Eastern Escarpment, Mt Cotton 2026 – Day Walk
Description: The Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area (EECA) is a 186-hectare conservation reserve located near Mount Cotton that forms the upper catchment of Eprapah Creek. The reserve plays an important role in recreational and biological connectivity across Redlands Coast, and its acquisition and maintenance form part of a broader Redland City Council strategy to provide a range of visitor experiences.
The EECA is mostly open eucalypt forest, with smaller sections of dry rainforest. It offers shared trails for walking, mountain biking and horse riding.
This walk will begin at Gate 2 on West Mt Cotton Road about 900m from the intersection of Mt Cotton and West Mt Cotton Roads easily recognized by the facilities on site – toilet and shelter shed. There is plenty of parking in the vicinity.
Initially the walk will follow a track running parallel to West Mt Cotton Road before turning left, crossing Eprapah Creek and climbing steeply to the lookout at the top of Mt Cotton. A section of this climb is known locally as “The Mongrel” and is very steep but short at around 150metres. However, the effort is worth is as, from the Mt Cotton Lookout, we’ll enjoy 270-degree views encompassing the city, the Glass house Mountains and Moreton Bay south to North Stradbroke Island as well as morning tea. The descent back to Eprapah Creek is via a less-steep track. From here, the walk will follow Eprapah Creek to Mt Cotton Road (Gate 9) before ascending to the starting point. Coffee and/or lunch at Indigiscapes Cafe, a 10min drive away.
Note: This activity complements NPAQ’s Parks Connect Program. May’s Park of the month is Venman’s Bushland, a stone’s throw from Mt Cotton. (See Pars Connect on NPAQ’s website)
Please do not attend this activity if you are feeling unwell.
Please register for this activity via the NPAQ website completing all fields.
Walk Grading: Blue (Intermediate) 12-14km including steep ascents and descents requiring a moderate level of fitness.
Meet: 8.45am, Gate 2, West Mt Cotton Rd at the shelter shed. (Toilet available)
What to Bring: Hat, light jacket, rain gear (just in case), torch, whistle, 2+ litres of water, morning tea, lunch, positive outlook, $5.00 NPAQ Fee
Directions: From Brisbane, travel towards Mt Cotton via Old Cleveland Road or Mt Gravatt-Capalaba Road then south along Mt Cotton Road. Turn right into West Mt Cotton Road. Gate 2 is on the left approx. 900m along West Mt Cotton Rd.
Nominations: NPAQ Website
Leader: Frank Freeman Mobile: 0427 655 514 Email: frank_fr@bigpond.net.au
NPAQ Activity Report
Eastern Escarpment Activity Report – Day Walk
On a cloudy, autumn morning, five walkers left Gate 2 of the conservation area turning onto the Leo Lands Track heading towards Gate 5. The expected influx of riders for the Mountain Biking Competition was not apparent in this part of the reserve. The walkers rested at the base of “The Mongrel”, a very steep climb towards the lookout on the top of the mountain. Hundreds of bikers greeted the walkers as the crested “The Mongrel”. With some of the planned route closed for the biking competition, it was clear that an alternative route would be necessary.
After another steep climb, the lookout was reached. Disappointingly, haze limited views to nearby sections of the city and Moreon Bay, the mountains in the distance shrouded by haze.
The track itself was generally in good condition, considering recent rains in the area. There were patches of mud and several of the gullies had running water. Full waterholes in Eprapah Creek were picturesque, reflecting the thick vegetation in the area.
A great walk was enjoyed by all, finishing with lunch at Indigiscapes before the drive home.
Frank Freeman
(Leader)