1. Mount Coot-tha, located in the 4066 postcode area of Queensland, has a fascinating early history. The mountain, originally known as One Tree Hill, received its current name from the Aboriginal people who inhabited the area long before European settlement. “Coot-tha” means “place of honey” in the local Indigenous language, referring to the abundance of native bees and their honey-producing capabilities in the region.
2. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to explore and settle in the Mount Coot-tha area. One notable figure was Andrew Petrie, a pioneer and architect who arrived in the region in 1837. Petrie recognized the strategic importance of the mountain as a vantage point and established a signal station on its summit to communicate with ships entering Moreton Bay.
3. Mount Coot-tha also played a significant role during World War II. The Australian Army used the mountain as a defense site, constructing gun emplacements and searchlight stations to protect the city of Brisbane from potential Japanese attacks. Today, visitors can still see remnants of these military installations while enjoying the panoramic views of Brisbane and its surroundings from the top of Mount Coot-tha.