The Pakapakanthi / South Parklands Wetland at Victoria Park detains and treats flows from Brownhill Creek as part of the broader Brown Hill Keswick Creek Stormwater Project flood mitigation strategy.
Working with representatives across five Council areas, multifaceted stakeholders and a large team of technical partners, this complex project appears effortless. Huge earth mounds are carefully moulded around stands of majestic eucalyptus trees- the wetland nestled into the landscape as though it has always been there. Across the seasons, each visit provides a new wetland experience for the public—from verdant wetness in the cooler months to baked golden brown in summer—while significantly reducing the risk of a 1-in-100-year flood across five inner suburban council areas.
At 3.2 hectares, the wetland functions as a detention basin—temporarily storing stormwater and releasing it at a controlled rate to reduce downstream impacts during extreme rainfall. Water quality is improved through a wet/dry wetland sequence and deep-water ponds that remove litter and suspended solids, sequester heavier pollutants and particulates, and filter runoff. The permanently vegetated wetland can harvest up to 150 mega litres of treated stormwater annually, building resilience in a changing climate.
Ecologically, the project creates a mosaic of habitats including aquatic zones, riparian corridors and extensive revegetation of over 100,000 endemic and native species. It supports the return of native fauna and protecting the Chequered Copper butterfly habitat.
Throughout the design and delivery, TCL worked closely with Kaurna (Traditional Custodians of the Adelaide Plains) community members to embed cultural values through surveys, design workshops, fabrication of cultural interpretation, and on-site monitoring during earthworks and excavations, culminating in a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.
With over 2 km of shared paths and walking trails, viewing decks and boardwalks skimming across the top of the water, the site has become a favourite promenade spot for locals and visitors alike. Shelters with picnic facilities, a large amphitheatre, and lookout mounds, support longer stays, picnicking and recreation as well as formal and informal learning opportunities. Open year-round, the wetlands provide an everyday connection to nature on the CBD fringe.
Cultural narratives are shared through sculptural elements, designed by Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri and Yankunytjatjara artist Allan Sumner, while stone carvings and other interpretative elements scattered throughout the wetlands create a sense of discovery and wonder.
Public access and safety were embedded through CPTED principles, with clear sightlines providing passive surveillance throughout the walking paths. Intuitive wayfinding and controlled access to waterbodies using vegetated buffers and low barriers allows a sense of connection and ease of use.
Completed and opened to the public in May 2022, the project is a recognised example of landscape-led blue-green infrastructure, winning two AILA National Landscape Architecture Awards: Parks and Open Space; and Climate Positive Design (both 2023).
“This project has a sensitivity towards the protection of stands of existing Eucalyptus trees, native butterfly habitat and a skilful crafting of earthworks by creating passive recreation areas seamlessly woven through the site, TCL and its design team has achieved an outstanding outcome.” Jury Citation
Data
Landscape architecture: T.C.L
Other credits:
• Lead / Civil Engineering: Tonkin
• Hydraulic Engineering: Design Flow
• Project Management: Procure PM
• Artist / Kaurna Ngarrindjeri and Yankunytjatjara: Allan
Sumner
• Cultural Heritage Survey: RAW
• Civil / Landscape Construction Lead: Bardavcol
• Landscape Construction Partner: EcoDynamics
• Traditional Owner Engagement: Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal
Corporation (Lynette Crocker, Merle Simpson, Trevor
Wanganeen, Ann Newchurch)
Photo credits: Jackie Gu
