6 unexpected ways to experience Mount Coot-tha
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By Sarah Bristow
Despite our city being best known for the river that runs straight through it, the Queensland capital is brimming with mountains, from Mount Nebo to Mount Glorious. But our most famous towering? Mount Coot-tha.
Rising 287 metres from sea level, Mount Coot-tha is best known for its lookout. But that’s not the only activity available for the many visitors who grace the popular tourist destination. The mountain sits in the midst of 1600 hectares adjoining the south-eastern section of D’Aguilar National Park, a mass of eucalypt forest, rainforest gullies, creeks and 31 kilometres of bushwalking tracks. Ready to explore? Here's how to do Mount Coot-tha.
Explore the Brisbane Botanic Gardens
Photo by @brisbanebotanicgardens
Sitting at the base of Mount Coot-tha you’ll find the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Whether you’re a green thumb or simply appreciative of plant life, the 56-hectares of garden are well worth a visit. Meander your way through the different exhibitions; there’s the Japanese gardens, the cactus menagerie, and the rather iconic Tropical Dome.
If you'd like to learn more you can choose to partake in one of the free guided tours running from Monday through Saturday, 11.00am to 1.00pm.
Prefer planets over plants? The gardens are also home to The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium - some of the city's best stargazing.
Discover hidden waterfalls
Time your visit right and you might just discover a collection of creeks and waterfalls call Mount Coot-tha home. The most popular to visit are JC Slaughter Falls and Simpson Falls, and while during dry periods they look simply like a gully, they really come alive after rainfall.
Trek the bush walking tracks
Photo by @brisbanetrailultra
50 kilometres of trails wind their way around Mount Coot-tha and its surrounding park - and you'll find Brisbanites getting their step count up here from first daylight until dark. There are a range of different bushwalking tracks, fringed by gum trees and full of native wildlife, to cater to different fitness levels; you can determine which suits you best by downloading the complete tracks guide available online. BYO water, and be warned that trails can get quite muddy after rainfall.
Cycle the steep Mount Coot-tha Circuit
There’s not just off-road cycling available to biking enthusiasts. The sealed Mount Coot-tha Circuit is renowned for its difficulty; the 12-kilometre loop is largely uphill, clambering along a stretch 2.3 kilometres long and 200 metres up a steep incline. A popular workout for locals, from sunrise to sunset the path is littered with biking enthusiasts of all shapes and sizes.
Once a year, the Mount Coot-tha Circuit also forms a part of the course of Tour de Brisbane during Brisbane Cycling Festival.
Watch sunrise or sunset from Mount Coot-tha summit
Pack a hamper (and some Champagne) and spend the evening gazing out onto Brisbane City at the idyllic Mount Coot-tha Lookout . A Brisbane icon, this grassy knoll popular for picnics comes accompanied by stunning 360 degree views of the city, surrounding Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast. While it's a particularly lovely spot from which to watch the sunset, early risers will be pleased to note that the view is just as impressive first thing in the morning.
Peckish? There's a cafe here at the top. Grab a coffee, an ice cream and some lunch - you can even book high tea!
Bike your way down the mountain
Take to the 23.5 kilometres of track on Mount Coot-tha designed for mountain bikers. The rugged trails will see you clamber through the native forest of the district, over streams, and rocks. And while the off-road journey requires a certain level of experience to partake, there are plenty of trails to explore from beginner to advanced.
Plan your chosen journey well in advance by downloading the MTB Guide and Trail Map that can be found online.
