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Mt Coot-tha precinct

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Plan your visit to the Mt Coot-tha lookout and reserve. Find out about walking and riding trails. Download the track map.

Parents with 2 children looking toward the Brisbane CBD at Mt Coot-tha Lookout.

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.

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Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha

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Malls and precincts

Visit the Mt Coot-tha Lookout

Admire Brisbane from its highest point at the heritage-listedopens in a new tab 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

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.

Download the Mt Coot-tha Forest Track Map to find information about the reserve’s tracks, trails and features. 

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Note

You can walk your dog in Mt Coot-tha Reserve. You must keep it on a lead and dispose of waste responsibly.

To let your dog off the leash, head to the nearest dog parks, Merri Merri Park or Green Hill Reservoir Park.

Walking and running in Brisbane

Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll, a dog-friendly bushwalk or a scenic running route, there’s a track for you.

Discover new tracks
3 women walking with babies up a hill track at Mt Coot-tha Reserve.

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

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.

Easy

Suitable for beginner riders. Trails have a width of 900 mm or more, gentle climbs and easier obstacles that are 50 mm tall or less.

Parents with 2 children looking toward the Brisbane CBD at Mt Coot-tha Lookout.

More difficult

Suitable for intermediate riders with some mountain biking experience. Trails have a width of 600 mm or more, challenging slopes, tighter turns and larger obstacles that are 200 mm or more.

Parents with 2 children looking toward the Brisbane CBD at Mt Coot-tha Lookout.

Very difficult

Suitable for very skilled and experienced mountain bike riders. Trails have a width of 300 mm or more, difficult climbs and descents, loose or rough sections, tight turns and obstacles taller than 380 mm.

Parents with 2 children looking toward the Brisbane CBD at Mt Coot-tha Lookout.

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.
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Note

The J.C. Slaughter Falls and Simpson Falls picnic areas are open 6am–7pm daily.

The Grey Gum and Hoop Pine picnic areas have boom gates at the entry and are locked each night. The other picnic areas are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can find the picnic areas on the track map.

Book a park site

Choose from 2 bookable sites at the J.C. Slaughter Falls Picnic Area, both nestled amongst bushland.

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.

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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. 

Plan your visit

Frequently asked questions