Brisbane City Council has released a draft 20-year vision for Mt Coot-tha, outlining potential improvements to the city’s largest conservation reserve, including new parkland at the existing quarry, upgraded visitor facilities, improved walking connections and additional nature-based tourism experiences.
The draft Mt Coot-tha Vision has been developed by Brisbane Sustainability Agency on behalf of Brisbane City Council. It aims to protect the area’s natural environment while exploring opportunities to improve existing attractions and introduce new recreational facilities. The draft is open for community feedback until 30 November 2026.
The proposal is a long-term planning vision rather than approval for a complete package of construction works. Council will consider community feedback before finalising the vision in 2027. The Lord Mayor outlined that the draft vision was about planning for the future of the Mt Coot-tha precinct, while maintaining its character as a natural destination.
Council has also stated that the proposal is not intended to turn Mt Coot-tha into a theme park. The draft identifies potential improvements to existing attractions, alongside opportunities for nature-based recreation and tourism.
Mt Coot-tha Quarry Transformation
Approximately 26 hectares of potential future parkland.
Explore a swimmable lake and new recreational facilities.
Potential adventure activities and nature-based tourism experiences.
Quarry operations are expected to continue for around another decade.
Summit Lookout and Visitor Facilities
Upgrade viewing areas, shade and visitor facilities.
Improve walking connections and visitor access.
Investigate a one-way loop along Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, including a dedicated cycling lane.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
Upgrade the Tropical Display Dome and Cacti House.
Explore new garden attractions and improved dining and function facilities.
Investigate a potential night-time light show.
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
Revitalise the Planetarium and improve its facilities to meet future visitor needs.
Walking, Cycling and Outdoor Recreation
Improve walking trails and cycling connections.
Investigate a new mountain bike skills track.
Explore an accessible tree-top walk.
Consider a proposed 170-kilometre Brisbane Wilderness Trail linking Mt Coot-tha to Mount Archer.
Nature-Based Tourism and Accommodation
Investigate a sustainable retreat incorporating glamping.
Explore additional nature-based visitor experiences while protecting the reserve’s environmental values.
Environmental Protection and Conservation
Protect native bushland, wildlife habitats and koala habitat.
Balance recreational opportunities with conservation and scenic values.
Guide future development through a long-term precinct vision.
Project Status and Consultation
The draft vision outlines potential improvements over 20 years.
Most proposed projects do not yet have confirmed funding or construction timelines.
Community feedback closes on 30 November 2026.
Council expects to finalise the vision in 2027.
Stage 1 Details
Planning and design: Council’s 2025–26 Budget includes funding to plan and design an upgrade to the 50-year-old Tropical Display Dome at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha and new picnic shelters at Brush Box picnic area.
Precinct improvements: Further opportunities include upgrading the summit lookout, improving visitor access, enhancing walking trails and introducing additional picnic facilities.
Botanic Gardens and Planetarium: Potential improvements include upgraded garden attractions, better dining and function facilities, and the revitalisation of the Planetarium.
Quarry transformation: Council will explore a future use for the existing quarry once extraction operations end. The concept includes parkland, nature-based experiences and recreational activities. Quarry operations are expected to continue for around another decade, subject to operational requirements.
Long-term environmental and recreational projects: Additional concepts include a tree-top walk, glamping, a mountain bike skills track, a possible night-time light show and a longer wilderness trail connecting Mt Coot-tha to Mount Archer.
The timing, funding and delivery arrangements for most of these opportunities have not yet been confirmed. The draft vision is intended to guide future planning rather than establish a construction schedule for every proposed project.
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