Mt Coot-tha Lookout

A public park from 1874, when a visionary government rejected a proposal to sell it off, Mt Coot-tha  Lookout with its unrivalled spectacular panoramic views, has been Brisbane’s premier attraction ever since.

In the ensuing years, its at times colourful history has seen its first trustees include Brisbane luminaries Hon Charles Lilley, Sir Samuel Griffith and Premier Arthur Hunter Palmer, a visit from the future king and queen of England - the Duke and Duchess of York - in 1927, the dumping of World War II ammunition by the US Army and the 1960 erection of the four television network towers. One relic from its early years remains – the tea house, renowned for its scones, which was built in 1923 and has since been extended to house the Summit Restaurant.

Despite the hoards that descend on the lookout via tour bus, car, bicycle and so forth, there is plenty of space for everyone to have a look through the telescopes, check out the directional bollards, grab an ice-cream and a ledge space or wander the terraced gardens. The Summit has a licensed bar so the view can also be enjoyed with a beer or glass of wine.