Mt Coot-tha Reserve | Beginner's guide to walking

Discover the scenic beauty of Mt Coot-tha Reserve with our beginner's guide to walking. Explore over 70 hiking trails, admire breathtaking views of Brisbane, and spot native flora and fauna. Don't miss the popular Summit Track and picturesque Simpson Falls. Start walking Mt Coot-tha today!

Popular Mt Coot-tha walking tracks and trails

Mt Coot-tha Reserve is a must-do for beginner and hiking enthusiasts. With more than 70 tracks and trails, there are bushwalks to suit every ability. 

Download our Mt Coot-tha track map for track locations, grading and track length.

For more on Mt Coot-tha's hiking tracks and trails head to the Mt Coot-tha Visitor Information Centre.

Ghost Hole Track (#42) - 650 metres (15 minutes)

View traces of the old gold mines along the Ghost Hole Track. You'll find signage detailing the area's gold mining history at Gold Mine picnic area. An easy walk for all fitness levels.

Discovery Trail and Discovery Trail extension (#70) - 1.6 kilometres (30 minutes)

This track connects Simpson Falls, JC Slaughter Falls, Hoop Pine and Silky Oak picnic areas. You need a moderate level of fitness to walk this trail.

Summit Track (#58) - 1.9 kilometres (30 minutes each way)

Arguably the mountain's most popular hike, the Summit Track is a relatively easy walk. It extends from JC Slaughter Falls picnic area to Mt Coot-tha Lookout. The track is perfect for all fitness levels and offers epic views of Brisbane and beyond. If the view is not rewarding enough, there's also a great cafe at the lookout!

Simpsons Falls Track (#40) - 650 metres to Simpsons Falls (40 minutes)

A good track for wildflower viewing in late winter and spring when the golden wattles and purple hovea are blooming. Walkers may catch a glimpse of the city from the Simpson Falls viewing deck. You need a moderate level of fitness to walk this track.

Honeyeater Track (#31) - 2.1 kilometres (1 hour)

This track begins off Sir Samuel Griffith Drive near the Mt Coot-tha Lookout. It heads down to Fleming Road in Chapel Hill and past The Hut Environment Centre and then back up the ridgeline. Best for moderate fitness levels. 

Spotted Gum Trail - 2.4 kilometres (1-1.5 hours

This trail starts at the gates of the Australian Plant Communities garden (Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha). It traverses its way up to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout with 250 concrete steps along the way. You'll need a moderate level of fitness to do this walk. Download the visitor wayfinding map. 

Mahogany Trail (#66) - 2.6 kilometres (1.5 hours)

This trail starts at JC Slaughter Falls picnic area and provides city glimpses on the way to the popular Mt Coot-tha Lookout.

For a longer walk, do a 4.5 kilometre circuit walk by connecting to the Citriodora Trail (via Summit Track).

You'll need a moderate level of fitness for this trail and trail extension.

Eugenia Circuit (#39) - 2.8 kilometres (1.5 hours)

This circuit links at different points to Fairywren Circuit, Simpson Falls, Stringybark and Ghost Hole tracks and Powerful Owl Trail. With these connections, you can create longer walking experiences. The circuit by itself winds across the creek and links to the Simpson Falls viewing deck. Best for moderate fitness levels.

Safety on the mountain

Here are some important tips to remember when exploring Mt Coot-tha Reserve.

Walk with a friend, not alone.
Some tracks cross creek lines and are unsafe to cross when flooded after heavy rain.
Some parts of the mountain don't receive mobile coverage. Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

Flora and fauna

Mt Coot-tha is mostly open eucalypt forest. Some plant species are also rare or significant, including the Richmond birdwing vine (Pararistolochia praevenosa). Various wildflowers appear following good rain and warm weather and are especially visible during spring. 

Keep an eye out for animals including echidnas, tawny frogmouths, owls, gliders, possums, microbats, koalas and Powerful Owls. If you're a birdwatcher, look out for wrens and robins, as well as bigger birds such as goshawks, kites and eagles. The most common birds to spot are cockatoos and parrots. 

More to see at Mt Coot-tha precinct

Once you've hiked the 71 tracks and trails, check out the rest of the Mt Coot-tha precinct. Stop and refuel at one of 9 picnic areas across the precinct including JC Slaughter Falls, Simpsons Falls and Gap Creek Road.

Learn about space at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium and explore the peaceful Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha.

Editor's note: The featured content in this section is created to inspire residents and visitors to plan a day out exploring Brisbane. Brisbane City Council disclaims any relationship with, or endorsement of, businesses featured in this article.