Disused quarry to become 350-hectare adventure tourism destination under Liberal pledge

The government has promised to build a 350-ha adventure tourism destination, suitable for cycling, swimming, diving, kayaking and running, if it is re-elected.

A disused quarry in the north-eastern suburbs would become a 350ha adventure tourism destination, suitable for cycling, swimming, diving, kayaking and running, under a Liberal election promise.

Crystal Lake Recreation Park at Highbury, which connects with the Torrens Linear Park trail, would be opened to the public after the state government entered into commercial negotiations with the current owner of the quarry site.

Premier Steven Marshall said the park would transform the area, near Lower North East and Churchett roads, from a fenced-off site into a “playground of activity in and out of the water”.

“This is an unprecedented opportunity to create an eco-tourism water oasis within a stone’s throw of the CBD in our north-eastern suburbs,” he said.

Crystal Lake Recreation Park could become a 350-hectare adventure tourism destination at Highbury, in the north-eastern suburbs, where a disused quarry currently sits behind fences. Picture: Supplied

“Adelaide has already been recognised as the third-most liveable city in the world and the second-ever National Park City, and projects like this will only enhance this reputation further.”

Mr Marshall said tourism would be a critical sector in South Australia’s Covid recovery, and Crystal Lake Recreational Park could become “another jewel in the crown” for the state’s visitor economy.

“Creating this new recreation and conservation hub at Highbury would build on my government’s record investment in our environment to improve nature-based tourism and create jobs,” he said.

Concept images released to the Advertiser show the new park would include walking and bike trails, a beach area, floating jetty, lookouts and picnic shelters.

Premier Steven Marshall says the park would be part of SA’s critical tourism push. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

Costing for the project, which would require the purchase of land, would not be finalised until after the election.

The government would then work to a two-year timeframe for the opening of the new recreation park.

Environment and Water Minister David Speirs said Crystal Lake would benefit locals and attract more visitors to the area.

“Around the crystal-clear lake itself – the centre point of the park – visitors would be able to enjoy walking and biking trails, lookouts and places to rest and have a picnic,” he said.

Crystal Lake Recreation Park would include walking and bike trails, a beach area, floating jetty, lookouts and picnic shelters. Picture: Supplied

“We have already seen the huge success of opening up our reservoirs across the state, with more than 400,000 people visiting them, and I think Crystal Lake Recreation Park could be even more popular.

“We know just how much South Australians value green, open space.”

Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs will be a key battleground at the state election, with Labor concentrating campaigning efforts on the nearby seats of Newland and King.

Both are currently held by Liberals on small margins.

Earlier this week, Mr Marshall pledged a re-elected Liberal government would pump $25m into regional and nature-based tourism.