Brisbane Botanic Gardens: Mt Coot-tha Brisbane Botanical Gardens
Mt Coot-tha (the name means 'place of honey' in the local Aboriginal language) is a busy spot. Not only does it host the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium and two of the Brisbane TV stations' transmitters, it also has a restaurant, called the Summit (though it's not actually at the summit!), and the botanic gardens.
The gardens focus on 'mediterranean-climate' plants from around the world, in keeping with Brisbane's own climate. It has plants from Mexico, South Africa, and of course the Mediterranean shores. This photo is of the 'lagoon' part of the park.
These shade trees provide the perfect environment for strolling through the gardens.
The gardens are divided into two parts, Australian plants and Thematic and Geographical plants, with the thematic and geographical part makg up the majority. It includes cactis, fig trees, African and American, temperate region plants and palms, as well as lawns for weddings, which, no doubt, helps pay for the upkeep.
More of the cactus kind of plants, looking like small trees this time.
A garden within the gardens is the 'Japanese Garden' with a nearby 'Bonsai House'. Now for some practical considerations for visitors. Strolling among the gardens is a joy but its a big place. Unless you're used to hours of walking in the sun, the best way to approach your visit is to drive and park at the various car parks around the edge of the gardens and explore from there. There are many drinking fountains around the gardens so pick up a map before you set out and you won't need to carry your own. When you need some rest and re-fuelling, the gardens hve the perfect answer in the Lakeside Restaurant, serving breakfast (weekends) and lunch and evening meal seven days per week.
You can find the Gardens own webpage here. Other Brisbane botanic gardens can be found at Roma Street Parklands and City Botanic Gardens adjoining the Queensland University of Technology and Parliament buildings. Return to
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This 'Arid Region' demonstrates one extreme of the mediterranean climate, just as the trees above show the other. The 'arid region' of the gardens lies between the Tropical Display Dome and the 'lagoon'.
Flowers around the banks of the lagoon and ponds.
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