Adelaide serves as the capital city of South Australia. She presents many attractions, including a scenic riverside position, a beach entrance, a tranquil lifestyle, and a prosperous cultural atmosphere. It’s regarded as one of the top cities to explore in Australia, equipped with many sightseeing possibilities, tours, attractions and additional experiences. If you’re wondering what to do in Adelaide, read our article on things to do in Adelaide!
Adelaide's CBD
The urban centre of Adelaide, widely identified as the CBD or Central Business District, provides a multitude of city attractions to satisfy various budgets and preferences.
About Adelaide Oval
The Adelaide Oval stands as a well-liked sporting venue in Australia. It accommodates various sports and events and is adjacent to the riverside, ensuring straightforward accessibility from the CBD. The ambience at the Oval perpetually buzzes with vitality; hence, making it a game is undoubtedly endorsed. Sports lovers can indulge in the Stadium Tour, which proffers entry to behind-the-scenes sections and the Bradman Collection. For adventurers, the Rooftop Experience presents an exhilarating two-hour walk atop the grandstands, showcasing spectacular views of the field, the River Torrens and the metropolis
Adelaide Central Markets
Positioned in central Adelaide, near Victoria Square, Adelaide Central Markets is perceived as one of the premier food markets in the nation. With a history spanning over 150 years and encompassing more than 70 vendors, it provides an array of fresh foods, including meat, seafood, small fruits and vegetables. In addition, superior cafes and restaurants are available. Just outside the market, visitors can explore Adelaide’s Chinatown district, which delivers delicious food from various Asian cuisines. To experience Adelaide Central Markets, it is recommended to partake in a breakfast or lunch tour and leverage local knowledge.
South Australian Museum
Concentrating on natural history, the South Australian Museum is among the most renowned museums in Australia. It hosts the world’s most extensive assortment of Aboriginal Australian artefacts and a substantial exhibit of items from Ancient Egypt, Australia’s polar exploration and Pacific culture, among others.
Significance of the South Australian Art Gallery
The South Australia Art Gallery, the second-largest art gallery in Australia, accommodates approximately 47,000 items. The collection features works by distinguished Australian artists like Sidney Nolan, Russell Drysdale, Arthur Streeton and Margaret Preston and globally acknowledged artists such as Goya, Rodin and van Dyck. Moreover, the gallery boasts esteemed collections of indigenous, Asian and Islamic art.
Fame of The South Australia State Library
Situated along North Terrace, the State Library of South Australia acts as the formal public document repository for the state. It maintains an impressive collection of historical materials, including books, magazines, pamphlets and journals, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the abundant history of South Australia.
St Peter's Cathedral
Frequently referred to as the “City of Churches,” Adelaide features one notable church, St Peter’s Cathedral. This iconic Anglican church, constructed in the late 19th century and drawing inspiration from Notre Dame de Paris, holds daily services and provides interior tours.
The Central Shopping District in the CBD: Rundle Mall
Parliament House
Known as “New Parliament House,” Parliament House is a notable skyscraper in Adelaide. Located on the northern edge of the CBD, the building features a splendid columned facade crafted from granite and marble. Its erection extended from 1874 to 1939, and it functions as the legislative centre of South Australia. Visiting this location offers a fascinating chance to witness the operation of democracy.
The tour includes the Central Market, South Australian Museum and St Peter’s Cathedral.
St Francis Xavier Cathedral
The St Francis Xavier Cathedral, situated in Adelaide, is a Roman Catholic cathedral initially constructed in the 1850s and reached completion in 1996. It’s a stellar example of Neo-Gothic architecture and stands as one of the most exquisite buildings in the city centre.
Riverbank Precinct
Adelaide Zoo
Positioned on the riverbank, the Adelaide Zoo boasts a diverse collection of Australian and global animals, not to mention being the sole residence of giant pandas in Australia. It’s recognised as one of Adelaide’s premier attractions.
Ayers House
Constructed in the 1870s, Ayers House, a colonial Victorian mansion, serves as a well-frequented events venue in Adelaide. This centrally positioned locale welcomes visitors to indulge in high tea, festive Christmas drinks or enjoy cocktails.
Adelaide Botanic Garden
The Adelaide Botanic Garden is a beautiful garden with many plants, blossoms and designs. The Bicentennial Conservatory, characterised by its expansive greenhouse and assortment of tropical flora, is undoubtedly worth a visit.
River Cruising
For a serene afternoon, contemplate embarking on a River Torrens Sightseeing Cruise. The journey also highlights sites such as the Adelaide Gaol, Adelaide Oval and Adelaide Festival Centre.
Multiple river cruise alternatives are available in the vicinity, from intimate choices like a High Tea Cruise aboard Popeye, hiring BBQ Buoys for an independent voyage, to embarking on a Kayaking Adventure. Moreover, the renowned Segway Guided Tour is accessible along the Riverbank Precinct, thoroughly exploring the key points without needing foot travel.
The National Wine Centre of Australia
MOD
MOD, an abbreviation for Museum of Discovery, offers a distinctive attraction in Adelaide. Operated by the University of South Australia, it zooms in on the future trajectory of science and technology. Specifically formulated for young adults aged 15 to 25, it provides interactive exhibits and a range of perpetually updating displays. Moreover, with no entrance fee, MOD represents one of the prime complimentary activities in Adelaide.
Tunnel Tours
The Old Adelaide Treasury building, laden with rich history and captivating tales, is a historic landmark in the city. It possesses a series of tunnels beneath, which historically facilitated the transportation of goods and individuals. This building and its underground passages are highly encouraged activities in Adelaide.
Adelaide Himeji Garden
Escape Rooms
Due to their capability to challenge and activate the mind, Escape Rooms have garnered escalating popularity. Individuals are allotted a 60-minute time frame to decipher various puzzles and exit a locked room. This activity proves enjoyable for both family units and friend groups. Participating in an Escape Room is worth considering for those seeking a lively and captivating experience in Adelaide.
TreeClimb Adelaide
Positioned just south of the CBD in the Parklands, TreeClimb Adelaide presents an adventurous experience, offering rope courses that span between tree platforms, interlinked by rope nets, swinging bridges and zip lines. TreeClimb Adelaide furnishes a means to remain active and connect with nature, providing distinct courses for adults and children, including a safety briefing.
Along The Coast
Drive on Moana Beach
Moana Beach allows vehicle accessibility from 5:30 a.m. to 12 midnight. Relish the ease of keeping your vehicle nearby while basking in a warm summer day at the beach. Please note that a fee for taking your car onto the beach is applicable.
Glenelg, Brighton & Seacliff
Option to Use Tram or Bicycle
The renowned Glenelg Tram from the CBD is available, or a Glenelg Bike Tour may be chosen to navigate Adelaide’s suburbs and arrive at Glenelg.
Embark on a Cruise
The coastlines of Adelaide present breathtaking sunsets, rendering a Sunset Catamaran Cruise from Glenelg an ideal concluding activity for the day. A Dolphin Watching Cruise is also suggested for those passionate about nature due to the everyday occurrences of wild dolphin sightings along the shores.
The Beachouse Attraction
Positioned on Glenelg’s foreshore, The Beachouse is an amusement park for families, featuring traditional attractions like bumper cars, water slides, mini-golf and arcade games. It is recognised as one of the key attractions in Glenelg.
Jetty Road Glenelg Exploration
When in Glenelg, it’s advisable to stroll down Jetty Road, where numerous stores and eateries await. Various cuisines and options are available to cater to different financial capacities. After dining, one can venture into the area’s unique boutique clothing stores and art exhibits.
Coastal Stroll
Embarking on the coastal walk from Seacliff to Glenelg in Adelaide provides a scenic and delightful endeavour for those pursuing an energetic excursion. The walk meanders roughly six kilometres through diverse terrains, encompassing beaches, dunes, parks, bushlands and headlands. Along the path, you’ll encounter sculptures, informational signs, sights of the Indigenous culture and the Brighton Jetty. It offers a splendid afternoon activity and can be aptly rounded off with a festive beverage or several in Glenelg.
Port Adelaide Overview
Cruising on the Port River
Dolphin Encounters via Kayaking
For a more intimate experience, a Dolphin Kayaking Tour lets you closely engage with curious river dolphins.
Semaphore Locale
The Foreshore of Semaphore
Many activities are accessible along Semaphore Foreshore, including delighting in water slides, investigating the historic jetty, lounging on the beach, engaging in mini-golf, or riding the vintage carousel or Ferris wheel.
Thrilling Skydiving
For a heart-pounding experience, contemplate a skydiving adventure from 15,000 feet above Semaphore Beach. The spectacular background enhances the excitement of the activity.
North Haven
South Of The City
Belair National Park
Belair, positioned in the southeastern corner and at the base of the Mount Lofty Ranges, hosts the Belair National Park. This untouched swath of greenery on the city’s edge is found here. Notable features of the park encompass the Valley Loop Walk and the Waterfall Hike, which take in the park’s waterfalls and wooded zones.
Marion Precinct
Westfield Marion Shopping Centre
Providing a diverse array of shops, eateries, and cafes, Westfield Marion is Adelaide’s most expansive shopping centre for visitors to explore and enjoy.
The SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre offers many activities
The SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre is nearby, a sizable, contemporary swimming and fitness facility boasting multiple pools and gymnasiums. It features an Olympic-sized swimming pool and other pools of varying depths. The centre is equipped with diving boards, steam rooms, saunas, a fitness centre, a childcare centre and even a cafe, meeting all your swimming and fitness requirements.
East Of The City
The Mount Lofty Ranges, visible from numerous spots throughout the city, outline Adelaide’s eastern boundary.
Waterfall Gully
Recognised for its demanding 4.5-kilometre, 2.5-hour trail to the peak of Mount Lofty, Waterfall Gully stands out as a favoured destination in Adelaide. Throughout the route, visitors are treated to magnificent vistas, lush nature, and striking waterfalls, securing its status as one of the city’s most cherished and well-known walks.
The Parade
Upon concluding your exertion, consider a visit to the main thoroughfare of Norwood, situated in the inner eastern suburb. Offering a variety of exquisite restaurants, chic shops, boutique enterprises, modern bars, energetic pubs, and some of Adelaide’s renowned cafes, The Parade, a lengthy shopping street, is vibrant and is recognised as one of the hip locations to explore in Adelaide.
North Of The City
Adelaide’s northern suburbs are undergoing swift expansion and present many thrilling activities.
The Shopping Hub is Tea Tree Plaza
Situated in Modbury, in the city’s north-east, Westfield Tea Tree Plaza is a well-frequented shopping locale in Adelaide. It hosts nearly 250 outlets, including department stores, boutiques, eateries, cafes, and various services and provides a comprehensive selection for shopping and culinary experiences.
