The River Torrens threads between the CBD and North Adelaide, flanked by a generous strip of parkland that is the most pleasant part of the city for walking and cycling. The path runs for kilometres in both directions — east toward the Botanic Garden and Adelaide University, west past the Oval and into the suburbs. Paddle boats are available for hire near the Festival Centre.
The Elder Park area beside the Festival Centre is the main outdoor events space — New Year's celebrations, WOMADelaide, and the Adelaide Fringe all use this stretch. The footbridge between the CBD and North Adelaide crosses here, and the view from it — water, willows, and the Oval's floodlights — is among the most recognisable in the city.