The River Torrens Linear Trail follows 30km of river from the river mouth at West Beach/Henley Beach through to Adelaide CBD, and to Athelstone, where the Torrens emerges from the Adelaide Hills.
Lined with River Red Gums and reed beds, the trail is an oasis in the city and suburbs. With numerous playgrounds, picnic spots, duck-feeding spots and toilets along the route, the trail can be enjoyed by everyone. Walk a section of the trail as a circuit by walking down one side of the river, and returning on the other side. There are trails on both sides of the rivers for much of the river length, connected by numerous bridges. There are minimal, but some, arterial road crossings.
The shared-use trail is suitable for walkers, cyclists, wheelchairs and those with mobility issues. Much of the trail is bitumised, however some sections are gravel (which means the other side of the river will be bitumen). The trail is generally flat, but is steeper towards Athelstone, and sometimes as it goes under road bridges. The trail is flat through the Adelaide CBD section, and west to West Beach.
For more information and to download maps, visit Walking SA.
Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!
Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Total distance: 32158 m
Max elevation: 108 m
Min elevation: 7 m
Total climbing: 346 m
Total descent: -250 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Adelaide.
Closest towns to this walk: Glenelg, Kensington, Norwood, Prospect, Unley
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Adelaide? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Shepherds Hill Recreation Park
Favourite
Shepherds Hill Recreation Park
Favourite
Favourite
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.