A unique treasure trove of images has emerged of your Adelaide Park Lands as they looked 62 years ago.

Queenslander Barry Christiansen has provided access to a collection of family photos taken by his father, the late Neil Christiansen, during a visit to Adelaide in February and March of 1961, from what was at the time, his family home in Victoria.

This visit coincided with the development of Rymill Park, including the construction of what was, at the time, a brand-new ornamental lake and the start of a new children’s playground:

The first paddle boats for Rymill Park Lake, early 1961

The island on Rymill Park Lake, early 1961

John, Dianne and Barry Christiansen enjoying the brand new elephant climbing frame in Rymill Park, early 1961

In 1961, consumer access to colour photography was in its infancy, so these photos are a rare find.

Here’s their story, from Barry Christiansen.

My father, Neil Christiansen, had built a caravan and we went on a holiday during the months of Feb-Mar1961.

The family consisted of Dad (Neil), Mum (Gloria) and four kids: Dianne (10), Barry (7), John (3) and Jeff (1M).

We travelled the inland route through Bendigo, Echuca, Swan Hill, Mildura, The Barossa Valley, Adelaide, Glenelg, Murray Bridge, Millicent, Mt Gambier, Portland, and Warrnambool then along the Great Ocean Road to get back home in Laverton, Victoria.

Dad took as many pictures as he could afford and here are some of the ones from the gardens in Adelaide and Adelaide itself. I remember this trip as it was the first time I was stung by a bee when I picked it off a clover flower in Mildura.

My sister and I also had to complete tasks given to us by the school so we would not fall behind.

I loved the elephant slide in Lake Park [Rymill Park] and to my joy we went there a couple of times.

We explored a lot of gardens during the trip as well as other places of interest.

Adelaide Botanic Garden: The 1861 Owen fountain, in its centenary year, 1961

Adelaide Botanic Garden: The 1877 Palm House, neglected in 1961

Adelaide Botanic Garden: the Nelumbo (sacred lotus) pond, in 1961

At Barry’s suggestion we’ve attempted to re-create some of the photos, standing close to the place that Neil Christiansen would have stood, more than 62 years earlier.