Useful Links to Websites which can make your Brisbane experience even more beautiful
Mount Coot-tha (View over Brisbane 360° Lookout Mount Coot-tha, above)
Mountain Bike Trails: The Western side of Mt Coot-tha Forest or Gap Creek Reserve as it is known to the locals is a haven for Brisbane mountain bike riders. The establishment of a world class mountain bike trail network by the Brisbane City Council has created a diverse range of recreational experiences for off-road cyclists.
The mountain bike trails at Mt Coot-tha have been assigned a grading under the International Mountain Bicycling Association , Trail Difficulty Rating System. The multi-use trails in Mt Coot-tha provide the least degree of technical challenge to mountain bike riders, however many of them are steep and loose. Pay special attention when riding over the erosion control banks (water bars) which have been the downfall of many a novice rider. The trail ratings provide a guide to the relative difficulty of each trail.
The multi-use tracks are used by horses, pedestrians and mountain bikers. Each year orienteering events are held on the mountain.
City Botanic Gardens (below)
Road Cycling:
Mt Coot-tha is rated one of the best hill climbs for road cyclists in South East Queensland. It is generally recommended that you ride around Sir Samuel Griffith Drive anti-clockwise for safety reasons. High speeds can be reached on the descent so be careful to observe the posted speed limits. Many first time riders find respite during the ascent at a clearing by a grate known as Matt's Seat.
The breathtaking panorama of Brisbane City and it's surrounds greets you as you step onto the observation deck. By day, you can see the sun shining over Brisbane, out to Moreton Bay and by night, a fairyland of glittering lights and starlit sky surrounds you. Interpretive facilities, a wishing waterfall and beautifully manicured gardens further enhance the complex and blend harmoniously with the surrounding native bushland.
Source: Wikipedia
Officially recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, with 80 years of experience and over 130 koalas.
Unwind with an organic coffee in the ""Koala Forest"" surrounded by 40 koalas! Watch the antics of cute female koalas like ""Crumpet"" and ""Bertha"" and dine in the spacious covered courtyard, or just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Photos opportunities are available all day, so make sure you get up close and personal with one of their cuddle trained koalas.
Lone Pine offers various activities and presentations on Australian wildlife through the day. Enjoy the Aussie outback farm experience with the sheep dog show and watch the dogs work their amazing sheep mustering skills three times daily. Performed by experienced award-winning sheep dog handlers and their loyal dogs, this is a must see show!
Watch the amazing eagles soar high in the sky at the bird of prey free flight show. Their experienced wildlife officers run the show twice daily and also give you the chance to get a photo taken holding one of the fantastic raptors at the end of the show.
Map of the City Botanic Gardens (below)
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Map of the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha
Brisbane Lookout, Mount Coot-tha
Bikeway Maps for Brisbane and suburbs
