Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha Brisbane
Explore 56 hectares of subtropical paradise, featuring a stunning Tropical Dome, serene Japanese Garden, and lush rainforest trails.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha Brisbane
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 56 hectares of subtropical paradise, featuring a stunning Tropical Dome, serene Japanese Garden, and lush rainforest trails.
"A must-visit Brisbane gem with diverse gardens, perfect for picnics and peaceful exploration."
🚗 Parking Tips
Main car park fills fast. Overflow parking is across Mt Coot-tha Rd . Consider parking further out and walking.
🗺️ Download a Map
Gardens are huge! Grab a wayfinding map from the council website to plan your route .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tropical Dome
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
Step into a lush, humid paradise with exotic plants and a stunning waterfall. A photographer's dream!

Japanese Garden & Bonsai House
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
Experience a slice of Japan with tranquil ponds, manicured landscapes, and an impressive bonsai collection.

Rainforest Trails
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
Wander through serene, shaded paths surrounded by native subtropical and tropical rainforest species.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scale: Plan Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Main car park fills fast. Overflow parking is across Mt Coot-tha Rd.
Consider parking further out and walking.🗺️ Download a Map
Gardens are huge! Grab a wayfinding map from the council website to plan your route.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours
Join free volunteer tours for insights into plants and hidden spots.
Highly recommended!💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in warmer months, bring water. There are plenty of spots to sit and rest.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Main car park fills fast. Overflow parking is across Mt Coot-tha Rd.
Consider parking further out and walking.🗺️ Download a Map
Gardens are huge! Grab a wayfinding map from the council website to plan your route.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours
Join free volunteer tours for insights into plants and hidden spots.
Highly recommended!💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in warmer months, bring water. There are plenty of spots to sit and rest.
📸 Capture the Beauty
The Tropical Dome and Japanese Garden are incredibly photogenic.
Don't forget your camera!What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beauty and diversity of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, highlighting the stunning Tropical Dome and tranquil Japanese Garden as must-sees. Many appreciate the free entry and ample space for picnics and family fun. However, some reviews mention areas needing maintenance, such as weeds and dirty windows in the dome, and occasional issues with staff conduct.
"I love this place! There's so many beautiful gardens to enjoy.the Cafe is great and the meals are generous serves.
The domed garden was beautiful and a great spot to take some pictures.
This is a wonderful place to take the kids with plenty of wide open spaces for them to run off some energy 😊
If your looking for a romantic date option , a picnic at the gardens would be ideal 🩷
I highly recommend"
Jody Maguire
"What a shame the gardens were in poor condition. So many weeds everywhere. The tropical displayed dome was so dirty. Windows had so much cobwebs inside and dirt and dust stuck onto lower windows. Pond up the top was full of green algae. We could hear three staff talking rudely about other staff when walking through. Just a thought for staff to be aware that it literally isn't a 'dome' of silence!!
We really enjoyed the bonsai display it was clean, new and a great addition.
The cafe was dirty and the atmosphere was really lacking, Very dirty windows looking out to a lake. Could be so much nicer if the people running it made more of an effort to improve the view."
Muzarati
"When to Mt. Coo-tha's botanical gardens for the first time and was amazed by the layout. Being from Canada, our botanical gardens, to be quite honest, aren't the greatest as the temperature varies dramatically between the 4 seasons. The whole park was clean and well maintained. Lots of lovely plants and wildlife to see. The footpaths are nicely situated going around the park, and the planetarium has loads of information not just only on our solar system but Australia as a country in general. I didn't have time to visit all the little attractions and gardens as I was there for a family picnic, but I will most definitely return with my bike to look around even more. 10/10, kids will also love it here too as the are lot of activities to keep them busy."
Neil Singh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The gardens are located about 6km from Brisbane's city center.
Driving is the most common way, with parking available, though it can fill up quickly. Public transport options include buses that stop near the gardens, but check schedules as they might require a walk.Yes, there is a main car park near the entrance. On busy days, overflow parking is available on the other side of Mt Coot-tha Road.
Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.Yes, cycling is a great way to reach the gardens, especially if you're coming from nearby areas. There are paths and bike racks available. Some visitors enjoy cycling within the gardens themselves.
While direct public transport to the gardens can be limited, several bus routes service the general Mt Coot-tha area. It's advisable to check the Translink website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules, as some may involve a walk.
The gardens are extensive, so downloading a wayfinding map from the Brisbane City Council website is highly recommended.
Following marked trails like the 'maroon trail' can help you explore efficiently.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha is completely free.
This makes it an accessible and popular destination for locals and tourists alike.The gardens are generally open daily until 6 PM.
It's always a good idea to check the official Brisbane City Council website for any seasonal changes or specific area hours, especially for the Tropical Dome or Bonsai House.As entry is free, no advance booking is required for general admission to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. However, if you plan to attend specific workshops or events, booking might be necessary.
Yes, the gardens often host various events, workshops, and exhibitions. Information on upcoming events can usually be found on the Brisbane City Council's website or their social media channels.
Yes, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is located within the grounds of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. Separate admission fees apply for planetarium shows.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the stunning Tropical Dome,
the serene Japanese Garden with its Bonsai House, and the immersive Rainforest trails. The Millennium Cherry tree is also a highlight when in bloom.Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for families with plenty of open spaces for kids to run around.
The diverse plant life and wildlife sightings offer a great learning experience.Yes, picnics are very welcome! There are numerous scenic spots throughout the gardens perfect for a relaxing picnic.
Remember to take all your rubbish with you.Yes, the gardens feature well-maintained walking trails that wind through various themed sections, including rainforest and native plant areas.
Some trails can be steep, so wear comfortable shoes.Keep an eye out for native wildlife such as scrub turkeys, water dragons,
and various bird species. The gardens provide a natural habitat for many local creatures.📸 📸 Photography
The Tropical Dome is incredibly photogenic with its lush greenery and waterfall.
The Japanese Garden offers beautiful compositions with its ponds and structures. Look for seasonal blooms like jacarandas for vibrant shots.Yes, personal photography is generally allowed throughout the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer beautiful soft light that enhances the natural beauty of the gardens. Midday sun can be harsh, but the shade of the rainforest and dome provides relief.
While tripods are generally permitted for personal use, large professional setups might be restricted during peak times to avoid obstructing other visitors. Always be mindful of others.
Yes, capturing the diverse flora and fauna is encouraged. Remember to be respectful of the plants and wildlife, and avoid disturbing them for a photo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Themed Gardens
The Japanese Garden provides a serene escape with its meticulously designed landscapes, koi ponds, and a charming Bonsai House. Nearby, the Australian Native Plants section showcases the incredible biodiversity of the continent, while the Rainforest trails offer a cool, shaded walk through lush, native flora. Don't miss the Horticulture Display Garden for seasonal floral displays.
These distinct areas mean you can experience vastly different environments within a single visit. For those interested in specific plant collections, the Bonsai House and the Cycad Garden are particularly noteworthy. The gardens are designed to be explored, with winding paths inviting discovery.
Best Times for a Peaceful Visit
Late afternoons also offer a beautiful, softer light for photography and a more relaxed atmosphere as the day winds down. If you're visiting during peak seasons, like when the jacarandas are in bloom (late September to early November), be prepared for more visitors. Weekends, especially Saturdays, tend to be the busiest, so if you prefer solitude, weekdays are your best bet.
Consider joining a free volunteer-guided tour. While these tours attract groups, they often lead you to less-trodden paths and provide fascinating insights, making the experience richer even with others present. Planning your visit around these times can significantly enhance your enjoyment.
Photography Opportunities
The Japanese Garden provides a different aesthetic, with its carefully composed landscapes, stone lanterns, and the tranquil Bonsai House. The symmetry and serenity lend themselves to artistic shots. During spring, the Millennium Cherry blossoms create a breathtaking pink spectacle, and the gardens are also known for their jacaranda displays in autumn, offering bursts of color.
Beyond these iconic spots, explore the rainforest trails for dappled light filtering through the canopy and the intricate details of native plants. The Cycad Garden offers unique textures and forms. Remember to visit during the golden hours for the best natural light, and always be respectful of the environment and other visitors while capturing your shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit