Top Adelaide Attractions: The opulent, culturally diverse city of Adelaide is situated between Australia’s untamed south coast and the Mount Lofty Ranges’ foothills. This orderly capital of South Australia was established by European immigrants, and it was thoughtfully planned around the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri, bringing a welcome sense of order balanced by a laid-back atmosphere.
Everyone who travels will find something rewarding in Adelaide. Wide city boulevards in Adelaide appear pleasantly uncrowded, and the city’s prosperous past, supported by mining and agriculture, is still proudly on show. Among the contemporary high-rises, large public and private structures occupy a prominent position. Some of the city’s finest attractions include museums, galleries, gardens, and fine dining establishments. Opera, symphony and a thriving live music scene are also available for culture vultures.
Adelaide is surrounded by nature at all times. A short drive from the city’s central business district, bucolic settings and glistening beaches offer an idyllic playground for active inhabitants and fortunate visitors. The city is ringed by parks. Our list of Adelaide’s top attractions and things to do will help you find some of the city’s best tourist destinations.
Top Adelaide Attractions: Take in some culture on North Terrace
Top Adelaide Attractions: North Terrace is a lovely tree-lined boulevard that is adorned by historical and cultural riches, making it an excellent starting point for a city tour. One of the best things to do in Adelaide’s CBD is to see all the sights (central business district).
With its massive colonnade, Parliament House—located at the corner of King William Street and North Terrace—is arguably the most striking structure in Adelaide. Three of the city’s biggest tourist attractions are located right across the street from one another and give a triple dose of art and culture: the State Library of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, and the Art Gallery of South Australia.
The Mitchell Building, one of the best specimens of Gothic Revival architecture in the city, is located on the University of Adelaide’s main campus and borders these buildings.
The Migration Museum, Ayer’s Historic House, and the Adelaide Botanic Garden, a green thumb’s paradise, are just a few of the beauties on North Terrace.
Top Adelaide Attractions: The Adelaide Botanic Garden is worth exploring.
Top Adelaide Attractions: Enter a world of botanical wonders by passing through the wrought-iron gates at the eastern end of North Terrace. The Adelaide Botanic Garden, which was founded in 1855, has plantings with educational themes, such as medicinal plants, a Mediterranean garden, native Australian species, and a wetland that will ultimately store enough water to irrigate the entire property.
Through a number of permanent exhibits, the Santos Museum of Economic Botany sheds light on the significant part that plants play in everyday life. The Bicentennial Conservatory, which features lowland rainforest flora, the night-blooming Amazonica water lilies, and Australia’s oldest avenue of Moreton Bay fig trees are some of the other garden attractions. The Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden, which includes fruit and vegetables, compost, and a worm farm, will be a hit with kids.
One of the best free things to do in Adelaide is to explore these lovely gardens.
Ready to take in some more gardens? The heritage rose garden and impressive array of cool-climate flora at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden make it worthwhile to pay a visit. And if you’re looking for a small area of tranquillity near the CBD, go to Himeji Garden. An oasis of lily-topped ponds thoughtfully placed stepping stones, and the calming sounds of trickling water can be found in this well-maintained Japanese Zen garden.
the North Terrace neighbourhood of Adelaide, South Australia
Top Adelaide Attractions: Visit the Art Gallery of South Australia for inspiration.
Top Adelaide Attractions: One of Australia’s best art collections is on display at the Art Gallery of South Australia, which is located in the centre of Adelaide’s cultural district. The stately, collonaded Victorian structure, built in 1881, sets the tone for the prestigious works contained within.
The collection, which spans 2,000 years, includes everything from pottery, jewellery, and furniture to sculpture, paintings, textiles, metals, and photography.
Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander art are included in the Australian collection, which includes works from colonial times up to the present. The Renaissance to the present are included in European artwork, and the only Islamic gallery in Australia is featured in the Asian exhibitions. Important works from North America and some striking avant-garde sculptures are also on display.
the North Terrace neighbourhood of Adelaide, South Australia
Top Adelaide Attractions: Visit the Adelaide Oval
Top Adelaide Attractions: Although stadiums aren’t often a top draw in a capital city, Australians adore sports, and this location is significant to the history of the area.
The stadium, which is located in the heart of Adelaide’s lovely Riverbank Precinct, was built in 1871, and it played host to the inaugural test cricket match in 1884. Since its inception, the stadium has hosted more than 16 different sports, including the Australian Football League (AFL), archery, cycling, hockey, lacrosse, and tennis, in addition to major events and concerts.
The venue was revitalized by a multi-million dollar renovation that was finished in 2014, but the old scoreboard and century-old Moreton Bay fig trees remain.
Try to get tickets for a sporting event or other event here if you have the time. Fans of cricket should rush to the Bradman Museum to witness artefacts from the life of Australia’s most illustrious cricketer.
Enrolling on an Adelaide Oval Stadium tour is the greatest way to fully experience this legendary location. You will view the stadium’s best features up close and hear engrossing tales about its past during this 90-minute guided tour. This should be at the top of your list if you’re seeking for unusual things to do in Adelaide as a sports enthusiast.
Top Adelaide Attractions: Australian Museum of South
Top Adelaide Attractions: The South Australian Museum, a premier research facility noted for its Aboriginal history collections, is located next to the State Library. You can view artefacts from the South Pacific Islands in the permanent Pacific Cultures Gallery, take in Egyptian antiquities, and learn about regional flora and fauna in the South Australian Biodiversity Gallery, in addition to the superb Australian collection.
Children adore the cuddly animals, fossils, and skeletons in the natural history exhibits, and the changing special exhibits ensure that there is always something new to see. One of the best free activities in Adelaide is visiting this museum, especially if you’re seeking indoor activities. Adelaide is a city rich in culture.
the North Terrace neighbourhood of Adelaide, South Australia
Top Adelaide Attractions: South Australia’s State Library
Top Adelaide Attractions: The stark contrast of old and new at the State Library of South Australia astounds first-time visitors. Modern amenities and free Wi-Fi are available in the contemporary Spence Wing with its sharp lines and glass-fronted entryway.
Ask for directions to the Mortlock Wing, a nearby 1884 French Renaissance structure that houses the original library. It feels like going back in time to enter this majestic old place. Ladders lead up to leather-bound volumes that are carefully stacked on the hardwood shelves of the multi-tiered galleries that beckon high above. The galleries are flanked by intricately wrought iron balustrades. Natural light pouring in through the glass dome on the roof highlights this throwback to previous libraries.
The Mortlock Wing is also worthwhile to visit for its unique collection of writings on South Australian history. The Kaurna people, the original guardians of this area, are discussed here. Along with other outdoor artwork, be sure to keep an eye out for the Kaurna welcoming stone at the Spence Wing entrance.
Address: Adelaide’s North Terrace and Kintore Avenue
Top Adelaide Attractions: Purchase items in Adelaide Central Market
Top Adelaide Attractions: One of the world’s oldest indoor markets is located in Adelaide Central Market, which is a short distance west of Victoria Square on the south side of Grote Street. These vibrant markets, which were established in 1870, are popular with consumers. Come here to get fresh produce, flowers, baked products, cheeses, and a tantalizing selection of delectable delights from across the world.
Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bags or baskets. After perusing the produce-filled shops, grab a meal at one of the numerous adjacent cafés or the Asian eateries in Chinatown.
Tuesday through Saturday are market days. However, try to visit on a Saturday afternoon when some vendors lower their prices to move their merchandise for the best deals.
Location: Adelaide, South Australia, between Gouger and Grote Street
Top Adelaide Attractions: Get Some Sea Air in Glenelg
Top Adelaide Attractions: The beachfront community of Glenelg, located in the protected and surf-free Gulf St. Vincent, is a well-liked getaway from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. Most people choose the 25-minute ride on Adelaide’s only remaining tram, which leaves from Victoria Square in the heart of the city, to get here.
Glenelg has a fascinating history in addition to its beachside attractiveness and abundance of tourist attractions. This is the earliest European colony in mainland South Australia, having been established at Holdfast Bay following the disembarkation of the first group of free settlers from HMS Buffalo.
A holiday atmosphere is created by sidewalk cafés, boutique hotels, and exciting summer entertainment. Looking for family-friendly attractions in Adelaide? The Beachouse is an amusement park offering a variety of rides for children, including a huge waterslide, bumper cars, and more.
Top Adelaide Attractions: At the Adelaide Zoo, meet the pandas.
Top Adelaide Attractions: The Adelaide Zoo, which shares a northwest border with the Adelaide Botanical Gardens, is well-known for its emphasis on teaching and captivating animal collection. It started in the latter part of the 19th century.
The star of the show, captivating both young and old, are giant pandas. The orangutans, koalas, meerkats, lemurs, and the vibrant feathered buddies in the aviary are some of the other well-liked residents. Don’t forget to explore the Envirodome, an interactive tourist centre that has a vertical garden and terrarium.
It’s only a 10-minute walk from the Adelaide CBD, making it one of the most well-liked family activities in Adelaide (central business district).
In Adelaide, South Australia, at Frome Road
Kangaroos can be fed at Cleland Wildlife Park.
An adorable collection of cuddly Australian creatures are cared for in a realistic setting at Cleland Wildlife Park. There aren’t many enclosures in this area. Instead, you may walk among, feed, and enjoy up-close interactions with kangaroos, wallabies, potoroos, and emus as they graze freely in the open spaces.
The interactive keeper presentations offer fascinating information about the animals and their environments, and photographers will have the opportunity to take some fantastic pictures. You can snap a photo with a koala and keep it as a keepsake for an additional cost.
On the northwest slopes of Mount Lofty, less than 20 minutes drive from the city’s core, is Cleland Animal Park. It is among the most well-liked activities in Adelaide Hills.
In Crafers, South Australia, at 365 Mount Lofty Summit Road
See a Show at Adelaide Festival Center
The Adelaide Festival Centre, which can be reached by foot from North Terrace and Rundle Mall in five minutes, attracts visitors and residents alike with its diverse schedule of events. The white tent-like roof structure of this venue—first Australia’s multipurpose arts space—is a recognizable feature along the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri.
The location is home to many smaller theatres, a dining area, a bright gallery, and an amphitheatre for concerts and recitals in addition to the spacious 2,000-seat Festival Theatre.
This multifaceted venue’s appeal is increased by the ample parking and simple accessibility.
Location: Adelaide, South Australia, King William Street
Museum at Ayers Historic House
One of Australia’s greatest examples of Regency architecture is Ayers House. Henry Ayers, who served as South Australia’s prime minister for several years, owned the small 1846 residence from 1855 until 1878. It was converted by Ayers into a classy 40-room home with a ballroom and a sizable new dining room.
You are welcome to have a guided tour of the mansion, which is now owned by the National Trust of South Australia and is a well-liked event location. You’ll discover fascinating facts about Sir Henry Ayers’ life and career as well as the social history of the time during the trip.
The internal walls and ceilings of the interior are renowned for their ornate painted finishes. A fantastic collection of antique furniture, silverware, artwork, and decorative arts from the time period are on display, along with various exhibitions.
In Adelaide, South Australia, at 288 North Terrace
Watching people at Victoria Square
At the intersection of Grote Street and Wakefield Street in the centre of the city, King William Street extends into the renovated Victoria Square, also known as Tarndanyangga in the Aboriginal language. This event space is a well-liked gathering area with lovely grounds, and it’s a terrific place to relax and take in the scenery.
As they run in and out of the fountains, kids squeal with joy. Many events and festivals are hosted here throughout the year, and workers frequently bring their picnic lunches here.
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