Discover the best of Adelaide with our comprehensive Trip Planner guide to the best Adelaide attractions and things to do in this elegant and culture-rich city. Situated between the rugged south coast of Australia and the Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide was founded by European immigrants and boasts a carefully crafted layout along the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri. This balance of order and laid-back vibe makes Adelaide a must-visit destination for all types of travelers.
Explore the city’s wide boulevards and admire its affluent heritage, on display in the form of magnificent private mansions and grand public buildings, surrounded by modern high-rises. Immerse yourself in the city’s cultural offerings, including museums, galleries, gardens, and gourmet restaurants. Enjoy performances at the opera, symphony, and indulge in the thriving live music scene.
Nature is never far away in Adelaide. Take a stroll through the city’s parklands or take a short drive from the CBD to experience the bucolic landscapes and sparkling beaches. Get up close and personal with the great outdoors and enjoy all that Adelaide has to offer with our list of the top 20 things to do in this vibrant state capital.
Get Some Culture By Visiting North Terrace
The North Terrace boulevard in Adelaide is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city’s central business district. With its tree-lined streets and historic and cultural attractions, it’s one of the top things to do in Adelaide. At the intersection of King William Street and North Terrace, visitors will find the imposing Parliament House. This monumental building is one of the most impressive in Adelaide. Just down the street, the State Library of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, and the Art Gallery of South Australia offer a wealth of art and culture and are considered top tourist attractions in the city.
In addition to these cultural institutions, the main campus of the University of Adelaide is also located on North Terrace and is home to the magnificent Mitchell Building, an example of Gothic Revival architecture. Other notable North Terrace attractions include the Migration Museum, Ayer’s Historic House, and the Adelaide Botanic Garden, a dream for anyone interested in horticulture. So, if you’re looking for a mix of history, culture, and nature, North Terrace is the perfect place to start your Adelaide adventure.
Take A Stroll Through Adelaide Botanic Garden
Adelaide offers an array of botanical delights for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. One of the best free things to do in Adelaide is visiting the Adelaide Botanic Garden, established in 1855. This garden features themed plant collections, including medicinal plants, a Mediterranean garden, Australian native species, and a wetland. The Santos Museum of Economic Botany provides a unique look at the role of plants in everyday life through its permanent collections. Visitors can also admire the palm house, the Bicentennial Conservatory, night-flowering Amazonica water lilies, and Australia’s oldest avenue of Moreton Bay fig trees. Kids will love exploring the Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden, complete with a fruit and vegetable garden, compost, and a worm farm.
For those looking for more garden experiences, the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is a must-visit. This garden boasts a collection of cool climate plants and a heritage rose garden. If you’re in search of a peaceful oasis in the CBD, head to Himeji Garden, a beautifully tended Japanese Zen garden complete with lily-topped ponds, artful stepping stones, and tranquil water sounds. These botanical wonders are just a few of the many exciting things to do in Adelaide for nature and gardening enthusiasts.
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia
Official site: https://www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/visit/adelaide-botanic-garden
Art Gallery Of South Australia
Discover the beauty of art and culture at the Art Gallery of South Australia which is one of the must-visit attractions in Adelaide. Located in the city’s cultural hub, this Victorian-style building houses one of Australia’s premier art collections spanning a period of 2,000 years. The Adelaide gallery showcases a diverse range of art mediums, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, metalwork, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, and more.
Immerse yourself in the rich history of art, starting from the colonial era to the present day with a focus on Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander art. The European collection showcases pieces from the Renaissance to the contemporary era, while the Asian exhibits feature the country’s only Islamic gallery. The gallery also displays important North American pieces and avant-garde sculptures. Visit the Art Gallery of South Australia for an unforgettable experience of art and culture, one of the top things to do in Adelaide.
Adelaide Oval
Adelaide Oval Stadium is a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Nestled in the heart of the Riverbank Precinct, this iconic stadium has a rich history dating back to 1871 and has hosted a wide range of sports, music concerts, and major events over the years. From AFL to archery, cycling to hockey, and everything in between, this venue has something to offer for everyone.
The multi-million-dollar renovation completed in 2014 has revitalized the stadium, while still preserving its heritage-listed scoreboard and century-old Moreton Bay fig trees. For cricket fans, a visit to the Bradman Museum is a must, where you can admire memorabilia on display from Australia’s most famous cricketer.
One of the best ways to experience Adelaide Oval Stadium is by signing up for a 90-minute guided tour. On this tour, you will get a behind-the-scenes look at the stadium’s top features and learn about its fascinating history. Whether you’re a sports fan or simply looking for interesting things to do in Adelaide, this tour is a must-do activity. So don’t miss this opportunity to appreciate this iconic venue and its rich heritage.
Official site: https://www.adelaideoval.com.au/
South Australian Museum
Looking for educational and engaging activities to do in Adelaide? Consider visiting the South Australian Museum. This top research facility, located near the State Library, offers a wealth of knowledge about the region’s history, culture, and natural wonders. Famous for its collections of Aboriginal heritage, the museum is a must-visit for those interested in Australian history. Additionally, the Pacific Cultures Gallery showcases artifacts from the South Pacific Islands, while the Egyptian antiquities exhibit provides a unique glimpse into the history of the ancient civilization. The South Australian Biodiversity Gallery is another highlight, showing the diverse types of flora and fauna of the region.
Families will love the interactive natural history exhibits featuring stuffed specimens, fossils, and skeletons, and with special exhibits constantly rotating, there is always something new to discover. Experience all that the South Australian Museum has to offer, and add it to your list of top things to do for free in Adelaide, especially if you’re seeking indoor activities in the city.
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia
Official site: http://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/
State Library Of South Australia
Discover the perfect blend of old and new at the State Library of South Australia. This must-visit attraction in Adelaide is a hub of cultural and historical significance, offering a unique experience for visitors. Explore the modern and fully-equipped Spence Wing, with its sleek design and free Wi-Fi, and then take a step back in time by heading to the adjacent Mortlock Wing. This historic building, built in 1884 in the French Renaissance style, will transport you to a bygone era with its multi-tiered galleries, wrought iron balustrades, and leather-bound books.
Don’t miss the special collection of works on the history of South Australia, including the rich heritage of the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of this land. As one of the top indoor activities in Adelaide, a visit to the State Library of South Australia is a must for history and culture enthusiasts. Be sure to take in the stunning artworks, including the Kaurna greeting stone, located at the entrance to the Spence Wing.
Address: North Terrace and Kintore Avenue, Adelaide
Official site: http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm
Shopping At Adelaide Central Market
Discover the rich history and diverse offerings at Adelaide’s Central Market, one of the world’s oldest indoor markets. Located on the south side of Grote Street, just a short walk from Victoria Square, the market offers a unique shopping experience with a variety of products including fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, baked goods, cheeses, and an array of multicultural cuisine.
Visitors to the market will find an abundance of colorful stalls and shops selling everything they need. The best time to head to the market is to visit the market on a Saturday afternoon when vendors offer discounts to move their produce. After shopping, take a break and enjoy a meal at one of the nearby cafes or Asian restaurants in Chinatown.
When visiting Adelaide Central Market prepare to be amazed by the sights and smells of this historic market. The Adelaide Central Market is open from Tuesday to Saturday, and is a must-visit for anyone looking to combine some great shopping with a bit of history and culture.
Location: Between Gouger and Grote Street, Adelaide, South Australia
Official site: http://www.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/
Get Some Beach Time At Glenelg
Looking for a fun escape from the busy city? Consider visiting Glenelg, a picturesque seaside village located in the sheltered and surf-free Gulf St. Vincent. Getting to Glenelg is easy, just take a 25-minute ride on Adelaide’s historic tram from Victoria Square in the city center.
With its stunning beach and rich history as the oldest European settlement on mainland South Australia, Glenelg is a must-visit destination for all types of travelers. Enjoy a tasty meal at one of the many sidewalk cafes or boutique hotels, or catch some summer entertainment. If you’re traveling with family, The Beachouse amusement park is a sure hit with its thrilling rides, giant waterslide, bumper boats, and Ferris wheel. For a more peaceful experience, spend the day soaking up the sun on the beach, casting a fishing line off the pier, or even sailing and swimming with dolphins. With so many things to do, Glenelg is a top choice for those searching for Adelaide attractions for families and beach lovers.
See Adorable Pandas At Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Zoo is a beloved destination for animal lovers and families, located in the heart of the city next to the Adelaide Botanical Gardens. Established in the late 19th century, this zoo is known for its educational focus and charming collection of animals. One of the biggest draws of the Adelaide Zoo is its giant pandas, which are sure to captivate visitors of all ages. Other popular animals include orangutans, koalas, meerkats, lemurs, and the colorful birds in the aviary. Don’t miss the Envirodome, an interactive visitor center with a vertical garden and terrarium.
For a truly immersive experience, sign up for one of the zoo’s interactive animal encounters. Get up close and personal with lions or tigers, interact with meerkats, lemurs, or red pandas, meet a giraffe face-to-face, and more. The petting zoo is a must-visit for families with toddlers, where they can cuddle, kiss, and feed a variety of furry and feathery farmyard animals, as well as kangaroos, quokkas, and wallabies. A visit to Adelaide Zoo is one of the top things to do in Adelaide for visitors with families and is just a 10-minute walk from the Adelaide central business district (CBD).
Address: Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia
Official site: http://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/
Cuddle A Koala At Cleland Wildlife Park
Explore the stunning wildlife of Australia with a visit to Cleland Wildlife Park, one of the must-see attractions for nature lovers in Adelaide. Immerse yourself in the naturalistic environment as you come face to face with adorable kangaroos, wallabies, potoroos, and emus, all roaming freely in the open spaces. Take part in interactive keeper presentations and learn about the animals and their habitats, and don’t miss the opportunity to capture some amazing photographs. For an added experience, pay a fee to cuddle a koala and take home a memorable souvenir photo.
Located just a short 20-minute drive from the city center, Cleland Wildlife Park is a popular destination in the Adelaide Hills. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience, add this to your list of top things to do in Adelaide.
Address: 365 Mount Lofty Summit Road, Crafers, South Australia
Official site: https://www.clelandwildlifepark.sa.gov.au/
Watch A Show At Adelaide Festival Centre
Looking for things to do in Adelaide that showcase the city’s cultural side? Look no further than the Adelaide Festival Centre, a hub of arts and entertainment. Conveniently located just a five-minute walk from North Terrace and Rundle Mall, this iconic venue is a must-visit for those who want to experience the best of Adelaide’s cultural offerings.
As Australia’s first multi-functional arts venue, the Adelaide Festival Centre boasts a variety of performance spaces, including the 2,000-seat Festival Theatre, smaller theaters, a banquet room, gallery, and amphitheater, making it the perfect destination for all types of cultural events, including theater, opera, ballet, exhibitions, lectures, and more.
One of the largest events held at the Adelaide Festival Centre is the Adelaide Festival of Arts, also known as the Adelaide Festival. This highly regarded festival features a wide range of performances and exhibitions, making it one of the most popular things to do in Adelaide for culture enthusiasts.
Visitors who want to delve even deeper into the workings of the Adelaide Festival Centre can join a behind-the-scenes tour, which takes them to the dressing rooms and performance spaces, offering a unique and fascinating look at the venue. With ample parking and easy accessibility, the Adelaide Festival Centre is a must-visit for those who want to experience the best of Adelaide’s cultural scene.
Address: King William Street, Adelaide, South Australia
Official site: http://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/
Day Trip To Barossa Valley
The Barossa Valley, located just an hour’s drive from Adelaide airport, is a top destination for food lovers and wine enthusiasts. With a rich history of grape-growing dating back to the early settlements by Prussian and English immigrants, the region boasts an array of fresh produce and fantastic restaurants.
For those seeking unique experiences, the Barossa Valley offers a range of activities such as heritage trails, cookery schools, artisan shops, art galleries, and museums. If you’re willing to venture a bit further, the Clare Valley also awaits with its lush hills and thriving gourmet food culture, making it another must-visit destination for those looking for things to do in Adelaide.
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