Adelaide Oval & the Riverbank
Adelaide's prettiest quarter runs along the River Torrens, where the heritage grandeur of Adelaide Oval meets riverside parks, the Festival Centre, and the giant pandas of Adelaide Zoo. Linked to the city by a footbridge, the Riverbank is made for an easy stroll. Here's how to enjoy it.
One of the world's great grounds
Adelaide Oval is a stunning blend of heritage and modern arena — home to summer cricket and winter AFL football beneath its beloved old scoreboard and the cathedral spires beyond. Even off game day, take the exhilarating RoofClimb for 360° views to the hills, tour the ground, and see the Bradman Collection celebrating Australia's cricketing legend. It's a highlight for sports fans and first-timers alike. See our Adelaide tours.
The southern hemisphere's only pandas
A short riverside walk (or a historic Popeye cruise from Elder Park) brings you to Adelaide Zoo, home to the only giant pandas in the southern hemisphere. The much-loved Wang Wang and Fu Ni returned to China in 2024; a new young pair, Xing Qiu and Yi Lan, arrived in late 2024 and are now on display. Beyond the pandas, the historic city zoo cares for a rich array of native and exotic wildlife — a lovely half-day, especially with children.
Torrens strolls & Elder Park
Tying it all together is the Riverbank precinct along the Torrens. Wander Elder Park beneath the Festival Centre, hop aboard the vintage Popeye river cruisers, cross the footbridge between the city and the Oval, and follow the path toward the Zoo and Botanic Garden. It's green, flat and pretty — one of the nicest short walks in any Australian capital, and glorious at sunset. Pair it with North Terrace next door.
Adelaide Oval & the Riverbank: your questions
Adelaide Oval is one of the world's most beautiful sporting grounds — and a great visit even without a game. Take the RoofClimb for panoramic views over the city and hills, tour the ground and the Bradman Collection, or catch cricket in summer and AFL football in winter beneath the heritage scoreboard. It sits on the Riverbank, linked to the city centre by a footbridge — an easy walk from North Terrace. See our things to do.
The RoofClimb takes you up and over the roof of the Western Grandstand at Adelaide Oval, about 50 m above the arena, for sweeping 360° views across the city, the parklands and out to the Adelaide Hills. Guided climbs run day and night (twilight is spectacular), harnessed and suitable for most fitness levels. It's one of Adelaide's signature experiences — book ahead, especially around events.
Yes — Adelaide Zoo is home to giant pandas again. The long-resident pair, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, returned to China in 2024, and a new young pair — Xing Qiu and Yi Lan — arrived in late 2024 and went on public display in early 2025. They remain the only giant pandas in the southern hemisphere. The zoo sits on the riverbank a short walk or river cruise from the city. Check current viewing details before you visit.
The Riverbank is Adelaide's riverside heart, strung along the River Torrens (Karrawirra Parri) between the city and North Adelaide. It links Adelaide Oval, Elder Park (with the historic Popeye river cruisers), the Festival Centre, the convention and casino precinct, and Adelaide Zoo and the Botanic Garden nearby. A footbridge connects it to the CBD, making it an easy, pretty stroll — lovely at dusk.
Yes — it's an easy, scenic walk. From North Terrace or Elizabeth Quay, cross the Riverbank footbridge over the Torrens and you're at Adelaide Oval in minutes. The same riverside path links Elder Park, the Festival Centre and (a little further) Adelaide Zoo. It's one of the most pleasant short walks in any Australian capital, especially at sunset. See our getting around guide.