Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 557m
Min elevation: 519m
Total Ascent: 46m
Hike overview
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Mount Lofty Botanic Garden with the Lakeside Loop. This easy (grade 2) 1-kilometre trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering picturesque views of the Main Lake. Opened in 2015, the Lakeside Trail was specifically designed to be accessible for everyone, including young families with prams, the elderly, and visitors with disabilities.
As you meander around the loop, take note of the eight artworks thoughtfully placed along the path. Each piece explores a fundamental theme related to people, plants, and the environment. These artworks encourage visitors to contemplate the vital connection between humans and the natural world. For those with vision impairments, each artwork's message is thoughtfully translated into Braille, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.
Track grade
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 557 m
Min elevation: 519 m
Total climbing: 46 m
Total descent: -46 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Mount Lofty Botanic Garden.
Easily accessible from Adelaide’s city center, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is a short 25-minute drive via the Princes Highway and National Highway M1. Take the Crafers exit and follow the signs to the garden.
The garden boasts two entrances with car parks: the Upper Entrance on Mount Lofty Summit Road and the Lower Entrance on Lampert Road, accessed off Piccadilly Road. If you’re seeking the Main Lake and its accessible lakeside trail, the Lower Entrance is your best bet.
Public transport options are also available; check Adelaide Metro for details on services to the garden. While parking is plentiful, it can fill up on busy days. If you find the car parks full, consider exploring another nearby natural attraction and returning to the garden another time to avoid disappointment.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Aldgate, Bridgewater, Crafers, Lobethal, Stirling, Upper Sturt
About the region
Immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of cool-climate plants at the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, located near Adelaide in the picturesque Adelaide Hills. Encompassing 97 hectares on the eastern slopes of Mount Lofty, the garden offers a haven for nature enthusiasts of all levels.
Explore a network of walking trails that meander through the gardens, each turn revealing a new botanical wonder. Fragrant blooms burst with color, while the dramatic hillside setting adds a sense of grandeur. Whether you're a seasoned botanist or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden offers something for everyone.
Lose yourself in the tranquil beauty of the garden gullies, or marvel at the panoramic views that stretch across Piccadilly Valley. Thematic collections showcase a variety of cool-climate plants, including vibrant displays of roses, rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias. No matter your level of expertise, the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden promises a captivating exploration of the natural world.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Mount Lofty Botanic Garden? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Gallery
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.





