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Waterfall Gully Hike
Challenge yourself on Adelaide’s favourite hike! This tough, yet rewarding self-guided hike takes you from the serenity of Waterfall Gully and along the trails of Cleland Conservation Park to the summit at Mount Lofty. At 710m witness stunning panoramic views over-looking the Adelaide plains and Gulf St Vincent.
Breathe the fresh morning air at Waterfall Gully - a short scenic drive from the City takes you direct to the trailhead of Adelaide’s most popular hike. Arriving around 8.30am, be amazed by your first sight of the spectacular First Falls sparkling in the morning sunshine. Setting off at your own pace and depending upon your interest stops along the way, expect to take between 1 to 2 hours to arrive at the Summit.
Appreciate the serenity of nature with a morning hike - fully immerse yourself in the environment and sense the wilderness while listening to the sounds of the native birdlife. Detect the distinctive scents of the eucalyptus trees as the 3.9km trail climbs past waterfalls, along streams and gully ridges. Keep a keen eye out for sleepy koalas high in the gum trees, small lizards or even a kangaroo grazing in the bush!
Be rewarded with mind-blowing views - sense the feeling of height as you reach the summit and be rewarded with breathtaking views over Adelaide and beyond. See the city buildings, parklands and iconic Adelaide Oval, look out across the plains to the Airport, the coastal town of Glenelg and the far reaches of Port Adelaide. On a clear day, you may even sight Kangaroo Island!
Re-energise at the Summit Café - the Café is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a morning coffee or brunch (own expense) while admiring the views. Be sure to take some time to learn some interesting facts and history about the Summit before heading back down to Waterfall Gully. Aim to leave the summit in time to meet your driver back at Waterfall Gully by 12.00pm. The return hike should take around 1 hour.
This hike is graded as hard. The Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Hike involves steep sections and uneven surfaces and a good level of fitness and mobility is required. The hike is approximately 2 – 3 hours return (7.8km).
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