Native scrubland trails, botanic gardens and spectacular city views are just some of the reasons to visit Brisbane’s Mount Coot-tha.
Just six kilometres from the city’s central business district among native scrubland and bike trails lies Brisbane’s highest peak, Mount Coot-tha. The 287-metre peak has been a popular outdoor destination for the city’s residents ever since it was made a Public Recreation Reserve in 1880. The native Aboriginal people named the mountain “place of honey” because of the large population of bees that used to reside on the hillside. The hives are now long gone and it is the recreational activities and panoramic views that draw the crowds.This is one of the most popular tramping spots in the area and the 1,500 hectares of Mount Coot-tha Reserve have walking trails to suit all fitness levels. The modern Aboriginal rock paintings along Ithaca Creek to J.C. Slaughter Falls make it one of the most popular routes. The reserve is also home to some of Queensland’s best purpose-built mountain bike tracks. You’ll see daredevils of all ages wheeling down these on any day of the week and you can find a list of the trails on the Brisbane City Council website. There are plenty of bike rental shops in the city if you want to give it a go but cycling to the summit is very tough and only advisable for the super fit!Another big visitor draw is the Botanic Gardens, which also house a planetarium, but the main reason people come here is to take in the view from the summit. It is one of the most popular lookout points in Brisbane and there is plenty of signage with information on all the sights you’ll see in the distance as well as on the native flora and fauna. Once you’ve conquered the mountain you can relax in the nice, if slightly expensive, café and restaurant at the top.The best way to get to Mount Coot-tha is by car or with one of the tour operators from the city as the bus service is infrequent. Parking can be tight at the summit but there are extra spaces lower down the mountain.
