SAPlanned settlement
Adelaide
A capital planned around a grid and parklands.
1836Capital site selected
WHAT STARTED IT
Adelaide was deliberately located and laid out as the capital of the new colony of South Australia. William Light chose a site inland from the coast, with access to the River Torrens and room for a planned city.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
The site was fixed at the end of 1836 and the plan followed in 1837. A grid of streets, public squares and surrounding parklands distinguished Adelaide from towns that grew around mines or wharves. Disputes over location did not prevent Light’s layout from becoming the city’s enduring framework.
TURNING POINTS
1836Light selects the capital’s location.
1837The city and parklands plan is laid out.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
South Australia’s capital, with government, universities, health services, cultural institutions and manufacturing. The central grid and parklands still make its planned beginnings visible.