The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha cover 56 hectares and are described by Brisbane City Council as Queensland’s premier subtropical botanic gardens. This guide covers what the gardens are, why they sit where they do, and the main sections worth knowing about. It sticks to well-established features and points you to the council for anything that changes.
Why the gardens are at Mt Coot-tha
Brisbane already had a botanic garden in the city. The Mt Coot-tha site came about because of flooding: the council’s history page says that after 8 major floods hit the City Botanic Gardens between 1870 and 1974, Council chose Mt Coot-tha for the new gardens. The Mt Coot-tha gardens were officially opened in 1976. A council photo caption dates the opening of the Tropical Dome to 15 December 1977, so the gardens grew in stages after the first opening.
The main themed sections
These are some of the zones and features the council highlights.
Australian Plant Communities. It spans 27 hectares and includes more than 40 rare or threatened native species.
Japanese Garden. The council describes it as featuring stone, water, ornaments, arbours, paths and vegetation.
Tropical Display Dome. Inside are plants from tropical regions of the world, including aroids, calatheas and heliconias.
Fern House. The council says it shows more than 80 different species and varieties of ferns.
Bonsai House. The council calls it one of the largest publicly owned bonsai displays in Australia. That is the council’s own description rather than an independently ranked claim.
Arid Region Plants. This area shows dry-region plants from Africa and Central America.
Lagoon and Bamboo Grove. The lagoon is where visitors may see wildlife such as turtles, egrets, cormorants and dusky moorhens. The grove includes different types of bamboo, including Bambusa vulgaris.
For families, there is a Hide ‘n’ Seek Children’s Trail.
The Queensland Herbarium and the planetarium
The council’s gardens page lists the Queensland Herbarium among the attractions, saying visitors can view 911,000 preserved plant specimens and visit a plant identification area. Because that figure comes from the council page, treat it as approximate and check the current number if you need to quote it.
The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is inside the gardens. Its Cosmic Skydome is a projection dome 12.5 metres in diameter. As at 9 November 2026, the council says you can visit the planetarium for free, but charges apply for shows in the Cosmic Skydome. Session times and prices are not covered here because they change; the council lists current programs and any closures.
Practical basics (checked 9 November 2026)
The gardens are at 152 Mount Coot-tha Road, Mt Coot-tha Qld 4066. On the council’s page, entry is free. Council lists opening hours of 8am to 6pm from September to March and 8am to 5pm from April to August.
Individual houses such as the Bonsai House, Fern House and Tropical Display Dome keep their own hours, and facilities such as the cafe have separate trading times, so confirm these on the council page before planning a visit around them. The gardens also have a cafe overlooking the lagoon and bamboo grove.
Planning a visit
With 56 hectares to cover, most visitors do better choosing two or three zones than trying to see everything. Wear sun protection and bring water, since much of the walking is outdoors. Check the council page on the day for closures, event changes and venue hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is entry to Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha free?
The council’s gardens page says entry is free (checked 9 November 2026). As at 9 November 2026, shows in the planetarium’s Cosmic Skydome are charged, though visiting the planetarium itself is free.
When were the Mt Coot-tha botanic gardens opened?
They were officially opened in 1976, after the council chose Mt Coot-tha following repeated flooding of the City Botanic Gardens.
How big are the gardens?
The council gives the size as 56 hectares.
Is there a planetarium in the gardens?
Yes. The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is inside the gardens and its Cosmic Skydome is a 12.5-metre-diameter projection dome.
What are the opening hours?
8am to 6pm from September to March and 8am to 5pm from April to August, per the council page at 9 November 2026. Individual houses and the cafe may differ.
