Discover Crafers: The Gateway to the Adelaide Hills
Cradled at the foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges, Crafers blends old‑world charm with the natural drama of South Australia’s most beloved landscapes. As one of the region’s earliest settlements, this character‑rich village offers travellers a serene base for exploring the Adelaide Hills—where cool‑climate vineyards, ancient forests, and sweeping summit views unfold just minutes from Adelaide.
Crafers is more than a gateway; it’s a destination that rewards slow wandering, scenic drives, wildlife encounters, and a taste of the Hills’ pioneering past.
Why Visit Crafers
The essence of Crafers lies in its harmony of heritage and nature. Here, misty mornings roll through towering stringybark forests, boutique inns glow with fireside warmth, and winding roads lead to some of South Australia’s most iconic attractions. Whether you’re chasing panoramic views, botanical beauty, or a brush with native wildlife, Crafers delivers an experience that feels both intimate and expansive.
Top Attractions
Mount Lofty Summit
Just a three‑minute drive from the village, Mount Lofty Summit rises 710 metres above sea level, offering the most spectacular lookout over Adelaide and the Gulf St Vincent. The summit features a Visitor Information Centre, walking trails, and a café where you can sip a warm drink while gazing across the city skyline.
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
Nestled on the eastern slopes of Mount Lofty, this sprawling garden is a seasonal masterpiece. Wander through:
- Deciduous woodlands that blaze with colour in autumn
- Rhododendron valleys bursting with spring blooms
- A tranquil fern gully that feels worlds away from the city
It’s a photographer’s dream and a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Cleland Wildlife Park
A short drive from Crafers, Cleland Wildlife Park offers immersive encounters with South Australia’s most iconic animals. Hand‑feed kangaroos, meet koalas up close, and wander through open habitats where emus, wallabies, and native birds roam freely.
Piccadilly & Summertown
The nearby valleys of Piccadilly and Summertown are dotted with vineyards, orchards, and market gardens. Their rolling green hills create the perfect backdrop for a leisurely scenic drive or a long lunch at a cool‑climate winery.
Mount Lofty Golf Course
Surrounded by towering gums and abundant wildlife, this picturesque course offers a relaxed yet memorable round of golf in a uniquely Australian setting.
A Glimpse Into Crafers’ Past
Crafers’ story begins in 1839, when David Crafer built the Sawyers Hotel, the first structure in the area and a gathering place for “tiersmen”—the timber cutters who worked the dense stringybark forests. The inn quickly became a lively hub for early settlers, bushrangers, cattle thieves, and sly‑grog traders seeking refuge in the rugged hills.
A second inn, the Norfolk Hotel, followed in 1840, though it was lost to fire in 1926. The Crafers Inn, built in 1880, still stands today as a beloved local landmark—its warm hospitality echoing nearly two centuries of history.
Things to Do in Crafers
- Hike the Mount Lofty walking trails, including the popular Waterfall Gully track
- Enjoy a long lunch at a nearby Hills winery
- Explore boutique shops and cafés in neighbouring Stirling
- Take a scenic drive through the Piccadilly Valley
- Visit local markets for fresh produce and artisan goods
- Relax by a fireplace in a cosy Hills accommodation
How to Get There
Crafers is just 20 minutes from Adelaide CBD via the South Eastern Freeway. Its close proximity makes it ideal for day trips, weekend escapes, or a base for exploring the wider Adelaide Hills region.
Best Time to Visit
Crafers is beautiful year‑round, each season offering its own charm:
- Autumn: Fiery foliage in the Botanic Garden
- Winter: Misty mornings, crackling fireplaces, and cosy pubs
- Spring: Blooming gardens and wildlife in abundance
- Summer: Cool forest retreats and breezy summit views