Trail summary

1,323 Total views

Quick overview: Experience the thrill of the 15km Chambers Gully Circuit in Cleland National Park, a challenging Grade 4 trail near Mount Lofty Summit. Starting from Chambers Gully carpark, this immersive trek rewards bushwalkers with stunning city and coastline views and native wildlife encounters. The circuit combines several trails, including segments of the popular Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit Hike and the Wine Shanty Hike, culminating in the spectacular Sugarloaf section. Expect a 4-hour journey of diverse terrain and unforgettable sights.

Length: 15km

Duration: 4 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: Circuit

Start: Chambers Gully Carpark

End: Chambers Gully Carpark

Location: Cleland National Park

State: South Australia

Nearby town: Burnside

From state capital: 8.6km

Latitude: -34.95126834613027

Longitude: 138.6719334125519

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

Similar Trails

Check Weather

Reviews

Hike overview

Cleland National Park offers an alternative, more challenging route to Mount Lofty Summit via the Chambers Gully Circuit. This 15-kilometre loop trail, graded as moderate to difficult, typically takes around 4 hours to complete.

The hike begins at the Chambers Gully carpark, where you'll be immersed in the cool surrounds of the gully. Keep an eye out for native wildlife like cockatoos, butterflies, and bandicootes as you follow the fern-lined track. A steeper section takes you up to the ridge, rewarding you with stunning panoramic views of the city and coastline.

To complete the circuit, the Chambers Gully Circuit incorporates several trails. The initial leg starts with a short 1.2-kilometre connecting trail from the Chambers Gully carpark to Gate 9 at the Cleland National Park entrance. From there, you'll embark on the Chambers Hike, which forms a major portion of the circuit. A brief section of the Yurrebilla Trail connects you to the Hartford Trail, which is then fully traversed.

The circuit also includes a short out-and-back section on the popular Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit Hike, followed by a portion of the Wine Shanty Hike. Finally, the Chambers Gully Walking Trail's Sugarloaf section, part of the Chambers Hike, takes you around the Sugarloaf feature before completing the loop.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA

Map and GPX file

Mount Lofty Summit from Chambers Gully Hike (15km)

Total distance: 15104 m
Max elevation: 710 m
Min elevation: 190 m
Total climbing: 772 m
Total descent: -772 m

Download file: Mt-Lofty-Summit-from-Chambers-Gully.gpx

Getting there

Mount Lofty Summit from Chambers Gully Hike (15km)

Cleland National Park lies 22 kilometres southeast of Adelaide. While several access points exist, the most common routes are via Mount Lofty Summit Road and Waterfall Gully Road. Depending on your chosen activity (walking or cycling) and desired starting point, alternative access points may be suitable off Greenhill Road and Old Mount Barker Road. Public transport options are also available from Adelaide's city centre for those seeking a car-free visit. While the main loop itself cannot be directly accessed by car, it's easily reached via a pleasant 1.1-kilometre walk along the Burnside Quarry Track from the Chambers Gully carpark.

Get directions

Photo gallery

Upload your photos

If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

About the region

Cleland National Park, nestled in the Adelaide Hills face zone, protects a significant area of Australian bushland. Explore its diverse landscapes through a fantastic network of walking and cycling trails. Immerse yourself in the beauty of native wildlife, cultural heritage, and breathtaking views of the Adelaide Hills and surrounding areas.

One of South Australia's most popular walking trails traverses this unique park, stretching from Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit. Be aware that many Cleland trails are steep with loose terrain underfoot. Mobile phone reception can also be unreliable in some areas. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, bring a map, wear appropriate hiking gear, and carry plenty of water, especially if venturing far from your starting point.

Mountain bike enthusiasts can enjoy a selection of shared-use trails within the park. Popular options include the Cleland Link Trail between Crafers and Mount Lofty, the Wine Shanty Trail, and the Chambers and Adventure Loops.

Cleland offers walks to suit all fitness levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging hikes like the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit trek. As you explore the park, be rewarded with stunning vistas of native woodlands, forests, perched swamps, and cascading waterfalls.

Key highlights within Cleland National Park include:

Cleland Wildlife Park: Encounter iconic Australian animals.
Waterfall Gully: Witness the beauty of cascading waterfalls.
Mount Lofty Summit: Take in panoramic views from the highest point in the Adelaide Hills.

While Cleland is a year-round destination, consider visiting during winter or spring. This ensures the waterfalls are flowing, and the moss and fern-filled valleys are at their most vibrant.

The park's diverse flora ranges from stringybark forests with a complex understory on the higher slopes to blue gum and manna gum woodlands transitioning into open grasslands in the lower northern regions.

The fauna is equally impressive, boasting a variety of birdlife like the superb blue wren, grey fantail, and white-throated treecreeper. Look out for foraging mammals such as echidnas and the endangered southern brown bandicoot. You might even be lucky enough to spot kangaroos bounding through the distance or glimpse a sleepy koala nestled high in the trees.

Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for things to do in Cleland National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.

Let someone know

Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

Reviews

Mount Lofty Summit from Chambers Gully Hike (15km)

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe

Acknowledgement of Country

Mount lofty summit from chambers gully hike (15km)

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.

Trail summary

Hike overview

Map and GPX file

Mount Lofty Summit from Chambers Gully Hike (15km)