Mt Coottha Brisbane Botanic Gardens Tropical Dome Sarah Latham

Tucked away at the base of Mt Coot-tha in the inner Brisbane suburbs, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha is a must do Brisbane activity and a great way to spend a few hours or even an entire day.

Before we begin, it’s important to note there are actually a few botanic gardens in Brisbane, with the city Brisbane Botanic Gardens being the original. The Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens is located 15 minutes out of the city (with its exact location found here).

Open 365 days a year, the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens covers 56 hectares (you can learn more about the specifics here) and is a peaceful green space within the realms of Brisbane city.

How to get to Mt Coot-tha Brisbane Botanic Gardens

By Car

If driving by car, head out of Brisbane city following signs for Toowong. Once in Toowong, follow signs for Mt Coot-tha and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Exact Google Map location here. Upon arrival there is plenty of carparks available.

By Public Transport

To get to Mt Coot-tha Brisbane Botanic Gardens by public transport, click on Translink Journey Planner. Here you can input your origin and destination and see the range of Brisbane pubic transport options available to you. From Brisbane city, you can catch the 470 bus, which takes about 22 minutes and drops you a roughly 8 minute walk from the entrance.

Tropical Display Dome

I was most excited to explore the Tropical Display Dome inside of the Botanic Gardens and therefore, arriving just as the gardens opened, I headed straight there.

The Tropical Display Dome holds a range of tropical plants from across the world, meaning the dome had to be designed to provide the tropical climate they require. As you enter, you’ll notice the difference from the Brisbane weather to the climate controlled tropical atmosphere inside the dome.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coottha Sarah Latham
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coottha Sarah Latham

It is a very relaxing space.

Mt Coottha Brisbane Botanic Gardens Tropical Dome Sarah Latham
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coottha Sarah Latham
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coottha Sarah Latham

Fern House

After taking my time at the Tropical Display Dome, I strolled through the Fern House, just across the pathway. The Fern House is home to 80 different varieties of ferns and not only are they beautiful, they’re old as with their fossils dating back to 200 million years ago.

Fern House Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coottha
Fern House Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coottha
Fern House Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coottha

The Grounds

The grounds of Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens are a great way to spend a few hours wandering through, sitting with a book or just taking in the greenery. The day I visited was a perfect winter day with blue sky and fresh air. I plan on a few more visits back while I’m in Brisbane.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coottha
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coottha
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coottha
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coottha
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coottha

Botanic Gardens Cafe

If you’re feeling peckish from your walk through, there is the Botanic Gardens Cafe, open everyday, where you can enjoy a range of delicious breakfast and lunch options. For more information including opening times, please see their official website here.

Mt Coot-tha Lookout

While you’re here, it’s worth venturing a little bit further (directions here) to the Mt Coot-tha Lookout, with views out across Brisbane.

Mt Coot-tha Brisbane Lookout sunrise Sarah Latham
Sunrise from Mt Coot-tha

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