Cleland Conservation Park – Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty
The Hills' most famous walk: a steep, waterfall-flanked climb from Waterfall Gully up to the Mount Lofty Summit.
This is the classic Adelaide Hills hike, and for good reason. Starting at First Falls in Waterfall Gully, the trail climbs roughly 3.9km through Cleland Conservation Park to the Mount Lofty Summit, gaining around 400 metres along the way.
It's a genuine workout — relentless in places — but the reward is a sweep of waterfalls, stringybark forest and, at the top, a panorama across Adelaide to the sea. Catch it after winter rain and the falls run hard; in autumn the gully glows.
Most walkers loop back down the same way, though fitter types tie it into the longer Cleland trails. Wear proper shoes and carry water; the summit kiosk is a welcome sight at the top.
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Cleland Conservation Park – Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty — frequently asked questions
How long is the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty walk?
The main trail climbs roughly 3.9 kilometres one way from Waterfall Gully to the Mount Lofty Summit, gaining around 400 metres in elevation, with a return walk of about 7.8 kilometres.
How hard is the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty hike?
It is considered a moderate to hard walk because of the sustained climb. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, and most walkers take around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit.
Where does the Waterfall Gully trail start?
The trail begins at First Falls in Waterfall Gully, at the end of Waterfall Gully Road, within Cleland National Park in the Adelaide foothills.
Image credits
- Waterfall Gully, South Australia, showing hills and trees(GN02026).jpg by State Government Photographer , CC0 via Wikimedia Commons