Sturt River Linear Park

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Posted 2013-05-16 by James Newcombe ⇒ follow

The is a continuous open public space along the Sturt river, between Glenelg North and Coromandel Valley. A 6.5km shared bicycle/pedestrian path has been completed from South Road, Darlington to Glenelg North (four sections). The Linear Park is composed of eight sections in total, with sections 5 and 6 of the shared path north of South rd still to be finished.

The links to the 9km Westside Bikeway (route back to the City) and the 19km Southern Veloway (alongside the Southern expressway) providing an almost non-stop bicycle route from Glenelg to Willunga. Urbanisation and agriculture have taken their toll, with the river suffering a degradation in water quality, and a loss of biodiversity, visual and recreational value. In 2005 the Master Plan was established to address these problems.

There are many excellent reserves, parks and playgrounds dotted along the way. The track passes by the Warradale Army Barracks, former market gardens, an industrial estate, schools and wetlands making this an interesting and picturesque journey.

The Sturt river itself (or Sturt creek) flows into the Patawalonga at North Glenelg, and was used by the indigenous Kaurna people as a link between the hills and the sea. It is also significant in Kaurna dreaming, particularly the area known as Warriparinga, where the river leaves its gorge and crosses the Adelaide Plains.

Warriparinga Wetlands was opened in 1998 and covers almost two hectares of native vegetation and waterways. Secluded walking trails, boardwalks and wetland ponds provide an opportunity to observe the native wildlife. Warriparinga is also home of the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre .

At the moment you can walk from Glenelg north to South rd in approx 2 hours, or cycle in about 30 minutes. Eventually you will be able to travel from Glenelg north all the way to Belair National Park!