Mt Coot-tha Summit Lookout

The Summit Lookout on Mount Coot-tha is the classic place to see Brisbane laid out below you. The mountain, west of the city centre, was formerly known as One Tree Hill and was declared a public recreation reserve in 1880. A shelter shed was built at the top in 1886, and a kiosk followed around 1918; the building was enlarged in 1928 and given its viewing platform in 1949 and 1950. The Mount Coot-tha Lookout and Kiosk is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

From the platform the view stretches from the south round to the north-east, with the towers of the CBD, the winding river and, on clear days, Moreton Bay on the horizon. The lookout sits about 226 metres above sea level. Brisbane City Council describes it as one of the best views in the city.

The lookout is open 24 hours a day, every day, and parking is free. A cafe and a gift shop operate at the summit, so you can pair the view with a coffee or a meal. The origin of the name Coot-tha is debated; it has been suggested that it comes from an Aboriginal word for honey.

The summit also works as the end point of a walk. The surrounding Mt Coot-tha Reserve has dozens of tracks, and the Summit Track and Mahogany Track both lead up to the lookout; J.C. Slaughter Falls picnic area is a common starting point. Walkers should carry water, as most tracks include uphill sections or steps. The reserve has nine picnic areas and more than 70 trails, and cyclists can ride up via Sir Samuel Griffith Drive or the Mahogany Track.

The lookout suits couples and photographers at dusk, families wanting a short outing, and active travellers who prefer to arrive on foot. Most visitors drive up Sir Samuel Griffith Drive; if using public transport, check the TransLink journey planner for current services. Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium are at the foot of the mountain, so a morning in the gardens followed by sunset at the summit makes a good half-day plan.