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Circuit distance : 4.5 kilometres Today’s walk along the Torrens Linear Park is between the Hackney Road and King William Road bridges. This is a beautiful stretch of the river, with the water banked up behind the weir giving lovely reflections. There are also a number of points of special interest along the way. We park on Bundey’s Road, just around the corner from Hackney Road (there are free 5P car parks here).
• 1 The first thing I notice is the first of a set of special information signs. These do not replace the regular distance markers of the Linear Park.
• 2 Two kayakers add a touch of colour to the river.
• 3 We soon come to the new graceful footbridge across the river. This was opened in February 2010, and there was a call for names. One suggestion was 'The Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Pissant Panda Backwater Footbridge over Troubled Waters'! Some history here, but surely not a serious contender ... . We cross over the bridge.
• 4 A little further along a lone fisherman tries his hand. Questions: what would he catch? and would he be game to eat it?
• 5 The path now runs alongside the zoo. There is a solid high fence, but we catch a glimpse of one (in fact two) of the residents.
• 6 Crossing under the Frome Road Bridge, we find a beautiful reflective stretch ...
• 7 ... which continues down past the University Footbridge. The out-of-charcater Scott building still sticks out like a sore thumb.
• 8 An unusual hybrid duck enjoys the morning sunshine.
• 9 The King William Road bridge frames a cruising pelican and a row of popular paddle boats.
• 10 We briefly leave the river to cross the bridge, passing the Torrens Parade Ground. A memorial to soldiers who died for King and country ...
• 11 On the bridge a plaque commemorates its opening in 1856.
• 12 Close to the bridge is this Memorial, in memory of George Fife Angas and his son John Howard Angas. (Interesting?) George Fife Angas is widely regarded as the father of South Australia. His bust is entitled: Patriot, Politician, Philanthropist.
• 13 To the north rise the graceful spires of St Peters Cathedral .
• 14 Looking back across the river here we see one of the Popeye Boats which cruise this section of the Torrens carrying paying passengers.
• 15 The rowers are out practising in this early morning.
• 16 This old disused Prince Alfred College boat shed is picturesque, but probably presents a problem for its owners.
• 17 A cormorant enjoys the sun.
• 18 The track now passes back under the Frome Road Bridge, also called the Albert Bridge. It was opened in 1879 and named after Prince Albert.
• 19 It is a graceful old bridge with its wrought iron spans. It stands adjacent to the zoo.
• 20 Here is one of the original plaques – in fact a simplified City of Adelaide coat of arms. Omnibus conjuncti? Translates to 'United for the common good'.
• 21 Continuing back along the river bank, we come to this replanted area – more than a punnet or two here!
• 22 Shortly before the new footbridge we find these strange metal sculptures.
• 23 And finally before returning to the car, I venture back under the Hackney Road bridge, mainly to observe that the south side track rises up to the reserve behind the St Peters caravan park.
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