Mount Lofty Summit | Lookout, Cafe, Visitor Centre & Gift Shop
There are so many places that we love to visit around Adelaide, but Mount Lofty Summit would have to be one of the most special. It features an incredible look out, cafe and visitor centre.
Only 15km from the city and you’re well into the Adelaide Hills, just a short drive up the South Eastern Freeway. Part of Cleland Conservation Park, you’ll find the Mount Lofty Summit once you take the Crafers turn off and head up past the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, travelling until you reach the sign above.
The first thing to take in is the scenery – even just the drive to the summit along the windy road takes in breathtaking views, beautiful properties and nature at its best.
Once at the summit you’ll find the carpark situated in front of the Mount Lofty Summit Cafe & Function Centre. Inside is also the Visitor Centre and Gift Shop, all with a view of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Outside you’ll find a large outdoor dining area and the towering white obelisk that overlooks the stunning, panoramic views of Adelaide – from the city skyline all the way to the coast. It’s quite an experience to witness the changing seasons at the summit and the beautiful sunsets.
All through the year you can take in the fresh air and walk along the trails that lead off from the summit on both sides.
Mount Lofty Summit Visitor Centre and Gift Shop
The Mount Lofty Summit Visitor Information and Gift Shop outlet is run by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. A wonderful place to bring children and visitors from interstate or overseas, the accredited visitor centre features interactive touch screens to help you learn more about the Summit and surrounding tourist attractions.
The gift shop has quality souvenirs with many Australian made items, as well as a variety of locally handcrafted gifts. You can learn about the Aboriginals and European history of this area, including the story behind the giant white obelisk.
The Mount Lofty Summit Visitor Information and Gift Shop is open to 9am to 5pm daily including weekends and public holidays (closed Christmas Day).
Mount Lofty Summit Cafe & Function Centre
The fully licensed café is perfect for lunch, dinner, a morning coffee or our favourite – a weekend family breakfast outing. The dining area indoors has wall to wall glass windows so you can enjoy the stunning view over Adelaide. If you don’t wish to sit down for a meal, the cafe offers a delicious selection of treats, such as homemade style cookies, ice-cream, cold drinks and great coffee.
Walking and Hiking Mt Lofty
Throughout the day you’ll witness many red faces as they wander in for a complimentary cup of water after their workout of walking or riding to the summit. The adventurous can walk up from Waterfall Gully is quite a climb – and one to be fully prepared for before tackling if you plan to reach the summit. You will usually glimpse the cyclists riding alongside the freeway as they make their way up the mountain for their morning ride.
Read our review of the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit Hike
Location
The Summit Cafe and Function Centre, Lookout and Visitor Centre are in the same location – Summit Road, Mount Lofty Lookout, Mount Lofty
Opening Hours
- Please visit the Mt Lofty Summit website for current information (can sometimes be closed for private functions)
- Follow The Summit Cafe and Function Centre on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Mt Lofty Summit website or the Mount Lofty Summit Visitor Information and Gift Shop website.
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change
Image Source: Play & Go 2012
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