I believe many tourists have a penchant for admiring beautiful sceneries (myself included). Today, I'll introduce one of Brisbane's most famous viewpoints, "Mt. Coot-Tha Lookout", along with recommended nearby attractions. It's perfect for half-day or full-day visits for families, couples, and all types of groups. Hope this guide will be beneficial in planning your itinerary!
Where is Mt. Coot-Tha?
Mt. Coot-Tha is located southwest of Brisbane's city center, just about 6 kilometers away. It's the highest point in the vicinity of Brisbane CBD. The primary tourist areas are on the southern side of Mt. Coot-Tha, including the "Mt. Coot-Tha Lookout" and the "Brisbane Botanic Gardens".
1. Mt. Coot-Tha Lookout
The Mt. Coot-Tha Lookout is the most popular attraction in this area. Many tourists regard it as a must-visit spot, where both day and night views of Brisbane can be admired. On clear days, you can even see islands like "Moreton Island" and "North Stradbroke Island". There are restaurants and cafés near the lookout, and many locals drive up here to enjoy their afternoon tea. I highly recommend this spot for all visitors!
I'd like to share a tip: in my opinion, afternoon and night are the best times to enjoy the view. As the lookout faces east, it's not recommended to visit in the morning, as the glaring sun can hamper your experience and create severe backlighting issues for your photos. With a bit of attention to the time and weather, I believe everyone can capture beautiful images!
◎Address: 1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Brisbane Lookout, Mt Coot-tha
◎Admission: Free
◎Transportation: Take bus no. 471 from across King George Square in the city center and get off at the terminal station (Note: The last bus is around 4-5 PM. If you want to enjoy the night view, you'll need to drive!). (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Official website: Brisbane Lookout - Mt. Coot-tha
◎Nearby Accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
(The views are absolutely stunning on a clear day!)
(The lookout is complemented by a restaurant and café, named the Summit Restaurant & Bar and The Summit Cafe, respectively, offering primarily Western breakfast and lunch, as well as afternoon tea.)
2. Brisbane Botanic Gardens
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens is a large park area featuring several popular attractions, including the "Tropical Display Dome", "Japanese Garden", and "Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium".
◎Address: Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, Mount Coot Tha Road
◎Admission: Both the garden and planetarium are free
◎Transportation: Take bus no. 471 from across King George Square in the city center and get off at Mt Coot-tha Rd at Botanic Gardens (Stop19). (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎Official websites: Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium | Brisbane Botanic Gardens
◎Nearby Accommodation: Booking︱Agoda︱Hotels︱Expedia (Compare & Save)
(Brisbane Botanic Gardens is a stopover between the city center and the Mt. Coot-Tha Lookout. It's more of a locals' spot, with fewer tourists.)
(The Tropical Display Dome is an indoor botanical display hall that simulates the temperature and humidity of tropical regions all year round, allowing visitors to appreciate tropical flora as if they were in a tropical forest.)
(The "Japanese Garden" in the botanic gardens was initially displayed at the World Expo in "South Bank Park" in 1988 and was later moved to its current location. Visitors can experience the design of a Japanese garden, which is very authentic as it was originally designed by Japanese.)
(The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, built in 1978, is a ring-shaped planetarium displaying space artifacts, history, graphics, and videos. It's a place where many Australians bring their children on weekends.)
3. Mt. Coot-Tha Walking Tracks
If you're a nature lover, Mt. Coot-Tha offers several hiking trails that allow visitors to immerse themselves in diverse natural environments, including forests, waterfalls, and streams. Some trails are even suitable for cycling enthusiasts. The Summit Track and Lookout Trail lead to the lookout area. The Brisbane government has published a guidebook specifically about these trails, which interested visitors might find useful!
(For those who enjoy exploring nature, there are various hiking trails on Mt. Coot-Tha. The Summit Track and Lookout Trail connect to the lookout area. Make sure to plan and familiarize yourself with the route before your hike to ensure a safe return from your trip!)
(The trailhead at the base of Mt. Coot-Tha)
That's all for the introduction to Brisbane's "Mt. Coot-tha", including transportation, attractions, and more. This place is often featured in official travel guides, and many independent tourists schedule a half-day visit to enjoy the views and the leisurely afternoon here. If you're in Brisbane, I highly recommend a visit to Mt. Coot-Tha!