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A visit to Adelaide isn’t complete without a trip to the Mount Lofty lookout, about 15 minutes drive from the city. At just over 710 metres above sea-level it is the highest peak in the Mount Lofty Ranges, which protect the eastern side of Adelaide, and has breathtaking views across the city to the sea. It is the best place for panoramic views of Adelaide, day or night, as the views are extensive in all directions.

Matthew Flinders, the Captain of the “Investigator”, sighted and named Mt Lofty on 23 March 1802 – and at the time he was on Kangaroo Island. A cairn of stones was erected on the summit, and by 1840 a flagpole was also in place. In 1885 the cairn was replaced by an obelisk known as Flinders Column, which was used as a shipping navigational aid. A kiosk was also built at the summit so that people could enjoy the views in comfort, and a horse-trough was provided for the horses who hauled carriages to the summit.

On 22 March 1902 Lord Tennyson unveiled a tablet at the site of the The Obelisk to honour Flinders, 100 years after his first sighting. In 1983 the Ash Wednesday bushfires ravaged many parts of the Adelaide Hills, and destroyed the kiosk and parking facilities, but the Obelisk remained.

The area was fairly barren following the fires until around 1996 when a kiosk, bistro, viewing platforms and a walkway to Cleland Conservation Park were built. There is now a Mount Lofty Summit Gift Shop and a Restaurant and Café/Bar which take advantage of the views. A second plaque was unveiled at The Obelisk on 23 March 2002 by the Governor of South Australia Her Excellency Marjorie Jackson-Nelson commemorating 200 years.

Just below the summit is the Cleland Wildlife Park where visitors can stroll amongst kangaroos, emus and other resident wildlife, and have a photograph taken with a koala. There is also a walk-through aviary with native birds.

Just over a kilometre to the south there is Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens which features displays of cool temperate plants including rhododendrons, magnolias, camellias, conifers and ferns, and also includes a national rose collection and a wonderful self-guided nature trail.

Mount Lofty is a magical spot, so take your camera and get some wonderful holiday photos.

See the sights of Adelaide >>