Cleland Conservation Park
| Location | Cleland Conservation Park, Adelaide Hills |
| Start Point | Waterfall Gully car park |
| End Point | Mount Lofty Summit (727 m) |
| Distance | 4.4 km one way |
| Time | 2 hours (up) / 1.5 hours (down) |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Activity | Walking |
| Region | Adelaide & Adelaide Hills |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Key Feature | Adelaide’s iconic summit walk, First Falls, panoramic city views |
Adelaide’s Iconic Summit Walk
The walk from Waterfall Gully to the summit of Mount Lofty is Adelaide’s signature hike — the trail that locals use as their personal fitness benchmark and visitors climb for the panoramic views across the city, the Adelaide Plains, and the coast. At 727 metres, Mount Lofty is the highest point in the Mount Lofty Ranges, and the 4.4-kilometre climb from Waterfall Gully is the most direct and most popular route to the top. On any given morning, you’ll share the trail with fitness walkers, trail runners, families, tourists, and the occasional person with a pram who has clearly underestimated the gradient.
The trail begins at the First Falls in Waterfall Gully — a picturesque waterfall that is particularly impressive after winter rains — and climbs steadily through Cleland Conservation Park’s native eucalypt forest. The forest here is significant: grey box, SA blue gum, and stringybark woodland that supports koalas, kangaroos, possums, and a rich community of bushland birds. The trail is well-maintained with stone steps in the steeper sections, but the relentless uphill nature of the walk earns its intermediate rating honestly.
The Walk
From the Waterfall Gully car park, the trail follows the creek upstream past the First Falls before beginning its serious climb. The gradient is steady rather than extreme, but it is sustained — by the time you reach the summit, you’ve climbed over 500 metres of elevation. The forest provides shade for most of the walk, and the birdsong is constant — kookaburras, rosellas, and honeyeaters are the most commonly heard companions.
The summit rewards every step. The Mount Lofty Summit lookout provides 360-degree views — the Adelaide CBD and suburban sprawl stretch to the coast, Gulf St Vincent sparkles beyond, and the ranges roll away to the north and south. The Summit Café offers coffee and food for those who feel they have earned it, and the nearby Cleland Wildlife Park provides opportunities for close encounters with native animals.
Planning Your Walk
Waterfall Gully is located approximately 8 kilometres from the Adelaide CBD. Parking at the trailhead fills quickly on weekends — arrive early or consider public transport options. The walk can be done as a return trip (8.8 km total) or as one-way with a car shuttle or bus connection from the summit. Carry water, particularly in warmer months. The trail is open year-round but can be closed on days of extreme fire danger.
The Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty walk is the hike that defines Adelaide’s relationship with its hills — a challenging but accessible climb through native forest to a summit with views that remind you why this city was built where the ranges meet the plains. It is walked by thousands every week, and each one earns the same view from the top.
Explore More Trails
The Heysen Trail — This hike forms part of the iconic 1,200 km Heysen Trail. Continue south to Deep Creek or north through the Adelaide Hills.
Morialta Falls Walk — Another popular Adelaide Hills waterfall walk, just a short drive from Waterfall Gully.
Lakeside Trail, Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens — A gentle walk through the beautiful botanic gardens, just minutes from the summit.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Adelaide Hills Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.
Guided Tours
Want a guided experience around Waterfall Gully and Mount Lofty? See our Adelaide Hills Tours guide for recommended tour operators and experiences in this region.