The Torrens Linear Park was completed in 1997 as the first of its kind developed in Australia where it is the largest hills-to-coast park. It began as a flood mitigation scheme along the River Torrens running from the Adelaide Hills, through the city of Adelaide, to the sea. Cyclists and walkers can use a trail that runs the length of the park, from Gorge Road, in Athelstone in the North east, through the Northern Parklands of Adelaide city to the river mouth at Henley Beach in the west. The river runs past many notable landmarks including the Adelaide Zoo, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, The Festival Theatre and Elder Park.
The Torrens Linear Park concept was created in 1996, following the initial flood mitigation study produced in 1987 as flooding had become a big issue in post World War 2 Adelaide. The rapidly expanding urban area produced more runoff than the catchment could handle. The Linear Park became protected against further development with the passing of the River Torrens Linear Park Act on 21 June 2006.
Parts of Torrens Linear Park neighbour the O-Bahn Busway.
The Linear Park also runs past Highbury and Lower North East Road. Between 2007 and 2008, the Linear Park was partly fenced off because of the construction of a new aqueduct.