Nature

Mt Coot-tha Lookout + Botanic Gardens

Free

Brisbane's highest point with panoramic city-to-coast views and 52 hectares of gardens

Something quick PT accessible Nature
About this spot

Take in panoramic views of the city, river, Moreton Bay, and the hinterland from Brisbane's highest lookout, then wander through 52 hectares of free botanic gardens at the base. The lookout has a cafe and restaurant with floor-to-ceiling views. The Brisbane Botanic Gardens below include a Japanese garden, tropical dome, bamboo grove, and lagoons. Both are free entry, open daily.

Sourcebrisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/council-venues-and-precincts/mt-coot-tha-precinct
Your day

Step by step

From start to finish, what to expect.

01

Start at the lookout for the views and a coffee at the Summit Cafe

02

Drive or walk down to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens (free entry, open daily)

03

Wander the Japanese Garden, Tropical Display Dome, and lagoon trail

04

Optional: short bushwalk on one of the Mt Coot-tha trails (multiple options from 1-7km)

What it costs

Cost breakdown

Estimated per person, in AUD.

Entrylookout and gardensFree
Coffee/lunch at Summit Cafe$15-30
Transport not included
Getting there

How you get there

Your options for the trip.

Drive yourself

15 min drive from Brisbane CBD
Insider knowledge

Local tips

Stuff your mates would tell you.

Sunset is the best time for the lookout, arrive 30 minutes beforehand

Bus 471 runs from Adelaide Street in the CBD directly to the lookout

The gardens are at the base of the mountain, not at the lookout, you need to drive or walk down

Combine with the Slaughter Falls walk (1.5km return) through eucalypt forest if you want a short bushwalk