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Waterfall Gully Reserve (Cleland Conservation Park)

Waterfall Gully Reserve (Cleland Conservation Park) — Waterfall Gully](/au/places/sa/waterfall-gully) is the starting point for Adelaide's most iconic urban hike — the 8km trail to [Mount…

Natural Landmark in South Australia

Ben ColeWritten by Ben Cole

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About Waterfall Gully Reserve (Cleland Conservation Park)

[Waterfall Gully](/au/places/sa/waterfall-gully) is the starting point for Adelaide's most iconic urban hike — the 8km trail to [Mount Lofty Summit](/au/attractions/sa/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](/au/places/sa/south-australia)'s busiest natural sites.

About

[Waterfall Gully](/au/places/sa/waterfall-gully) is the starting point for Adelaide's most iconic urban hike — the 8km trail to [Mount Lofty Summit](/au/attractions/sa/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](/au/places/sa/south-australia)'s busiest natural sites.

Warnings

Car Park Is Notoriously Congested On Weekends — Arrive Before 8am Or Take Public TransportTrail To Mount Lofty Is Strenuous — Not A Casual StrollWaterfall Can Be Dry January–May In Drought Years

Getting There

Map of Waterfall Gully Reserve (Cleland Conservation Park)

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.

Quick Facts

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
Hours
Open 24 hours. Waterfall Gully track 8am-5pm.

Location

Highlights

Waterfall In Winter And SpringWaterfall Gully To Mount Lofty WalkNative Bush Setting Within 10km Of CBDLyrebirds (Occasionally Heard)

Activities

Hiking (To Mount Lofty)Waterfall ViewingBird WatchingPicnicking

Features

Not available:Wheelchair Accessible
Not available:Dog Friendly
Not available:Pram/Stroller Friendly
Not available:Camping Available
Not available:Tours Available
Not available:Guided Walks
Not available:Swimming Allowed
Not available:Lockers Available

Facilities

Car ParkToiletsPicnic AreaCafe (Waterfall Gully Cafe)Trail Maps

Nearby

Dump Points(5)

12.5km

Johnson Memorial Recreation Ground

Free · 12.5km

12.6km

Balhannah Dump Point

Free · 12.6km

19.3km

Mount Barker Recreation Grounds

Free · 19.3km

19.4km

Mount Barker Dump Point

Free · 19.4km

23.7km

Bolivar OTR Truck Centre

Free · 23.7km