Brisbane, located in the southeast corner of Queensland, presents a captivating geography that is essential to its identity and growth. The city is predominantly centered along the winding Brisbane River, with its eastern suburbs bordering the picturesque shores of Moreton Bay, a part of the Coral Sea. This greater Brisbane region lies on the coastal plain east of the Great Dividing Range, where the Taylor and D'Aguilar ranges extend into the metropolitan area.

The metropolitan area sprawls along the Moreton Bay floodplain, stretching from Caboolture in the north to Beenleigh in the south and encompassing Ipswich in the southwest. The Brisbane River, a wide tidal estuary, flows through the city, offering navigable waters that are brackish for most of its course. Its serpentine route features steep curves that enhance the scenic beauty as it winds towards its mouth at Moreton Bay. In addition to the Brisbane River, several other rivers and creeks, such as the North and South Pine rivers, Logan River, and tributaries like Breakfast Creek and Moggill Creek, traverse the area, contributing to the city’s intricate waterway network.

Brisbane is built on a low-lying floodplain, which necessitates careful management of flood risks through various state and local government regulations. Moreton Bay, sheltered from large ocean swells by Moreton, Stradbroke, and Bribie islands, generally features calmer waves, although the coastline can become choppy during windy conditions. Unsheltered surf beaches can be found on the eastern coasts of these islands and on the popular Gold and Sunshine Coasts to the south and north, respectively.

The city is hilly, with its urban area—including the central business district—partially elevated by spurs of the Herbert Taylor Range. Mount Coot-tha, reaching an elevation of up to 300 meters (980 feet), and Enoggera Hill are prominent features of the landscape. The D'Aguilar National Park, which encompasses the D'Aguilar Range, lies to the northwest of Brisbane’s built-up areas, housing taller peaks like Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious. Other notable elevations include Mount Gravatt, Toohey Mountain, and Whites Hill, each contributing to the city's varied topography.

The geological foundation of Brisbane is primarily composed of Brisbane tuff, a form of welded ignimbrite, which is prominently showcased at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and New Farm Cliffs. This stone has historical significance, having been utilized in the construction of key landmarks such as the Commissariat Store and the Cathedral of St Stephen. Even today, the roadside kerbs in some inner areas of Brisbane are still crafted from this distinctive local rock.

Overall, Brisbane’s diverse geography not only enhances its natural beauty but also plays a crucial role in shaping the city’s urban development and environmental strategies.