Relax at Mt Barker Summit

In Adelaide, most people rave about the Waterfall Gully-Mt Lofty hike. The rest of us thrive in the alternatives.

Mt Barker, one excellent alternative, is somewhat of an Adelaide secret. Only half an hour from the centre of the city, the summit of Mt Barker (1696ft/517m) provides an unbeatable 360 degree view of the Mt Lofty Ranges and the Murraylands beyond. Unsurprisingly, enthusiastic locals and some clued-on tourists travel to Mt Barker with cameras in hand to sit back, feast on a well stocked picnic basket, enjoy the company of friends, or simply find peaceful time alone, all whilst taking in the breathtaking views from the summit.

The best part of Mt Barker summit is that it is accessible to all types. Fitness fanatics can strap on their trail runners or dust-off their mountain bikes and charge their way to the top from the Summit Rd entrance. The Mountain Goats can attack from the western-face, and scramble their way to the viewpoints. For those who are just there for the view, there is vehicle access and carpark only 5-minutes walk from the summit.

Once you arrive at the summit, you may want to explore some of the trails, set up your camera for some fantastic shots or simply sit back and soak in the quietness.

To reach Mt Barker Summit by vehicle, approach via Mt Summit Road from either Mt Barker or Nairne. Alternatively, you can scramble the western face of the summit from the Summit Fire track. Vehicle access is limited to daylight hours.