Crafers is full of locations where historic buildings once stood. Keep an eye out for a small brochure called "An Historic Walk Through Crafers". It lists a number of sites along Summit Road, Cox Creek Road and the Crafers Main Street.
The MT Lofty Summit |
Some of you would have probably heard about the Historic Mt Lofty Summit, which has recently been modernised to include lots of car parking and an exceptional restaurant, that offers superb views over Adelaide and across Gulf St Vincent. It was first sighted and named by Matthew Flinders in 1802. Take Summit Road and follow the signs.
Crafers greatest claim to fame is that the Crafers Hotel is the oldest hotel in the Hills plus it was one of the earliest settlements in the Adelaide Hills.
The current Crafers Inn was built in 1880 on the original site of David Crafers Norfolk Inn. The original inn, which stood next to the current Crafers Inn, was burnt down in 1926.
Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens |
One of Crafers little secrets is the outstanding Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens nestled in the hills behind Crafers (take the Summit Road and follow the signs), these gardens, with their rich displays of rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias are best seen in spring although they are still impressive all year round. There is a wonderful mixture of European and Australian native plants with the main highlights being Fern Gully and the Woodland Garden.
