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Circuit distance : 6.5 kilometres This walk covers the stretch of the Torrens Linear Park from Holbrooks Road to the Torrens Ave Footbridge, and back. We park at the eastern end of Weemala Street, north of the river, and accessed from Holbrooks Road via Hartley Road/Gaskin Road.
• 1 This is really one of the prettiest stretches of the Linear Park with wide pools of reflecting water.
• 2 Across from the sports ground of Underdale high School we spot a jogger on the trail and boys practising up their football skills
• 3 There is a footbridge at the end of Kanbara Street (someone can't spell!), but it is closed for repairs.
• 4 A little further along we come to this pretty weir. There must be others, but this is the only one we see today.
• 5 And here is a veritable forest – the most densely wooded part of the Linear Park we have seen.
• 6 Along by Belgrave Ave there are works in progress with one of the trails being completely renewed. It is good to know that the Linear Park trails are being continually maintained and renewed.
• 7 So to the Findon Road bridge. There is a toilet block close by here for the needy.
• 8 The bridge is dark and gloomy underneath, but it suits this nesting pigeon.
• 9 As with other stretches of the Linear Park, walking one’s dogs is a favoured occupation.
• 10 We see such a lot of wildlife today, including these swamp hens, ...
• 11 ... a water rat ...
• 12 ... and a couple of noisy wattle birds.
• 13 This tranquil scene brings us to the end of our westward walk, as we come to the Torrens Ave footbridge. Torrens Ave stops abruptly at the river, making me wonder whether a road bridge was once planned to cross here.
• 14 We cross the bridge, and return on the southern bank trail. Two swallows enjoy the solitude and contemplate the wild blue yonder ...
• 15 The southern trail tends to be higher above the river and so less interesting, although from time to time dirt tracks follow alongside the water. The Findon Road bridge comes back into sight.
• 16 We have to actually cross the road, after which the track becomes just a walking track for a short distance. Cyclists are redirected to use the local roads here.
• 17 "I'm watching you!"
• 18 There is a good flow of water over the weir after recent rains.
• 19 A family of wood ducks sun themselves next to the water.
• 20 Further along, this galah is well camouflaged against the gum tree.
• 21 We come to the old Underdale campus of the University of South Australia. This has now been redeveloped as a housing estate, but this old university bridge still crosses the river next to a small picnic area. • 22 A large boulder bears a plaque with information about the University.
• 23 Young and old alike enjoy the Linear Park.
• 24 We cross the Holbrooks Road bridge back to the north side. This final view looks back along the Torrens to the new Underdale Campus housing development.
And back to the car. A very pleasant walk with lots of wildlife to see. |
