Mt Coot-tha Lookout
Heritage-listed lookout at Brisbane's highest point, open 24 hours, with views across the city and out to Moreton Bay, a café and a gift shop. Reached by car or bike via Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, or on foot up the Summit or Mahogany tracks.
- Date night
- With the kids
- Late night
- Table for one
- Cheap eats
No booking or ticket — the lookout is a public Council facility. When picnicking in the reserve, Council asks you to "don't feed the wildlife, keep your dog on a leash, dispose of your rubbish responsibly, take a picnic blanket and enough water with you, wear a hat and sunscreen, as not all picnic spots are shaded." Park sites in the reserve can be booked for private events.
Booking via walk in only · checked 2026-08-25
The story
"Mt Coot-tha Reserve is the city's largest natural area. It is only a 15-minute drive from Brisbane's CBD. … You can explore the reserve by foot, bike or on horseback. The lookout offers one of the best views in Brisbane." Council describes the lookout itself: "See Brisbane from its highest point at the heritage-listed lookout. Enjoy views across the city and out to Moreton Bay. You can visit during the day or evening. The lookout is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The lookout has a café and a gift shop. Take photos, enjoy a drink, and pick up a souvenir." At the base of the mountain is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, and there are nine picnic areas across the reserve — Council suggests the J.C. Slaughter Falls Picnic Area, "From here, you can start your walk to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout."
In their words, from their site· checked 2026-08-25
Good to know
- Outdoor seating
- Dog friendly
- Parking on site
"Drive via Sir Samuel Griffith Drive. Free parking is available."
Council advises planning public transport trips with Translink's journey planner. You can also "Ride to the summit via Sir Samuel Griffith Drive or the Mahogany Track" or "Walk the Summit Track or the Mahogany Track through Mt Coot-tha Forest."
Only what the venue states itself. Anything not listed here we haven't verified — worth a call if it matters.