Elder Park

Elder Park is a central public park on the southern bank of the River Torrens / Karrawirra Parri in Adelaide, South Australia, between King William Road and the Adelaide Festival Centre. Established in the late 19th century and named after pastoralist and philanthropist Sir Thomas Elder, it is known for its heritage rotunda, open lawns, riverfront setting and role as a major venue for festivals, concerts and community events in the city centre.

Visitors can expect a flat, open riverside park with manicured lawns, mature trees, paved pathways and the heritage Elder Park Rotunda (1882) as a central feature. The park fronts the River Torrens with views to Adelaide Oval and the Riverbank precinct, offers seating and open space for picnics and relaxation, access to Popeye boat cruises on the river, and is regularly used for large public events, festivals and concerts. The Adelaide Festival Centre and Torrens Linear Park Trail are immediately adjacent.

Elder Park forms part of the Adelaide Park Lands laid out in Colonel William Light's 1837 plan for Adelaide. It was named after Sir Thomas Elder (1818-1897), pastoralist and philanthropist, who donated funds for the construction of the cast-iron Elder Park Rotunda in 1882. The rotunda, manufactured by Walter Macfarlane & Co. in Glasgow, is heritage-listed and has been a focal point for public gatherings and band performances since the late 19th century.

Elder Park is a key cultural and community gathering place for Adelaide, hosting major events including the Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe, WOMADelaide, and annual Christmas Carols by Candlelight. Its riverfront location and rotunda make it an iconic venue for concerts, civic ceremonies and family recreation, reflecting the city's tradition of using the Park Lands for public celebration and leisure.