Join PLA SA/NT and our partners the City of Adelaide, as we celebrate Parks Week by taking a guided bus tour of the expansive Adelaide Park Lands - the city’s crowning glory!
Hosted by PLA SA/NT Region Councillor Matthew Sexton and other City of Adelaide staff, you will hop aboard a chartered bus as we explore the Southern section of the Adelaide Park Lands stopping at several locations along the way where we will meet some special guests (such as representatives from Open Gardens, Green Pakapakanthi, Tree Climb) for further insights and the opportunity to ask questions.
Schedule of Sites
Sure, you can take a stroll here but this is also a great place for adrenalin seekers of all ages. The BMX track is a highlight for those who prefer to be on two wheels. Riders come with all sorts of bikes, but please do bring your safety gear.
A range of tracks provide options for everyone from gentle beginner slopes to a more extreme challenge for experienced riders. If you like a higher altitude, you might head west for the tree climb experience. There is a participation fee to climb the course but everyone is welcome to watch.
📍 Bounded by West Terrace, Anzac Highway, the Keswick rail line, and Sir Donald Bradman Drive
Explore the fabulous wetland with hidden trails through extensive revegetation, bushland and bronze animal sculptures.
History buffs may be keen to explore West Terrace Cemetery, one of the country’s oldest cemeteries but for those keen to avoid the ghosts, Wirrarninthi Wetlands may hold more appeal. Explore the 2.1km Wirrarninthi Environmental Education Trail to discover a range of natural features in the park. A series of sculptures mark points along the way to encourage thought about different elements of the environment around us.
📍 Bounded by South Terrace, Greenhill Road, Peacock Road and Sir Lewis Cohen Avenue Park 21 is 31 hectares in size
Veale Gardens is a gorgeous picnic area and a popular spot for weddings.
Veale Gardens is a gorgeous picnic area and a popular spot for weddings. Be sure to look out for the statue in the Adelaide-Qingdao Rose Garden which celebrates the relationship with sister city Qingdao in China. If visit Qindao you can see the ‘sister’ statue in their City Park.
📍 Bounded by Glen Osmond Road, Hutt Road and South Terrace
Sometimes the smallest parks can have the most impact on your state of mind.
The Adelaide Himeji Garden, also known as the Garden of Tranquillity is a peaceful Japanese oasis and celebrates Adelaide’s sister city relationship with Himeji. If you don’t find your zen here, head east to Osmond Gardens where you can sit and reflect under the 1911 pergola.
📍 Area between Hutt Street, Greenhill Road, Fullarton Road and Wakefield Road
Work out, walk your dog or ride your bike, there’s lots of space in the largest Park Lands site.
Bring your bike and cycle the 1.3km Criterium Track or arrive equipment free and walk/run on the tracks stopping at the exercise stations along your route. If it’s fido who needs the exercise, make use of the off-leash area.
Refresh at Velo Café below the heritage-listed grandstand or try the Velo-spin area, a high-tech indoor training studio.
With its proximity to the East End district, this is a popular place for people to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Many visitors with children head straight for the playground and Rymill Lake to watch the ducks. You may also find yourself visiting during a major Adelaide event, as the park hosts the Adelaide Fringe festival, and Santos Tour Down Under.
This event is proudly hosted by 
About the Adelaide Park Lands Covering over 760 hectares, the Adelaide Park Lands are Australia’s biggest backyard. There are 29 parks and 6 city squares all with a variety of different features and facilities. The Park Lands are home to many public events, including major events such as WOMADelaide and the annual Adelaide Fringe Festival. The City of Adelaide manages approximately 80 per cent of the Park Lands, with the remaining 20 per cent (which includes the Botanic Garden and Botanic Park) managed by the South Australian Government. They are advised by the Kadaltilla / Park Lands Authority (Kadaltilla). Learn more about the management of the Adelaide Park Lands. Colonel Light’s unique design created the world’s first, and only planned city in a park. The Adelaide Park Lands and City Layout is considered a masterwork of urban design and is one of the most complete examples of nineteenth-century colonial planning. These are just some of the reasons why the Adelaide Park Lands and City Layout were included on the National Heritage List in 2008, the nation’s highest heritage honour. |
About Parks Week
Parks Week is about hundreds of organisations across Australia and New Zealand holding events to celebrate the vital role parks play in creating liveable cities and thriving communities. Parks Week 2025 will focus on the how spending time in our parks and open spaces positively influences our wellbeing. |
