A range of eco-tourism destinations and attractions are set to be investigated under a new Brisbane City Council master plan for one of the region’s most prized natural assets – Mount Coot-tha.
A 170-kilometre wilderness walking trail with overnight huts, “glamping”, a botanic gardens night-time lights show and reimagined tropical dome are among the new attractions to be considered.
Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, yesterday announced Brisbane Sustainability Agency will lead the master plan.
He said the master plan will develop a long-term strategy to protect Mount Coot-tha’s valuable native areas while exploring opportunities to enhance the precinct’s existing attractions, including the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium and Summit lookout.
“I believe Mount Coot-tha presents an incredible opportunity for nature-based destinations and attractions, which is exactly what international visitors are looking for,” said the Lord Mayor.
“Brisbane Sustainability Agency will create a long-term master plan for Mount Coot-tha, which will include ways to protect its most precious natural areas and create new activities and attractions.
“Mount 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.”
Lord Mayor Schrinner said the master plan will also create a long-term plan to transform Mount Coot-tha Quarry into a must-do destination when it ceases operation some time over the next decade.
The plan will draw inspiration from other award-winning nature and park precincts, including Kings Park in Western Australia, Butchart Gardens in British Columbia and Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.
Brisbane Sustainability Agency, chaired by Nigel Chamier AM, is already responsible for transforming Oxley Creek into a popular lifestyle and leisure destination.
“Mt Coot-tha is already an iconic destination, and Brisbane Sustainability Agency is well-positioned to shape its future through thoughtful, expert-led planning,” said Mr Chamier.
“Our team has a demonstrated history of delivering sustainable, community-centric projects, and we’re proud to be entrusted with guiding the long-term renewal of this important precinct.”
Opportunities BSA will explore include:
- A long-term master plan for transforming the Mount Coot-tha Quarry;
- Improvement to the Mt Coot-tha Summit lookout;
- Introducing a new night-time light show in the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens;
- Reimagining and revitalising the Planetarium and Tropical Dome;
- Tree planting and revegetation across the precinct to support wildlife and provide shade;
- Establish a Brisbane Wilderness Trail to connect Mt Coot-tha to Mount Archer;
- Sustainable nature retreat, including eco-tourism glamping;
- Reconfiguring Sir Samuel Griffith Drive to a one-way loop road, reserving a lane for cyclists;
- New and improved picnic areas, including pop-up cafes;
- Mountain bike skills development track;
- Accessible tree-top walk at The Summit.
A Brisbane Wilderness Trail is a Suburban Futures concept and could boost local tourism with hiking and mountain bike trails potentially spanning 170 kilometres. Opportunities include delivering more resting points, such as bush huts and camping sites, composting toilets and wayfinding. Similar trail concepts have been delivered in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania and the West Coast Wilderness Trail New Zealand.
Council recently investigated the future of Mount Coot-tha Quarry and found it could continue for another decade due to increasing use of recycled material in road base. The quarry has been operating since the mid-1890s and still supplies 96% of asphalt aggregate for Brisbane roads.
“This initiative will go beyond rehabilitation as it is about establishing a lasting legacy that enhances the Mt Coot-tha experience for residents and visitors,” Mr Chamier said.
“While the quarry continues to operate, we will begin planning for Mt Coot-tha’s long-term future while balancing the operational needs of today with the future preservation and celebration of the precinct.”
Recent consultation with more than 670 residents on the future of the Mt Coot-tha Quarry revealed support for enhancing the natural environment, new tourism attractions, outdoor activities, venues and off-road cycling opportunities across the precinct.
More than one million visitors a year already visit the Mount Coot-tha precinct.
“We want the world to discover Brisbane and fall in love with its lifestyle and natural attractions,” said Lord Mayor Schrinner.
“One of the real jewels in the crown is Mount Coot-tha, but it can be even better by 2032 and beyond.
The 2025-26 Council Budget will also include funding to plan and design an upgrade of the 50-year-old Tropical Dome and new picnic shelters at Brush Box Picnic Area.
