Mount Gravatt Lookout Brisbane
Panoramic city views, nature trails, and sunset vistas await at Mount Gravatt Lookout, a serene escape just minutes from Brisbane's CBD.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer people
Mount Gravatt Lookout Brisbane
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer people

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Panoramic city views, nature trails, and sunset vistas await at Mount Gravatt Lookout, a serene escape just minutes from Brisbane's CBD.
"A beautiful lookout with stunning views of Brisbane city, perfect for picnics and walks."
Koala Spotting :koala:
Keep your eyes peeled on the trails; koalas camouflage well but are sometimes spotted .
Cycle Up :bike:
A quieter, less intense cycle than Mt Coot-tha, offering great exercise .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views
Lookout platform
Stunning 360-degree vistas of Brisbane CBD, suburbs, and distant ranges. Perfect for photos!
Sunset Spectacle
Lookout platform
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the city in warm hues.

Bushwalking Trails
Various trailheads
Explore scenic walking tracks with opportunities to spot native wildlife like koalas.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Koala Spotting :koala:
Keep your eyes peeled on the trails; koalas camouflage well but are sometimes spotted.
Cycle Up :bike:
A quieter, less intense cycle than Mt Coot-tha, offering great exercise.
Sunset Views :camera:
Arrive early for sunset to secure a good spot and capture stunning cityscapes.
Check Cafe Hours :coffee:
The cafe can be hit or miss with opening hours, especially after 3 PM.
It's 100% worth visiting Mt Gravatt lookout
Tips
from all over the internet
Koala Spotting :koala:
Keep your eyes peeled on the trails; koalas camouflage well but are sometimes spotted.
Cycle Up :bike:
A quieter, less intense cycle than Mt Coot-tha, offering great exercise.
Sunset Views :camera:
Arrive early for sunset to secure a good spot and capture stunning cityscapes.
Check Cafe Hours :coffee:
The cafe can be hit or miss with opening hours, especially after 3 PM.
Respect Closing Time :clock10:
The lookout closes at 7 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mount Gravatt Lookout is praised for its stunning panoramic city views, especially at sunset, and its accessible walking trails that offer a chance to see wildlife. Visitors appreciate the picnic facilities and the opportunity for a good workout. However, some find the cafe's inconsistent opening hours and the lookout's early 7 PM closure to be drawbacks.
"Great place for resting, enjoy the sights of Brisbane city and watching sunset. Got a lot of picnic tables and wide space of green area. And you really need to squint your eyes to be able to find koala as they camouflage real well."
Mahardhika Cahyo Cakraningtyas
"Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve, located just 10 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, is a popular destination offering stunning panoramic views of Brisbane City, surrounding suburbs, and on clear days, the Moreton Bay islands, D’Aguilar Ranges, and Glasshouse Mountains. Beautiful place to visit."
Rana rizwan Rana
"A hidden gem, the drive up to the lookout is beautiful and there is a cafe at the top looking over the city views. I didn't do any of the walks but there seem to be som really good tracks if your into walks. Went back to take my daught to the cafe and had to update my review 0 star for the toilet situation, 3 toilets, 2 were out of order and the third was locked. They had mobile plastic toilets and they were out of water for flushing and washing hands."
Joanna Osborne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by car, with ample parking available at the summit. Public transport options are limited, but you can take a bus towards Griffith University and then walk or cycle up. Cycling is noted as a good alternative to driving, offering exercise without the heavy car traffic.
Yes, there is plenty of car parking available at the lookout, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! There are walking trails that lead up to the lookout. Some describe the walk from Logan Road as feeling like Mount Everest, though it's only a couple of hundred meters of vertical rise, offering a good workout.
The lookout closes at 7 PM, limiting nighttime access. Historically, there were concerns about safety and behavior after dark, leading to the earlier closing time.
Yes, there are various trails. One popular one is the Mt Gravatt Lookout Summit Track, which offers a rewarding experience with geocaches and fairy doors as unique features.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Mount Gravatt Lookout is free. You can visit and enjoy the views without any admission fee.
The lookout generally closes at 7 PM. It's important to check current hours as they can vary, and nighttime access is restricted.
The walking trails around Mount Gravatt Lookout are free to access, allowing you to explore the natural surroundings without charge.
While specific public holiday hours aren't always detailed, it's best to assume standard closing times apply. It's advisable to check local council information closer to the date.
The main restriction is the closing time of 7 PM. Access is generally open to the public outside of these hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer clear skies and fewer crowds for pristine shots of the city. Sunsets are incredibly popular for their dramatic colors, but expect more people.
You can capture panoramic cityscapes, stunning sunsets, and the surrounding natural landscape. Keep an eye out for native wildlife like koalas for unique shots.
No special permit is required for personal photography at Mount Gravatt Lookout. However, commercial photography or large-scale shoots might require prior arrangements.
Drone usage regulations can be complex and vary. It's best to check current CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) guidelines for Brisbane and ensure you are operating legally and safely, respecting privacy.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant landmarks or wildlife. A tripod is helpful for low-light sunset shots.
🎫 🌳 Nature & Wildlife
Yes, it's possible to spot koalas in the trees around the lookout and on the walking trails. They are well-camouflaged, so you'll need to look closely.
Besides koalas, you might see various native birds, including kookaburras, and other small Australian fauna as you explore the bushland.
The walking trails are excellent for wildlife spotting, especially in the quieter morning hours. The natural bushland provides habitat for many native species.
While koalas can appear anywhere in the gum trees, keeping an eye on the denser bushland areas along the walking tracks increases your chances.
Wildlife is generally more active during cooler parts of the day, so early mornings and late afternoons are best. The drier months might also see animals venturing closer to trails.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mount Gravatt Lookout Experience
For those seeking a more active experience, cycling up to the lookout is a popular option. It's described as a good workout that's less intense and more peaceful than cycling up Mount Coot-tha, avoiding the heavy car traffic and aggressive riders. The summit also hosts a cafe, though its opening hours can be inconsistent, so it's wise to check beforehand or pack your own refreshments. The presence of picnic tables and open green spaces further enhances its appeal as a place for relaxation and family outings.
It's important to note that the lookout has a strict closing time of 7 PM, which limits late-night visits. This measure is in place due to past incidents and safety concerns. Despite this, the lookout remains a cherished destination for its accessible natural beauty, stunning city views, and opportunities for outdoor activity, embodying a perfect slice of Brisbane's accessible outdoor lifestyle.
Exploring the Trails and Nature
Beyond the immediate lookout area, there are also mentions of limestone caves to the south and specific staircases used for training, such as those near Griffith University's Nathan Campus. While some of these may be less maintained or have been altered, they highlight the varied terrain and potential for exploration in the broader Mount Gravatt region. The trails are best enjoyed during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or late afternoons, when wildlife is typically more active and the temperature is more pleasant for walking.
For those interested in a bit of fun, the trails are also known to feature unique elements like a geocache hidden in an old car and a tiny fairy door at the base of a tree, adding a touch of whimsy to the natural surroundings. These elements make the walking experience engaging for all ages, encouraging a deeper connection with the environment.
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