Mount Coot-tha Forest, Forest reserve in Brisbane, Australia

Mount Coot-tha Forest is a 1,600-hectare bushland reserve on the slopes of Mount Coot-tha in the Taylor Range, part of Brisbane Forest Park. It holds more than 70 walking trails and over 50 mountain-bike routes, with tracks linking to the Mount Coot-tha Lookout and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Points of interest include Simpson Falls, J C Slaughter Falls and the Ghost Hole mine.

The forest was designated as a timber reserve in 1873 and converted to a public park seven years later. During World War II, the area served military purposes before returning to civilian use.

The name Mount Coot-tha is commonly interpreted as an Indigenous term meaning "place of honey", referring to the native stingless bees traditionally collected on these slopes. The summit was long called One Tree Hill, after surveyor James Warner cleared it in 1839 and left a single gum tree standing as a landmark.

The reserve offers nine picnic areas with grills, restrooms, and parking throughout the grounds at different entry points. Wear comfortable shoes and expect muddy or slippery trails during wet weather, as the forest retains moisture.

The forest is home to more than 370 animal species and over 450 native plant varieties, including the rare Richmond birdwing vine. This botanical richness becomes apparent as visitors walk through different sections of woodland.