Belair Railway Station to Mount Lofty Summit

4 h 30 min to 7 h 30 min
2 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

22.3 km
oneway

↑ 1080 m
↓ -686 m

Hard track
Starting from the Belair Railway Station off Upper Sturt Road, Belair, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Lofty via the Yurrebilla Trail, Chinaman's Hut Track and Nangare Track. This challenging hike follows the Yurrebilla Trail through Belair National Park for the first few kilometres, which are relatively easy-going, passing through the Echo Tunnel before descending to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. After leaving Brownhill Creek, the trail climbs into the foothills behind the historic Carrick Hill house, then zig-zags across the hills and open grassy woodlands of Waite Conservation Reserve, providing spectacular views across Adelaide. The trail winds along Mount Barker Road then follows the Tunnel Track over the South Eastern Freeway and enters Cleland Conservation Park. For the last few kilometres, the hike climbs steeply to the summit of Mount Lofty, following some of Cleland's lesser-travelled trails. This walk follows a combination of walking trails, fire tracks and sealed roads, with some narrow sections, uneven surfaces and steep hills. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-34.998124,138.6336881)
Mode Bus Car Train
DirectionsFrom Cross Road, A3, Highgate.
  • Turn on to Fullarton Road, B28 then drive for 2.5 km
  • At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Old Belair Road, B28 and drive for another 1.5 km
  • Turn left onto James Road, B28 and drive for another 1.1 km
  • Turn left and drive for another 160 m
Finish (-34.9745657,138.7098174)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Bus   Car  
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the Belair Railway Station off Upper Sturt Road, Belair, head through the white 'The National Park' archway sign, keeping railway line to your left. Head down the steps to the trailhead, where you'll find a sheltered informative sign with a map of Belair National Park. Follow the trail to the left of the informative sign, passing a 'Gas barbecues only' sign, and continue the hike to the summit of Mount Lofty.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
Then head down the earthen steps (about 20 m long)
Continue straight.
After another 130 m continue straight.
After another 90 m continue straight.
After another 60 m (at the intersection of Yurrebilla Trail & Sir Edwin Avenue) veer left, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 15 m turn right, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 390 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long)
After another 3 m (at the intersection of Yurrebilla Trail & Brady Gully Track) turn right, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 180 m veer right, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 60 m (at the intersection of Yurrebilla Trail & Sir Edwin Avenue) turn left, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 15 m continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 190 m pass the water tap (10 m on your left).
Then pass the toilet (30 m on your left).
Continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
Then pass the car park (on your left).
After another 20 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long)
After another 7 m veer left, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 20 m (at the intersection of Tom Roberts Trail & Yurrebilla Trail) turn right, to head along Tom Roberts Trail (a highway|bridleway).
After another 120 m cross the ford.
After another 15 m pass the toilet (about 60 m ahead).
Turn left.
After another 180 m (at the intersection of Yurrebilla Trail & The Valley Drive) continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 510 m veer left, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 15 m cross the bridge (about 9 m long)
After another 8 m turn right, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 125 m pass the water tap (50 m on your left).
Turn right, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 110 m continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 190 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long)
After another 105 m (at the intersection of Yurrebilla Trail & Echo Track) continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 50 m continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 115 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
After another 10 m head through the tunnel (about 80 m long)
After another 150 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long)
After another 110 m head up the steps (about 45 m long)
After another 150 m continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to a viewpoint where you can get a different view of the Lower Waterfall. You can keep going and make this an alternate route as the track intersects with the main route at the 4 km mark (if you're doing the journey from Belair Railway Station to Mount Lofty). To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 245 m continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 185 m (at the intersection of Workanda Track & Yurrebilla Trail) turn sharp left, to head along Workanda Track (a vehicle track).
After another 310 m continue straight, to head along Workanda Track.
After another 280 m (at the intersection of Wilyawa Track & Workanda Track) continue straight, to head along Wilyawa Track.
After another 620 m cross the ford.
Continue straight, to head along Wilyawa Track.
After another 95 m head through/around the gate.
After another 50 m continue straight.
After another 25 m continue straight.
After another 100 m turn right.
After another 3 m (at the intersection of Pony Ridge Road & Sheoak Road) continue straight, to head along Pony Ridge Road (a residential road).
After another 210 m continue straight, to head along Pony Ridge Road.
After another 65 m (at the intersection of Pony Ridge Trail & Pony Ridge Road) continue straight, to head along Pony Ridge Trail (a walking track).
After another 790 m head down the steps (about 35 m long)
At the intersection of Brown Hill Creek Road & Pony Ridge Trail turn left, to head along Brown Hill Creek Road (a residential road).
After another 7 m continue straight, to head along Brown Hill Creek Road.
After another 325 m continue straight, to head along Brown Hill Creek Road.
After another 520 m (at the intersection of Yurrebilla Trail & Brown Hill Creek Road) continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail (a highway|bridleway).
After another 110 m veer right, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
Then cross the ford (about 8 m long)
After another 460 m cross the bridge (about 5 m long)
After another 40 m pass the car park (on your left).
After another 105 m (at the intersection of Brown Hill Creek Road & Tilleys Hill Road) continue straight, to head along Brown Hill Creek Road.
After another 7 m turn right.
After another 7 m turn left.
After another 205 m cross the ford.
Continue straight.
After another 490 m cross the ford.
Continue straight.
After another 285 m continue straight.
After another 40 m pass the picnic table (15 m on your right).
After another 50 m cross the ford.
Veer left.
After another 115 m cross the ford.
Continue straight.
After another 35 m veer right, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 140 m continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 45 m pass the car park (15 m on your left).
After another 20 m pass the picnic table (5 m on your right).
After another 25 m continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 15 m pass the "Lions Park" (20 m on your left).
Then cross the bridge (about 20 m long)
After another 10 m continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 490 m veer left, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 285 m veer right, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 15 m head through/around the gate.
After another 150 m turn right, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 210 m come to the viewpoint (7 m on your right).
After another 10 m continue straight.
After another 20 m (at the intersection of Yurrebilla Trail & Carrick Hill Drive) veer right, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 125 m veer left, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 135 m turn left, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 10 m head through/around the gate.
After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 370 m continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 35 m continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 40 m continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 680 m climb over the stile.
After another 230 m (at the intersection of Springfield Track & Yurrebilla Trail) continue straight.
After another 135 m continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 410 m (at the intersection of Yurrebilla Trail & Tanks Track) continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 660 m come to the "Netherby Spur" (20 m on your right).
After another 610 m (at the intersection of Yurrebilla Trail & Urrbrae Ridge Trail) turn right, to head along Yurrebilla Trail (a vehicle track).
After another 90 m (at the intersection of Yurrebilla Trail & Boundary Track) continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 70 m head through/around the "88".
Veer left.
After another 200 m continue straight.
After another 115 m continue straight.
After another 185 m continue straight.
After another 325 m continue straight, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 50 m head through/around the "89".
At the intersection of Yurrebilla Trail & Peregrine Point Trail turn right, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 280 m head through/around the gate.
After another 275 m head through/around the gate.
After another 145 m head through/around the gate.
Veer right.
After another 8 m turn left.
After another 120 m turn right, to head along Mount Barker Road.
After another 420 m continue straight, to head along Mount Barker Road.
After another 100 m continue straight, to head along Mount Barker Road.
After another 125 m continue straight, to head along Mount Barker Road.
After another 185 m continue straight, to head along Mount Barker Road.
After another 60 m pass the car park (9 m on your right).
Then come to the "Kavel's Lookout" (50 m on your right).
After another 60 m continue straight, to head along Mount Barker Road.
After another 245 m (at the intersection of Mount Barker Road & Eagle Road) continue straight, to head along Mount Barker Road.
After another 100 m turn left.
After another 25 m veer right.
After another 30 m head through/around the gate.
After another 35 m (at the intersection of Tunnel Track & Watsonia Track) turn right, to head along Tunnel Track (a vehicle track).
After another 155 m continue straight, to head along Tunnel Track.
After another 400 m head through/around the gate.
At the intersection of The Old Bullock Track & Tunnel Track turn right, to head along The Old Bullock Track (a residential road).
After another 20 m head through/around the gate.
At the intersection of Eagle on the Hill to Waterfall Gully Hike & The Old Bullock Track turn left, to head along Eagle on the Hill to Waterfall Gully Hike (a footpath).
After another 50 m turn right.
After another 310 m continue straight.
After another 70 m turn left, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
After another 155 m pass the car park (20 m on your right).
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to Measday's Lookout. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 35 m veer left, to head along Yurrebilla Trail.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the Second Falls via Yurrebilla and Waterfall Gully trails. Involves steps. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 115 m continue straight.
After another 185 m (at the intersection of Chinamans Hut Track & Mireen Track) turn left, to head along Chinamans Hut Track (a vehicle track).
After another 530 m cross the ford.
At the intersection of Chinamans Hut Track & Carro Track turn left, to head along Chinamans Hut Track.
After another 980 m (at the intersection of Chinamans Hut Track & Ballet Spur Track) continue straight, to head along Chinamans Hut Track.
After another 15 m (at the intersection of Chinamans Hut Track & Ballet Spur Track) continue straight, to head along Chinamans Hut Track.
After another 390 m continue straight, to head along Chinamans Hut Track.
After another 30 m (at the intersection of Chinamans Hut Track & St. Michael's Spur Track) continue straight, to head along Chinamans Hut Track.
After another 140 m (at the intersection of Attunga Track & Chinamans Hut Track) continue straight, to head along Attunga Track.
After another 500 m (at the intersection of Nangare Track & Attunga Track) continue straight, to head along Nangare Track.
After another 165 m continue straight, to head along Nangare Track.
After another 300 m continue straight, to head along Nangare Track.
After another 70 m pass the "Mt Lofty Cottage YHA" (30 m on your left).
After another 25 m (at the intersection of Waterfall Gully Trail & Nangare Track) veer right, to head along Waterfall Gully Trail (a footpath).
After another 105 m continue straight, to head along Waterfall Gully Trail.
Then head down the surface|paved steps (about 25 m long)
At the intersection of Waterfall Gully Trail & Mount Lofty Summit Road continue straight, to head along Waterfall Gully Trail.
After another 110 m pass a seat (5 m on your right).
After another 145 m (at the intersection of Waterfall Gully Trail & The Discovery Walk) turn right, to head along Waterfall Gully Trail.
After another 50 m pass a seat (about 5 m ahead).
After another 8 m pass the "Mount Lofty" (about 20 m ahead).
Then pass the water tap (about 30 m ahead).
Then pass the "Mount Lofty Summit Visitor Information Centre" (about 45 m ahead).
After another 20 m pass the "The Mount Lofty Summit Restaurant and Café" (8 m on your right).
W:www.mountloftysummit.com
After another 70 m come to the end.

This little side trip takes you to a viewpoint where you can get a different view of the Lower Waterfall. You can keep going and make this an alternate route as the track intersects with the main route at the 4 km mark (if you're doing the journey from Belair Railway Station to Mount Lofty).
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 10 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
After another 30 m pass the "Lower Waterfall" (20 m on your left).
Then come to "Lower Waterfall".
Continue another 0 m to find Lower Waterfall at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 50 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to Measday's Lookout.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 65 m continue straight.
After another 40 m come to "Measday's Lookout".
The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 105 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to the Second Falls via Yurrebilla and Waterfall Gully trails. Involves steps.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Yurrebilla Trail.
After 370 m pass a seat (25 m on your right).
At the intersection of Waterfall Gully Trail & Yurrebilla Trail turn sharp left, to head along Waterfall Gully Trail.
After another 100 m find a seat.
After another 55 m pass a seat (on your left).
After another 85 m head down the surface|paving_stones steps (about 30 m long)
Turn right, to head along Waterfall Gully Trail.
After another 10 m turn right.
After another 40 m come to "Second Falls".
Continue another 0 m to find Second Falls Lookout at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 650 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Belair Railway Station to Mount Lofty Summit


Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length 22.3 km
Time 4 h 30 min to 7 h 30 min
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route
Hostel: There is one 21.7 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 2 on route, on average they are 7.4 km apart with the largest gap of 21 km.

Seat: There are 5 on route, on average they are 4.1 km apart with the largest gap of 18.8 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
1.2 km[toilet]
Toilet
1.3 km[toilet]
Seat
18.4 km + 370 m[seat]
Seat
18.4 km + 440 m[seat]
Seat
18.4 km + 500 m[seat]
Hostel
21.7 kmMt Lofty Cottage YHA
Seat
22 km[seat]
Seat
22.2 km[seat]
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