Contrary to all the complaining, the best thing about Adelaide is its size. Yes, its size. Where else in the world would you find the little piece of heaven that is Waterfall Gully only 10 minutes outside of the city centre? Waterfall Gully is tranquil, picturesque, and glorious in all its greenery.
View of First Falls from a footbridge
To make the most of your visit to Waterfall Gully you have four options. The first is the most difficult, but with the biggest pay off. It's the estimated three-hour-return hike up to Mount Lofty Summit, where you can catch panoramic views of Adelaide and the coastline.
The second and third are much less strenuous options for those who want to walk but not work as hard as option one. Follow the trail to the top of the waterfall, First Falls, where you can access a vantage point to look out over Waterfall Gully, or park your car at the beginning of Waterfall Gully Road and walk to the bottom of First Falls.
Be aware that the road becomes quite narrow at times, and there is hardly any pavement, so keep a good ear and eye out for cars and cyclists. Otherwise I can vouch for the fact that both of these options are a really beautiful and refreshing alternative to option one.
First Falls
Walking along Waterfall Gully Road
Waterfall Gully
The fourth is the most relaxing, and my personal favourite. Drive right up to Waterfall Gully car park, walk up the stairs, and sit on the balcony of Utopia restaurant or kiosk, whose views of the gully, and First Falls, are stunning.
Utopia @ Waterfall Gully
Utopia offers food and refreshments from 9 am to 5 pm, Wednesday to Friday, and 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday. And with all day breakfasts available on the weekends, it doesn't get much better. Utopia is available for functions upon request, so if great food and drink in the arms of Mother Nature sounds like your kind of celebration, give them a call.
So until I can muster up the energy for option one, I'll meet you all at the bottom.
Utopia @ Waterfall Gully
