
Mount Lofty Summit
Ascend to Mount Lofty Summit for breathtaking panoramic views of Adelaide city and coastline. Hike or drive up for an unforgettable experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, less haze

Mount Lofty Summit
Best Time
Clearer views, less haze

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend to Mount Lofty Summit for breathtaking panoramic views of Adelaide city and coastline. Hike or drive up for an unforgettable experience.
"The views from the summit are just amazing. "

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Especially for the Waterfall Gully hike, good shoes are essential for the steep, sometimes rocky terrain.
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Be prepared for a parking fee if you're driving to the summit.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City and Coastline Views
Summit Lookout
Gaze across Adelaide's skyline to the ocean. A truly awe-inspiring vista that changes with the light.

Waterfall Gully Hike
Waterfall Gully Carpark to Summit
A popular, steep, paved 8km return hike offering excellent scenery and a good workout.

Mount Lofty Summit Cafe
Summit Building
Relax with a coffee and a snack while enjoying the incredible views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Choosing Your Ascent: Hike or Drive?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Especially for the Waterfall Gully hike, good shoes are essential for the steep, sometimes rocky terrain.
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Be prepared for a parking fee if you're driving to the summit.
☕ Grab a Coffee
The summit cafe offers refreshments with a view.
☀️ Check the Weather
Haze can impact visibility, especially in the afternoon.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Especially for the Waterfall Gully hike, good shoes are essential for the steep, sometimes rocky terrain.
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Be prepared for a parking fee if you're driving to the summit.
☕ Grab a Coffee
The summit cafe offers refreshments with a view.
☀️ Check the Weather
Haze can impact visibility, especially in the afternoon.
🚶♀️ Hike Options Galore
From steep paved trails to rocky paths, choose a hike that suits your fitness.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from Mount Lofty Summit, calling them 'amazing' and 'spectacular'. The Waterfall Gully hike is a highly recommended, albeit challenging, way to reach the top. Some note that haze can affect visibility, particularly in the afternoon, and parking fees apply.
"Great views. Good halfway point if doing the 'Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty' hike. Short walk around the summit. Wildflowers and wildlife."
Shelley Walker
"We visited this summit with a lookout point on a weekday and it wasn't crowded. There is a nice view of Adelaide city from here where the green belt of the park lands is clearly visible. It forms a square in the city."
S L Chong
"Lovely day out walking, warm up the knees prior with the hills. Take plenty of water and snacks and a windbreaker. Heaps of wildlife on the way as well"
Maria Tino-Ono
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive directly to the summit, where there is ample parking (fees may apply). Alternatively, the popular Waterfall Gully hike offers a scenic, albeit steep, ascent. Buses also service the area.
Yes, bus services are available that can take you to or near the Mount Lofty Summit. Check local Adelaide transport schedules for routes and times.
The Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit hike is a very popular 8km return, paved, and steep trail. For a more challenging and rocky experience, consider the Eurilla Track.
Yes, cyclists can access Mount Lofty Summit. The bike track from the Tollgate up the freeway bike track to Crafers, then the road to Mt Lofty is a popular route.
The drive itself offers glimpses of the Adelaide Hills, but the true scenic reward is at the summit. The hiking routes provide more immersive natural beauty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the summit lookout area is generally free. However, parking may incur a fee, and there are costs associated with the cafe and gift shop.
The summit lookout is typically accessible during daylight hours. Vehicle access gates to the car park are open from dawn till dusk.
The hiking trails leading to Mount Lofty Summit, such as Waterfall Gully, are free to access.
While there isn't a specific 'ticket' for the summit itself, various tour operators in Adelaide offer excursions that include Mount Lofty Summit as a destination.
Generally, there are no major restrictions, but it's always advisable to check for any temporary closures or advisories, especially during extreme weather conditions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the panoramic view. You can also enjoy the cafe, gift shop, and explore nearby walking trails.
Yes, clean toilet facilities are available at the summit.
Driving to the summit is accessible. However, the hiking trails, particularly Waterfall Gully, are steep and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
Mornings often offer clearer views with less haze. Golden hour around sunset can also be spectacular, though it might be busier.
While there isn't a designated picnic area, you can find spots to sit and enjoy the views. Bringing your own snacks is common, or you can purchase items from the cafe.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at the summit that serves coffee, snacks, and light meals.
The cafe typically offers a range of beverages, pastries, sandwiches, and light meals.
The closest dining options are at the summit cafe or in the nearby Adelaide Hills towns like Stirling or Hahndorf.
Yes, visitors often bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy while taking in the views.
The cafe generally operates year-round, but it's always a good idea to check their specific opening hours, especially on public holidays.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views of Adelaide city and the coastline are the primary photo opportunities. Sunrises and sunsets can also be stunning.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on city details. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
The main lookout platform provides the most iconic views. Explore different angles along the railing for unique perspectives.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and popular tourist areas to ensure safety and preserve the experience for others. Check local regulations before flying.
Mornings often provide clearer air for sharp city shots. For dramatic lighting, consider sunrise or sunset, but be mindful of potential haze.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, as while there's a cafe, having your own provisions can be handy. Ensure children are supervised closely near the lookout edges. The drive through the Adelaide Hills on the way to or from the summit also offers scenic beauty that families can enjoy together.
👟 Fitness Enthusiasts & Hikers
Cyclists also frequent the routes leading to the summit, with options like the freeway bike track providing a continuous ascent. Remember to stay hydrated and check trail conditions, especially after rain, as some paths can become slippery. The summit itself provides a rewarding endpoint to any strenuous activity.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different vantage points along the lookout railing to find unique compositions. Consider bringing a tripod for low-light photography during dawn or dusk. While drone photography is popular, be aware of potential restrictions in the area. The journey to the summit, especially the Waterfall Gully hike, also presents opportunities for nature photography with its scenic beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Waterfall Gully Hike
While the paved path makes it manageable, the steepness means it's not for the faint-hearted or those with significant mobility issues. Proper footwear is a must, and carrying water is advisable, especially on warmer days. The trail can get busy, particularly on weekends, so an early start can help you enjoy a more peaceful trek.
For those seeking an even more rugged adventure, the Eurilla Track offers a shorter but significantly steeper and rockier alternative. This path demands more caution and is best suited for experienced hikers with appropriate gear like hiking boots.
Maximizing Your Summit Experience
Beyond the views, the summit complex includes a cafe and a gift shop. The cafe is a perfect spot to refuel with a coffee or light meal while soaking in the scenery. The gift shop offers souvenirs to remember your visit. For those who prefer not to hike, driving or taking a bus are convenient options, with parking available at the summit.
Remember that parking may incur a fee, so be prepared. The summit is also a popular spot for photographers, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, though these times can also be the busiest.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit