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. Discover picnic spots. Book a park site for your event.
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.
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.
Helpful links
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.