We first drive to the Mount Lofty Summit. There is ample parking there (small fee), a grand view, an interesting and well stocked shop, and a café if required. After enjoying the view, we proceed to the top carpark (small fee) of the nearby Mount Lofty Gardens. The activity enjoyedhere depends on the fitness of the group. There is a camellia graden adjacent to the carpark, and the conifer gardens are within easy reach. A little further off is the Rhododendron Valley, with beautiful displays of rhododendrons and azaleas in season. We continue by bus in a southerly direction to pick up the Southeastern Freeway and drive to Hahndorf for lunch. The Hahndorf Mill on the left hand side entering the town is a favourite for a buffet meal. After lunch we return to the nearby town of Bridgewater to visit the historic Bridgewater Mill. We park in the upper carpark from where we have access to wine tasting, and through a passage to a viewing deck above the functioning water wheel. There is a green grassy area at the foot of the water wheel. For the more energetic, steps lead upwards from the far end of this area, and a path follows the old water channel to where the stream rushes out beneath the railway embankment, here joining the Heysen Trail. (We don't walk this today!) |