The Honeyeater Track: Walking from Chapel Hill to Mt Coottha Lookout
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Shhh. This track to the top of Mt Coot-tha is such a closely guarded secret that the signposts are written in code. It could have a practical name like "Fleming Road to Mt Coot-tha Lookout" but no, it has been designated, enigmatically, the Honeyeater Track.
Looking for a great circular walk in Brisbane's bush that will stretch adult legs and is suitable for kiddy ones?
Stick to the Honeyeater Track and the reward at the 2km mark is more than worth it. Not only is there the Kuta Café at the summit with coffees and cake but the scenes looking down over greater Brisbane are the best in town. As one of our higher peaks, Mt Coot-tha has a 270 degree bird's-eye view spanning the horizon from the Boonah hills, over the city, to the sand dunes of Moreton and Bribie Islands.
Mysteries are great fun. But try deciphering how these cryptically-named tracks relate to the street map and you will start to feel a little overwhelmed... and a tad anxious about getting lost in the bush.
So to avoid the "it's just too hard" feeling, I have been prompted to write this story by a Brisbane born-and-bred friend who had never climbed to the top of Mt C - she is from the south side - until last week when I dragged her up my favourite track.
So here is this closely guarded secret decoded: with specific directions, street names and pictures so download this page for a stress-free walk.
Serious hike or casual stroll? At just under 5km, cardio pumping and thigh burning is one way to attack this track. Plenty do it but for the rest of us a leisurely stroll with granny, good mates and the dogs means there is time to observe the wildlife. At a reasonable "walk 'n' chat" pace, including time to admire the views but with no pit stop, allow 1 hour 15.
Kid friendly? You bet. The bribe, I mean, the
incentive that gets my youngsters out of the house is the promise of an ice cream/milkshake at the top. Success rate 100%.
Starting point: Fleming Road, off Chapel Hill Road, map ref 177 P2. The track is graded with a handful of signs at key intersections. The car park, and starting point, is on the right hand side just past the parade of shops.
Follow the signs for Summit Lookout which is on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, map ref 158 D18. Distance is 4360m round trip from the car park.
Directions: Follow the sign for Honeyeater Track heading to the Summit Lookout. Head north out of the car park. After 50m there is another signpost (Summit Lookout 2135m) keeping you on track.
The third signpost at a "crossroads" directs walkers straight ahead. At this point, with 1845m to go, the terrain starts to rise. There are two strategically placed benches between here and the next signpost.
At the second bench, the track forks left (also signposted) and from here the path meanders along the side of the hill to the top of the ridge. The trail emerges next to the road. Follow the tarmac to the right to get to the Lookout and the Kuta café.
The
return is all downhill. Retrace your steps
following signs for Chapel Hill Environmental & Education Centre. This will take you back to the car park on Fleming Road.
#walks
#views
#tourist_attractions
#natural_attractions
#mount_coot_tha
#inner_suburbs
#free
#family
#dog_friendly
#chapel_hill
%wnbrisbane
161027 - 2023-06-14 18:36:38