A New Plan For Mt Coot-tha Will Transform The Quarry Into A Family-Friendly Parkland

 

When you need to touch grass in Brisbane, there’s no place quite like Mt Coot-tha. It’s a place locals have a lot of opinions about and it shows in the plans, visions and potential developments that have floated through our inboxes over the years. 

Now, there’s a new vision unveiled for the natural gem—focusing on keeping the destination free, family-friendly and protected. 

Brisbane City Council has dropped a draft 20-year-plan for Mt Coot-tha, shaped by more than 4,800 pieces of feedback from residents. Their concerns? Improving existing attractions while protecting the bushland, wildlife and natural beauty that makes Mt Coot-tha so loved. 

Image credit: Mt Coot-tha Draft Plan | Supplied

At the heart of the plan is a proposed transformation of the existing 26-hectare Mt Coot-tha Quarry into a new parkland where you can enjoy picnics, nature-based experiences and community activities. In fact, free and affordable activities are a major part of the vision, including bushwalking, cycling, picnics and family events. 

The Summit has also been identified as a key opportunity for revitalisation, with better viewing areas, walking connection and shade to complement the famous free lookout with easily one of the best views in town.

Meanwhile, Mt Coot-tha’s Botanic Gardens could receive a new children’s garden as well as better dining and function facilities, plus upgrades to the existing Tropical Display Dome, Cacti House and Planetarium. 

Image credit: Mt Coot-tha Draft Plan | Supplied

Located just 5kms from the CBD, Mt Coot-tha is Brisbane’s largest conservation reserve and supports over 450 native plants and 370 wildlife species. Naturally, environmental protection is absolutely fundamental when talking about changes to the precinct, and the draft plan reflects this by restoring wildlife habitats, protecting bushland, and strengthening conservation efforts so Mt Coot-tha can be enjoyed by many generations to come. 

“Mt Coot-tha is one of Brisbane's crown jewels and we want to protect what people love while creating more free and affordable opportunities for local families,” said Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. “It doesn’t cost a cent to enjoy the incredible views from the Mt Coot-tha Summit and practical improvements could make it even more enjoyable for local families.”

You can have your say on the plan until 30 November here, with the final vision slated to be revealed in mid-2027.