Elder Park (Park 26) (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Elder Park (Park 26)?
What makes it 84% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can jog riverside, photograph the 1882 Rotunda, hire a paddle boat, or sit and read under shady trees; free toilets and good lighting make the area safe and low-cost for hours.
Positives:
- Easy public transport: Take the tram to King William Road stop, then walk 5 minutes along North Terrace.
- No entry fee: Access to trails, rotunda, benches, and lawns is free of charge.
- Fitness and mindfulness: The park’s flat trails are ideal for a jog or quiet reflection by the river.
Challenges:
- Weather exposure: Limited shade on paths and benches, so bring sun protection and check forecasts.
- Boat hire weather limits: Captain Jolley’s may close in strong wind or heavy rain. Call ahead to confirm.
- Limited refreshments: No cafes inside the park. Bring snacks or plan to visit nearby cafés.
What is Elder Park (Park 26)?
- An urban park within Adelaide’s Park Lands, stretching along the northern bank of the River Torrens
- A landscaped green space anchored by the cast-iron Rotunda erected in 1882 and dotted with mature trees and open lawns
- A cultural precinct adjoining the Adelaide Festival Centre and integrated into the Torrens Linear Park riverbank promenade
What is so special about Elder Park (Park 26) for solo trip?
- Walk or jog the 19-stop Riverbank trail for public art and heritage
- Experience the Rotunda’s echo effect and capture unique photos
- Glide solo on Torrens Lake with a single-person pedal boat
- Follow a free self-guided heritage tour around park landmarks
- Enjoy a quiet spot for reading or sketching by the river
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: A 2-3 hour visit lets you walk the Riverbank trail, explore the Rotunda, and enjoy a paddle boat ride without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Elder Park (Park 26)
Riverbank trail walk:
Follow the 19-stop paved Riverbank trail from the Rotunda, passing public art and heritage plaques.
Tip: Start at dawn for fewer people and bring water.
Rotunda Echo Photography:
Stand in the centre of the 1882 iron Rotunda and clap to experience its echo effect.
Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for soft light.
Self-guided heritage tour:
Use the Adelaide Park Lands Association’s free map to explore memorials and bridges around Elder Park.
Tip: Download the map PDF from the Adelaide Park Lands website before you go.
Solo paddle boat hire:
Rent a single-person pedal boat from Captain Jolley’s to glide on Torrens Lake.
Tip: Ask for a solo boat and secure the lifejacket before boarding.
Riverside reading or sketching:
Find a bench by the river or under a tree to read or sketch with the water as background.
Tip: Pack a lightweight chair or cushion for extra comfort.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Elder Park (Park 26)
- Time your visit: Arrive early to avoid crowds on weekends and find empty benches.
- Book cruise in advance: Reserve Popeye cruise tickets online to secure your preferred departure time.
- Download offline map: Save the heritage tour PDF on your phone to navigate without signal.
- Pack light: Carry only essentials in a small backpack to move freely on the boat and trails.
Reviews of Elder Park (Park 26)
kathy Langley
A lovely area and lovely garden. Was great to wander in it.. the photo of the girl on the tractor helps maintains the gardens and so I asked for a photo of her.
Connan O'Shea
A lovely place to walk. Lots of wildlife.
Saad Muzahid Ruhan
Me and my family went there to watch the fireworks for NYE 2025. And OMG, it was some of the best fireworks I've ever seen. And I think it was safely done, without damaging most of the environment.
Melissa Nguyen
It's just a nice place to relax, you can sit in the little shelter when it rains. If you're lucky, you might even find some wildlife approaching you, its really endearing, the animals are fantastic, believe me. A black goose approached me and let me get real close to it. Really a once in a lifetime experience, though i haven't been to any festivals, i can see that they're really fun. Update: I vi...
L
I come here pretty often but most recently for the lucky dumpling festival. Such a massive park for nature and environment . Great view of the river and it’s an amazing place to have a picnic. Amazing for New Year’s Eve fireworks as well. Great place to take kids to for fun or for a date. Good place to have a walk.
When is the best time to visit Elder Park (Park 26) (Adelaide, Australia)?
Check for free events like Carols by Candlelight in December and Symphony Under the Stars in summer. Early mornings are cooler in summer.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Solo paddle boat (30 min) | AUD 25 |
| Popeye River Cruise | AUD 26 |
| Bottled water | AUD 3 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 54 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Elder Park (Park 26)
Address: King William Rd, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
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About Elder Park (Park 26)
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Phone Number
+61 8 8216 860010 BEST nearby Activities
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