Green Getaways: Adelaide’s Top Public Parks
- Top Public Parks in Adelaide
- Adelaide Botanic Garden
- Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi
- Bonython Park / Tulya Wardli
- Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka (Park 14)
- Belair National Park
- Adelaide Himeji Gardens
- Wittunga Botanic Garden
- Morialta Conservation Park
- Woorabinda Bushland Reserve
- Cleland Wildlife Park
- Elder Park
- Cobbler Creek Recreation Park
Nature enthusiasts find solace in Adelaide’s lush green retreats, from the serene Adelaide Botanic Garden to the vibrant Victoria Park.
We ventured into these sprawling public parks to see the top activities and sights they offer. Learn more about these rejuvenating escapes!
Top Public Parks in Adelaide
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8222 9311
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 7:15 am to 5:30 pm
- Sat to Sun – 9 am to 5:30 pm
The Adelaide Botanic Garden offers an enchanting escape characterized by lush landscapes, diverse plant collections, and striking architecture.
Themed gardens like the Rose International Garden and Amazonica Water Lily Pavillion have rare specimens, while the Bicentennial Conservatory unveils a rainforest realm.
Our team’s go-to activity here is having picnics by the ponds or under the stately gum trees. Scientific exhibits and guided tours also offer engagement.
Tips:
- Check the garden’s website for opening hours and any special events or exhibitions. This ensures you make the most of your visit.
- If visiting with kids, explore the Santos Museum of Economic Botany and the Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden for interactive learning.
- Refrain from picking plants, littering, or disturbing wildlife. The garden’s conservation efforts depend on responsible visitors.
- The Adelaide Botanic Garden is a whopping 51-hectare (130 acres) tourist attraction. Bring essentials like water and food to re-energize.
- You may also dine at Restaurant Botanic, about 310 meters north of the garden’s entrance.
Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi
Address: Wakefield Rd, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7203
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hrs
Victoria Park is a cherished 3.2-hectare (7.90 acres) green and wet expanse that carries a storied past, once a communal space for Indigenous people.
You can stroll the tree-fringed pathways, offering both respite and shade. The readers in our team love this spot, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons when it’s relatively quieter.
Active individuals can also relish the expansive fields, often used for a game of frisbee or football. Moreover, an inviting lake sets the scene for tranquil introspection, while the Adelaide Park Lands Trail sparks spirited exploration.
Tips:
- Visit the park’s outdoor gym if you want to workout in nature.
- The park allows dogs, but your furry friends must be leashed.
- Look for public art installations throughout the park, adding a creative touch to the outdoor experience.
- The shaded lakeside area is home to fascinating birds, like ducks, noisy miners, and magpies. If you visit during spring, you’ll see several cute ducklings.
- Multiple annual festivals take place in Victoria Park. Notable ones are the vibrant Adelaide Fringe in February, the thought-provoking Tarnanthi Festival in October, and the thrilling Adelaide Equestrian Festival in April.
Bonython Park / Tulya Wardli
Address: Livestrong Pathway, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hrs
Bonython Park, a.k.a. Tulya Wardli, is another Adelaide park where Mother Nature shows off without charging a fee. Think picnic-perfect landscapes, sporty shenanigans, and a lake perfect for boating activities.
Kiddos are covered, too, thanks to two playgrounds surrounded by trees. If you get hungry, roast some meat using free BBQ grills or purchase some chow at the nearby kiosk.
Tips:
- The River Torrens passes through Bonython Park. Its banks are ideal for picnics and wildlife viewing.
Waterfowl like pelicans and black swans are the most common animals here, but you may also spot the elusive native water rat.
- Bring along your bicycle to enjoy the park’s dedicated bike path. If you want to explore more, you can follow the 19.5 km Adelaide Park Lands Trail, which connects Bonython Park to multiple parks in Adelaide.
- Observe and appreciate the native plant species that contribute to the park’s natural ecosystem, such as the vibrant kangaroo paw, the resilient coastal wattle, and the elegant river red gum trees.
Rymill Park / Murlawirrapurka (Park 14)
Address: East Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7203
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hrs
Rymill Park is a versatile public park that’s got a bit of everything. The inviting lake offers opportunities for paddle boating or just soaking in the view, while the rose garden and timber pergola add to the park’s refreshing vibes.
The expansive lawns are perfect for a leisurely picnic or a lazy afternoon with a book. Our sporty teammates also love the serene tennis courts and nearby bowling club, which asks for a membership fee.
Tips:
- Don’t miss the park’s bronze Alice statue, a work of art by John Dowie featuring characters from Lewis Caroll’s books. The statue’s main star is Alice, with the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, and Tweedledum and Tweedledee below her.
- Check the Quentin Kenihan Inclusive Playspace, a unique haven for all children. This playspace is accessible to kids of all abilities, featuring engaging equipment and interactive elements that foster inclusive play.
- Some annual festivals in Rymill Park you shouldn’t miss are the Tour Down Under in January, Harvest Rock in November, and Adelaide Fringe in February.
- Rymill Park allows off-leash dogs, so don’t forget your four-legged buddy when you visit!
Belair National Park
Address: Upper Sturt Rd, Belair, SA 5052
Contact Details: (08) 8278 5477
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 7 pm
Belair National Park is Adelaide’s oldest public park, and it’s best feature is the dense eucalyptus woodland enveloping its 840-hectare (2,075 acres) land of well-maintained walking trails, bushlands, and lakes.
You may also rent the park’s tennis courts and cricket pitches. Just don’t be surprised if you cross paths with residents like koalas and kangaroos while playing.
The park’s 13 km moderate Adventure Loop Trail is the most popular path for cyclists and joggers. This trail undulates, so ensure you have the skills to conquer it.
You can opt for the 4-km Microcarpa Loop Trail if the Adventure Loop Trail’s length and difficulty are too much. It passes through the park’s thickest woodlands and some historic sugar gums near Sir Edwin Avenue.
Tips:
- Visit historic sites like Old Government House and the State Flora Nursery to delve into the park’s rich history.
- Playford Lake is known for hosting a myriad of ducks. Consider swinging by to feed these waddling birds.
- Utilize the designated Karka picnic areas equipped with facilities. If feeling more adventurous, you can find other spots deep in the woodlands and bushlands.
You may also try the park’s geocaching adventure.
- Ascend to the park’s highest point using the Saddle Hill Track. Maybe you’ll spot a busy short-beaked echidna on its hunt for ants!
We recommend observing male echidnas and the silly, fascinating, and cute acts they do to find a mate.
Adelaide Himeji Gardens
Address: Cnr South Terrace and Glen Osmond Rd, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7203
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 5:30 pm
The Adelaide Himeji Gardens is the perfect spot for those seeking a moment of zen amid the urban bustle.
Dating back to 1985, the garden is a symbol of the friendship shared between Adelaide and Himeji, its sister city in Japan.
This partnership set out to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding, culminating in a serene space that beautifully mirrors the tranquil elegance in the traditional Japanese gardens you’ll see here.
The Zen Garden, for instance, boasts meticulously raked gravel and strategically placed stones, embodying the meditative simplicity of Zen philosophy.
At the garden’s heart lies a breathtaking mini lake with beautiful stone landscaping. The shimmering lake mirrors the surrounding greenery while koi and turtles grace the water.
We also found traditional deer scarers, known as shishi odoshi. These bamboo devices create a gentle, rhythmic sound as water flows into them.
Tips:
- Spot the garden’s lush black pine, an evergreen bonsai representing resilience during tough times.
- Embrace Japanese culture by exploring the teahouse, a serene space at the garden’s end where you can enjoy tranquil tea ceremonies symbolizing friendship.
- Adhere to respectful behavior by staying on paths, not disturbing wildlife, and maintaining the garden’s serene ambiance.
Wittunga Botanic Garden
Address: Shepherds Hill Rd, Blackwood, SA 5051
Contact Details: (08) 8222 9311
Operating Hours: Daily – 8:30 am to 4 pm
Witunga Botanic Garden is a peaceful 13-hectare (32.1 acres) break from Blackwood’s bustling streets.
Here, you’ll unearth an expansive assortment of water-efficient plants from Australia and South Africa.
The changing seasons paint the garden in vibrant hues, with dazzling showcases of Ericas and proteas during spring, alongside an abundant assembly of flora from Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Additionally, you can check majestic gardens like Terrace Beds, where you can witness Japanese persimmons, and hakeas and banksias. There are 140 hakea species and 170 banksia variants here.
Tips:
- Check out Fynbos, a garden simulating South Africa’s unique heathlands.
Around 50 species and cultivars of Ericas (heaths) thrive here. We suggest visiting from September to October when the blooms are at their peak.
- Explore the enchanting Butterfly Garden, a living exhibit attracting these delicate insects.
Here, you can discover the nectar-rich dual plant types that lure butterflies. Butterflies also use them for egg-laying and caterpillar sustenance.
- Keep an eye out for eastern spinebills, New Holland honeyeaters, and wattlebirds enticed by the nectar and fruit of native Australian plants in the Bird Garden.
These birds play a vital role in pollinating native flora, including banksias, hakeas, grevilleas, and even South African proteas.
Morialta Conservation Park
Address: Morialta Falls Rd, Woodforde, SA 5072
Contact Details: (08) 8336 0901
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hrs
Morialta Conservation Park has been a go-to recreational spot for the public for over a century. Its jaw-dropping waterfalls, soothing creeks, refreshing woodlands, and dramatic gorges remain attractive.
Additionally, Morialta Conservation Park is a treasure trove of native fauna. We spotted agile koalas, colorful parrots, and grazing kangaroos.
Morialta is also a mountain climbing playground for adrenaline seekers, with Morialta Rock Climbing Zone as its most popular spot.
Tips:
- Winter is the best time to visit the waterfalls, as it’s the season when the water flows the strongest.
- Relax by strolling along the First Falls Walk to the main waterfall or have a picnic at the Mukanthi Playspace to connect with nature.
- Explore the woodlands for unique bird sightings, including honeyeaters and thornbills.
- During picnics, engage in family-friendly creek and rock pool activities like nature scavenger hunts and building stone cairns.
- Ascend the Deep View Lookout for panoramic views of the park.
- Take a serene stroll along Fourth Creek through the impressive Morialta Gorge. The creek reaches First Falls and flows almost year-round. You can spot koalas, frogs, and kookaburras on this family-friendly hike.
Woorabinda Bushland Reserve
Address: Woorabinda Dr, Stirling, SA 5152
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hrs
Spanning 34 hectares (84 acres), the Woorabinda Bushland Reserve (formerly Stirling Linear Park) comprises a cluster of four interconnected parks and reserves. These reserves are Hender, Madurta, Stirling Park, and Woorabinda.
The main attraction is Woorabinda Lake, a crystal-clear lake with multiple family-friendly boardwalks. Dog owners will also enjoy this dog-friendly spot.
If you’re a bird enthusiast, the nearby bushland is the territory of lorikeets and kookaburras, while the glistening lake is the home of ducks and swans. A few kangaroos also live nearby.
Tips:
- Despite the abundance of boardwalks, we still recommend wearing boots or any footwear you don’t mind getting soiled.
- Late afternoons are the best time to visit because of the magical lakeside sunset views. Moreover, this is when the reserve’s wildlife becomes more active.
- Bring water and some snacks to refuel during your exploration, as there are no kiosks within the reserve.
- The Woorabinda Reserve Loop is suitable for prams and strollers. Take your little ones for a walk here.
Cleland Wildlife Park
Address: 365 Mount Lofty Summit Rd, Crafers, SA 5152
Contact Details: (08) 8339 2444
Operating Hours: Daily – 9:30 am to 5 pm
Cleland Wildlife Park is an animal lover’s dream come true. This spot should be your next destination if you’ve ever dreamt of cuddling with koalas or feeding kangaroos, as up-close wildlife interaction is the name of the game here.
Additionally, the park’s animals live in natural habitats, with a few residing within enclosures. Our favorite section is certainly the bird-filled one, with singing cockatoos and honeyeaters at almost every turn.
You can also engage in captivating ranger-led presentations that bring the animals’ stories to life. Here, you’ll learn about their unique behaviors, habitats, and efforts to conserve their natural environments.
Tips:
- Listen attentively to the rangers’ instructions, especially if you want to participate in animal feeding or holding activities. In addition, you have to make reservations for these experiences.
- Purchase some items from their gift shop, from local products to hilarious toys and trinkets.
- The park’s Barking Gecko Cafe is perfect if you get hungry. The menu is seasonal, and the view is top-tier, with local flora surrounding the dining halls.
- If you’re with a baby or toddler under two years old, you can join the engaging Puggle Play program.
This interactive session introduces nature through sensory-based learning, highlighting the 5 senses and incorporating Australia’s native animals’ unique qualities through songs and dance.
- We also recommend joining the park’s public night walks if you want to see nocturnal species in action.
Elder Park
Address: King William Rd, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8216 8600
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hrs
Elder Park is a stunning riverside open area between the Adelaide CBD and North Adelaide. It’s famous for being a hub for travelers looking to explore the River Torrens via heritage boat cruises, kayaking, or canoeing.
In addition, Elder Park hosts a multitude of annual events, concerts, and festivals, from Carols by Candlelight to Adelaide Fringe. Foodies will also have a blast dining in the park’s exceptional riverside cafes, such as Koffee Ink Cafe and Jolly Boathouse.
Tips:
- Take a moment to appreciate and take snaps of the historic Moreton Bay fig trees, which have been a part of the park’s landscape for over a century.
- Head to the nearby Adelaide Festival Centre to explore its cultural offerings, including theaters, galleries, and dining options.
- Capture jaw-dropping photos of the park’s other landmarks, like the Rotunda and the Torrens Footbridge, especially during the golden hour.
- Elder Park is part of the larger Adelaide Riverbank Precinct, offering a seamless experience with other attractions like the Adelaide Oval and Adelaide Convention Center. Remember to see these other sites!
- During the holiday season, witness the enchanting beauty of the Christmas lights that adorn Elder Park.
- Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a leisurely meal by the River Torrens. There are ample grassy areas and benches here.
Cobbler Creek Recreation Park
Address: Salisbury East, SA 5109
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hrs
Cobbler Creek Recreation Park boasts a series of crystal-clear ponds, each a haven for native flora and fauna like kangaroos and ruby saltbush. You’ll also spot dragonflies and tawny frogmouths by meandering along the water’s edge.
The main activity here, though, is mountain biking.
Cobbler Creek Recreation Park has diverse bushland biking trails, catering primarily to intermediate and newbie riders. Pump Track is the top bike trail for riders practicing basic MTB maneuvers like jumping, cornering, and positioning.
The Intermediate Jump Trail is ideal for more experienced riders. This is a descending track with some slopes perfect for mastering MTB jumps.
Tips:
- Enjoy a BBQ picnic and let kids explore the Kites and Kestrels playground, where flying foxes (miniature zip lines) and climbing platforms await.
Gas BBQs are allowed near the playground, excluding total fire ban days.
- Head to the serene trails along river-red gum-lined creeks, woodlands resonating with birdsong, and ridge tops offering views of the Adelaide plains.
- For hikers, the Mai Tappa Trail leads through varied landscapes, from mallee box woodlands to open grassy plains and an old quarry.
- Check out the Ruins Loop, a 3-km circular trail ideal for uncovering the park’s historical remnants.
You can enjoy this exciting downhill journey by traveling clockwise, but stay attentive to bikers and other walkers.
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