Mount Lofty hiking trails: six routes to the summit

Mount Lofty hiking trails: six routes to the summit

Mount Lofty's trails, which crisscross the Adelaide Hills, all lead to one place: the summit - and some of the most beautiful views in South Australia

Located in the Adelaide Hills, just 15km east of Adelaide, Mount Lofty offers panoramic views across the Adelaide skyline and beyond. The Adelaide Hills – an elevated landscape of rolling vineyards, sprawling forests and steep ridges – have long been a peaceful retreat for Adelaide residents.

Despite its name, Mount Lofty is not a towering Alpine peak at 727 m (2,385 ft). However, for Adelaide residents it offers an excellent exercise route and for tourists it offers unparalleled views of the city's skyline and surrounding countryside.

alt=”Mount Lofty Hiking Trails 11″>Atlas & BootsPanoramic view of Adelaide from Mount Lofty

Like so many Australian landmarks, Matthew Flinders named Mount Lofty during his circumnavigation of the Australian continent in 1802. It was first climbed by Europeans when explorer Collet Barker climbed it in 1831 - about six years before Adelaide was settled.

Today, the Adelaide Hills complex is home to a network of Mount Lofty hiking trails, all leading to the majestic views of the summit, where the Summit Cafe, a visitor center and a gift shop await weary hikers.

alt=”Mount Lofty Hiking Trails 10″>Atlas & BootsAt 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 options available to create the Mount Lofty trail map and route descriptions below. All distances are easy paths from the start of the trail to the summit.

1. Crafers Racetrack

Distance: 4.5 km Duration: 1 hour Map color: Green

alt=“Mount Lofty Hiking Trails 3″>Atlas & BootsCrafers Circuit is a gentle alternative to the steep Waterfall Gully Trail

We took the public bus from downtown Adelaide to Crafers Park ‘n’ Ride to begin our hike to Mount Lofty. The winding trail from Crafers to the summit of Mount Lofty is a gentle alternative to the popular but agonizingly steep Waterfall Gully Trail.

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

2. Waterfall gutter

Distance: 4 km Duration: 1.5 hours. Map color: Red

alt=”Mount Lofty Hiking Trails 16″>Atlas & BootsThe pool at the foot of Waterfall Gully

We hiked down from Mont Lofty via the Waterfall Gully Trail. This popular trail is by far the most strenuous of the Mount Lofty trails. The trail begins at the Waterfall Gully parking lot and climbs quickly through the park's steep hills, native vegetation, and threadbark forest. Along the way, hikers will pass no fewer than six waterfalls, although they can be difficult to spot in the drier months!

The Waterfall Gully route is one of Adelaide's most popular training routes, so don't be surprised if you find lots of Lycra-clad athletes on the route. The car park and cafe below can also be full. One advantage of this trail is that there are cafes at each end, with Utopia in the Waterfall Gully car park below and Summit Restaurant and Cafe at the top.

3. Chambers Gully

Distance: 8 km Duration: 2 hours Map color: Orange

alt=”Mount Lofty Hiking Trails 6″>Atlas & BootsChambers Gully includes 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 as it is well shaded and avoids steep terrain until the final push just below the summit.

The walk starts from the very small roadside car park on Waterfall Gully Road and climbs gently before returning to the Bartrill Spur Track where it becomes slightly steeper briefly. The trail 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 Map color: Blue

alt=“Mount Lofty Hiking Trails 8″>Atlas & BootsThe final section to the summit of Mount Lofty

Long Ridge begins at the same point as Chambers Gully and runs parallel to much of the route, so the terrain is similar throughout. However, it avoids doubling as much (hence the slightly shorter distance).

After a brief flirtation with the Wine Shanty Track, the route continues along the Harford Trail before joining the final section of the Waterfall Gully Trail to the summit of Mount Lofty.

5. Wine Shanty

Distance: 10.5-12 km Duration: 3-4 hours Map color: Purple

alt=“Mount Lofty Hiking Trails 4″>Atlas & BootsA clearing on the somewhat more circuitous Wine Shanty Trail

The Wine Shanty Trail is more of a circuitous bushwalk than a direct walking route around Cleland Conservation Park. The route winds through a deciduous forest with several double ridges and steep but short climbs. Don't be put off as there are some gentler sections too.

The route includes sections of the Harford Trail and the Bartrill Spur Track. To reach the summit of Mount Lofty, hikers must use the Lodge Track to climb to the summit and return along the same route to continue the Wine Shanty Trail.

6. Heysenweg

Distance: 4.5 km Duration: 1 hour. Map color: yellow

alt=”Mount Lofty Hiking Trails 7″>Atlas & BootsAt 1,200 km, the Heysen Trail is 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 4.5km long! This short highlight of South Australia's 1,200km Heysen Trail includes a walk through the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens before crossing the main road and joining the final section of the Crafers Circuit to the summit.

The walk begins at the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens car park and has a fairly easy gradient thanks to its circular route. Only the last stretch to the summit is steep.

It is possible to continue following the trail clockwise from the summit to the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens car park (7.5 km total).

Map of Mount Lofty hiking trails

Mount Lofty hiking trails: the essentials

What: Hiking the trails of Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills (technically the Mount Lofty Ranges).

Where: We stayed at Majestic Minima, a boutique hotel offering stylish, affordable accommodation 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 Wanderwege Adelaide Hotel 3″>
• alt=“Mount Lofty Wanderwege Adelaide Hotel 3″>
• alt=“Mount Lofty Wanderwege Adelaide Hotel 3″>
• alt=“Mount Lofty Wanderwege Adelaide Hotel 3″>
• alt=“Mount Lofty Wanderwege Adelaide Hotel 3″>
• alt=“Mount Lofty Wanderwege Adelaide Hotel 3″>
• alt=“Mount Lofty Wanderwege Adelaide Hotel 3″>
• alt=“Mount Lofty Wanderwege Adelaide Hotel 3″>

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

The hotel is a five-minute drive from the city center and within walking distance of a range of restaurants, bars and shops, as well as the Botanic Gardens and the Adelaide Oval.

When: The best time to visit Adelaide is February to March, when the weather is hot and the city comes alive with art, festivals and events. Hiking is great in April, when the great heat of summer has passed but temperatures are still warm, and in September, when the land is lush from winter rains.

How: The Adelaide Hills are 15km from the city center and are most easily reached by car. Parking is available at trailheads, but fees may apply. You can drive up to Mount Lofty Summit, but of course we recommend using one of the Mount Lofty hiking trails.

The Adelaide Hills are also accessible by public transport. Plan ahead about the Adelaide Metro as wait times can be long.

The following websites provide useful information about visiting and hiking in the Adelaide Hills and surrounding areas:

• Adelaide Hills Besucherinformationszentrum
• Der Gipfel
• Nationalparks Südaustralien
• Wandern SA

Book domestic or international flights with Skyscanner at the best prices.

old=““>

Lonely Planet Australia is a comprehensive travel guide to the country, ideal for those who want to both explore the top attractions and take the road less traveled.

If you'd rather hand off the planning, we recommend G Adventures and their small group Australia tours.

old=““>

Mission statement: Dreamstime

      .