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

Mt Coot-tha, originally home to the Turrbal Aboriginal people, has had a storied history of logging, gold mining and as a military base. 

Visitors today have access to picnic facilities and barbecues throughout the forest with more than 1500 hectares to hike and bushwalk. From the lookout at Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, you can see views of the city, Moreton Bay, Stradbroke Island and southern ranges.  

Popular Mt Coot-tha walking trails

Less than 10 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, Mt Coot-tha Reserve is a must-do for beginner and hiking enthusiasts alike, with more than 70 trails and tracks with bushwalks to suit every ability. 

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

Here are some of the more popular tracks, with the corresponding track map numbers.

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

Traces of the old gold mines can be seen along the Ghost Hole Track with signage detailing the area's gold mining history at the 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, J. C. Slaughter Falls, Hoop Pine and Silky Oak picnic areas. Moderate fitness is required.

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

Arguably the mountain's most popular hike, this relatively easy amble leads from J. C. Slaughter Falls picnic area to Mt Coot-tha Lookout (near the roundabout). It's perfect for all fitness levels – with upgraded stairs, handrails and a new information shelter – 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. Moderate fitness is required. 

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

This track begins off Sir Samuel Griffith Drive near the Mt Coot-tha Lookout, and heads down to Fleming road in Chapel Hill and past The Hut Environment Centre and then back up the ridgeline – which is sure to get the heartrate up. Best for moderate fitness levels.  

Spotted Gum Trail - 2.4 kilometres (1-1.5 hours)

Starting at the gates from the Australian Plant Communities garden in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, this trail traverses all the way to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout. The trail, which was opened in May 2020, ascends 250 concrete steps and is suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness. View the botanic gardens visitor map. 

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

This trail starts at J. C. Slaughter Falls picnic area, providing city glimpses on the way to the popular Mt Coot-tha Lookout. If you feel like stretching your legs further, a 4.5-kilometre circuit walk is formed when combined with the Summit Track and allows access onto the Citriodora Trail that connects through to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha (garden access available from 8am-4pm). This trail is suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness.

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, allowing keen hikers to create a longer walking experience. The circuit by itself winds across the creek and links to the Simpson Falls viewing deck. Best for moderate fitness levels.

For more on the hiking trails head to the Mt Coot-tha Visitor Information Centre, located in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha.

Safety on the mountain

There are some important tips to remember when exploring Mt Coot-tha Reserve:

1. Walk with a friend, not alone.
2. Some tracks cross creek lines and are unsafe to cross when flooded after heavy rain. Remember, 'if it's flooded, forget it'.
3. 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 the crackles of cockatoos and pandemoniums of 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 nine picnic areas across the precinct including J. C. Slaughter Falls, Simpsons Falls and Gap Creek Road.

Get out of this world at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium and explore the peaceful Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha.

More ideas for Brisbetter Days Out

There's so much to see and do in Brisbane. For more fabulous Brisbetter Days Out inspiration, head to our Explore your own backyard search page and choose the 'day out' category. 

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