The best cycling routes in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve
4.6
(314)
6,614
riders
123
rides
Touring cycling in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve provides a variety of routes through a landscape characterized by forested hills, urban parklands, and riverine paths. The reserve features significant elevation changes, with routes ascending to viewpoints like the Mt Coot-Tha Lookout. These trails connect natural areas with Brisbane's inner suburbs, often incorporating scenic bridges over the Brisbane River.
Best touring cycling routes in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve
- The most popular touring cycling route is Kurilpa Bridge – Brunetti Café Kiosk loop from Chapel Hill, a 35.7 miles (57.5 km) trail that takes 3 hours 30 minutes to complete, offering extensive city and river views.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Indooroopilly Bridge – Jack Pesch Bridge loop from Toowong, a moderate 17.2 miles (27.6 km) path. This route follows the Brisbane River, crossing multiple bridges and showcasing urban and natural scenery.
- Local touring cyclists also love the 23 Ada – Mount Coot-tha Lookout loop from Chapel Hill, a 11.1 miles (17.8 km) trail leading through hilly terrain to the Mt Coot-Tha Lookout, often completed in about 1 hour 17 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve is defined by forested hills, river paths, and panoramic viewpoints. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult ability levels.
- The routes in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 300 reviews. More than 7000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Mt Coot-Tha Reserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
4.7
(38)
890
riders
56.2km
03:28
420m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(9)
263
riders
27.6km
01:39
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
riders
17.8km
01:17
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(6)
150
riders
15.4km
00:57
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(13)
128
riders
51.0km
03:03
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
South Bank Parklands combines riverfront paths, landscaped gardens, and public spaces across a large stretch of the city’s foreshore. The area includes the Streets Beach lagoon, shaded walkways like the Arbour, and open lawns with views across to the CBD. It connects directly into the riverside path network and forms one of the main public spaces along the river.
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Set along the river in New Farm Park, this jacaranda is part of a wider network of trees that have become closely tied to Brisbane’s identity. Introduced in the nineteenth century, jacarandas now mark the shift into spring, when their purple blooms briefly transform parks and streets across the city. Outside of bloom, the tree still stands out for its wide canopy and position along the water, offering shade and open views across the river.
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The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge spanning the Brisbane River. This new bridge links the city center with Kangaroo Point and was completed at the end of 2024. Part of the city's "Green Bridges" project, designed to reduce car use and, as a bonus, offers super-scenic views of the skyline, cliffs, and river.
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Newstead Park is a waterfront park with some interesting historical stops. In the middle of the park, the Newstead House, built in 1845, is the oldest surviving home in the area and is now a museum. For a nature-based historical stop, check out the Old Fig Tree, which has a plaque explaining its massive size and age. This is a great stop on the Lores Bonney Riverwalk, with public restrooms and plenty of places to take a break on the grass and soak up the sun.
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Opened in 2001, the Goodwill Bridge is a pedestrian and cycle crossing over the Brisbane River linking South Bank with the city near the Botanic Gardens. Its sleek, cable-stayed design and gentle curves make it a popular, traffic-free route with expansive river and skyline views. The bridge also hosts small lookout bays and often features public art and lighting displays during city events.
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William Jolly Bridge is a heritage-listed road and pedestrian bridge spanning the Brisbane River between the CBD and South Brisbane. Opened in 1932, it is recognised for its distinctive concrete arch design and Art Deco detailing. The bridge remains an important inner-city crossing and a prominent architectural landmark along the river corridor.
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Regatta ferry terminal is a CityCat stop on the Brisbane River, serving the Toowong area and nearby riverside precincts. The terminal provides easy river access to central Brisbane and other suburbs, linking commuters, visitors, and recreational users to the ferry network. Its position beside riverfront paths and parklands makes it a convenient connection point for walking and cycling along the river corridor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when touring cycling in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve?
Touring cycling in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve features a diverse landscape, including forested hills, urban parklands, and scenic riverine paths. You'll encounter routes with significant elevation changes, particularly those ascending to viewpoints like the Mt Coot-Tha Lookout, as well as flatter sections along the Brisbane River.
Are there touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve?
Yes, Mt Coot-Tha Reserve offers a good selection of routes for beginners. There are 37 easy touring cycling routes available, providing gentler gradients and shorter distances. An example of an easier route is the Brunetti Café Kiosk – Goodwill Bridge loop from Taringa, which is 15.4 km long with minimal elevation gain.
What are some challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Mt Coot-Tha Reserve has 38 difficult routes. These often involve more significant climbs and longer distances. The Kurilpa Bridge – Brunetti Café Kiosk loop from Chapel Hill, for instance, is a moderate route at 57.5 km with over 400 meters of elevation gain, offering a substantial ride.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Popular circular options include the Indooroopilly Bridge – Jack Pesch Bridge loop from Toowong, which follows the Brisbane River, and the 23 Ada – Mount Coot-tha Lookout loop from Chapel Hill, which takes you up to the lookout.
What kind of views can I expect on touring cycling routes in the reserve?
The routes offer a variety of scenic views. Many paths provide extensive city and river views, especially from higher elevations or along the Brisbane River. The Mount Coot-tha Lookout is a prime spot for panoramic vistas, and you might also catch glimpses of the Brisbane Skyline.
Are there any waterfalls or natural attractions to see along the cycling routes?
Yes, the reserve is home to natural attractions. You can find Simpson Falls within Mt Coot-Tha Reserve, which can be accessed from some of the trails. While not directly on every touring cycling route, it's a notable natural landmark in the area.
What historical sites are accessible from the touring cycling routes?
For those interested in history, the Abandoned Gold Mine is a historical site located within Mt Coot-Tha Reserve. While not always directly on a touring cycling path, it's an interesting point of interest that can be explored in conjunction with your ride.
How many touring cycling routes are available in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve?
There are over 130 touring cycling routes available in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve, catering to various skill levels and preferences. This includes 37 easy, 56 moderate, and 38 difficult routes.
What do other cyclists say about touring cycling in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve?
The touring cycling routes in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 300 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the combination of natural and urban scenery, and the well-maintained paths that connect different parts of the reserve with Brisbane's inner suburbs.
Are there any routes that cross multiple bridges over the Brisbane River?
Yes, several routes incorporate scenic bridges over the Brisbane River. The Indooroopilly Bridge – Jack Pesch Bridge loop from Toowong is a great example, as it specifically follows the river and crosses multiple bridges, offering unique perspectives of the city and its waterways.
What is the longest touring cycling route in the area?
One of the longer touring cycling routes is the Kurilpa Bridge – Brunetti Café Kiosk loop from Chapel Hill, which spans 57.5 kilometers. This route offers extensive city and river views and typically takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete.
Most popular routes in Mt Coot-Tha Reserve
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