About Light Square
Light Square, also known as Wauwi, is one of six historic public squares in the centre of Adelaide, South Australia, laid out in Colonel William Light's 1837 plan for the city. Located west of the city centre between Currie Street and Waymouth Street, it features open lawns, mature trees, pathways and monuments including a statue of Colonel Light. The square serves as a public park for recreation, events and community gatherings.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect an open, rectangular public park in Adelaide's CBD with grassed lawns, mature trees, paved paths and seating areas. The square contains monuments and public art, including the Colonel William Light statue and memorials, surrounded by heritage buildings, offices, cafes and residences. It is used for walking, picnicking, relaxing and small community events, with easy pedestrian access from surrounding streets.
Key highlights
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One of six original squares from Colonel William Light's 1837 Adelaide plan
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Central statue and memorial to Colonel William Light
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Open lawns and mature trees for picnics and relaxation
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Dual naming as Wauwi recognising Kaurna heritage
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Heritage streetscape surrounded by historic and contemporary buildings
History of Light Square
Light Square is one of six squares laid out in Colonel William Light's 1837 survey and plan for the City of Adelaide. Named after Colonel Light, the founder and first Surveyor-General of South Australia, it has served as a public reserve since the city's foundation. The square contains a bronze statue of Colonel Light and other memorials reflecting Adelaide's colonial planning heritage.
Culture & Context
The square is dual-named Wauwi in recognition of Kaurna Country, the traditional land of the Kaurna people. It functions as a community gathering place and public park within Adelaide's Park Lands and city square system, hosting informal recreation and local events and reflecting the city's planned heritage character.
Route
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