Stockade Botanical Park

by Dave Walsh (subscribe)

Stockade Botanical Park is an attractive landscaped park set in a former quarry at Northfield, near Bridge Road. The once ugly area of bare excavated rock has been beautified through mass plantings, and the creation of a 12 metre high waterfall that cascades down the rock face.



Paths meander from the car park through an open grassed area to tranquil sensory gardens, where the plants have been chosen to stimulate your senses of smell and vision.



A public art project created by school children has a multitude of footprints, depicting how people have come to live in Adelaide from all parts of the world. Port Adelaide Enfield has particularly welcomed a large population of humanitarian arrivals, and they bring diversity and colour to the local community.



The natural beauty and tranquility of the area has made Stockade Botanical Park a great favourite for young couples to use for weddings and receptions (more information here), and other community groups also use it as a meeting place.



The park has a number of separate spaces of different sizes, so it's also great for families to picnic without feeling crowded.



The facilities available include several large shelters, free electric barbeques, and toilet facilities suitable for the disabled. Drinking fountains and dog bags are also available, although pets must be kept on leash at all times in the park.



Stockade Botanical Park borders the Dry Creek Linear Park which follows Dry Creek from Walkleys Road to Bridge Road, and overlooks the old Yatala Gaol powder magazine. Prisoners from the nearby Yatala Gaol used to break rocks at the quarries as part of their punishment.

The linear park is a very popular route for dog walkers and cyclists, allowing a pleasant escape from the noisy traffic on nearby Grand Junction Road. It's easy to park at Stockade Park and then explore the linear park from there.

Stockade Park is open from 7am to 6pm during the cooler months and until 8pm during daylight savings.

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Why? Relax in landscaped gardens

When: From 7am to 6pm, and until 8pm during daylight savings times.

Phone: (08) 8405 6600

Website: www.portenf.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=909

Where: Hoods Rd, Northfield, SA 5085

Cost: Free

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