Mount Lofty hiking trails: six routes to the summit

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The hiking trails of the Mount Lofty, who pull through the Adelaide Hills crisscross, all lead to one place: the summit - and some of the most beautiful views in South Australia

in the Adelaide Hills, just 15 km east of Adelaide, the Mount Lofty is located and offers a panoramic view of the Skyline from Adelaide and beyond. The Adelaide Hills - an increased landscape with hilly vineyards, extensive forests and steep rags - have long been a peaceful retreat for the residents of Adelaide.

Despite its name, the Mount Lofty with 727 m (2,385 ft) is not a highly towering alpine summit. However, it offers an excellent training course for the residents of Adelaide and an incomparable view of the city's skyline and the surrounding landscape.

Alt = “Mount Lofty Hiking Ways 11 ″> Atlas & Boots Panoramic view from Mount Lofty via Adelaide

Like so many Australian landmarks, Matthew Flinders called Mount Lofty during his circulation of the Australian continent in 1802.

Today the Adelaide Hills complex houses a network of Mount Lofty hiking trails, all of which lead to the majestic views of the summit, where the Summit Cafe, a visitor center and a gift shop are waiting for exhausted hikers.

Alt = “Mount Lofty Hiking Wide 10 ″> Atlas & Boots At the summit, hikers can expect an information center, a Restaurant, a café and a gift shop

We hiked some of the routes and studied the other available options to create the map of the Mount Lofty hiking trails and route descriptions below. All distances are simple ways from the beginning of the path to the summit.

1. Crafers racing route

Distance: 4.5 km duration: 1 hour card color: green

Alt = “Mount Lofty hiking trails 3 ″> Atlas & Boots Crafers Circuit is a gentle Alternative to the steep waterfall Gully Trail

We took the public bus from the city center of Adelaide to the Crafers Park ’Ride to start our hike to Mount Lofty. The winding hiking trail from Crafers to the summit of Mount Lofty is a gentle alternative to the popular but excruciatingly steep waterfall Gully Trail.

The route includes elements of various hiking trails, including the Spa Track, the Birriee Trail and the Heysen Trail before a last steep climb is to the summit. Although it is not far from the summit road of Mount Lofty (the main driving route to the summit), the path feels just as remote as the paths deeper in the forest.

2. Waterfall channel

Distance: 4 km duration: 1.5 hours card color: red

Alt = “Mount Lofty Hiking Wide 16 ″> Atlas & Boots of the pool at the foot of Waterfall Gully

We hiked from Mont Lofty to the Waterfall Gully Trail. This popular path is far the most strenuous of the Mount Lofty hiking trails. The path begins at the Waterfall Gully car park and quickly climbs through the steep hills of the park, the native vegetation and the thread bark forest. On the way, hikers come past no fewer than six waterfalls, although they can be difficult to recognize in the drier months!

The Waterfall Gully Route is one of the most popular training routes from Adelaide, so do not be surprised if you find many athletes dressed in Lycra. The parking lot and the café below can also be full. One advantage of this path is that there is cafés at every end, with Utopia in the Waterfall Gully below and the Summit Restaurant and Cafe above.

3. Chambers gully

Distance: 8 km duration: 2 hours card color: orange

Alt = “Mount Lofty Hiking Wide 6 ″> Atlas & Boots Chambers Gully comprises parts of the Wine Shanty Track, Nangare Track and Lodge Trail

The Chambers Gully Route To the summit of Mount Lofty is a much cooler option because it is well shaded and avoids steep terrain until the last bump directly below the summit.

The hike begins at the very small parking lot on the roadside on the Waterfall Gully Road and gently climbs before it returns on the Bartrill Track Track, where it becomes a bit steeper. The path also includes parts of the Wine Shanty Track, Nagare Track and Lodge Trail on its detour to the summit.

4. Long ridge

Distance: 7 km duration: 1.5–2 hours card color: blue

Alt = “Mount Lofty Hiking Wide 8 ″> Atlas & Boots The last section to the summit of Mount Lofty

The Long Ridge begins at the same place as the Chambers Gully and runs in parallel to the majority of the route, so that the terrain is similar everywhere. However, it avoids doubleing yourself (hence the somewhat shorter distance).

After a short flirt with the Wine Shanty Track, the route leads over the Harford Trail before joining the last section of the Waterfall Gully Trail to the summit of Mount Lofty.

5. Wine shanty

Distance: 10.5–12 km duration: 3–4 hours. Card color: violet

Alt = “Mount Lofty Hiking Wide 4 ″> Atlas & Boots A clearing on the somewhat more cumbersome Wine Shanty Trail

The Wine Shanty Trail is more of a cumbersome bush hiking trail than a direct hiking trail around Cleland Conservation Park. The route meanders through a deciduous tree forest with several double back and steep but short climbs. Don't be put off because there are also some gentler sections.

The route includes sections of the Harford Trail and the Bartrill Track Track. To reach the summit of Mount Lofty, hikers have to use the lodge track to climb to the summit and return on the same route to continue the Wine Shanty Trail.

6. Heysenweg

Distance: 4.5 km duration: 1 hour card color: yellow

Alt = “Mount Lofty hiking trails 7 ″> Atlas & Boots With 1,200 km, the Heysen Trail Australia's longest designated hiking trail

The Heysen Trail is the longest hiking trail in Australia, but luckily the section to Mount Lofty is only 4.5 km long! This short highlight of the 1,200 km long Heysen Trail in South Australia includes a walk through the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens before crossing the main street and joining the last section of the crafers Circuit to the summit.

The hike begins at the parking lot of the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden and thanks to its circular route has a very relaxed climb. Only the last piece to the summit is steep.

It is possible to continue the path from the summit in clockwise to the parking lot of the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens (7.5 km).

map of the hiking trails on Mount Lofty

Mount Lofty hiking trails: The essentials

what: hiking on the hiking trails of the Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills (technically speaking the Mount Lofty Ranges).

Where: We stayed in Majestic Minima, a boutique hotel, which offers stylish, affordable accommodations in North Adelaide. The 46 rooms are all unique and each designed by a local South Australian artist. Of course we booked the outdoor room 202.

  • Alt = "Mount Lofty hiking trails Adelaide Hotel 3 ″>
  • Alt = "Mount Lofty hiking trails Adelaide Hotel 3 ″>
  • Alt = "Mount Lofty hiking trails Adelaide Hotel 3 ″>
  • Alt = "Mount Lofty hiking trails Adelaide Hotel 3 ″>
  • Alt = "Mount Lofty hiking trails Adelaide Hotel 3 ″>
  • Alt = "Mount Lofty hiking trails Adelaide Hotel 3 ″>
  • Alt = "Mount Lofty hiking trails Adelaide Hotel 3 ″>
  • Alt = "Mount Lofty hiking trails Adelaide Hotel 3 ″>

The rooms are compact, but comfortable and the clever design manages to fit into a king-size bed, a desk and a modern bathroom. The hotel also has a guest terrace, covered parking spaces and free laundry (very appreciated on long -term trips!).

The hotel is five minutes by car from the city center and within walking distance of a series of restaurants, bars and shops as well as the botanical gardens and the Adelaide Oval.

When: The best travel time for Adelaide is February to March when the weather is hot and the city awakens to life with art, festivals and events. Hiking is great in April, when the great heat of summer is over, but the temperatures are still warm, and in September when the country is lavish from the winter rain.

like: The Adelaide Hills are 15 km from the city center and the easiest way to reach by car. Parking spaces are available at the starting points of the hiking trails, but fees may apply. You can drive to Mount Lofty Summit, but of course we recommend using one of the Mount Lofty hiking trails.

The Adelaide Hills can also be reached by public transport. Plan over the Adelaide Metro in advance because the waiting times can be long.

On the following websites you will find useful information and hike in the Adelaide Hills and the surrounding area:

  • Adelaide Hill's visitor information center
  • The summit
  • National Parks of South Australia
  • hiking sa

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Lonely Planet Australia is a comprehensive travel guide for the country, ideal for those who want to explore the most important sights and take less busy roads.

If you prefer to submit the planning, we recommend G Adventures and your small group Australia tours.

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