The tiny tyrants were hot and restless so we bundled everyone into the air-conditioned car for a Sunday drive. Having been to Mt Gravatt Lookout the weekend before, we decided to drive to Mt Coot-tha to compare the panoramas of Brisbane.
Sir Samuel Griffith Scenic Drive twists and turns its way to the lookout at Mt Coot-tha. The views from the lookout - a series of terraces offering views of Brisbane and beyond - get more impressive with each escalating tier. We lingered a while enjoying the scenery, the cool breeze, and some delicious ice-cream from the Kuta Cafe. There is also a gift shop selling souvenirs and postcards, as well as the popular Summit Restaurant.
From the lookout, you can either opt to return to the base or continue along the scenic drive which goes around Mt Coot-tha and down the other side. We chose the latter. Driving through Mt Coot-tha Forest, we could hardly believe that we were still in the city; so quiet and serene, except for the occasional motorcycle whizzing past us. We passed by Channel 9, Channel 7, Channel 10 and numerous picnic spots.
We pulled up at Simpson Falls picnic area. After a small walk in, it was not unlike a fairy meadow from a picture book - minus the red spotted toadstools and fairies; a great green lawn surrounded by towering trees next to (what was once) a babbling brook. We have already decided to pack a picnic next time and return to this picturesque place. As well as tables, there are plenty of wood-fired stone barbecues available ready to go with wood already supplied.
For more information on the lookout, click
here.
