfast standout from 7am, plus a pickled cucumber-, sourdough crouton-, salsa verde- and basil-heavy heirloom tomato salad from 11am.
When it launches in October at a yet-to-be-announced date, Aloria will be located on Sky Deck's western end — with dry-aged steak and seafood among its specialties, European and Australian influences flavouring the cuisine, Australian ingredients in the spotlight, and the open kitchen pumping out woodfired and grilled dishes. Another highlight: a dedicated martini menu that'll span classics and inventive variations. One more reason to grab a glass: a hefty range of wine, which has been dubbed a 'cellar in the sky'.
Overall, Sky Deck features a 250-metre rooftop runway with a glass-floor viewing platform, plus 360-degree views out over the Brisbane CBD, Brisbane River, Mt Coot-tha and Moreton Bay — and it's open all day and night, every day and night.
Expect it to be popular. The Queensland Government certainly does, anticipating that an estimated 1.4 million international, interstate and local visitors to the city each year might stop by.
"Sky Deck brings a new era of dining and entertainment to our city, and we are excited to now welcome guests to experience these incredible rooftop venues," said The Star Brisbane General Manager Food and Beverage Dustin Osuch.
"Our vision for Sky Deck was to create a space that locals and travellers can visit at any point of the day and be captivated, from the views to the unique food and beverage offerings."
"With Babblers and Cicada Blu now open, and our signature restaurant Aloria set to follow next month, Sky Deck is quickly becoming an unforgettable Brisbane landmark that showcases the spirit of our city."
Find Queen's Wharf Sky Deck at Level 23, 33 William Street, Brisbane, with Cicada Blu open from 3pm–late Wednesday–Thursday and 12pm–late Friday–Sunday, and Babblers operating from 7am–10pm daily. Head to the Queen's Wharf website for more details.