Adelaide Hills: Mount Lofty MTB Tour & Wildlife Stop

Summary

Forest trails, native wildlife and easy descents near Adelaide

You’ll pedal forest trails from Mount Lofty with a local guide who knows where to spot koalas (and maybe kangaroos). Enjoy e-bikes, hotel pickup, entry to Cleland Wildlife Park if you want it, plus morning tea among gum trees. It’s relaxed riding with real moments of connection — both with nature and people around you.

What’s the experience like?

I’d barely finished my coffee when the Escapegoat van pulled up outside our place in Adelaide — right on time, which honestly surprised me. Our guide, Dave, had this easy way about him that made the group relax straight away. He handed out helmets and checked everyone’s bikes (e-bikes, thank god), then we all piled in for the short drive up to Mount Lofty. The air got cooler as we climbed, and I could smell eucalyptus before I even saw the first stretch of forest. From the summit, you could see all of Adelaide sprawled out below — it was almost too bright to look at. Someone said you can sometimes spot kangaroos from here but we didn’t see any yet.

The ride itself was… well, let’s just say I was glad it wasn’t all hardcore mountain biking. The tracks wound through these tall gums and patches of sunlight kept flickering across the trail. At one point Dave stopped us because he’d spotted a koala — just curled up high in a tree like a little grey lump. He grinned and pointed it out like he’d found treasure; I think he genuinely gets excited every time. There were a couple of gentle descents that made my stomach flip (in a good way), but nothing too wild. My hands smelled faintly of dust and sap from brushing past low branches — weird detail to remember but there it is.

We took a break at Cleland Wildlife Park — totally optional but I’m glad we did. There’s something about seeing kangaroos up close that makes you feel like you’re actually in Australia, not just looking at postcards. The morning tea was simple but hit the spot: hot tea, crumbly biscuits, everyone chatting quietly while magpies poked around for crumbs. On the way back someone asked if we could squeeze in an extra bit through Belair; Dave just shrugged and said “why not?” So yeah, if your legs aren’t jelly yet they’ll find more trail for you.

I keep thinking about those flickers of light through the trees and how quiet it got sometimes — just tires crunching on gravel and some distant bird calls. It’s not really about adrenaline or ticking off sights; more like letting Adelaide Hills seep into your skin for a morning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mount Lofty and Adelaide Hills MTB Tour

• Pick up from city in Escapegoat Van
• Visit Mt Lofty Summit for views
• Optional visit to Cleland Wildlife Park
• Enjoy morning tea at Cleland
• Optional ride in Belair National Park

Top questions

Is this Mount Lofty MTB tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, confident beginners can join as the trails are mostly gentle forest paths and back roads rather than technical mountain biking.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Adelaide?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Adelaide city centre.

Are e-bikes provided on this day trip?

Yes, great quality e-bikes (and helmets) are provided for all riders.

Do you visit Cleland Wildlife Park during the tour?

An optional stop at Cleland Wildlife Park is included where you can see koalas and kangaroos up close.

What should I wear for the Adelaide Hills MTB tour?

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for bike riding and closed-toe shoes are essential.

How many people are on each guided MTB tour?

The maximum group size is nine people per tour.

Is lunch included or just snacks?

The tour includes morning tea with coffee or tea and snacks; lunch is not provided.

How long does the Mount Lofty bike ride take?

The experience lasts most of the morning including transport from Adelaide city centre.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in central Adelaide, transport by minibus to Mount Lofty summit, use of an e-bike with helmet, guidance from a local rider who knows these hills inside out, entry to Cleland Wildlife Park if you choose that stop, plus coffee or tea with snacks along the way before heading back down into town.