Mt Cootha Botanic Gardens Cafe

Mt Cootha Botanic Gardens Cafe

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Posted 2023-06-20 by Gillian Chingfollow
Set amongst the leafiness of one of Brisbane's most spectacular public gardens, The Mt Cootha Botanic Gardens Cafe is a great place to meet family and friends for breakfast or lunch.



A special celebratory breakfast led me to visit the Botanicals Cafe in the heart of the Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens, Toowong. I hadn't been to the gardens in many years. Being situated only 7 kilometres from the Central Business District, a birthday catch-up seemed the ideal way to try the cafe and re-acquaint myself with this lush, Brisbane landmark.

About the Botanic Gardens Mt Cootha
Specialising in sub-tropical plants, the 56-hectare public gardens opened in 1976 and is a 15-minute drive from its companion City Botanic Gardens in Alice Street in the Brisbane Central Business Districts.

The gardens are described as "a living museum of native and exotic plant collections in themed sections." The coolness of the ferns, the pineapple-like bromeliads, and spikey and flowering cacti are just some of the species on display.



The Cafe
The cafe is a large, accessible and expansive dining space and is located a short walk from the main entrance, the public car park and neighbours the visitor information centre and the Planetarium. In fact, the pure white circular dome of the Planetarium is a not to be missed eye-catcher that will lead you to your first cup of coffee at the cafe.

The ramp at the front entrance of the cafe makes it comfortable for prams, strollers and wheelchair access.



We were fortunate to sit at one of many tables that lined the full-length glass windows which offered a picturesque view of just some of the tendered spaces of the expansive grounds of the gardens.



In particular, I smiled at seeing the "butterfly catchers" sculpture in front of the lake of the bamboo gardens which had once appeared at the year-long Brisbane Expo 88 Exhibition. They are one of the 88 sculptures specifically commissioned public art pieces for the Expo and have been described as ghostly white and made from white fibreglass. If you were a resident of Brisbane at the time, you are likely to remember them.



Ours, like other tables around us, had a freshly cut rose in a vase as a centrepiece of the table. It was not only fitting of the surroundings but also a beautifully scented addition to the table.





What's on the Menu?
Now, for breakfast. The menu offers the mainstay breakfast cafe favourites. Smashed avocado, bacon and eggs, Belgian Waffles, Mushrooms on toast and more. Breakfast menu selections range from $12.90 to $22.90.



I selected the small breakfast which included scrambled egg (my choice), 2 slices of toast, one hash brown and bacon. It arrived extremely quickly given the number of patrons in the cafe at the time and was enjoyably tasty.If you are looking to visit for lunch, the menu there is an added selection of burgers, sandwiches, salads and seafood items. Prices for lunch range from $19.90 to $27.50.You can view the menu here

As well as menu items, there is also a selection of cabinet items including quiches, toasties, pastries and a full range of Byron Bay Cookies. The cafe offers counter service and while the cafe closes at 4pm, the last kitchen orders are at 2:30pm.The cafe offers a 5% discount for those patrons who pay by cash. There is also a 1% surcharge on the menu prices for those paying by card. To see the menu for yourself, check out the link here

The Standout
It's hard to go past the glimpses of the gardens as a highlight, but also worthy of mention is the ceiling design of the cafe. The high, exposed beams have the Queensland summers in mind, offering light and coolness for a comfortable seating and visual experience.





What Else
The Mt Cootha Botanic Gardens are situated at 152 Mt Cootha Road, Mt Cootha. Entry to the gardens is free as is free parking. The cafe also serves as a function venue for larger bookings. The cafe is open for 7 days.

Monday 8:30& #8239 ;am–4& #8239 ;pm
Tuesday 8:30& #8239 ;am–4& #8239 ;pm
Wednesday 8:30& #8239 ;am–4& #8239 ;pm
Thursday 8:30& #8239 ;am–4& #8239 ;pm
Friday 8:30& #8239 ;am–4& #8239 ;pm
Saturday 8:15& #8239 ;am–4& #8239 ;pm
Sunday 8:15& #8239 ;am–4& #8239 ;pm

If you haven't been to the gardens or the cafe, my suggestion is to try it. And if you have been then why not enjoy the view, take in the ever-changing landscape of the living garden and try it again!



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#tourist_attractions
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#things_to_see
#queensland
#planetariums
#lunch
#inner_suburbs
#gardens
#coffee
#cafes
#breakfast
%wnbrisbane
221181 - 2023-06-30 10:37:46

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