Taylor Range facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Taylor |
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| Herbert Taylor, Glenmorrison | |
Brisbane lies on the southern slopes of the range
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Mount Coot-tha |
| Elevation | 287 m (942 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Location in Queensland
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| Country | Australia |
| State | Queensland |
| Region | South East Queensland |
| Municipality | Brisbane |
| Range coordinates | 27°29.1′S 152°57.6′E / 27.4850°S 152.9600°E |
| Parent range | D'Aguilar Range |
The Taylor Range is a group of hills and mountains. It sits on the western edge of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. This range is also known as the Herbert Taylor Range.
In January 1824, explorer John Oxley first saw the range. He named it 'The Glenmorrison Range'. Later, in 1828, a botanist named Charles Fraser saw the range. He called it 'Sir Herbert Taylor’s Range'. This is where the current name comes from.
The Taylor Range is part of the larger D'Aguilar Range. It stretches out like an arm from the southern end of the D'Aguilar Range.
Contents
Sections of the Range
The Taylor Range is split into two main parts by Enoggera Creek.
North of Enoggera Creek
The northern part is sometimes called the Enoggera side. This area includes:
- The Keperra Bushland
- The Enoggera Military Area
- The Ashgrove Golf Club golf course
South of Enoggera Creek
The southern part is often called the Mt Coot-tha side. Most of this area is a protected space. It is known as the Mt Coot-tha Reserve or Mt Coot-tha Forest.
The two sections of the range meet near Enoggera Reservoir. They curve around the suburb of The Gap. This makes The Gap look like it's in a bowl. The suburb got its name from a narrow entrance road called Waterworks Road.
Waterways and Creeks
Many creeks flow from the Taylor Range. They carry water to larger rivers.
Enoggera Side Creeks
The northern part of the range feeds into the upper Kedron Brook area. Cedar Creek is one of its branches.
Enoggera Creek and its branches drain the eastern slopes. These branches include Ithaca Creek and Fish Creek. Ithaca Creek is formed by East and West Ithaca Creeks. Fish Creek starts at Wittonga Park in The Gap.
Mount Coot-tha Side Creeks
On the western slopes of the Mt Coot-tha side, Gap Creek flows. This creek is a branch of Moggill Creek. Cubberla Creek also runs south into the Brisbane River.
Toowong Creek starts on the eastern slope of Mt Coot-tha. It flows through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Then it continues on its way to the Brisbane River.
Gold Mining History
People tried to find gold in Ithaca Creek. This happened between 1894 and the 1950s. However, they were not very successful. You can still find old mining parts in Brisbane Forest Park.
Peaks of the Range
The Taylor Range has several important peaks.
Mount Coot-tha
Mount Coot-tha is the highest peak in the Taylor Range. It reaches 287 meters high. At the top, you can find:
- A lookout point with great views
- Botanical gardens
- A planetarium for looking at stars
- Television towers
Other important spots on Mount Coot-tha include:
- Constitution Hill, which is 263 meters high.
- The Mount Coot-tha Lookout at One Tree Hill, which is 226 meters high.
Enoggera Hill
Further east along the range is Enoggera Hill. It is 284 meters high. This hill is inside the Enoggera Army Barracks.
The range then becomes a series of smaller hills. These hills go through the Brisbane areas of St Johns Wood, Red Hill, and Spring Hill. They continue all the way to Wickham Terrace in the Brisbane central business district.
Protected Natural Areas
A large part of the Taylor Range is now protected. These areas are used for recreation and enjoying nature.
In the 1860s, people wanted to buy land on the range. But the Surveyor-General, Augustus Charles Gregory, said no. He believed the high points were needed for mapping. He also thought Brisbane residents would want to visit for the views and fresh air.
The public park at the top of Mount Coot-tha was one of Brisbane's first parks. It became an official park in 1880. Two years later, Prince George visited. He later became King George V.
