Mount Coot-tha - Queensland, Australia
Other than Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, my friend also recommended a visit to Mount Coot-tha, saying it offered one of the best views of Brisbane. When I looked it up, I realized the summit wasn’t just about the lookout—there were also the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium nearby, making it the perfect place to spend a half-day. To make things easier, I took a bus from central Brisbane directly up to the summit, planning to hike downhill rather than the other way around.
The ride took about 40 minutes, and the bus dropped me just steps from the lookout. The panoramic view immediately lived up to the hype. Brisbane’s skyline stood sharply against the horizon, the cluster of skyscrapers making it easy to pick out the city centre. After soaking in the view and taking photos, I followed a well-marked trail that begins near the lookout. Even though it was winter in Australia, it felt more like a mild spring day—warm enough that I was grateful for the shaded, tree-lined path.
The walk from the summit to the botanic gardens takes around 30 minutes, and the trail transitions beautifully into the garden grounds. I was honestly impressed by how much variety there was. The Japanese Garden quickly became one of my favourite spots, with manicured bonsai, still ponds, and a bamboo grove that creaked softly whenever the wind passed through. I also loved the Tropical Display Dome and the fern house, each showcasing different ecosystems. Hard to believe such a stunning garden is completely free to visit.
Right next to the gardens is the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. Once again—free entry! Only the special shows require a ticket. Inside, there were educational displays about planets, galaxies, and Australia’s astronomical projects. The planetarium is best known for the Cosmic Skydome projection, but unfortunately the timing didn’t match up while I was there, so I stuck to exploring the exhibits.
After finishing up at the planetarium, I looped back to the botanic garden café for a late lunch. By this point, I had a much better appreciation for Brisbane—it’s an incredibly accessible city for budget-friendly exploring, with some truly impressive attractions that cost absolutely nothing.
History & Background
Mount Coot-tha has long been a significant place for the Turrbal people, who lived around the Brisbane area and used the mountain for gathering food and resources. The name “Coot-tha” comes from the Indigenous term “ku-ta,” meaning honey, a reference to the wild honey found in the area.
During Brisbane’s early colonial years, the mountain became a popular lookout point due to its height and sweeping views across the city and Moreton Bay. By the early 20th century, it was established as a recreational reserve, eventually developing into one of Brisbane’s most visited natural attractions. Today, Mount Coot-tha is known for its summit lookout, extensive trail network, and its connection to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium—making it a blend of natural, cultural, and educational experiences only minutes from the city.
Getting There
From central Brisbane, the easiest way to reach Mount Coot-tha is by bus. Routes departing from King George Square take approximately 40 minutes and drop you right beside the Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout, making it ideal for starting the walk downhill.
If you prefer to hike uphill, you can instead begin at the Botanic Gardens and take one of the connecting trails to the summit.
Parking is available at both the summit and the Botanic Gardens for those driving.
Route Overview
Distance: 6.62 km (Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout → Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium)
Total elevation gain: 88 m
Duration: 1 hr 32 min (with breaks 1 hr 44 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Peak: Mt Coot-tha 287m
Cost Breakdown
Bus: King George Square Bus Stop → Mt Coot-tha Summit Lookout — AU$0.5
Food: AU$51.59
