Yitpi Yartapuultiku, translated to the Soul of Port Adelaide, is a space where all people – Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal – can come together to learn, share, reflect and grow. Developed in collaboration with the City of PAE, Yitpi Yartapuultiku Aboriginal Working Group, Ashley Halliday Architects and Wax Design, the project is the largest ever undertaken by the Council.
This one-of-a-kind facility will boost tourism and strengthen the local economy through inclusive community participation, immersive learning experiences, and celebration of the region’s diverse culture. It offers a mix of attractions and services including guided tourism experiences, art exhibitions, nature play spaces, community services, and educational programs that invite exploration in a rich natural setting.
Designed as a shared space for collaboration and connection, Yitpi Yartapuultiku brings people together through storytelling, art, culture, and environment – building understanding and creating a stronger, more inclusive future for all South Australians. It’s a destination for community connection, education, business and environmental stewardship.
NAIDOC Week at Yitpi
Join us on weekends in July at Yitpi Yartapuultiku to celebrate NAIDOC week.
Beginning Saturday 12 July, each weekend at Yitpi you can participate in artefact making and demonstrations, weaving workshops, jewellery making and watch short films.
For more information email yitpi.yartapuultiku@cityofpae.sa.gov.au
Visit
Yitpi Yartapuultiku is located at 1300 Old Port Rd, Port Adelaide. The site is on the corner of Old Port Rd and Bower Rd and is located just 2 km northwest of the Port Adelaide town centre.
Following the official opening on 1 June 2025, Yipti Yartapuultiku will commence regular operating hours. The grounds are open from dawn–dusk every day. The Centre building, cafe and gallery are open:
10 am–4 pm Monday to Friday
10am–2pm weekends and public holidays (excluding Christmas Day, New Years Day and Good Friday)
Plus other times for bookings and events.
There is no cost to visit the site or enter the buildings at Yitpi Yartapuultiku.
For general enquires please email yitpi.yartapuultiku@cityofpae.sa.gov.au
Visiting FAQs
Yitpi Yartapuultiku offers a unique space where Kaurna traditions and knowledge meet contemporary innovation. It is a place for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to immerse themselves in local culture, nurturing deep respect and connection to Country.
There are indoor and outdoor spaces, nature play space, café, gallery and function rooms. Take some time to explore the spaces, bring a picnic or have a coffee. You can take self-guided tours initially, with guided tours coming soon.
Programs, experiences and performances to come in future.
The site is marked with signage on both the Old Port Rd and Bower Rd sides. For visits after the opening event, there are car parking spaces available via Old Port Rd.
Public transport options are available nearby with the Port Adelaide and Ethelton train stations both a 750m (10 min) walk away, and buses operating along Bower Rd.
As you take the self-guided tour, you will discover and interpretive trail that enables you to
- Collect trail maps from the Welcome desk
- Stop at the cafe (coming soon) and retail space
- Explore public artworks
- View the Living Shoreline
- Enjoy the riverfront lawns
- Pass by or stop and play on the playspace
While the Centre is establishing, visitors can follow our self-guided interpretive trail (maps provided). Guided walks and specialised cultural tours are in development—in partnership with Kaurna Elders and accredited guides—to ensure authenticity and capacity. We expect to open bookings and publish tour schedules in October 2025. In the meantime, you’re welcome to register your interest and we’ll be in touch as soon as dates are confirmed.
All visitors are welcome except during cultural business. Look for temporary “Cultural Ceremony in progress — please use alternate path” signs at the Men’s (Pangkarrila) and Women’s (Ngangkingka) areas; simply choose another path until the signs are removed.
It is a nature play space in a natural bushland setting. There are grassed areas and park benches nearby.
Yes, there are toilet facilities and a Changing Place in the Yitpi Yartapuultiku Cultural Centre. There is also one public toilet on the Northern side of the grounds. Outside Public Toilet is available dawn to dusk.
A site accessibility guide will be added to this page shortly.
The building and main paths around the facility are wheelchair accessible. There are some parts of the nature play area that may be less easy to navigate. The site features a Universal Changing Places facility, parent room and ambulant unisex toilets. There is lift access to mezzanine level.
Yes, there is a café available for light refreshments operating from :
10 am–4 pm Monday to Friday
10am–2pm weekends and public holidays (excluding Christmas Day, New Years Day and Good Friday)
There is also a small retail space with gifts and souvenirs available, by local Kaurna and Aboriginal artists, makers and businesses.
Yes, the foreshore is accessible, and you will find native plantings, seating and lighting in the area. Many of the new plants are still establishing; please walk with caution and tread lightly on Country.
Yes, you can as per any other area of the river. The river is accessible but has been planted up with mangrove seeds to return the river edge to its natural state. Please use the area with caution and tread lightly on Country.
Registered assistance animals welcome everywhere. Other pets are welcome on leash outside the building.
The site includes indoor spaces suitable for 8–240 people, plus outdoor event spaces for up to 2000 people. A full venue guide and rate card will be released soon.
Bookings for meetings, functions and conferences will be available from October 2025. Planning and event or interested in hiring Yitpi Yartapuultiku? Complete an online hire enquiry form here.
Catering and Cultural services will also be available.
For small group bookings such as school visits email yitpi.yartapuultiku@cityofpae.sa.gov.au
About Yitpi
A project years in the making, Yitpi Yartapuultiku officially opened on Sunday 1 June 2025, during National Reconciliation Week, amplifying its powerful message of unity and healing. Check out a selection of images from opening day in the photo gallery below or visit our Facebook page for the full photo gallery.
Yipti is owned by City of Port Adelaide Enfield. Governance is shared with the Elders and Aboriginal Advisory Panel through a Leadership Group that sets strategic direction. The centre has been a $35.2 m capital project funded by City of PAE, and Australian Government Commonwealth Government $4.5 million to develop the living shoreline which will boost the health of the river system, reduce the risk of flooding and enhance biodiversity in the area. Read more about the design and development of Yitpi Yartapuultiku here.
About FAQ
Decisions are made through the Kaurna-led Leadership Group. All new programs, stories and artworks require Elders’ approval and Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) clearance.
The site designates Pangkarrila (Men) and Ngangkingka (Women) areas. They remain open to all except during cultural business—temporary signage and staff guidance will advise visitors.
Yitpi Yartapuultiku is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating, representing world leadership in better, healthier and more responsible buildings. It features solar PV, raingarden filtration, recycled timber and a Living Shoreline that restores mangrove habitat.
