Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lofty Botanic Gardens Loop Trail (7km loop, two hours). The video of the Ash Wednes-
day bushfires of 16 February 1983 is harrowing. There's a snazzy cafe here.
Mt Lofty Botanic Garden
GARDENS
(
www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au
; gates on Mawson Dr & Lampert Rd, Crafers; 8.30am-4pm Mon-
Fri, 10am-5pm Sat & Sun)
F
From Mt Lofty, truck south 1.5km to the cool-climate
slopes of the botanic garden. Nature trails wind past a lake, exotic temperate plants, nat-
ive stringybark forest and bodacious rhododendron blooms. Free guided walks depart the
Lampert Rd car park at 10.30am on Thursdays from September to October and March to
May.
Deviation Road
WINERY
(
www.deviationroad.com
;
214 Scott Creek Rd, Longwood; 10am-5pm)
Nothing deviant about
the wines here: sublime pinot noir, substantial shiraz, zingy pinot gris and a very decent
bubbly, too. Grab a cheese platter and wind down in the afternoon in the sun.
Stirling Markets
MARKET
(
www.stirlingmarket.com.au
;
Druids Ave, Stirling; 10am-4pm 4th Sun of the month)
This lively
market takes over oak-lined Druids Ave in Stirling: much plant-life, busking, pies, cakes
and Hills knick-knackery (not many druids...).
4
Sleeping & Eating
Mt Lofty House
HISTORIC HOTEL $$$
$$$
(
08-8339 6777;
www.mtloftyhouse.com.au
; 74 Summit Rd, Crafers; d from $229;
)
Proprietarily poised above Mt Lofty Botanic Garden (
awesome
views), this 1850s
baronial mansion has lavish heritage rooms and garden suites, plus an upmarket restaur-
ant (also with killer views). The perfect honeymooner or dirty weekender.
Mt Lofty Wilderness Cottage YHA
CABIN $$$
( 08-8414 3000;
www.yha.com.au
;
Mt Lofty Summit Rd, Crafers; per night $140)
A short detour
off the road on the steep flanks of Mt Lofty, this 1880 stone cottage was originally a
shepherd's hut. Today it's a basic, self-contained, two-bedroom cabin sleeping eight,
with peek-a-boo views of Adelaide through the eucalypts. Minuimun two-night stay.
o
Stirling Hotel
PUB, BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$$
