Being a native of Brisbane I was interested to read your post. I agree with most of it. Mt Cootha is great, still in very pristine condition, great place for a BBQ or picnic, especially in summer, great walking trails too ( if you are fit ) As for the lookout, not bad, a bit overcrowded and touristy, still alright though.

I would suggest Mt Gravatt lookout is a better alternative. The view is much better in my opinion. The vast expanse of this thriving city is better appreciated from this angle, the view of the ever growing skyline is also superior at Mt Gravatt. Jets can also be seen landing and taking of from the airport to the east.

Southbank is still nice, but is was better up until the late 1990's. The place has become overrun with commercial and residential development which has greatly reduced the original amount of parkland. It is way to cluttered.

Apart from that your post is very good.