The approximate area of Regency Park was originally called Tam O'Shanter Belt after the ship Tam O'Shanter which was grounded for several days near North Arm in December 1836. The ship passengers walked to North Adelaide and saw the ship behind them over a distinct belt of trees. The southern half of today's suburb of Regency Park was acquired in October 1838 by John Wright, a wealthy English banker, and was subsequently sold to the Tam O'Shanter Land Company. The village of Tam O'Shanter was created and occupied the present area of Regency Park. Between 1850 and 1860, a school, and The Freshwater Springs hotel was constructed. It was a semi-rural area, producing mainly vegetables and dairy products. In 1879 land that is now Regency Park was acquired by the City of Adelaide for the purpose of constructing the Islington Sewage Farm which operated from 1881 until 1966. From that time the land fell into disuse until the creation of the new industrial suburb of Regency Park, named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II on her first ever visit to Adelaide in 1970. Regency Park was subdivided by the Government for light industry in four phrases between 1975 and 1981. In 1981 Sunnybrae Farm, of land remaining from the subdivisions, was transferred to the City of Enfield and declared a Historic Conservation and Recreation Centre. The Enfield & Districts Historical Society was incorporated in 1982 and the old farm buildings at Sunnybrae were restored by the society in partnership with the council. The site now houses a function centre and includes a museum originally created by the historical society.
Commercial, educational and administrative facilities
The largest family owned Australian brewery, Coopers Brewery relocated from Leabrook to the corner of South Road and Regency Road in Regency Park in 2001. The Regency Campus of TAFE SA is located in Regency Park along with a special school for children with a mental disability. Due to the heavy presence of commercial shipping in Regency Park, there is a Transport SA office in the suburb catering largely for the semi trailers associated with the local industry.
Tourism, sport and recreation facilities
The historic Islington Sewage Farm Straining Shed in Pedder Crescent and Sunnybrae Farm Complex on Naweena Road and are both listed on the South Australian Heritage Register. From 1995 until 2012 the Enfield & District Historical Society operated a history museum at the Sunnybrae complex after which time the property passed into private hands. A large part of Regency Park west of South Road is occupied by the Regency Park Golf Course and adjoining recreation park facilities.
Transport
The 361 bus serves Grand Junction Road. The 300 bus serves Regency Road its entire length. The 230 and 232 buses only serve Regency Road as far as Days Road. The 239 bus serves Days Road and Grand Junction Road. The suburb is also served by Islington railway station on the Gawler railway line. The North-South Motorway runs through Regency Park.
