Ella Hikes & Nine Arch Bridge

Little Adam's Peak, Ella Rock and the Nine Arch Bridge on foot from a mountain town.

What the Ella Hikes & Nine Arch Bridge is really like.

Ella is the hill country's favourite walking base, a relaxed town ringed by tea slopes, waterfalls and viewpoints. The short climb up Little Adam's Peak rewards with a sweeping highland panorama, while the longer Ella Rock hike is a half-day through tea estates and forest. The colonial-era Nine Arch Bridge sits a short walk away, best timed for a passing train. Mornings are clearest, before the afternoon cloud builds.

At a glance

Best season: December – March
Typical duration: Half to full day
Region: 1

Moment by moment

How the day unfolds.

Step 01
Little Adam's Peak
Walk an easy hour through tea fields to a ridge with a panorama across Ella Gap to the southern plains.
Step 02
The Nine Arch Bridge
Drop down to the photogenic stone viaduct and wait for the train to curve across its nine spans.
Step 03
Ella Rock
Take the longer half-day hike up Ella Rock through estates and forest for the area's biggest view.
Step 04
Ravana Falls
Cool off near the wide cascade of Ravana Falls, a short ride from town and a local swimming spot.
Step 05
Tea and sunset
End on a cafe terrace with a pot of local tea as the sun drops behind the hills.