Waterfall Gully Reserve (Cleland Conservation Park)
Natural Landmark in South Australia
Written by Ben Cole· Updated Mar 2026Find Nearby Accommodation
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About Waterfall Gully Reserve (Cleland Conservation Park)
Waterfall Gully is the starting point for Adelaide's most iconic urban hike — the 8km trail to Mount Lofty Summit. The gully itself features a picturesque waterfall in a creek-lined valley of stringybark eucalyptus, ferns, and native orchids. The area forms part of Cleland Conservation Park and receives over 400,000 visitors per year, making it one of South Australia's busiest natural sites.
About
Waterfall Gully is the starting point for Adelaide's most iconic urban hike — the 8km trail to Mount Lofty Summit. The gully itself features a picturesque waterfall in a creek-lined valley of stringybark eucalyptus, ferns, and native orchids. The area forms part of Cleland Conservation Park and receives over 400,000 visitors per year, making it one of South Australia's busiest natural sites.
Warnings
Getting There
Located in Burnside, 10km east of Adelaide CBD via Greenhill Road and Waterfall Gully Road.
Visitor Tips
- •Take bus 823 from CBD on weekends to avoid parking. Walk up to Mount Lofty and arrange a car shuttle back — the descent is hard on knees.
At a Glance
The Place
- Significance
- State
Plan Your Visit
- Entry
- Free
- Duration
- 1–5 hours depending on hike chosen
- Best Time
- June–September for waterfall flow; spring for orchids
Location
- Region
- Adelaide Hills
- State
- South Australia
Visiting Details
- Best Time to Visit
- June–September for waterfall flow; spring for orchids
- Duration
- 1–5 hours depending on hike chosen
- Entry Fee
- Free
Highlights
Activities
Features
Facilities
Nearby
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