Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout Verified listing

Mount Coot-tha Summit Lookout is Brisbane’s highest viewpoint, sitting 226 metres above sea level. It offers stunning panoramic views stretching across the city skyline, Moreton Bay, and the surrounding landscape. The lookout is a favourite spot for both locals and tourists, especially for sunrise and sunset photography. It is open 24/7, making it accessible at any time for visitors wanting to soak in the views.

The lookout sits atop Mount Coot-tha, an area with a rich history. In the late 1830s, surveyor James Warner cleared the summit, originally naming it One Tree Hill due to a solitary tree left standing. By the 1880s, the summit became a popular day-trip destination, leading to the construction of visitor facilities such as a shelter and water tank. A kiosk was established in the early 1900s, and during World War II, the site was used as an ordnance depot by the U.S. Seventh Fleet. In 1995, the lookout was recognized for its cultural significance and placed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

Visitors can reach the summit via several walking trails of varying difficulty, including the Summit Track, Mahogany Trail, and Spotted Gum Trail, each offering scenic views and nature experiences. For those who prefer a more relaxed visit, The Summit Café is available to enjoy refreshments with a view. The lookout is accessible by car with free parking, as well as by public transport and bicycle. Facilities at the summit include accessible restrooms and a souvenir shop. Plans are ongoing to further develop the area to enhance eco-tourism and provide even more nature-based attractions for visitors.