Mount Gravatt Lookout, Brisbane - Mountains covered in trees under a clear blue sky.
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Mount Gravatt Lookout Brisbane

4.6
·1k reviews·Mount Gravatt, Australia

Panoramic city views, nature trails, and sunset vistas await at Mount Gravatt Lookout, a serene escape just minutes from Brisbane's CBD.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Clearer skies, fewer people

CrowdLow
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Mount Gravatt Lookout, Brisbane - Mountains covered in trees under a clear blue sky.

Mount Gravatt Lookout Brisbane

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Clearer skies, fewer people

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Panoramic city views, nature trails, and sunset vistas await at Mount Gravatt Lookout, a serene escape just minutes from Brisbane's CBD.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A beautiful lookout with stunning views of Brisbane city, perfect for picnics and walks."

Vertical photo
TIP

Koala Spotting :koala:

Keep your eyes peeled on the trails; koalas camouflage well but are sometimes spotted .

Cycle Up :bike:

A quieter, less intense cycle than Mt Coot-tha, offering great exercise .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Lookout platform

Stunning 360-degree vistas of Brisbane CBD, suburbs, and distant ranges. Perfect for photos!

Sunset Spectacle

Sunset Spectacle

Lookout platform

Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the city in warm hues.

Bushwalking Trails

Bushwalking Trails

Various trailheads

Explore scenic walking tracks with opportunities to spot native wildlife like koalas.

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Views

Catching the best Brisbane city views requires strategic timing. While sunsets are popular, consider early mornings for clearer skies and fewer crowds. Be aware that the lookout closes at 7 PM, limiting late-night visits.Reddit

Getting There & Around

Driving is the easiest way to reach Mount Gravatt Lookout, with ample parking available. For a more active approach, consider walking or cycling the trails, which offer a good workout and potential wildlife sightings.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Clearer skies, fewer people
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset (before 7 PM)
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
High
When
Weekends (early)
Why
Good for families
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One of my favourite sunset spots im the city 🌇✨ #brisbane #PlacesToVisit #thingstodo #sunset #brisbane_australia
@pieterjohnsen
21.6K likes • 357.8K views

Koala Spotting :koala:

Keep your eyes peeled on the trails; koalas camouflage well but are sometimes spotted.Reddit

Cycle Up :bike:

A quieter, less intense cycle than Mt Coot-tha, offering great exercise.Reddit

My dinner at @kebabpalace turned into a Food Challenge… Beat my time and win $500! 📍Kebab Palace - Mt Gravatt #brisbanefood #brisbanefoodie #foodchallenge #jwebbycaneat #eatingchallenge #kebabshop
@jwebby_can.eat
19.7K likes • 365.5K views
Which one is your favourite? 👀🌆 #brisbane #thingstodo #daytrips #PlacesToVisit #wheretovisit #brisbanethingstodo
@pieterjohnsen
14.6K likes • 399.9K views

Sunset Views :camera:

Arrive early for sunset to secure a good spot and capture stunning cityscapes.TikTok

Check Cafe Hours :coffee:

The cafe can be hit or miss with opening hours, especially after 3 PM.Reddit

reddit.com

It's 100% worth visiting Mt Gravatt lookout

Tips

from all over the internet

Koala Spotting :koala:

Keep your eyes peeled on the trails; koalas camouflage well but are sometimes spotted.Reddit

Cycle Up :bike:

A quieter, less intense cycle than Mt Coot-tha, offering great exercise.Reddit

Sunset Views :camera:

Arrive early for sunset to secure a good spot and capture stunning cityscapes.TikTok

Check Cafe Hours :coffee:

The cafe can be hit or miss with opening hours, especially after 3 PM.Reddit

Respect Closing Time :clock10:

The lookout closes at 7 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mount Gravatt Lookout is praised for its stunning panoramic city views, especially at sunset, and its accessible walking trails that offer a chance to see wildlife. Visitors appreciate the picnic facilities and the opportunity for a good workout. However, some find the cafe's inconsistent opening hours and the lookout's early 7 PM closure to be drawbacks.

"Great place for resting, enjoy the sights of Brisbane city and watching sunset. Got a lot of picnic tables and wide space of green area. And you really need to squint your eyes to be able to find koala as they camouflage real well."

Mahardhika Cahyo Cakraningtyas

"Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve, located just 10 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, is a popular destination offering stunning panoramic views of Brisbane City, surrounding suburbs, and on clear days, the Moreton Bay islands, D’Aguilar Ranges, and Glasshouse Mountains. Beautiful place to visit."

Rana rizwan Rana

"A hidden gem, the drive up to the lookout is beautiful and there is a cafe at the top looking over the city views. I didn't do any of the walks but there seem to be som really good tracks if your into walks. Went back to take my daught to the cafe and had to update my review 0 star for the toilet situation, 3 toilets, 2 were out of order and the third was locked. They had mobile plastic toilets and they were out of water for flushing and washing hands."

Joanna Osborne

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Beautiful sunset spot
Nice walking trails

What People Dislike

Cafe opening hours
Early closing time

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is by car, with ample parking available at the summit. Public transport options are limited, but you can take a bus towards Griffith University and then walk or cycle up. Cycling is noted as a good alternative to driving, offering exercise without the heavy car traffic.Reddit

Yes, there is plenty of car parking available at the lookout, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.Reddit

Absolutely! There are walking trails that lead up to the lookout. Some describe the walk from Logan Road as feeling like Mount Everest, though it's only a couple of hundred meters of vertical rise, offering a good workout.Reddit

The lookout closes at 7 PM, limiting nighttime access. Historically, there were concerns about safety and behavior after dark, leading to the earlier closing time.Reddit

Yes, there are various trails. One popular one is the Mt Gravatt Lookout Summit Track, which offers a rewarding experience with geocaches and fairy doors as unique features.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Mount Gravatt Lookout is free. You can visit and enjoy the views without any admission fee.Reddit

The lookout generally closes at 7 PM. It's important to check current hours as they can vary, and nighttime access is restricted.Reddit

The walking trails around Mount Gravatt Lookout are free to access, allowing you to explore the natural surroundings without charge.

While specific public holiday hours aren't always detailed, it's best to assume standard closing times apply. It's advisable to check local council information closer to the date.

The main restriction is the closing time of 7 PM. Access is generally open to the public outside of these hours.

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings offer clear skies and fewer crowds for pristine shots of the city. Sunsets are incredibly popular for their dramatic colors, but expect more people.TikTok

You can capture panoramic cityscapes, stunning sunsets, and the surrounding natural landscape. Keep an eye out for native wildlife like koalas for unique shots.Reddit

No special permit is required for personal photography at Mount Gravatt Lookout. However, commercial photography or large-scale shoots might require prior arrangements.

Drone usage regulations can be complex and vary. It's best to check current CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) guidelines for Brisbane and ensure you are operating legally and safely, respecting privacy.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant landmarks or wildlife. A tripod is helpful for low-light sunset shots.TikTok

🎫 🌳 Nature & Wildlife

Yes, it's possible to spot koalas in the trees around the lookout and on the walking trails. They are well-camouflaged, so you'll need to look closely.Reddit

Besides koalas, you might see various native birds, including kookaburras, and other small Australian fauna as you explore the bushland.Reddit

The walking trails are excellent for wildlife spotting, especially in the quieter morning hours. The natural bushland provides habitat for many native species.Reddit

While koalas can appear anywhere in the gum trees, keeping an eye on the denser bushland areas along the walking tracks increases your chances.Reddit

Wildlife is generally more active during cooler parts of the day, so early mornings and late afternoons are best. The drier months might also see animals venturing closer to trails.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mount Gravatt Lookout is a fantastic spot for families. The open green spaces and picnic tables make it perfect for a relaxed outing.Reddit Kids will enjoy the small playground and the thrill of exploring the walking trails, especially with the chance to spot koalas.Reddit The relatively short and manageable walking tracks mean younger children can participate without getting too tired. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as the cafe's reliability can be questionable.Reddit

🏃‍♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts

For those looking for a good workout, Mount Gravatt Lookout offers excellent opportunities. The walking trails provide a solid cardio challenge, and the incline is enough to get your heart pumping.Reddit Cyclists will find the ride up to be a rewarding experience, offering a more serene alternative to busier routes.Reddit You can easily incorporate a run or hike into your fitness routine here, enjoying the scenic surroundings as you train.

📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers

This is a prime location for capturing stunning Brisbane cityscapes and sunset photography.TikTok Arrive before sunset to secure a good vantage point and set up your gear. The panoramic views offer endless possibilities, from wide-angle city shots to telephoto captures of distant landmarks. Early mornings are also excellent for clear, crisp photos with fewer crowds.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mount Gravatt Lookout Experience

Mount Gravatt Lookout offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and urban vistas, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. The primary draw is the breathtaking panoramic view of Brisbane's skyline, stretching from the CBD to the distant Glasshouse Mountains on clear days.Reddit This makes it an ideal location for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.TikTok Beyond the views, the reserve is a haven for nature lovers, featuring well-maintained walking trails that wind through native bushland. These trails provide a refreshing escape and offer the chance to encounter local wildlife, most notably the elusive koala.Reddit

For those seeking a more active experience, cycling up to the lookout is a popular option. It's described as a good workout that's less intense and more peaceful than cycling up Mount Coot-tha, avoiding the heavy car traffic and aggressive riders.Reddit The summit also hosts a cafe, though its opening hours can be inconsistent, so it's wise to check beforehand or pack your own refreshments.Reddit The presence of picnic tables and open green spaces further enhances its appeal as a place for relaxation and family outings.

It's important to note that the lookout has a strict closing time of 7 PM, which limits late-night visits. This measure is in place due to past incidents and safety concerns.Reddit Despite this, the lookout remains a cherished destination for its accessible natural beauty, stunning city views, and opportunities for outdoor activity, embodying a perfect slice of Brisbane's accessible outdoor lifestyle.

Exploring the Trails and Nature

The walking trails at Mount Gravatt Lookout are a significant attraction, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna. These paths are generally well-maintained and provide a moderate level of exercise, with some sections offering a decent climb that gets the heart rate up.Reddit The bushland setting is home to a variety of native species, making it a prime location for wildlife spotting. Keep a keen eye on the gum trees, as koalas are known to inhabit the area, though they are masters of camouflage.Reddit Birdsong, including the distinctive call of kookaburras, often fills the air, adding to the natural ambiance.

Beyond the immediate lookout area, there are also mentions of limestone caves to the south and specific staircases used for training, such as those near Griffith University's Nathan Campus.Reddit While some of these may be less maintained or have been altered, they highlight the varied terrain and potential for exploration in the broader Mount Gravatt region. The trails are best enjoyed during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or late afternoons, when wildlife is typically more active and the temperature is more pleasant for walking.Reddit

For those interested in a bit of fun, the trails are also known to feature unique elements like a geocache hidden in an old car and a tiny fairy door at the base of a tree, adding a touch of whimsy to the natural surroundings.Reddit These elements make the walking experience engaging for all ages, encouraging a deeper connection with the environment.

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