Discover more about Adelaide's environment

Get to know the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari

Stretching 85 kilometres – more than 460 times the length of Adelaide Oval – from Mount Pleasant in the Mount Lofty Ranges to the sea at West Beach, the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari is without a doubt the soul of Adelaide.

The River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari is the main river in Adelaide. Running through the CBD, it is possibly most well-known for the Torrens Lake section, between Torrens Weir and the Frome Street Bridge, where many events are held both in the lake and on the riverbank.

This river has been an incredibly important part of the culture and history of the Kaurna people for the last 45,000 years. The Kaurna name for the river, ‘Karrawirra Pari’, means ‘Red Gum Forest River’.

After Europeans settled in 1836, the river gradually became polluted and neglected. Over the past 20 year, it has been transformed into a healthier system, which provides an ideal spot for locals and visitors to connect with nature.

Here’s everything you need to know about the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari – from exciting revegetation and rewilding projects to improving water quality and how you can help along the river or at home.

A stretch of river with lush greenery either side and text says 'The soul of our city: the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari'.

Our projects

Dive into our river stories

ANSWERED: Why is there trash in the River Torrens?

You asked – we listened. There’s been a lot of rain recently causing the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari to look a little trashy. Read on to find out why, what’s being done – plus how you can help.

ANSWERED: Why is there trash in the River Torrens? - Green Adelaide

Find out how we keep rubbish out of Adelaide’s waterways

Ever wondered what gets washed into Adelaide's rivers and creeks after a heavy rain? Find out how we stop rubbish from entering our waterways and what you can do to help.

Find out how we keep rubbish out of Adelaide’s waterways - Green Adelaide

6 signs biodiversity and water quality have improved along the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari

For the past 8 years, a collaborative project between state and local government has been improving water quality and biodiversity along the river. Unless you visit regularly, it might be hard to see the impact of all this work. Here's 6 signs that will tell you the river is on the road to recovery.

6 signs biodiversity and water quality have improved along the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari - Green Adelaide

7 animals you might see – or hear – along the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari

We’ve all seen a duck – or ten – along the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari, but there are many other animals that call it home too. Keep your eyes peeled for these 7 elusive animals along the soul of our city.

7 animals you might see – or hear – along the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari - Green Adelaide

6 elements of the Breakout Creek redevelopment that are really taking shape

Works are nearing completion for the Stage 3 redevelopment of Adelaide's Breakout Creek. Find out how some of the key elements are coming together.

6 elements of the Breakout Creek redevelopment that are really taking shape - Green Adelaide

New nature space is taking shape in Adelaide’s west

The Breakout Creek Redevelopment Stage 3 is now on the home stretch. See how the site has transformed and how it’s set to be a new nature haven for people and wildlife.

New nature space is taking shape in Adelaide’s west - Green Adelaide

How to tell the difference between blue-green algae and duckweed

When it’s high summer in Adelaide and Torrens Lake is covered in a blanket of green, is this always a cause for concern? Discover the difference between blue-green algae and duckweed, and when they are a problem for the environment.

How to tell the difference between blue-green algae and duckweed - Green Adelaide

5 native fish that live in the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari and how they’re protected

When you think of fish and the River Torrens/Karrawirra Pari, you probably imagine pesky European carp, but we have some interesting rare and threatened native species and even an ancient sucker fish living in our iconic river. Here’s everything you need to know about these fish and what is being done to protect them.

5 native fish that live in the River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari and how they’re protected - Green Adelaide

Everything you need to know about Adelaide’s River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari

Decades of effort has gone into creating a healthier River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari. Find out how the river has transformed over the last 20 years.

Everything you need to know about Adelaide’s River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari - Green Adelaide

Learn how water quality in the Torrens is being improved

Controlling carp in the River Torrens in key to improving water quality. Find out what’s being done to manage these pest fish in our much-loved Torrens.

Learn how water quality in the Torrens is being improved - Green Adelaide

Artist’s impressions reveal new community space on the River Torrens

Artist’s impressions have been unveiled to show what the final stretch of Breakout Creek, where the River Torrens meets the sea, will look like once revamped. Check them out.

Artist’s impressions reveal new community space on the River Torrens - Green Adelaide

How bringing platypus back to the River Torrens could be the next step in rewilding Adelaide

Platypuses might be reintroduced back to the River Torrens/Karrawirra Pari. Here’s everything you need to know.

How bringing platypus back to the River Torrens could be the next step in rewilding Adelaide - Green Adelaide

How you can help

River with a bridge across it and greenery either side, and overlay text 'Your River Torrens / Karrawirra Pari'.

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