Drive via Sir Samuel Griffith Drive. Free parking is available.
Mt Coot-tha precinct
Plan your visit to the Mt Coot‑tha Lookout and reserve. Explore picnic spots, walking tracks and the botanic gardens. You can also book a park site for your next event.
Mt Coot‑tha Reserve is the city’s largest natural area. It is only a 15‑minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD. You can explore the reserve by foot, bike or on horseback.
The lookout offers one of the best views in Brisbane. The summit once had no trees except for one eucalyptus, but today it has a viewing platform and a café.
At the base of the mountain, you will find the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot‑tha. The gardens feature many attractions, activities and facilities.
Visit the Mt Coot-tha Lookout
See Brisbane from its highest point at the heritage-listed lookout. Enjoy views across the city and out to Moreton Bay. You can visit during the day or evening. The lookout is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The lookout has a café and a gift shop. Take photos, enjoy a drink, and pick up a souvenir.
Getting to the lookout
Plan your trip using Translink’s journey planner.
Ride to the summit via Sir Samuel Griffith Drive or the Mahogany Track.
Walk the Summit Track or the Mahogany Track through Mt Coot‑tha Forest.
Picnic around the reserve
Set up for the day at one of 9 picnic areas in Mt Coot-tha Reserve. Relax with a book under a shady tree or kick a ball around on the open grassy lawns. Then explore the nearby walking tracks that wind through the forest for a bit of adventure.
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.