Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout
Mount Coo-tha is the most prominent peak in the southernmost part of the Taylor Range (a part of the Gold Coast Hinterland), and it is one of the best views of the City of Brisbane from a hilltop. It’s the most well-known spot for views of Brisbane and its surrounding suburbs. There’s a designated viewing spot protected by railings where tourists can use a pay-as-you-look microscope to view the beauty of the surroundings and take a peek at Brisbane’s iconic landmarks. To the south of Mount Coo-tha is Sir Thomas Gaffney Lookout – another viewpoint that is also a popular tourist spot, but a little more hidden away. To the west of the train line from the lookout are a small picnic area with a few tables and a barbecue. There are also several must-see popular attractions near Mount Coot-tha like the Brisbane Botanic Gardens which is a short walk to a viewing platform and a small restaurant, and the Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre where tourists can go swimming, kayaking, or just stay at the cafe overlooking the beauty of the place. Other places worth adding to your itinerary are the Museum of Brisbane, Mount Gravatt Lookout, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and The Wheel of Brisbane.
This 1600-hectare lookout was originally called One Tree Hill around 1918 as a reference to the hill’s trees getting all removed except for one. In 1923, it was renamed after the nearby Mt Coot-tha which was named after the aboriginal name for the area. The first buildings were made of timber and included an office, a kitchen, toilets and a shelter shed. Its design and construction period was done during World War 1. In January 1995, Mount Coot-tha was added to Queensland Heritage Register as one of Queensland’s important structures. Besides being a lookout, the site is a rare example of an intact example of a timber structure in Brisbane and has been a popular destination for locals and tourists since the 1920s.
The lookout also features the Summit Restaurant and Bar which offers fresh local ingredients and must-try beverages and drinks that visitors would surely love. After taking a look at the city from afar, those who want to take a walk can use the tracks from the lookout. Take in the beauty of the surrounding forest, listen to the sounds of nature, and remember the picturesque views of nature like the lookout’s waterfalls and animals living in the forest. There are four trails you can take: JC Slaughter Falls Track, Aboriginal Art Trail, Simpson’s Falls Track & Eugenia Circuit, and the Gold Mine Track. It’s a good idea to bring a bottle of water, a hat, and sunscreen since the walk could be long especially if you’re planning to walk all four walking tracks. Picnic and barbecue areas are available too, as well as shelters if you want to take a break from exploring. There are also bike trails that are perfect for those who would like to explore nature while on a bike ride. If you’re not up for other activities aside from looking at the view, you can chill out at the Kuta Cafe and get some souvenirs from the gift shop.
Embedded Driving Directions from Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout to Mount Gravatt Lookout
Written Driving Directions from Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout to Mount Gravatt Lookout
29 min (20.8 km) via M3
Start: Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout
1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-Tha QLD 4066
Follow Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Scenic Dr and Mount Coot-Tha Rd to Metroad 5 in Brisbane
6 min(3.2 km)
Head west towards Sir Samuel Griffith Dr
39 m
Turn left onto Sir Samuel Griffith Dr
240 m
Turn right to stay on Sir Samuel Griffith Dr
1.0 km
Continue straight onto Scenic Dr
800 m
Turn right onto Mount Coot-Tha Rd/Tourist drive 7
❕ Continue to follow Mount Coot-Tha Rd
1.0 km
Keep left to continue towards Metroad 5
120 m
Continue on Metroad 5 to Toowong
44 s(500 m)
Slight left onto Metroad 5
300 m
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Milton Rd/State Route 32
160 m
Continue on Sylvan Rd to Auchenflower
4 min(1.5 km)
Turn right onto Sylvan Rd/State Route 20
❕ Continue to follow Sylvan Rd
1.0 km
Turn left onto Land St
500 m
Take M3 and Logan Rd/State Route 95 to Shire Rd in Mount Gravatt
16 min(13.5 km)
Use any lane to turn left onto Coronation Dr/State Route 33
1.8 km
Continue onto Coronation Dr/M3 (signs for S Brisbane)
600 m
Keep right to stay on M3
7.3 km
Take exit 8 for State Rte 10/Marshall Rd
650 m
Turn left onto Marshall Rd/State Route 10
850 m
Turn right onto Logan Rd/State Route 95
2.3 km
Take Mount Gravatt Outlook Dr to your destination
5 min(2.2 km)
Turn right onto Shire Rd
280 m
Continue onto Mount Gravatt Outlook Dr
1.9 km
Turn left
0.0 km
End: Mount Gravatt Lookout
Mount Gravatt Outlook Dr, Mount Gravatt QLD 4122
Embedded Driving Directions from Presha Cleaning to Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout
Written Driving Directions from Presha Cleaning to Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout
16 min (11.3 km) via M3 and Milton Rd/State Route 32
Start: Presha Cleaning
151 Annerley Rd Yeronga QLD 4102
Take Annerley Rd/State Route 10, M3 and Milton Rd/State Route 32 to Mount Coot-Tha Rd
13 min(7.9 km)
Head north on Annerley Rd/State Route 10 towards Nelson St
1.0 km
Use the right lane to turn right at Clarence Corner, Woolloongabba onto Stanley St
110 m
Continue straight to stay on Stanley St
76 m
Use any lane to merge onto Riverside Expy/M3 via the slip road to City/Riverside Expy
1.1 km
Keep right to continue on M3
1.9 km
Keep right to stay on M3
270 m
Take the Little Cribb St exit towards State Rte 32/Milton Rd
27 m
Keep right to continue towards Milton Rd/State Route 32
93 m
Turn left onto Milton Rd/State Route 32
2.9 km
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Metroad 5
300 m
Keep right to stay on Metroad 5
130 m
Follow Mount Coot-Tha Rd, Scenic Dr and Sir Samuel Griffith Dr to your destination
5 min(3.4 km)
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Mount Coot-Tha Rd heading to mt Coot – tha
1.0 km
Turn left onto Scenic Dr
850 m
Continue onto Sir Samuel Griffith Dr
1.4 km
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on Sir Samuel Griffith Dr
140 m
Turn left
39 m
End: Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout
1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-Tha QLD 4066