ADELAIDE PARKLANDS SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Slip, slop, slap, grab a water bottle and head out to explore the lush greenery of Adelaide’s revitalised riverbank precinct

- ELLIE GRIFFITHS

The footy season is right around the corner, so there’s no better place to start/end your walk than at one of Australia’s most picturesque sporting grounds, Adelaide Oval. Built in 1871, this stadium is home to South Australia’s biggest events. If you time this walk right, end your day with an event here.

Nearby, in Cresswell Gardens, is a massive English Oak (Quercus robur) called the War Memorial Oak. Planted on 29 August 1914, it holds cultural and national importance as the first tree planted to commemorate WWI by any of the involved countries. Once you’ve admired this giant, make your way along the riverfront to Angas Gardens. Named in recognition of George Fife Angas and his son John Howard Angas’ contributions to South Australia, these gardens house sculptures honouring some of the nation’s most historic figures, including Gallipoli’s Simpson and his donkey.

Continue along the riverfront and cross the historic Albert Bridge. Completed in 1879, this heritage-listed bridge – named for Queen Victoria’s husband – is slightly upstream from where the original bridge was destroyed by a flood in 1855.

Nearby is Adelaide Zoo, which is home to more than 2500 animals. Australia’s second-oldest zoo, it was opened in 1833 and retains many original buildings and garden designs.