Colonel Light Memorial: A Tribute to Adelaide's Founder

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Commemorating Colonel William Light, Adelaide's founder and visionary, at his final resting place in Light Square (Wauwi).

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Colonel Light Memorial Monument

The Colonel Light Memorial, located in Light Square (Wauwi), Adelaide, commemorates Colonel William Light, the city's founder and first Surveyor-General. The monument marks his final resting place and celebrates his pivotal role in designing the city's layout.

A brief summary to Colonel Light Memorial Monument

Light Square, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, AU

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Take a moment to appreciate the monument's design, noting the surveyor's tools (theodolite and tripod) that reflect Colonel Light's profession.
Explore Light Square and observe how the city's grid layout, conceived by Colonel Light, is reflected in the surrounding streets.
Consider visiting the Colonel Light statue in Victoria Square (relocated to Montefiore Hill) for a different perspective on his legacy.

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Getting There

Walking

Light Square is located in the city center and is easily accessible by foot from many points of interest. From Adelaide Railway Station, walk south along King William Street, then turn right onto Currie Street. Continue west for approximately 830 meters until you reach Light Square. The walk takes about 10 minutes.
Public Transport

Adelaide Metro buses frequently stop near Light Square. From Adelaide Railway Station, several bus routes travel to Light Square. Catch a bus from Stop Z1 King William Rd - West side to Stop C1 Morphett St - East side. The bus fare is approximately $5. Alternatively, from Tea Tree Plaza Interchange, take the M44 bus to Stop W1 Currie St - South side. The bus fare is approximately $5.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Adelaide. A taxi from Adelaide Railway Station to Light Square is a short ride, costing approximately $6 - $8. From Tea Tree Plaza Interchange, a taxi will cost approximately $35 - $45. Keep in mind that fares may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
Parking

If driving, several parking options are available near Light Square. UPark Light Square and KPark Light Square offer secure parking. KPark Light Square, located at 53 Light Square (entry via Morphett Street), charges $2.00 per 30 minutes on weekdays, with a maximum of $14.00 for 12 hours. Weekend parking is a flat rate of $5.00. Motorcycle parking at UPark Light Square is a flat rate of $6.

Discover more about Colonel Light Memorial Monument

The Colonel Light Memorial stands as a tribute to Colonel William Light, the visionary founder and first Surveyor-General of Adelaide. Situated in Light Square, also known as Wauwi in the Kaurna language, this monument marks Light's final resting place and honors his enduring contribution to the city's design.Colonel Light played a crucial role in South Australia's early history, selecting Adelaide's site and creating its innovative grid layout in 1836-37. His plan, characterized by wide streets and public squares, laid the foundation for the city's development. Light's ashes are interred here, making it likely the only marked grave outside a dedicated cemetery in metropolitan Adelaide.The original sandstone monument, erected in 1844, deteriorated over time due to weathering. In 1905, it was replaced by the current memorial, designed by H.L. Jackman. The 11-meter high monument features a bronze tripod and theodolite atop a column of Murray Bridge red granite and a base of Monarto grey granite, symbolizing Light's surveying tools.Light Square itself is one of the five public squares included in Colonel Light's 1836 plan. The square is divided into sections by Waymouth and Currie Streets, with Morphett Street running through its center. The memorial's location marks the spot where Light began his historic survey of Adelaide.