River Torrens Breakout Creek Stage 3

The entire Breakout Creek redevelopment stretches from Tapleys Hill Road in Lockleys to the Torrens Outlet in West Beach, a total of 2.7 km of river.

Stage 3 has created wetlands to capture and clean stormwater and manage high flows, removed weeds, planted native vegetation to slow and treat water coming down the river and opened the fenced-off space for people to enjoy with trails, picnic areas, signage and art. It involves working with the Traditional Owners of the land, the Kaurna people, to acknowledge the significance of the area, as well as create healthy habitat for fish and bird species, and improve the water quality of the Torrens.

A message from the Kaurna Nation: Karrawirra Pari is a point of shared connection. With your participation and continuous support we can rejuvenate the spirit of the river and build a sense of cultural connection to this landscape for us all to enjoy

Project updates

Breakout Creek construction update – 16 April 2024

Two of the project’s big ticket items – in size, stature and wow-factor – are now complete: the elevated boardwalk and the Kaurna artworks.

The elevated boardwalk is located on the south side of the river, linking the River Torrens Linear Park to Apex Park in West Beach. It spans almost 100 m and is fully accessible.

The 9 Kaurna artworks were carefully crafted off-site by Allan Sumner and his team and have now been craned into position across the precinct. These sculptures give visitors an opportunity to reflect on Kaurna culture relevant to the local area. Find out more, including the best route to see them all.

Breakout Creek construction update – 14 December 2023

Work is continuing on the installation of the elevated boardwalk that links Linear Park to the neighbouring Apex Park. They are on track for completion in early 2024.

Work is also progressing well on the 9 Kaurna artworks that will be dotted across the redevelopment precinct. Find out how they are shaping up.

Breakout Creek construction update – 11 October 2023

Work is beginning this week to install the elevated boardwalk between Linear Park and Apex Park, as part of the Stage 3 redevelopment of Breakout Creek / Purruna Pari. It is fully accessible, so it will provide the community with an additional wheelchair and pram accessible entry point into Breakout Creek / Purruna Pari.

While these works are underway over the coming months, access to the nearby trail and staircase might be temporarily impacted – so if you’re planning on visiting, for your own safety please make sure you use any detours that are in place.

Breakout Creek construction update – 15 September 2023

The construction fences have been removed from the Breakout Creek redevelopment, which means you can safely enjoy this beautifully transformed space. Find out what to expect when you visit.

Breakout Creek construction update – 31 August 2023

Our most recent update earmarked an August reopening but the fences are now expected to come down in September after the final safety and asset checks have been thoroughly completed. Meanwhile, the site’s construction compound is now in the process of being dismantled, which signals that the construction works are complete.

Breakout Creek construction update – 28 July 2023

Breakout Creek construction works are on the home stretch, with the site just weeks away from re-opening and having public access restored. Find out what’s been happening, when the gates are likely to come down, and what’s still to do afterwards.

Breakout Creek construction update – 5 June 2023

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

Breakout Creek construction update – 9 March 2023

The redevelopment is tracking along nicely. See how the site has transformed and how it’s set to be a new nature haven for people and wildlife.

Breakout Creek construction update – 19 December 2022

Work is continuing on the Breakout Creek Redevelopment Stage 3. Find out how the project has progressed and see a rare bird's-eye view of the site.

Site compound move – 28 October 2022

There will be some movement on the construction site over the next few days while the site compound is relocated to assist with construction activities.

Breakout Creek construction update – 10 October 2022

Construction began in February to transform the western end of the River Torrens/Karrawirra Pari into a healthier, more natural environment. Find out how it’s going and when you’ll be able to enjoy this new community space.

River Torrens Linear Park Trail closure – 1 August 2022

From Monday 1 August, the northern and southern sides of the River Torrens Linear Park Trail between Seaview and Tapleys Hill Road will be temporarily closed to enable work to take place on the redevelopment.

While these paths are closed, there will be no access for pedestrians and cyclists. Detour signage can be found on Seaview Road and Tapleys Hill Road or view the trail closure detour map.

We will keep you updated on the re-opening dates for both paths as the works progress.

The horses have been temporarily relocated until their new permanent areas have been established. We are continuing to work closely with Lockleys Riding Club to ensure the welfare of the horses.

Background

The River Torrens used to flow through sprawling reed beds towards the Port River in the north and the Patawalonga Creek in the south. When the western suburbs of Adelaide were being built, Breakout Creek was dug out as a channel in the 1930s to stop flooding in the area.

Stage 1 of the redevelopment focused on a 500m section of Breakout Creek upstream of Henley Beach Road in the suburbs of Fulham and Lockleys, developed from an artificial channel to a more natural one in 1999.

Stage 2 of the redevelopment focused on about 700m between Henley Beach and Tapleys Hill roads continued to be opened up for community use with access to blue and green spaces with high biodiversity value in the urban landscape. It was completed in 2010 and included widening and deepening the channel, removing weeds and planting more than 200,000 native seedlings.

About the Stage 3 works

The Stage 3 works are the final stage of the redevelopment.

The community was involved in developing 9 key design principles that were used to develop the concept plan and draft designs.

After extensive community feedback and engagement with local residents and stakeholders, the final designs (see below) were released in June 2021.

The design also takes into account the redevelopment of Apex Park (including a new arena for the Lockley Riding Club). The emphasis is on habitat creation and supporting continuity from Breakout Creek stages 1 and 2.

The third and final stage of the redevelopment has:

• opened up 15 hectares of currently fenced-off land, for the community to enjoy
• created new habitat for endangered and rare animals to live and breed
• created wetlands that will improve the water quality of the river
• removed weeds and plant more than 215,000 new native plants
• created new accessible paths and river crossings, a boardwalk, viewing decks, and picnic areas
• created new places to learn about Kaurna culture and history
• maintained a designated horse area along the river and new bridle path for the local horse riding club near Apex Park
• enhanced the safety and amenity of the area by improving existing paths, upgrading lighting and improving access for pedestrians, cyclists and maintenance vehicles.

Construction timeline

Construction began in February 2022 and the Linear Park was reopened in September 2023.

Construction of the new elevated boardwalk between the Linear Park and Apex Park commenced in October 2023 and was finalised in April 2024.

Project partners

The project is an $18.7 million partnership between Green Adelaide, the City of Charles Sturt, the City of West Torrens, the South Australian Department for Trade and Investment through the Planning and Development Fund, the Australian Government through the Environment Restoration Fund, and SA Water. The project is committed to working with the Traditional Owners of the Adelaide Plains, the Kaurna people.