Botanic Park, Adelaide

Botanic Park, also known as Park 11 or Mistletoe Park (Tainmuntilla), is a prominent 34-hectare (84-acre) green space located in the Northeast Parklands of Adelaide. This historic park is strategically bordered by Hackney Road and Frome Road and is situated adjacent to several key landmarks, including the University of South Australia, the University of Adelaide, the old Royal Adelaide Hospital, the Adelaide Zoo, and the scenic River Torrens.

Acquired by the neighboring Adelaide Botanic Garden in 1866, Botanic Park boasts a rich history, including its use as the venue for the Royal Adelaide Show from 1844 to 1859. One of the park's striking features is an avenue of plane trees planted in 1874, complemented by a variety of exotic species such as century-old Moreton Bay figs from Queensland.

Botanic Park also holds cultural significance as the site of Australia's first open-air meeting of the Salvation Army on 5 September 1880. Over the years, the park has drawn comparisons to London's Hyde Park, particularly for its own Speakers' Corner established in the 1890s, which served as a lively platform for public debate on various topics. Although the prominence of Speakers' Corner has waned, the park remains a popular venue for social gatherings, wedding photography, and major events such as WOMADelaide, Gardens Alive, and Moonlight Cinema.

Today, Botanic Park is celebrated as a serene retreat within the city, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural vibrancy.