Discover Adelaide: From the River Torrens to Mawson Lakes

Start beside the River Torrens

Adelaide’s riverfront brings water, open space and city architecture into one view. In Hamid Mahdizadeh’s photograph, the skyline is reflected in the River Torrens, while a pedestrian bridge draws the eye across the water. It is a starting point for a photographic introduction to the city: pause for the broad view before looking for smaller details along the banks.

These photographs record particular moments, rather than today’s exact conditions. Cranes, event structures and access arrangements may have changed since they were taken.

Elder Park: space to slow down

Elder Park sits on the southern bank of Torrens Lake. Its distinctive rotunda was erected in 1882 and remains a recognisable landmark. The photograph pairs that small structure with a generous sweep of lawn and water, showing how open space sits alongside the city centre.

For your own photographs, try including both the rotunda and the river rather than filling every frame with buildings. Events can change the appearance and use of the lawns, so allow room for a different view on the day.

St Peter’s Cathedral and the memorial gardens

In North Adelaide, St Peter’s Cathedral is both a landmark and an active place of Anglican worship. The selected photograph approaches it through the Women’s War Memorial Gardens: the central path, clipped hedges and Cross of Sacrifice lead towards the cathedral’s twin spires.

The gardens commemorate those who died in the First World War and were funded by women of South Australia. Their design evokes an open-air cathedral. This is a place for quiet observation as well as photography. If you wish to enter the cathedral, check its visitor information and respect services and any photography restrictions.

Mawson Lakes: another side of Adelaide

A separate outing to Mawson Lakes introduces a more suburban waterside setting. The Mawson Centre stands beside Sir Douglas Mawson Lake, and the photograph shows a tree-lined path, lawns and a glimpse of the water. It provides a different visual rhythm from the central riverfront.

Walking SA describes a 2.2-kilometre loop around the lake. You can use that as a starting point for planning, or choose a shorter stroll that suits your group. Check the route and local conditions before setting out; the photograph illustrates one area, not every section of the loop.

Give each area its own time

The central riverfront, Elder Park and North Adelaide can form a city-focused outing. Treat Mawson Lakes as a separate visit rather than a continuation of the same short walk. Choose a pace that leaves time for photographs, breaks and changing light.

For help discussing travel arrangements, contact Island Travel in English or Persian and tell us your dates, interests and preferred pace.

Photography: Hamid Mahdizadeh

Sources and visitor information

• Elder Park — Experience Adelaide
• St Peter’s Cathedral — Visit us
• Women’s War Memorial Gardens — Experience Adelaide
• Mawson Lakes loop — Walking SA
• Mawson Centre — Adelaide University