Being the highest point in Brisbane, Mt Coot-tha Lookout has incredible, expansive views of the city and beyond. So why not take a day to follow a walking trail to the top and enjoy lunch at the summit?
Views from Mt Coot-tha Lookout
The lookout at Mt Coot-tha provides impressive views of Brisbane, day or night. From this vantage point, you have an excellent view of the city, and on a clear day, you can see Moreton Bay. The Brisbane River can also be seen, winding its way through the suburbs and into the city. Try using one of the coin-operated binoculars to find a familiar place. Can you spot your house or your favourite playground?
Dining at Mt Coot-tha Lookout
Situated next to the lookout is The Summit Cafe. It occupies a heritage-listed building at 226m above sea level. The cafe is a great place to savour a meal with a magnificent view of Brisbane or enjoy some refreshments after a hike to the lookout. The ice-cream cones are popular with Brisbane Kids, and the cafe also has a children’s menu. The cafe is open from 6:30 am to 8 pm.
Walking Tracks at Mt Coot-tha
Several walking tracks lead to the lookout at Mt Coot-tha.
The Summit Track is 1.9km walking track. It is estimated to be a 30-minute walk each way (maybe longer with little legs). This established track is wide and well-maintained, with a moderate grading due to its climb up the mountain. As a result, most children five and over should be able to manage the walk at a gentle pace.
The Mahogany Trail is 2.6km and takes around 1hour 15mins to complete. It begins at JC Slaughter Falls picnic area, snaking its way through scenic eucalyptus forest up to the lookout. It forms a 4.5km circuit walk when combined with the Summit Track. Also, it allows access onto the Citriodora Trail that connects to the Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha.
Another option is the Spotted Gum Trail. Starting at the Australian Plant Communities Garden gates in the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, this 2.4km track climbs to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout. There are 250 concrete steps to climb on this walk, so it is best suited to older children and teens with a moderate fitness level.
Facilities at Mt Coot-tha Lookout
At the top of the mountain, you will find accessible toilets, a cafe and souvenir shop. The shop also sells handy items like sunscreen, water, hats and sunglasses. While there are some sandstone borders to sit on, the only proper seating available at the lookout is within the cafe.
Accessibility at Mt Coot-tha Lookout
The main lookout is accessible by a ramp and has a large, flat, paved area. A flat pathway leads from the car park to the cafe, and there is ramp access to the accessible toilets. There is an accessible parking bay in the car park closest to the lookout.
How to Get to Mt Coot-tha Lookout
Mt Coot-tha lookout is located at 1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-tha
There is car parking at the lookout though it can become busy during peak times. The lookout is accessible by bus. Check TransLink to plan your journey. As stated above, several walking and mountain biking trails also lead to the Mt Coot-tha summit.
Mt Coot-tha Lookout, Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mt Coot-Tha 4066
Lynne Painter
Would my elderly mother in law be able to get to the Mt Cootha lookout using a walker?
Brooke Powell
Hi Lynne, there are wide concrete paths from the carpark to the summit viewing area, though they do slop slightly. The carparks are always fairly busy also, so you may need to drop your mum and park further away. Hope this helps!