The Mount Lofty Ranges, also known as the Adelaide Hills, is a mountain range located in the Australian state of South Australia. It is situated approximately 20 kilometers east of Adelaide, running parallel to the coastline of the Gulf of Saint Vincent.
The ranges span an area of over 3,500 square kilometers and reach a maximum elevation of 727 meters at Mount Bryan. The region is characterized by rolling hills, deep valleys, and large amounts of vegetation, making it a beautiful natural landscape for outdoor activities such as bushwalking and bird-watching.
Mount Lofty, for which the range is named, is arguably the most famous peak in the area. It offers panoramic views of Adelaide and there's an obelisk at the summit, which serves as a tourist attraction.
The region also hosts a number of settlements and towns, including Adelaide Hills Council, the Barossa Valley, and parts of the Clare Valley. The economy in these areas is dominated by agriculture, particularly viticulture, with many world-renowned wineries situated in the Mount Lofty Ranges.
The Mount Lofty Ranges is also a catchment area for several rivers and reservoirs that provide water to Adelaide, including the Torrens and Onkaparinga rivers.
The region is home to a rich selection of wildlife, such as kangaroos, wombats, and diverse bird species. Visitors can explore various national parks and conservation parks for wildlife spotting.
In 2019, a large portion of the region has been recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve owing to its biodiversity and sustainable land-use systems.
