MT COOT-THA:
Epic things to do
Long before city lights and sightseeing, First Nations People gathered honey from native stingless bees here. Today, this iconic Brisbane landmark is where adventure, nature and breathtaking views collide. A haven for bushwalkers, picnickers, botanists, stargazers and foodies alike, Mount Coot-Tha is more than a mountain, it’s a destination that turns any ordinary day into a memory.
1. Soak up the views from the lookout
Start with the crown jewel, Mount Coot-Tha Lookout. It’s Brisbane’s closest high point and offers sweeping panoramas of the Brisbane city skyline and Moreton Bay. Whether you’re chasing sunrise magic, midday vistas, or a night-time sea of twinkling lights, this is the perfect place to take a picnic and relax with a unique perspective of Brisbane.
2. Dine with a view
If you prefer to have food served to whilst you enjoy Mount Coot-Tha's views, The Summit Restaurant & Bar, serves delicious contemporary Australian cuisine that is perfectly paired with a fine Australian wine. For a more relaxed stop, The Summit Cafe offers casual meals, coffee, sweet treats and ice-cream, with shady spots under the market umbrellas. Stop in for a cocktail or two at the Summit Skyline Deck, and you’ve got a standout spot for brunch, lunch or dinner with a view.
3. Trek iconic bushwalking trails
Mount Coot-Tha’s network of walking tracks ranges from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Trails wind through eucalyptus forest and bushland, starting near the Botanic Gardens and climb to the summit. Get ready for birds, breezes and that sweet sense of accomplishment at the top.
4. Forget your own two legs and grab a mountain bike or horse
With over 20km of trail designated for off road cyclists, Mount Coot-Tha is the perfect place for the mountain bike fanatics to ride along an undisturbed trail. The trails are designed to snake through the forest with graded paths for different skill levels. Horse riding is welcome on designated horse trails as well for an unforgettable way to explore Mount Coot-Tha at a slower pace.
5. Picnic or barbecue among the trees
Pack a picnic rug and head to the scenic JC Slaughter Falls, a leafy peaceful spot tucked away at the base of Mount Coot-Tha. Many of the trail walks start from this point, but it is a perfect spot for a picnic or barbecue on a warm day. Sit back and enjoy the peaceful bushland, while the kids play in the wide, open space perfect for a game of cricket or family fun.
6. Wander through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens
After your expedition to the summit, pop down to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens located at the foot of the mountain. Spanning over 56 hectares of lush subtropical plantings, these gardens are a must visit. Open every day of the year; these are Queensland’s premier sub-tropical botanic gardens sporting a variety of national and international plants. You can marvel at the latest blooms in the Japanese garden, wander through the clumping and creaking bamboo grove and waterlily covered lagoon, roam through the arid garden and cactus house before settling near the exotic and Australian rainforest.
7. Take a free guided garden tour
Take a deeper dive into the gardens with a free guided walk. Tours are offered from Monday to Saturday at 11am and 1pm, departing from the Visitor Information Centre, and are a brilliant way to learn about the plants, wildlife and hidden garden gems at Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
8. Hide 'n' Seek Children’s Trail
Kids and the young at heart can discover the secrets of the Botanic Gardens with the Hide ‘n’ Seek Children’s Trail. Grab a map from the Visitor Information Centre and set off to uncover quirky surprises along the way. Learn about the local flora and fauna and enjoy a playful expedition among the gardens.
9. Immerse yourself in the Tropical Dome
Always a great spot for a photo or two, the glass-domed greenhouse brings the tropics to life with lush plants from around the world. Wander around the aesthetic pond in the middle before turning your head to the sky to marvel at the patterns of the geometric ceiling. It’s a great place to snap a cool reflective shot among the greenery, and geometric light.
10. Journey through space at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
The beloved planetarium offers interactive exhibits and immersive cosmic shows beneath a huge domed ceiling, where you can discover fascinating insights into space, planets and the wider universe. Located within the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the base of Mount Coot-Tha, Queensland’s largest planetarium invites visitors to attend a show in the Cosmic Skydome, where you can explore Brisbane’s current night sky, or wander the display zone for an astronomical journey from our solar system back to the time of the Big Bang. Fun for all ages, it’s also the perfect rainy-day adventure, with some special ticketed shows.
