Mount Coot-tha to transform into urban wonderland as part of eco-tourism push for 2032 Olympics
Sound and light shows, treetop canopy walks, glamping sites and a 170km wilderness trail – step inside the stunning redevelopment of Mount Coot-tha. HAVE YOUR SAY
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Brisbane’s Mount Coot-tha could be transformed into an urban wonderland to rival Singapore’s famed Gardens by the Bay as part of a bold eco-tourism push ahead of the 2032 Olympics.
Sound and light shows, treetop canopy walks, glamping sites and a 170km wilderness trail linking Mount Coot-tha to communities stretching up to the Sunshine Coast are just some of the options being considered as part of a new master plan set to see the much-loved Brisbane locale rival the region’s top tourist attractions.
The push has been inspired in part by the spectacular Gardens by the Bay in Singapore and has also sought inspiration from Canada’s Butchart Gardens, which turned an old quarry into one of that country’s most famous tourist attractions.
A Brisbane Wilderness Trail extending all the way to Mount Archer near Woodford, featuring overnight glamping sites and transfers to nearby towns and villages along the route has also been proposed, inspired by similar ventures in Tasmania and New Zealand which have become major drawcards in their own right.
The award-winning Brisbane Sustainability Agency has been drafted to spearhead the campaign, which has a heavy eco-tourism flavour in line with the recent release of the State government’s 20-year tourism plan.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Mount Coot-tha was already a “jewel in the crown” for the city but could be elevated to the next level.
“We want the world to discover Brisbane and fall in love with its lifestyle and natural attractions,” he said.
“One of the real jewels in the crown is Mount Coot-tha, but it can be even better by 2032 and beyond.
“Brisbane is riding a wave of international popularity as a tourism destination and with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games coming, now is the time to start planning more to see and do in our city.
“We have South Bank, the city, Howard Smith Wharves, and Fortitude Valley for locals to enjoy and visitors to explore.
“I believe Mount Coot-tha presents an incredible opportunity for nature-based destinations and attractions, which is exactly what international visitors are looking for.”
Former Gold Coast Commonwealth Games boss Nigel Chamier, the chairman of the Brisbane Sustainability Agency, said the master plan was at this early stage “a blank canvas” but it would be “wonderful” to see Mount Coot-tha become the region’s No. 1 tourist destination.
“Mount Coot-tha is an era of enormous potential,” he said.
“Stunning views, wildlife, nature, there is a real untapped wonderland out there and it would be absolutely marvellous if we could make it more accessible.
“Brisbane has South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves and a few others but visitors fairly quickly head down to the Gold Coast or up to the Sunshine Coast.
“If we give people more reasons to stay it would be great for the economy.”
A 170km wilderness trail is one such project which could keep visitors in the region longer and Suburban Futures director Ross Elliott said the scenery was nothing like what you would expect so close to a major metropolis.
“The environment is stunning and I can’t think of another city of three million people with an asset like this so close to the city,” he said.
“It’s a real untapped resource.”
Other options being considered include: a plan for transforming the operational quarry, improvement to the summit lookout, the introduction of a new night-time light show in the botanic gardens and the revitalisation of the planetarium and tropical dome.
Sir Samuel Griffith Drive could be reconfigured into a one-way loop road, reserving a lane for cyclists, while mountain bike trails and training facilities are also being considered.
Originally published as Mount Coot-tha to transform into urban wonderland as part of eco-tourism push for 2032 Olympics
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