Adelaide
| Location | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Start Point | Gorge Weir, Athelstone |
| End Point | Henley Beach, West Beach |
| Distance | 35 km one way |
| Time | 7–9 hours walking / 3–4 hours cycling |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Activity | Walking, Cycling |
| Region | Adelaide Metropolitan |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Key Feature | Adelaide’s premier shared-use trail following the River Torrens from the hills to the sea |
Adelaide’s Green Corridor from Hills to Sea
The River Torrens Linear Park Trail is Adelaide’s signature urban trail — a 35-kilometre ribbon of green that follows the River Torrens (Karrawirra Pari) from the foothills of the Adelaide Hills all the way to the coast at Henley Beach. As one of the longest continuous shared-use paths in South Australia, it connects suburbs, parks, sporting facilities, and natural areas along the river’s entire metropolitan course. Equally popular with walkers, joggers, and cyclists, the trail offers a peaceful escape from the city without ever leaving it.
The Trail
Beginning at Gorge Weir in Athelstone, where the Torrens emerges from the hills through a narrow gorge, the trail traces the river westward through a succession of parks and reserves. The eastern sections pass through stands of native river red gums and introduced plane trees, with the path winding through established suburbs like Newton, Paradise, and Campbelltown. The trail passes through the Adelaide Botanic Gardens precinct and the parklands surrounding the Adelaide Oval before following the river through the western suburbs of Thebarton, Torrensville, and Lockleys. The final stretch crosses the flat coastal plain to reach the beach at Henley. The entire path is sealed and well-maintained, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, including wheelchairs and prams.
Along the Way
The trail passes through numerous points of interest along its length. Highlights include Torrens Island and the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary near the river’s mouth, the redeveloped Riverbank Precinct in the CBD with its restaurants and cultural institutions, and the peaceful wetland areas in the western suburbs. Birdlife is abundant along the river corridor, with black swans, Pacific black ducks, Australian wood ducks, and white-faced herons commonly spotted. In the eastern sections, koalas and possums inhabit the taller trees, while the western wetlands attract waders and other waterbirds. Rest stops, drinking fountains, and public amenities are available at regular intervals along the entire route.
Planning Your Trip
The River Torrens Linear Park Trail can be tackled as a full-day walk or ride, or broken into shorter sections suited to your schedule and fitness level. The trail is easily accessible by public transport at numerous points, making point-to-point walks practical. The eastern sections from Athelstone to the CBD are particularly scenic, while the western sections offer the most uninterrupted cycling. The path is shared between pedestrians and cyclists, so courtesy and awareness of other users is important, particularly during busy periods. Dogs on leads are welcome on most sections. The trail is open year-round and is well-lit in the more urban sections, making it suitable for early morning and evening use.
- Contact us if you have any feedback or information (including trail notes and photos) to contribute to the ongoing development of Trails SA.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Adelaide Hills Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.