Minutes from the Brisbane CBD, JC Slaughter Falls in the Mt Coot-tha Forest precinct is a beautiful oasis. One of Brisbane’s most popular picnic spots, it is also the starting point for many of the Mt Coot-tha Forest bushwalks.
Quick Info
Location: Mt Coot-tha Rd, Mt Coot-tha QLD, 4066
Walking Distance: 2km-15km
Elevation: Some hills, some very steep hills
Time: 1 – 2 hours or spend the whole day
Difficulty: Moderate
Costs/Permit: No cost, no permit required
Opening Times: Some tracks closed occasionally for maintenance
Facilities: Nine different picnic areas, toilets at the summit and near most of the picnic grounds (not Gold Mine picnic area), BBQs, picnic tables, 80km of trails
What to take: Water, camera, insect repellant, hat, picnic
Map:
Warning – JC Slaughter Falls may not always be flowing. They are best after heavy rain and in dry times may dry up completely. If your objective is to view a waterfall, be strategic about when to visit. That said, the area is lovely to experience at any time. Young families especially will enjoy the opportunity to try out rock hopping and exploring the creek’s nooks and crannies. January 2021 this area was completely dry. Even after a wet December there wasn’t a drop of water along this creek bed.
A short divergence from the JC Slaughter Falls Trail is the Aboriginal Art Trail. Local indigenous artists have created artworks on some rock faces that can be viewed from a purpose built viewing platform.
There are many sheltered picnic areas to choose from, or take a blanket and create your own spot. Set yourself up under an tree for the day and feel your soul being restored.
Families could easily spend a whole day at JC Slaughter Falls and still not experience all it has to offer. So many opportunities for adventure await. Make sure you experience it soon.