Mount Lofty Summit, South Australia

Just outside of Adelaide City, the towering peak of Mount Lofty casts a tall shadow over the rest of the region. As Adelaide’s highest summit, the mountain promises visitors numerous outdoor activities and the chance to experience incredible views from Mount Lofty Summit.

Mount Lofty View Adelaide

At the very top, you can tuck into light refreshments and snacks at The Summit Cafe, while the rest of the day can be spent on adventurous pursuits through breathtaking scenery.

Forming the peak of the Mount Lofty Ranges, Mount Lofty Summit attracts more than 350,000 visitors each year. From the top, you can enjoy several walks that weave down to cascading waterfalls, visit the local wildlife park, and step into the Visitor Information Outlet where you can pick up a souvenir or two and learn more about the stunning natural landscape.

Things to do at Mount Lofty Peak

  • The Mount Lofty Summit Visitor Information Outlet

    At the Information Outlet, you can learn more about the flora and fauna of the region, as well as the Aboriginal history from a knowledgeable guide and educational signage. There’s also an on-site gift shop which sells handmade local goods and souvenirs – perfect for picking up a little something to remind you of your time on the mountain.

  • Waterfall Gully

    Perhaps the most popular natural landmark on the mountain, Waterfall Gully is a pretty spot characterised by a sparkling cascade of water. From the peak of the mountain, you can take a leisurely stroll along one of the more popular routes and you’ll find yourself at this pretty spot. Here, you can marvel at the natural scenery and spot native wildlife that are lucky enough to call the area home.

  • Discovery Trail

    This short trail may lack the distance however it makes up for it with its amazing views once you reach the top. The walk is a mere 350 metres and you have the option to download an app so as you reach certain points on the trail, you will be shown how the local animals had to relocate their houses into fallen branches after the devastating Ash Wednesday fires of 1983.

  • Heysen Trail

    Heysen Trail

    For the more advanced walker, you can take the Heysen Trail, which weaves through the rugged scenery of the mountain and allows you to experience breathtaking views of Adelaide’s city skyline and beyond. The circuit is around 7.5 kilometres and takes 3-5 hours to complete. It is graded at a 3 making it a moderate trail with some prior bushwalking experience recommended. Throughout the trail, you will pass through the quaint village of Piccadilly and spot some picturesque cottages. After this, you’ll walk through the lush greenery of the Botanical Gardens and pass through the Cleland Conservation Park.

  • Mountain Biking

    If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can mountain bike along the trails, whizzing past ancient trees and emerging in amazing lookout points where you can catch your breath and soak up the views. One of the most popular and challenging trails is the Old Freeway, a 9-kilometre long ride. Many cyclists will choose Mt Lofty for their bike rides as the area is less congested than other trails and provides a great training ground for more advanced cyclists.

  • Cleland Wildlife Park

    Lofty Mountain is a haven for local wildlife and you can learn all about the abundance of native species at the Cleland Wildlife Park. As well as seeing some of Australia’s cutest critters in their natural habitat, you can learn more about their behaviour, breeding habits, and lifestyle with the keepers. Here you’ll meet wallabies, Tasmanian devils and koalas, with kangaroos roaming free around the park.

  • Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens

    Below the mountain is the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens, a stunning garden space spanning 97 hectares. There’s a rose garden, magnolia gully, woodland garden and dwarf conifer lawn just waiting for you to explore. Not only that but there are sculptures and artworks dotted around the park and works by lead Australian contemporary artist Greg Johns. You can even take one of the free guided walking tours throughout the garden or venture on your own journey on one of the few walking trails that weave around the garden or the lakeside respectively.

Mount Lofty Summit is the perfect place to while away a day whilst getting out of the city and exploring the stunning natural beauty of the Adelaide Hills.

Other tourist attraction: