Mt Coot-tha Is Getting A World-Class Makeover With A 170km Hiking Trail And Nature Retreat

Brisbane’s top-notch (literally) natural asset Mt Coot-tha will soon be getting the world-class treatment, with a master plan set to transform the area into an eco-tourism destination full of dazzling reasons to hit the summit. 

They’re calling it the Brisbane Wilderness Trail, and we’re looking at 170km of sprawling nature with snaking walking trails, overnight huts, eco-friendly glamping, new mountain bike tracks, improved picnic areas playing host to pop-up cafes, and a brand-new evening light show in the Mount Coo-tha Botanic Gardens. The plan is to connect Mt Coot-tha to Mount Archer. They’ve even spilled the beans on an accessible tree-top walk at The Summit.

Meanwhile, the existing Tropical Dome is being completely reimagined after gracing the Botanic Gardens for over 50 years, and the Sir Thomas Planetarium is also getting the makeover treatment, with details yet to be revealed.

Image credit: Brisbane City Council | Supplied

The master plan also includes a vision to transform the Mount Coot-tha Quarry into a tourist destination once operations wrap over the next 10 years, with consideration to enhance the natural environment, build new tourism attractions and support outdoor activities, venues and off-road cycling opportunities.

The development will draw inspiration from other award-winning nature and park precincts—including Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay and British Columbia’s Butchart Gardens—and will be led by the award-winning Brisbane Sustainability Agency. 

“Mt Coot-tha has so much untapped potential and I’m eager to explore ways we can make it a must-do destination for both residents and visitors,” said Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. 

Image credit: Brisbane City Council | Supplied

While we patiently wait, we’ll be heading to Mt Coot-tha’s revitalised restaurant The Summit for a luxe nature fix.

Leading image credit: Brisbane City Council | Supplied