The Urban Beach at Pinky Flat, on the northern bank of the River Torrens near the Morphett Street bridge, will be open every day until January 28 and offers scheduled activities, entertainment, food and drinks. Entry to Urban Beach is free of charge and there is a mix of free and paid activities.

Urban Beach is being presented by the Riverbank Authority and Renewal SA to showcase one of Adelaide’s iconic public spaces as a place for all to enjoy.

“The opening of Urban Beach has been timed to coincide with the start of The Ashes test match across the road at Adelaide Oval to show off our beautiful riverbank to international and interstate visitors and locals,” said Riverbank Authority board member Karyn Kent.

"If you didn’t get tickets to The Ashes, you can watch all the action on our massive seven metres square screen under the gum trees on the river’s edge and soak up the atmosphere." – Karyn Kent

By day, Urban Beach will be a great spot for families to relax with plenty of activities for children. In the evening, it will be the perfect place to meet for entertainment, while watching the sun disappear behind the city skyline.

“This project aligns with the state government’s economic priority to broaden culture, economic and sporting activities in the city at all times of the week, throughout the whole year, for people of all ages,” Ms Kent said.

“We also need to provide more recreational opportunities for the many people who have embraced apartment living in the CBD, which is all part of the Vibrant City plan.”

“Urban Beach will demonstrate how this beautiful part of our city can be enjoyed throughout the summer, which has tended to be a quieter time of year, and how we can boost its recreational appeal.” – Karyn Kent

"It is part of the Riverbank Authority’s remit to oversee the development and promotion of the Riverbank, in partnership with Renewal SA and to activate the precinct year-round, day and night."

Urban Beach features two deep sandy areas – one for beach volleyball, beach cricket and the other is a chill zone and children’s play zone with water play.

“We certainly don’t want people to swim in the River Torrens but they will be able to try on-water activities such as zorbing and paddle boats.”

Programmed activities at the Urban Beach will include yoga, pilates, tai-chi, sandcastle competitions and organised matches of volleyball, cricket and beach tennis.

There will also be sandcastle building competitions, beach volleyball, cricket and soccer, and an onshore kid friendly water playzone.