A new 170-km hike and nature retreat are coming to Brisbane

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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.

Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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The best family accommodation in Brisbane for the ultimate getaway

    By Emily Murphy
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    The kids will sleep like a log at these family-friendly stays.

    Finding the ideal spot to rest your head after a big day of exploring is hard work. Well, we’ve taken the hard work out of it and found the absolute best family accommodation options in Brisbane.

    Whether a hotel stay is your family’s vibe, or you prefer the space of a holiday park, we’ve got you. Enjoying an escape at these stays is child’s play. Think fun for them, a bit of luxury for you.

    1. Crystalbrook Vincent

    Tucked under the Story Bridge and across from Howard Smith Wharves, the six-storey Crystalbrook Vincent hotel features works by Melbourne artist Vincent Fantauzzo throughout.

    The hotel’s family rooms are complete with a king and a queen bed, streaming services to keep the kids at bay, a rainforest shower and a huge bath.

    If you want a little more luxury, the two-bedroom luxe suites are in a high-floor penthouse location with large balconies that give expansive views over Brisbane River and Howard Smith Wharves precinct.

    Crystalbrook Vincent under Story Bridge, Brisbane

    Crystalbrook Vincent is tucked under the Story Bridge. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

    Address: 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane

    2. Brisbane Holiday Village, Eight Mile Plains

    This holiday park, located 20 minutes from the Gold Coast’s theme parks, has more in common with a resort than a campground.

    Park your caravan, pitch a tent or bunk down in a cabin at Brisbane Holiday Village and round up the gang for free activities such as lorikeet-feeding, a round of mini golf, a game of tennis or a swim in the lagoon-style pool.

    Pool and cabanas at Brisbane Holiday Village

    This holiday park has more in common with a resort than a campground.

    Address: 10 Holmead Road, Eight Mile Plains

    3. Novotel Brisbane South Bank

    This South Bank hotel is a child’s dream holiday spot. With inclusions like Kids’ electric cars (ages three to 11) to use in the outdoor ‘racetrack’, an outdoor pool with pool toys for the taking, a Lego butler who will deliver Lego kits to your room on request, kids’ mini bar with Kit Kats, Freddo Frogs and Doritos, and teepees filled with colouring books and games in the ‘N’ family suite’s junior suite. They’ll never want to leave the hotel!

    Novotel Brisbane South Bank Basketball

    The Novotel Brisbane South Bank is perfect for active kiddos.

    Address: 38 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane

    4. W Brisbane

    There is nothing quiet about the interiors at W Brisbane, but kids will adore the punchy primary colours, giant patterns and quirky design details used throughout.

    Check out the Wonderful and Spectacular rooms and one-bedroom Marvellous suite if you are a family of three, and then make a beeline for the WET Deck pool area for lunch.

    WET Deck swimming pool at W Brisbane

    Kids will love swimming in the WET Deck pool.

    Address: 81 North Quay, Brisbane City

    5. Capri by Fraser Brisbane

    Conceived by the award-winning Ministry of Design, this hotel residence is in the heart of the CBD close to Queen Street Mall, the Botanic Gardens and Eagle Street Pier. Teens will love the colourful reception area and slick indoor swimming pool.

    Capri by Fraser Brisbane Exterior

    Teens will love Capri by Fraser Brisbane’s slick indoor swimming pool. (Image: Supplied)

    Address: 80 Albert Street, Brisbane

    6. FV Brisbane by Peppers

    Think apartment living combined with the Peppers brand of style and service and you have FV Brisbane by Peppers.

    The roster of one- and two-bedroom apartments in the landmark building in Fortitude Valley offers kitchens, Foxtel and free Wi-Fi. Facilities include a yoga studio and gym, private cinema and skyline pool.

    Moonlight cinema at FV Brisbane by Peppers

    The moonlight cinema will be a hit for kids of all ages.

    Address: 191 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley

    7. The Sebel Brisbane

    Right in the heart of all the action, The Sebel Brisbane offers two-bedroom apartments comprising a king room and interconnecting studio, with kitchen and laundry facilities, free wi-fi, Foxtel and two bathrooms. There’s also a pool deck and stylish dining at The Croft House Town Kitchen & Bar.

    Address: 95 Charlotte, Brisbane

    8. Oaks Brisbane Aurora Suites

    With one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments all with full kitchens, laundry facilities, free wi-fi and balconies, as well as a 25-metre outdoor pool and gym, families of all sizes can be accommodated here. The property is also an easy walk to Queen Street Mall.

    Address: 420 Queen Street, Brisbane

    9. Pullman and Mercure Brisbane King George Square

    With sparkling views of the South Bank arts precinct, Brisbane River and the Wheel of Brisbane, the Pullman and Mercure Brisbane King George Square is a haven for budget-conscious families as you can score a free kid’s dinner for every paying adult.

    Don’t miss the hotel’s Goldfinch Restaurant and Street Cafe with its well-priced, contemporary menu that is worth staying in for.

    Address: Corner Ann & Roma Streets Brisbane

    10. The Westin

    If you’re looking to really spoil the family, then The Westin Brisbane’s inner-city luxury hotel might just be for you. Their spacious, family-friendly suites feature rooms with interconnecting doors, TVs with Chromecast and movie packages, and even teepees for the children to play in on request.

    When you’re not out exploring, you can take a dip in the outdoor pool (with a swim-up bar, you’re welcome).

    Teepee at The Westin in Brisbane

    The teepees for kids are available on request.

    Address: 111 Mary Street, Brisbane

    11. Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island

    Grab your bucket and spade – it’s time to explore one of the biggest ‘sandcastles you’ve ever seen.

    Tangalooma Island Resort is located on Moreton Island, the world’s second-largest sand island. Here you can and the kids can hand-feed wild dolphins, snorkel amongst shipwrecks, go whale watching, take a sand tobogganing tour or sign up for complimentary activities such as archery and badminton.

    Kids swimming at Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island

    Tangalooma Island Resort is ideal for families.

    Address: Tangalooma, Moreton Island

    12. Mantra South Bank

    Relax on the balcony while your little ones have a nap at Mantra South Bank, a contemporary apartment hotel located right in the heart of the action at South Bank Parklands.

    With the Queensland Museum, Sciencentre, Wheel of Brisbane, Queensland Maritime Museum and ferry terminals located less than 10 minutes walk away, it’s the ideal hotel for young kids who have loads of enthusiasm but limited stamina, and being able to self-cater keeps costs down.

    South Bank Parklands in Brisbane

    Be right in the heart of the action at South Bank Parklands.

    Address: 161 Grey St, South Brisbane