Mount Coot-tha Lookout

Overview

Mount Coot-tha Lookout sits at 287 metres elevation, about 7 km west of the CBD, and provides the most sweeping panoramic view in Brisbane — from the Glass House Mountains in the north to the gold-sand beaches of Moreton Bay in the east.

Highlights

• Sunrise and sunset: The elevated position makes it one of Brisbane's best spots for golden-hour photography.
• Summit restaurant and café: Enjoy the view over a meal at the Kuta Café or the Summit restaurant.
• Walking trails: Multiple bushwalking tracks depart from the lookout area into Mt Coot-tha Reserve.

History

Mount Coot-tha takes its name from the Turrbal people's word 'ku-ta' meaning honey — the mountain's forests were a rich source of native bee honey. The lookout road was constructed in the 1930s and the first formal lookout infrastructure built in the 1960s.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Drive or take bus 471 from the city — the lookout has free parking.
• Tip 2: Combine with a visit to the Botanic Gardens and Planetarium at the base of the mountain.
• Duration: 20–45 minutes.