We, did, we climbed an actual mountain! Not an Everest sized one, but a mountain nonetheless!
Around Brisbane there are a few mountains and since we first visited Brisbane I have been keen to walk up Mount Coot-Tha which is 287 metres above sea level and apparently has the highest peak within the urban footprint of Brisbane.
We live pretty close to Mount Coot-Tha and have taken our family and friends who have stayed with us up the mountain for coffee, lunch or dinner at the Kuta Cafe. We have never actually been to visit just because even though we do live so close.
After my holiday time with my family I am back on the diet and fitness bandwagon at full speed. I have Sunday as my rest day but was really in the mood to go for a walk/hike over the weekend and Sunday morning was the best time for me and the Aussie.
I set out to find a location which wasn’t too far away, would give us a good walk and with pretty scenes and Mount Coot-Tha fit the bill easily.
We set out for the Honeyeater Trail which leaves from the Chapel Hill area which has a nice little parking area at the base of the mountain and began the trek literally up a mountain.
The path up was pretty steep as it winds through the forest and definitely gets the blood pumping and lungs working hard. The trail is about 2.1km from the car park up to the Kuta Cafe area which doesn’t sound a lot but it gives you a good work out and you do have to come back again of course.
There are a few places to stop along the trail with perfectly placed benches if you need to stop and catch your breath or stop and admire the view which is a must.
The trail was very very popular and we passed runners, couples, families including small children and some dogs, so whilst it is a steep track, it is definitely doable. Nearly everyone said good morning, or at least hi from those on their way up the inclines which was really nice!
It took us just under 30 minutes to reach the summit and we stopped off at the Kuta Cafe for a coffee and coffee and sandwich for the Aussie.
I love the Brisbane skyline and even after a year of Brisbane living, still smile when I catch glimpses of it driving around and for that reason I love visiting Kuta and looking out across the river as it winds its way to the CBD. We wiled away some time enjoying the view before trying to identify where our house is located (we do this pretty much every time we visit Kuta) eventually resorting to the map and confirming it was where we thought!
Then it was time for the descent which was, as expected, very much easier as it was virtually down hill the whole way but was as enjoyable as the incline.
The trail is well sign posted throughout and we noted signs for a few other trails around the mountain including a reservoir trail which I am hoping we can visit soon.
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