Torrens Linear Track Loop

The Torrens Linear Track Loop is a flat 2.7 km circuit on the River Torrens path at Thebarton, turned into a loop with the footbridges that cross back over the water. It is sealed, shaded by river red gums in stretches, and about as easy as a city walk gets, but the trade-off is a lead rule that never lifts: dogs stay on lead the whole way.

The walk

The circuit uses the River Torrens Linear Park path, the corridor that runs from the Adelaide Hills to the coast, so you can extend the loop as far as your legs and your dog's joints allow. The surface handles prams, wheels and older dogs without complaint, and the reed beds along the banks keep things feeling greener than the inner-city setting deserves.

Leash status

The loop crosses land managed by the City of Adelaide and the City of West Torrens, and dogs are on lead throughout on the shared path. Council rules require dogs to be under effective control, and the 5 metre playground buffer applies where the path passes play equipment. Keep the lead short: this is a commuter cycling route as much as a walking one.

Max: this is a bike commuter route and the bikes come through quietly and fast. A long lead stretched across the path is how dogs and cyclists meet badly, so wind it in on the blind corners.

Off the lead nearby

The release valve is the River Torrens Linear Park Fenced Dog Park a little downstream at Torrensville, with two fenced yards split for small and all dogs, agility equipment, shade and seating. You can also finish at the smaller Torrensville Dog Park if the main yard is busy. The pattern that works here is walk the loop on lead, then stop off for a proper run.

Water

Not the river. The Torrens is an urban waterway draining a large catchment and no place for a dog to drink or swim, so carry your own water or plan the finish around the dog park, which has bowls.

Getting there and parking

Street parking around Thebarton near the South Road underpass is the usual entry point, and the Grange and Outer Harbor train lines stop at Bowden a short walk from the path. The Brickworks Marketplace on the corner makes a handy landmark and a coffee stop.

Make a day of it

Mister Sunshine's and The Nest Espresso Bar + Kitchen are both in Thebarton and welcome dogs outside, so the loop pairs naturally with a post-walk coffee.

When to go

Early mornings are cool and quiet and the sunset light over the water is the reason locals keep coming back. Weekends get busy with runners, prams and bikes all at once, so a confident city dog has the advantage here.

More options are on the SA dog friendly trails guide and the Thebarton destination page.