Mount Lofty Estate - Jessica's Nature Experiences List

Jessica’s

Nature Experiences List.

PARKS & GARDENS • HIKES • WALKS • WILDLIFE

The location.

Adelaide Hills & surrounds Adelaide is known for its spectacular wildlife experiences, its beautiful vast and pristine beaches, historically important walking tracks as well as challenging hiking trails, and it is an absolute gem if you are into road and mountain biking!

Being outdoors is something very close to my heart. I love hiking up and down mountains and I always feel lighter after a few hours outside. After so many years living in Australia, I still get a thrill when I spot a koala, kangaroo or an emu and I still discover plants that I have never seen before.

I have combined all my favourite spots and secret tips about where to best experience our glorious region and beautiful wildlife. Please never hesitate to approach me if you would like more tips or are looking for something else. I will be delighted to show and guide you and make you fall in love with the Adelaide Hills.

Yours sincerely,

Jessica Bibbo Luxury Concierge Mount Lofty House

Mount Lofty Summit Hike Located just 5 minutes from Mount Lofty House, the majestic peak of the Mount Lofty Ranges provides spectacular panoramic views across Adelaide’s city skyline to the coast. There is a variety of walking trails in the area including the Waterfall Gully to Summit hike, a very rewarding challenge for enthusiastic hikers and possibly the most famous one amongst Adelaidians. Make sure to reward yourself with some cake and coffee at the Summit Café afterwards.

DIRECTIONS Mount Lofty Summit Road • Crafers SA 5152 • mountloftysummit.com The café is open every day from 9am - 5pm.

Cleland Wildlife Park Nestled into the Mount Lofty Ranges, Cleland Wildlife Park and its natural surroundings are an enjoyable experience where you can feed kangaroos as they laze, wander wetlands, and surround yourself with over 130 species of Australian wildlife, all just 10 minutes from Mount Lofty House. It is also one of only a few places in the world where visitors can hold a koala.

ENTRY & DIRECTIONS 365 Mount Lofty Summit Road • Crafers SA 5152 • (08) 8339 2444 • clelandwildlifepark.sa.gov.au open 9:30am – 5pm every day (except on days of catastrophic fire danger) • entry gates and aviaries close at 4:30pm

Belair National Park Great for skilled hikers and young families alike, Belair National Park has something for everyone. For hiking enthusiasts, the Waterfall Hike is 6.5 km of natural beauty and wildlife. There is a koala in almost every tree and you can spot emu families foraging through the bush. At the top is a series of waterfalls, which you can hike underneath or perch on top of to take in the scenery. There are lots of great tracks for mountain bikers and families can enjoy the adventure playgrounds and light walks at the bottom of the park.

DIRECTIONS access is via Sheoak Road or Upper Sturt Road, Belair (for picnic grounds) • parks.sa.gov.au

Wine Shanty Track Whether you are a hiker or a biker, Cleland Conservation Park, located just 10 minutes from Mount Lofty House, has it all. From moderate forest walks to steep climbs through natural scrub, the Wine Shanty Track is a fantastic 10 km round trip for beginner to intermediate adventure seekers.

DIRECTIONS major access points are via Mount Lofty Summit Road and Waterfall Gully Road • walkingSA.org.au

Mount George Conservation Park Located 10 minutes from Mount Lofty House, Mount George is home to the beautiful Ridge Trail. After a short, fairly steep climb, you arrive to a series of rock outcroppings, which allow for serene views over the Piccadilly Valley. Pack a picnic and relax under the trees next to the dam after your hike. Mount George is one of my all-time favourite places and I highly recommend a visit.

DIRECTIONS access via Mount George Road, Bridgewater • walkingsa.org.au

Morialta Conservation Park If you dream of spotting a koala in the wild, Morialta is your best bet. I almost never leave this gorgeous valley and lofty climbs without having spotted at least one (once I counted 14 during a warm autumn day)! There are several tracks ranging from leisurely (to this stunning waterfall) to challenging. Plus, at the entrance of the park your kids are going to love the newly established nature playground including a river bed that invites to proper dam building.

DIRECTIONS Morialta Road • Woodforde SA 5072 • parks.sa.gov.au

Eagle on the Hill Mountain Bike Park Eagle on the Hill boasts approximately 21 km of cross country trails, a specifically designed downhill trail, skills development and jumps park. It is a locals’ favourite and not only for its stunning views over the Adelaide Hills, the CBD and coastline.

ADDRESS Mount Barker Road • Leawood Gardens SA 5150 (about 15 minutes from Mount Lofty House) open every day during daylight • 1300 714 990

Norton Summit Climb Norton Summit is arguably the most popular of Adelaide’s Hill Climbs. It is a relatively consistent climb, not too steep, not too long and with almost no traffic, with a few pinches around 10%, but mostly true to its 5% average gradient. The climb has lots to keep you interested: amazing views, some steep switchbacks, and a stacked leader board of pro riders to test yourself against.

DIRECTIONS The climb starts just after you turn into Norton Summit Road at the end of Magill Road. Be sure not to climb up Old Norton Summit Road which is pleasant but not as famous.

SEQUOIA

STABLES DAY SPA

HARDY’S VERANDAH

ARTHUR WATERHOUSE LOUNGE

1 Mawson Drive • Crafers SA 5152 (08) 8339 6777 • stay@mtloftyhouse.com.au mtloftyhouse.com.au • hardysverandah.com.au • stablesdayspa.com.au