Experience the sights and sounds of this pretty cascade in the foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges and explore a series of walking tracks and heritage sites.
Waterfall Gully straddles the valley of First Creek beneath the forested hills of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Comprised of pretty gardens and conservation parkland, Waterfall Gully is an enchanting spot for a stroll in nature. Explore Cleland Conservation Park and find one of the parkland’s largest waterfalls. Trek to the summit of Mount Lofty and look out over Adelaide’s cityscape.
Embark on the walking track to First Falls, Waterfall Gully’s prize attraction. The trail’s boardwalks and lookout points make it a great activity for the whole family. Peer through the gully as you make your way down to the waterfall and admire the native vegetation that clings to the stony embankments. When you come to the viewing platform at the base of the falls, you’ll see magnificent views of the tall cascade leaping down a sheer rock face into the deep pool below. The weir in the pool was constructed in the late 19th century and was formerly used to supply Adelaide with pristine drinking water.
If you’re feeling up to the challenge, take on the steep walking track that winds over the rocky hillsides and through fragrant stringybark eucalyptus forests to the summit of Mount Lofty. At the end of this trek, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view across Adelaide’s city skyline. Keen hikers can continue to explore the hillsides via the walking trails around Chambers Gully, Woolshed Gully and First Creek. Check out Mount Osmond or the Cleland Wildlife Park on your journey.
Return to the bottom of the gully for a well-deserved meal at the Waterfall Gully Restaurant. Built in the style of a Swiss chalet, this heritage-listed restaurant dates back to 1912 and is a great spot to relax with a cool drink.
Waterfall Gully is located within the eastern suburbs of Adelaide. It is 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the city center. The First Falls walking track and viewing platforms are free to visit at any time however, entry fees apply to the Mount Lofty Summit and the Cleland Wildlife Park. Wear sturdy shoes and take care on the rocky trails during wet weather.
