Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout?
What makes it 85% Kids-Friendly: Kids can manage the short summit walk, enjoy telescope nights and planetarium shows, and burn energy at picnic lawns. Railings are solid, but drops and evening traffic demand close parental watch.
Positives:
- Free Admission: The lookout and gardens have no entry fee.
- Accessible Facilities: Ramped deck, wide paths and accessible toilets at the summit.
Challenges:
- Limited Parking: Car park can fill up before sunset; arrive early on weekends.
- Sudden Weather Changes: Cloud or rain can roll in quickly; check forecast and pack rain gear.
What is Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout?
- A 226-metre-high observation platform at the summit of Mount Coot-Tha in Brisbane’s western suburbs
- A council-maintained lookout structure providing unobstructed 360° panoramas of the city skyline, Brisbane River and Moreton Bay
- A landscaped summit precinct within the Mount Coot-Tha Reserve featuring access roads, parking and facilities integrated into subtropical eucalypt woodland
What is so special about Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout for with kids?
- 360° city and bay views from a paved deck
- Family-friendly 1.9 km summit hike with resting points
- Covered picnic tables and BBQ shelters
- Interactive children’s trail in Botanic Gardens
- Kid-friendly planetarium shows under a 12.5 m dome
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the lookout, a short hike, picnic and optional planetarium visit without rushing children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout
Panoramic Lookout Deck:
Drive or walk onto the paved viewing platform for 360° views of Brisbane city and Moreton Bay.
Tip: Let kids use a simple map to spot the Story Bridge and river.
Summit Track Hike:
Follow the gentle 1.9 km trail from JC Slaughter Falls to the summit.
Tip: Pack water and let children rest at shaded viewpoints.
Summit Picnic:
Use covered tables and BBQs at the summit or JC Slaughter Falls picnic area.
Tip: Bring sandwiches, fruit and lawn games to keep kids busy.
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium:
Watch a kid-friendly dome show under the stars.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance and arrive 15 minutes before showtime.
Hide ’n’ Seek Trail in Botanic Gardens:
Explore leafy paths and interactive signs just below the lookout.
Tip: Download the free trail map and follow numbered markers.
When is the best time to visit Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout (Brisbane, Australia)?
In winter bring a light jacket for cooler mornings. In summer plan late-afternoon visits to avoid midday heat and enjoy sunset colors.
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Reviews of Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout (Brisbane)
Cyphren Khan
Great spot for City Views of Brisbane. Plenty of open space at the top for people to mill around. Three levels to look out over Brisbane. There's a cafe, ice cream standd and restaurant for people to take advantage of. Parking when you first enter looks a little tight, but there's more parking round the edge and at the back.
DEEPU VARGHESE
This place has plenty of carparks and a restaurant closer. Good place to view and relax. Highly recommended to use binoculars. Feels like sitting in an aircraft and flying too close to a metropolitan city. I couldn't identify any places from here as I visited during the night. But I enjoyed the place. Wouldn't know this is closer to Indooroopilly.
Ning Fan
NO TICKET REQUIRED Splendid place where people illustrate the city. The discourse power of public to Brisbane unfolds beneath the sunset. I walked along the trail to the top, nice experience. Definitely recommend if you’re visiting/ plan to visit Brisbane
sathiyanathan arunachalam
It was a wonderful outing option from Brisbane. There is a botanical garden and a planetarium at the bottom of the hill. This lookout is so beautiful both when it’s raining and it’s not. We have limited car parking close to the lookout but have few outside in around 200 meters. Overall a must visit if you visiting Brisbane.
S KC
A short hike from the Brisbane CBD Offers a distant view of the city picturesque scenery toilets and ample parking spots A cafe, right near the viewing spot Can go for a scenic drive from here to get a view of the surrounding bush and natural bushland
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Fuel for return drive | AUD 10 |
| Snacks and ice cream at Summit Café | AUD 30 |
| Planetarium tickets (2 adults, 2 children) | AUD 57 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 97 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout
- Early Arrival: Get to the lookout 30 minutes before sunset to secure a picnic spot.
- Combine with Gardens: Visit the Botanic Gardens on the way down for shady walks and play areas.
Map of Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout
Address: 1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-Tha QLD 4066, Australia
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About Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Phone Number
+61 7 3403 888810 BEST nearby Activities
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