A new Mt Coot-tha nature retreat and hike are coming to Brisbane

Mt Coot-tha is set for a glow up with the announcement of a new hiking trail and nature retreat.

Long a popular retreat for Brisbane locals, Mt Coot-tha Reserve is the city’s largest natural area. Just a 15-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD, it’s already the place for unbeatable skyline views of the city. But now, it will be more than just a short break. Brisbane City Council appointed Brisbane Sustainability Agency to transform the area into a nature-based tourism and recreation hub, including a world-class Mt Coot-tha nature retreat.

person making a heart from their hands at mt coot-tha lookout — The view from Mt Coot-tha is already much loved. (Image: Visit Brisbane)

The plan is to transform the location ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to be hosted in Brisbane, with the intention of developing a long-term strategy make it an an eco-tourism destination and protect the precinct’s native bushland while also enhancing the offerings and accessibility for the over one million visitors Mt Coot-tha already receives per year.

In a press release, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stated the revitalisation of Mount Coot-tha includes “a 170-kilometre wilderness walking trail with overnight huts, glamping, a botanic gardens night-time lights show and a reimagined tropical dome".

That tropical dome will transform the one that currently stands on-site to be reminiscent of green tourism destinations like Singapore’s iconic Gardens by the Bay and Butchart Gardens in Canada, complete with botanic gardens and an immersive night-time light experience, a treetop walk and upgrades to the current summit lookout. The current Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is also slated for an upgrade. Visitors will be able to make the most of it by staying in the new nature retreat, with glamping spots.

exterior render of Mt Coot-tha tropical dome after renovation — A brand new dome, hiking trail and Mt Coot-tha nature retreat are coming.

For those keen on a little more adventure than the retreat can provide, a key feature of the proposed improvements is the Brisbane Wilderness Walking Trail. This 170-kilometre track would connect Mt Coot-tha to Mt Archer. Drawing inspiration from longer hiking trails like Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain and New Zealand’s West Coast Wilderness Trail, the trail will enjoy features to make hikers more comfortable along their journey, like bush huts, way-finding signage, composting toilets, camping sites and refurbished picnic areas.

“Brisbane is riding a wave of international popularity as a tourism destination and with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games coming, now is the time to start planning more to see and do in our city," continued Schrinner.

“We have South Bank, the city, Howard Smith Wharves and Fortitude Valley for locals to enjoy and visitors to explore. I believe Mount Coot-tha presents an incredible opportunity for nature-based destinations and attractions, which is exactly what international visitors are looking for".

a render of the inside Mt Coot-tha tropical dome after renovation — The current tropical dome will be transformed to match the likes of Singapore.

What can you do in Brisbane while you wait for the Mt Coot-tha glow up? Try these experiences and these delicious restaurants.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central, enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg. If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art, which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay. Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying. Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon, before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort. Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove, where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa, located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar, widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

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