Brisbane’s iconic Mt Coot-tha Reserve is set to undergo a major transformation with the introduction of a 170-kilometre wilderness hiking trail and a new nature retreat, enhancing its appeal as a premier eco-tourism destination ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Located just a 15-minute drive from Brisbane’s central business district, Mt Coot-tha Reserve is the city’s largest natural area, attracting over one million visitors annually. Known for its stunning skyline views, the reserve will soon offer visitors a broader range of recreational opportunities.
Brisbane City Council has appointed the Brisbane Sustainability Agency to lead the project, aiming to create a world-class nature and tourism hub that balances environmental protection with increased accessibility and visitor experience.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner outlined the ambitious plans in a recent statement, highlighting key features including “a 170-kilometre wilderness walking trail with overnight huts, glamping facilities, a botanic gardens night-time light show, and a reimagined tropical dome.”
The tropical dome will be revamped to emulate internationally renowned green tourism sites such as Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay and Canada’s Butchart Gardens. Upgrades will include immersive night-time lighting displays, a treetop walk, and improvements to the summit lookout. Additionally, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is scheduled for renovation.
The proposed Brisbane Wilderness Walking Trail will link Mt Coot-tha with Mt Archer, offering a hiking experience inspired by Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain and New Zealand’s West Coast Wilderness Trail. To support hikers, the trail will feature bush huts, clear way-finding signage, composting toilets, camping areas, and refurbished picnic spots.
“Brisbane is riding a wave of international popularity as a tourism destination,” Schrinner said. “With the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching, now is the perfect time to expand what our city has to offer. Mt Coot-tha presents a unique opportunity to develop nature-based attractions, which align with what international visitors are seeking.”
This development complements Brisbane’s existing attractions, including South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves, Fortitude Valley, and the city’s vibrant cultural scene, positioning Mt Coot-tha as a key element in the city’s tourism future.
