River Torrens Circuit

The River Torrens Circuit is a 5.8 km loop on the Linear Park path where it passes College Park, St Peters and Hackney, a flat sealed lap of the river about ten minutes from the Adelaide CBD. It is a commuter cycleway as much as a dog walk, so the lead stays short the whole way. One reserve on the route is the exception.

The walk. AllTrails rates it easy and allows about an hour and a quarter. Sealed bitumen throughout, effectively flat, and a genuine loop rather than an out and back, with river red gums, wetland pockets and the CBD skyline on the western leg. Both banks are walkable, so you can cut it short at most bridges.

The rules. Dogs are welcome on lead and under effective control on every part of the path. The City of Norwood Payneham and St Peters manages the College Park and St Peters sections and the City of Adelaide picks up the western end, and both require a lead on the formal path. The one exception on the route is LG Perriam Memorial Oval at St Peters River Park, which council lists as off lead at all times except during organised sport. Hannaford Reserve at St Peters is off lead at all times as well, a short detour off the path.

Sharing it. This is one of the busiest cycling corridors in Adelaide. Keep left and walk the dog on your left, so it sits away from passing traffic. Expect commuter volume on weekday mornings and evenings, plus a Saturday parkrun surge.

Water. Drinking fountains and rest stops sit along the path, and waste bag dispensers are at the main entry points including St Peters River Park. The Torrens rises fast after heavy rain, so keep dogs off the bank when it is running high.

Getting there. Street parking on the residential grid around College Park, including Torrens Street, or near the Hackney Road bridge. Buses run frequently along Payneham Road and Hackney Road.

Nearby with the dogs. FIX. Specialty Coffee on Torrens Street is the closest, with a verandah and water bowls. Homeland Cafe at Kent Town is a short walk further on. For a night nearby, Aspen Holidays Adelaide Caravan Park sits at Hackney within walking distance of the river.

When to go. Mid-morning or early afternoon on a weekday, once the commuters have cleared and the path is yours. Good for big runners who need flat kilometres, and for seniors, since you can shorten the loop at any bridge.

Sources

• Dog Off-leash Areas | City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters · www.npsp.sa.gov.au
• River Torrens Linear Park Path | City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters · www.npsp.sa.gov.au
• River Torrens Circuit - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.