Red Hill Lookout and Little Brother Cafe

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Posted 2015-06-10 by Sue W ⇒ follow

Red Hill Lookout is only several kilometres from the CBD, however has one of the best views of the city to enjoy. Of course there is the more popular Mount Ainslie Lookout - a spectacular lookout at a high 842 metres above sea level - however Red Hill (734m) has 180 degree views providing a different view of the city. It also has with the added bonus of having a scenic Café on top, to enjoy a coffee with the view.

Named Red Hill after the volcanic soils, the hill has a number of walking trails to walk up to the summit by foot, however there is a sealed, windy road taking you up to the top.

The first lookout you come to provides a walkway with signage to show you the main landmarks and explains the history of our "Garden City" and Walter Burley Griffins' vision of the city.

As you get back in your car and drive further along, the next viewing area is when you arrive at the Café and Restaurant at the summit. The Café downstairs is called "Little Brother Café", whilst the restaurant upstairs is the fancier older sister "Onred".

"Little Brother Café" is a small, but popular Café with seating inside and out to maximise the views. Inside there is seating along the windows so you can face the view, with colourful stacks of plates along the window edge as this café encourages you to share your meals.

The Café is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 11am until late. On weekends it is open 9:30am until late for breakfast, brunch, lunch and coffees. The Menu includes dishes such as Beef and red wine ragout with wild mushrooms and bacon lardons (small size $17/ large size $23) and Salmon rillette with eggplant caponata and rustic bread ($13) . We tried the Bruschetta of semi dried tomatoes and Meredith goats cheese ($13), which was delicious.

This licenced cafe serves tasty restaurant-quality meals, so there aren't any sandwich style items on the menu. It is a café that welcomes everyone, however it is probably more suited to couples and friends who come to enjoy the view and a quality meal. As the sun sets, the menu items can easily be transferred to dinner meals - the pizzas in particular are popular by the locals. As it is licenced with an extensive drinks list, you can enjoy a wine or beer with your meal. The drinks list includes wine, beer, liqueurs, dessert wines and cocktails.

The café doesn't have a cake selection if you wish to just have a coffee and cake, however they have gourmet biscuits and sweet menu items to make your mouth water. They also have cheese platters if you are craving something savoury. "Little Brother Café" is in an ideal location to enjoy a relaxing view of the city while enjoying great food. It will be at the top of my list when visitors come to stay, as it is a scenic way to begin a day of sightseeing. Our city has so much to offer, and Red Hill Lookout is a great place to start...and the caffeine boost doesn't hurt either.