Mount Lofty Summit Lookout, Restaurant, Cafe & Visitor Centre
There are so many places that I love to visit around Adelaide, but Mount Lofty Summit would have to be one of the most special.
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 Gardens, 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 lookout, a restaurant, cafe and visitor centre/gift shop, all situated at the peak 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.
Mount Lofty Summit Visitor Centre and Gift Shop
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.
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 Restaurant and Cafe
The fully licensed Summit Restaurant and Café is perfect for lunch, dinner, a morning coffee or our favourite – a weekend family breakfast. 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 amazing coffee!
Walking 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 – 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 coffee.
Read our review of the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit Hike here
Opening Hours
Mount Lofty Summit lookout and car park
Vehicle access gates to the car park are open at the following times:
- Please note: Due to Covid-19 restrictions the carpark will temporarily be closing at 8:30pm each night.
- Sunday to Thursday – 6:00am – 11:00pm
- Friday and Saturday – 6:00am – 1:00am
Mount Lofty Summit Visitor Centre and gift shop:
- Open 9:00am – 5:00 pm daily (closed Christmas Day).
The Summit Cafe and Function Centre:
- Due to COVID-19, the Summit Cafe and Function Centre has reduced trading hours.
- Please visit their website for further information.
Facilities include the Lookout, Visitor Information Centre, Restaurant and Cafe, Gift shop, Walking trails and Toilets (wheelchair accessible).
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Mt Lofty Summit website.
What: Mount Lofty Summit
When: All Year Round
Where: Summit Road, Mount Lofty Lookout, Mount Lofty (see map)
Who: Everyone
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
SUBSCRIBE
Want to get all the latest events and activities straight to your inbox?
Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter below to keep up to date with our latest posts and find out all the best events & activities for Adelaide families. Newsletters are only sent once a week, and you may sometimes get a special offer exclusively for our subscribers only!
