Mount Lofty Summit
At 727 metres above sea level, the summit of Mount Lofty in the Adelaide Hills delivers a sweeping 180-degree panorama across the Adelaide Plains, the CBD grid and Gulf St Vincent beyond — it's the view that puts the whole city in context. On a clear winter morning, the plains below can be draped in mist while you're standing in warm sunshine.
The view and the walk
The sealed Summit Road car park puts you two minutes from the trig point, but the more rewarding approach is the Waterfall Gully Trail — a 7.5 km return hike through stringybark forest that passes First Falls and Second Falls before climbing steeply to the top. Allow 3–4 hours return and wear trail shoes.
At the summit, the glass-walled Mount Lofty Summit Restaurant and Café serves seasonal Adelaide Hills produce with the panorama as a backdrop. The eggs Benedict with smoked trout is a post-hike reward worth planning around.
When to go
Sunrise on a winter morning (June–August) is spectacular — the city lights fade as a golden wash spreads across the plains. Arrive 30 minutes before official sunrise and bring a warm layer; the ridge can be 8–10 °C cooler than the CBD.
Summer (December–February) brings the risk of extreme fire-danger days when the park closes. Check the SA National Parks fire-closure page before you drive up.
Mount Lofty Summit on video
More of Adelaide
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Adelaide →
