Mount Coot-tha rises just west of the city centre and gives you the best free panorama in Brisbane. The lookout offers views over the city and out towards Moreton Bay, and it is open around the clock every day, with free parking at the lookout and a cafe and gift shop on site. The council describes the whole area as a precinct, and it is much more than a viewpoint. The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha cover fifty-six hectares and hold more than two hundred thousand plants, with themed gardens that you can wander at your own pace, and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium sits within the gardens. Behind them, the reserve has walking and cycling tracks through eucalypt bushland, including the Summit Track and the Mahogany Track, plus picnic areas at J.C. Slaughter Falls and Simpson Falls. You can see everything from a car or a bus, or you can make it an active outing with a walk up to the top. The hill is a favourite with locals at sunrise, sunset and after dark, when the city lights spread out below, which makes it a good evening choice as well.
A sensible plan is to start at the gardens and finish at the lookout. Begin in the morning, when the gardens are cool and quiet, spend a couple of hours on the paths and in the shade houses, and then drive or walk up to the lookout for the view.
The Summit Track is the main walking route from the gardens, and it is a steady climb rather than a hard one. If you do not want to walk, the lookout is reachable by road and a bus service from the city, and the council's website has the current transport details.
For the view itself, a clear late afternoon is best, with the sun lowering over the western ranges behind you and the CBD towers lit in front. Sunset is popular, so arrive early to find a spot. Night views are excellent too, and the lookout is open all hours, but treat the hill with care after dark, keep to the lit areas and do not leave valuables in the car. The picnic areas at the two falls operate from morning to early evening, so plan your visit for daylight if you want a bush picnic.
Who it suits
Everyone. It is free, flexible and easy to fit around another activity, and it appeals to walkers, photographers, families, couples and nature lovers equally. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen, wear sturdy shoes on the tracks, and check the council's page for current conditions, as parts of a bush reserve can close after storms. Pair it with a visit to the free gallery precinct at South Bank for an almost free day.
What to expect
The experience
A free hilltop precinct with a lookout open all hours, botanic gardens, a planetarium, bushland walking and cycling tracks and picnic areas.
Best time
Late afternoon for sunset over the city, or early morning for the gardens and the cooler walks.
How long
Two to four hours depending on whether you walk, picnic or add the planetarium.
Tips
Arrive early for sunset parking, wear sturdy shoes on the tracks, bring water and check the council page for track conditions.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants a free viewpoint, a garden stroll or a bush walk close to the city.
- Families
- Easy and free, with lawns, picnic areas and a planetarium for curious children.
- Couples
- A romantic spot for sunset or the city lights after dark.
- Pair with
- A gallery visit at South Bank or the Brisbane River cruise.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is Mount Coot-tha free?+
Entry to the lookout is free and open around the clock, and parking at the lookout is free. The council page does not list an entry charge for the gardens.
How big are the Botanic Gardens?+
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha cover 56 hectares and have more than 200,000 plants.
Is there a planetarium?+
Yes, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is inside the botanic gardens.
Can I walk to the top?+
Yes. The Summit Track and the Mahogany Track are the walking routes, and the Mahogany Track also suits cyclists.
When is the best time for views?+
A clear late afternoon or sunset, or after dark for the city lights.
