Access is via Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mt Coot-tha. Free parking is available.
Mt Coot-tha precinct
Plan your visit to the Mt Coot-tha lookout and reserve. Find out about walking and riding trails. Download the track map.
Visit the Mt Coot-tha precinct for an adventurous or relaxing day out in nature.
Just a 15-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD, Mt Coot-tha Reserve is the city’s largest natural area. You can explore the reserve by foot, bike or on horseback.
When visiting Mt Coot-tha, don’t miss the spectacular view from the lookout. Historically, the summit was once cleared of bushland and left with one lone eucalyptus tree. Today the summit features a viewing platform and a cafe.
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha are tucked into the foot of the mountain. The subtropical oasis also includes a range of attractions, facilities and activities.
Visit the Mt Coot-tha Lookout
Admire Brisbane from its highest point at the heritage-listed Mt Coot-tha Lookout.
See panoramic views over the city and out to Moreton Bay. Look for well-known landmarks, day or night. Mt Coot-tha Lookout is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A great place for tourists in Brisbane, the lookout has an onsite café and gift shop. Snap memorable moments over a drink and choose a souvenir to remember your visit by.
Getting to the lookout
Plan your trip with Translink’s journey planner.
Access is via Sir Samuel Griffith Drive and the Mahogany Track in Mt Coot-tha Forest. Plan your route using our bike paths map.
Take the Summit Track or the Mahogany Track in Mt Coot-tha Forest.
Walk the tracks
Mt Coot-tha Reserve (also known as Mt Coot-tha Forest) covers more than 1,600 hectares. It has plenty of natural areas to explore.
Choose from more than 18.5 km of easy, moderate and difficult tracks.
Popular walking tracks
Hike to Mt Coot-tha Lookout, learn about the area’s rich history and see seasonal waterfalls on the reserve's most-loved walks.
Start at the J.C. Slaughter Falls Picnic Area and follow the mostly paved path up to the roundabout near the lookout. The track includes some stairs.
Stroll through open eucalypt forest and catch glimpses of the city. The track starts at the entry to the J.C. Slaughter Falls Picnic Area and ends near the lookout.
See the remains of an old gold mine and learn about the life of a miner along the way. The track starts at the Gold Mine Picnic Area. This easy return walk is suitable for all fitness levels.
Every visit to the falls is different. You will find rock ledges and trickles of water during the dry months, and a flowing waterfall after heavy rain. This connects to other tracks, including the Eugenia Circuit and Stringybark Track.
Wind past eucalypt woodland, through vine forest and across creeks. Access to this moderately challenging track is via the Simpson Falls Track. It links with tracks to various picnic areas.
Get your heart rate up and keep an eye out for water dragons, butterflies and birds. This moderately challenging return route starts at Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, near the Reservoir Trail car park.
Download the Mt Coot-tha Forest Track Map to find information about the reserve’s tracks, trails and features.
Ride the trails
Mt Coot-tha Reserve offers around 25 km of mountain biking trails. They range in difficulty from easy to very challenging.
You can also ride on more than 31 km of shared-use trails. For everyone’s safety, make sure you give way to walkers, runners and horse riders.
Popular bike trails
Popular with beginner riders, this trail is perfect to practice your mountain biking skills.
Connect with another trail, such as Skink Link or the more challenging Dingo Trail.
Warm up on this short but challenging route, starting and finishing at the car park on Gap Creek Road.
If this is too easy, take the link up to the much harder Curlew Circuit.
Navigate wall-ride berms, log rollovers and drop offs on this technical, one-way downhill track.
Pipeline Trail is considered the most difficult bike track in the reserve. It should only be attempted by experienced riders.
Put your riding skills to the test on this challenging trail. Connect with Cubberla Creek Trail, Bandicoot Byway or Wallaby Way for a longer ride.
Trail difficulty
Mt Coot-tha's bike trails are graded to help you choose routes based on your experience, fitness and skill level.
Pick an appropriate trail when riding in the forest.
You can find bike track locations and gradings in the track map.
Picnic around the reserve
Set up for the day at one of 9 picnic areas in Mt Coot-tha Reserve. Read a book under a shady tree, kick a ball on the grassy lawns and explore the forest on the nearby walking tracks.
Some picnic areas include tables, barbecues, accessible toilets, water taps and car parks.
Not sure which spot to choose? Try the J.C. Slaughter Falls Picnic Area. From here, you can start your walk to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout. You can also plan ahead and book a park site.
When picnicking in the reserve:
- don't feed the wildlife
- keep your dog on a leash
- dispose of your rubbish responsibly
- take a picnic blanket and enough water with you
- wear a hat and sunscreen, as not all picnic spots are shaded.
Book a park site
Choose from 2 bookable sites at the J.C. Slaughter Falls Picnic Area, both nestled amongst bushland.
| Description | A flat, grassy area that includes barbecues. Suitable for corporate functions. |
| Capacity | 50 people |
| Power | Unavailable |
| Marquees | Permitted |
| Virtual tour | No |
| Description | An open-air bush chapel featuring a sandstone pulpit with log seating on a concrete base. Suitable for weddings and christenings. |
| Capacity | 30-40 people |
| Power | Unavailable |
| Marquees | Permitted |
| Virtual tour | Yes |
Booking conditions
- Bookings only apply to the bookable site. You can't book barbecues, shelters (other than shelters included in the booking site) or playgrounds. You must share these facilities with other park users.
- You may be able to book a different area of the park. For more information, phone Council on 07 3403 8888 and ask to speak with a Regional Parks Officer.
To book a site, complete the Park Booking Application online form. You need to specify what type of event you're planning and how many people you expect to attend.
Before you book, find information about other booking conditions, fees and requirements.
Check out the botanic gardens
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha covers 56 hectares of the reserve. It features more than 200,000 plants from around the world.
Explore the gardens on a guided walk, attend a nature-themed workshop or book a space for a special occasion.
Make the most of your visit using our guides, maps, and information on attractions and events.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can ride your horse on designated shared-use tracks in Mt Coot-tha Reserve.
However, please note that there is no designated horse-float parking at Mt Coot-tha.
When riding in the reserve:
- wear a helmet
- ride to your skill level
- take care around bushwalkers, bike riders and other trail users
- let someone know where you’re riding and when you expect to return.
Find trails using the track map.
The planetarium is in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. Parking is available in the gardens’ main car park and you can also get there using public transport.
Find out about the experiences and attractions at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.