Brisbane Day Trips Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha
Brisbane – Queensland – Australia
Strolling through the ecological sanctuary of the Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha
You might have heard of the lookout at Mount Coot-tha that offers a spectacular view of Brisbane but have you heard of the botanical paradise at its base? If not, then I urge you to add it to your bucket list as it is worth a visit for a few hours or the entire day.
Lake at Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens covered with water lilies
Modern society living in densely populated urban areas have often lost the ability to be close to nature. Botanical gardens and parks play an enormous role to overcome that.
Water dragon posing in the Japanese Garden
There is insurmountable evidence that spending time in nature has huge benefits on physical health and psychological wellbeing. Furthermore it can serve an educational role as well as providing nourishing resources.
Japanese Garden - a well designed natural landscape
Fortunately there are many gardens and parks within Brisbane as well as on the outskirts that do just that. Mount Coot-tha’s botanical gardens are amongst the top of the list.
The gardens at the foot of Mount Coot-tha offer over 56 hectares of botanical and horticultural collections. The tranquil gardens containing special collections of endemic or exotic plants will provide many hours of admiration, relaxation, reflection as well as education.
Shishi odoshi
The second botanical gardens established in Brisbane was Mount Coot-tha. It was founded in 1970 and was officially opened in 1976. The first and original gardens established are in the city’s CBD.
Different ways to experience Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha
Walking through nature’s 3-dimensional canvas you immediately step into a masterpiece of tranquil green grandeur, filled with unusual and diverse plant collections.
Ficus Benjamina Bonsai
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From towering rainforest giants to delicate orchids, each corner of the garden unveils a mesmerizing, creative display of nature's treasures. As you wander along the winding pathways, you'll encounter meticulously curated themed gardens, each with its own unique charm and character.
Arid Garden
1. One can easily spend a leisurely day strolling through the gardens, past lawns, lakes and amongst trees. Allocate enough time to find solace in the Japanese Garden, explore the Tropical Display Dome, engross yourself in the horticultural marvels of foreign or exotic plants. Other delights are the bamboo grove, the cactus house and arid garden as well as the lagoon covered in waterlilies. Don’t forget the Bonsai House.
Tropical Display Dome
A large geodesic structure built at the Botanic Gardens of Mount Coot-tha to display plants from tropical regions of the world, that require a climate controlled and protected environment. The building was designed by Jacob de Vries, a Brisbane City Council architect.
Japanese Garden at Mount Coot-tha
2. Spending a few hours or a day at the gardens at Mount Coot-tha can make you thirsty and hungry. You can enjoy a light meal at the café or you can bring your own picnic and relax on the lawn at one of the many cool green spots in the gardens.
Legacy Way Exhaust Tower
3. Kids have their own spot to explore and discover some hidden secrets. Let the adventure begin by picking up a brochure at the information kiosk or by downloading it ahead of time and start exploring The Hide and Seek Children’s Trail. There are many hidden objects and surprises for those that are observant.
Koala sculpture
Dragonfly reflection
Hide and Seek Children’s Trail
4. If you are more into stars, take a brisk walk through the gardens anyway, then head to the planetarium situated in the gardens. You will be hard pressed to miss it. Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium will take you through an astronomical journey in the Cosmic Skydome, the display zone or the observatory. Entry into the Planetarium is free but charges apply for Cosmic Skydome shows.
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Reflect on the delicate balance between nature and the cosmos and the impact we as humans have on earth with everything we do, from digging a hole in the ground to sending spaceships up into the galaxy.
Beautifully manicured Japanese Garden
5. Need something more challenging? After a quick stroll through the gardens, why not tackle one of the many bushwalking trails that will take you through the forest with varying degrees of difficulty. There are multi-use trails that cater for walking, cycling and horse-riding so take care when exiting or entering those trails.
Download the Forest Track brochure here.
6. If you are less energetic, after your stroll around Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, you can drive to the lookout at the summit and admire the view over Brisbane. It is a perfect spot to be rewarded by vistas of the city’s skyline, the Brisbane River and the landscape surrounding Queensland’s capital.
Silicon bronze sculpture
Useful tips for visiting the botanical gardens at Mount Coot-tha:
What to wear? Comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen.
Entry into the gardens is free and they are open daily from 8am-6pm in summer (September to March) and 8am-5pm in winter (April to August). No dogs are allowed except for assistance and guide dogs. This is to protect the gardens and native wildlife.
Be sure to visit the visitor centre at Mount Coot-tha for more information about the gardens.
Be observant and look for sculptures, big or small within the gardens. Look up and look down. If you haven’t seen a water dragon yet, you are sure to see not just one, but a few. Which ones are real and which are sculptures?
Devote sufficient time to fully explore the gardens and the planetarium. Why not arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and have ample time to explore?
If you are adequately organized and you have plotted the areas you want to see in advance, you will be suitably prepared for your exploration of the garden and will not miss any parts of the garden. If you are visiting the planetarium, check the schedule for any shows and book in advance to maximize your time.
While exploring the garden, remember to respect the natural environment. There are plenty of designated paths, so stay on them. Refrain from damaging plants or picking flowers. Do not litter and dispose of any trash in designated bins. By being considerate and mindful of the habitat, one can play a vital role in helping to preserve the beauty of Mount Coot-Tha Botanic Garden for future visitors to enjoy.
Bougainvillea Bonsai
Where is Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens?
The beautiful gardens at Mount Coot-tha are situated just 7 kilometers from Brisbane's city centre. This peaceful retreat is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Water feature in the Japanese Garden
Final words about Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha
Our experience at the botanic gardens was rather rushed as we were stuck in traffic and we had pre-booked tickets for Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon Planetarium experience which we did not want to miss. I will definitely plan a return visit or two to enjoy the gardens at leisure.
A trip to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha is for the entire family, from young to old. Whether you are a nature lover, a photography enthusiast or simply seeking a day of relaxation, the Mount Coot-Tha Botanic Garden offers something for everyone.
With its diverse layout, captivating highlights, and stunning views, it is worth embarking on a day trip to this hidden gem of natural beauty and immersing yourself in the wonders of the botanical world.
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About the Author
ALMA VAN AS | ROAMING FOX
Alma is a South African travel blogger and writer now residing in Australia. She hopes to inspire you with facts and fables about her adventures, road trips and international travel.
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I think we would be hard pressed to find someone that doesn’t like butterflies. Who wouldn’t be enchanted?
Beautiful, fragile and gentle, flitting from bloom to bloom.