Mt Coot-tha Lookout

Mt Coot-tha Lookout is the highest point in Brisbane with remarkable panoramic views of the city and Moreton Bay.

Take in the scenery and enjoy refreshments from the cafe.

Best view of Brisbane

One of Brisbane’s most popular tourist attractions it is a must-see for visitors to Brisbane. The lookout boasts the best view of the CBD and well-known Brisbane landmarks. Beautiful by day and spectacular at night.

Dining at the lookout

The restaurant and cafe located at Mt Coot-tha Summit have new operators. The cafe is open and offers a range of food and drinks. The restaurant is currently closed for refurbishment.

Tracks and trails

There are a number of walking tracks and mountain bike trails leading from the lookout area.

You can even take the Citriodora Trail down to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha or Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

History

Mt Coot-tha and the lookout have a rich and varied recorded history beginning in the late 1830s when trees were removed, apart from one tree that was left as a reference point for surveyors. This initially gave the mountain the name One Tree Hill. 

The 1880s saw the summit cleared and a shelter shed and water tank built for this popular day-trip destination. 

The first kiosk was operational in the very early 1900s and continually expanded, with many of the current buildings built in the late 1960s.

World War II saw the mountain occupied by the United States Seventh Fleet for a magazine depot.

In 1995, the lookout was placed on the permanent heritage register as a place of cultural significance.