Are you planning a trip to Adelaide and seeking the best travel and tourism experiences? SIXT.VN offers premier travel solutions to ensure your Australian adventure is seamless and unforgettable. We provide expertly curated travel guidance tailored to your preferences. Discover the best places to visit in Adelaide and enhance your holiday planning.
1. Immerse Yourself in Culture Along North Terrace
Mitchell Building, University of Adelaide, a Gothic Revival masterpiece
What makes North Terrace a must-visit for culture enthusiasts? North Terrace is a handsome, tree-lined boulevard filled with historical and cultural treasures, ideal for starting your Adelaide exploration. Exploring the attractions here is one of the top things to do in Adelaide’s CBD (Central Business District).
Parliament House, located at the intersection of King William Street and North Terrace, impresses with its monumental colonnade. Nearby, the State Library of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, and the Art Gallery of South Australia offer a rich collection of art and culture, making them top tourist attractions.
The University of Adelaide’s main campus features the Mitchell Building, a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture.
Other notable sites along North Terrace include the Migration Museum, Ayer’s Historic House, and the Adelaide Botanic Garden, a dream for gardening enthusiasts.
2. Discover Serenity in Adelaide Botanic Garden
Lush greenery and vibrant flowers in Adelaide Botanic Garden
What makes Adelaide Botanic Garden a tranquil escape? Adelaide Botanic Garden, established in 1855, is accessible through wrought-iron gates at the east end of North Terrace, offering a botanical wonderland. It features educational themed plantings, including medicinal plants, a Mediterranean garden, Australian native species, and a wetland designed to sequester enough water to irrigate the entire grounds.
The Santos Museum of Economic Botany highlights the vital role of plants in everyday life through various permanent collections. Other garden highlights include the palm house, the Bicentennial Conservatory with lowland rainforest plants, the night-flowering Amazonica water lilies, and Australia’s oldest avenue of Moreton Bay fig trees. Children will enjoy the Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden with fruits, veggies, compost, and a worm farm.
According to the Botanic Gardens of South Australia, the gardens host over 1.5 million visitors annually, making it a top attraction for locals and tourists alike. Exploring these beautiful gardens is one of the best free activities in Adelaide.
Looking for more green spaces? Visit Mount Lofty Botanic Garden for its cool climate plants and heritage rose garden. For a peaceful retreat in the CBD, head to Himeji Garden, a Japanese Zen garden featuring lily-topped ponds, stepping stones, and soothing water sounds.
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia
Official site: https://www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/visit/adelaide-botanic-garden
3. Find Artistic Inspiration at the Art Gallery of South Australia
Elegant Victorian architecture of the Art Gallery of South Australia
What makes the Art Gallery of South Australia a cultural highlight? Situated in Adelaide’s cultural precinct, the Art Gallery of South Australia showcases one of Australia’s finest art collections. The elegant, colonnaded Victorian building, established in 1881, provides a fitting backdrop for the esteemed artworks within.
Spanning 2,000 years, the collection includes sculpture, paintings, textiles, metalwork, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, and furniture.
The Australian collection covers colonial times to the present, including Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander art. European works range from the Renaissance to today, and Asian exhibits feature Australia’s only dedicated Islamic gallery. Important North American pieces and avant-garde sculptures are also on display.
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia
Official site: http://www.artgallery.sa.gov.au/agsa/home
4. Take a Tour of Adelaide Oval
Historic Adelaide Oval, a renowned sporting venue
Why is Adelaide Oval a must-see for sports enthusiasts? Stadiums may not always top the list of attractions, but Adelaide Oval holds a special place in the hearts of Australians.
Located in the attractive Riverbank Precinct, the stadium was established in 1871 and hosted its first test cricket match in 1884. It has since hosted over 16 different sports, including AFL, archery, cycling, hockey, lacrosse, and tennis, as well as music concerts and major events.
A multi-million-dollar renovation completed in 2014 revitalized the venue while preserving the old heritage-listed scoreboard and century-old Moreton Bay fig trees.
Try to catch a sporting match or event here. Cricket fans should visit the Bradman Museum to see memorabilia from the life of Australia’s most famous cricketer.
Official site: https://www.adelaideoval.com.au/
5. Explore the South Australian Museum
Diverse exhibits at the South Australian Museum
What makes the South Australian Museum a fascinating cultural experience? The South Australian Museum, adjacent to the State Library, is a renowned research facility known for its Aboriginal heritage collections. In addition to the excellent Australian collection, explore artifacts from the South Pacific Islands in the Pacific Cultures Gallery, admire Egyptian antiquities, and learn about local flora and fauna in the South Australian Biodiversity Gallery.
Children will love the natural history exhibits with stuffed specimens, fossils, and skeletons. Special exhibits ensure there’s always something new to see. This museum is a top free attraction in the city, especially for indoor activities.
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia
Official site: http://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/
6. Visit the State Library of South Australia
Grand architecture of the State Library of South Australia
What makes the State Library a captivating blend of old and new? The State Library of South Australia surprises visitors with its dramatic blend of old and new. The contemporary Spence Wing, with its sharp lines and glass-fronted entrance, offers modern facilities and free Wi-Fi.
From here, explore the original library housed in the adjacent 1884 French Renaissance building, known as the Mortlock Wing. Entering this grand old space is like stepping back in time. Multi-tiered galleries are edged by elaborate wrought iron balustrades, and ladders reach up to leather-bound books on wooden shelves. Natural light floods through the glass dome in the roof, highlighting this flashback to libraries of old.
The Mortlock Wing also features a special collection on the history of South Australia. Learn about the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of this land. Look for the Kaurna greeting stone at the entrance to the Spence Wing, among other artworks outside.
Address: North Terrace and Kintore Avenue, Adelaide
Official site: http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm
7. Shop at Adelaide Central Market
Vibrant stalls at Adelaide Central Market
What makes Adelaide Central Market a foodie paradise? Located west of Victoria Square on the south side of Grote Street, Adelaide Central Market is one of the oldest indoor markets in the world. Founded in 1870, these colorful markets are a popular shopping destination. Buy fresh fruit and veggies, flowers, baked goods, cheeses, and a variety of multicultural culinary treats.
Enjoy a meal at one of the many cafés in the area or the Asian restaurants in nearby Chinatown. Remember to bring your own shopping bags or baskets.
The markets are open Tuesday through Saturday, with the best bargains often found on Saturday afternoons when vendors reduce prices.
Location: Between Gouger and Grote Street, Adelaide, South Australia
Official site: http://www.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/
8. Relax by the Sea at Glenelg
Sandy shores of Glenelg beach
Why is Glenelg a popular seaside escape? In the sheltered Gulf St. Vincent, the seaside village of Glenelg offers a popular escape from the city. Most visitors take the 25-minute tram ride from Victoria Square in the city center.
Glenelg has a fascinating history. The first group of free settlers disembarked from HMS Buffalo in Holdfast Bay, making it the oldest European settlement on mainland South Australia.
Sidewalk cafés, boutique hotels, and lively summer entertainment create a holiday atmosphere. Families can enjoy The Beachouse, an amusement park with rides like a giant waterslide, bumper boats, and a Ferris wheel.
For a quieter visit, relax on the beach or fish off the pier. Sailing and swimming with dolphins are also popular activities in Glenelg.
9. Meet the Pandas at Adelaide Zoo
Adorable giant panda at Adelaide Zoo
What makes Adelaide Zoo a must-visit for animal lovers? Adjacent to the Adelaide Botanical Gardens, Adelaide Zoo is loved for its educational focus and diverse collection of animals. It was established in the late 19th century.
Giant pandas are the stars, delighting visitors of all ages. Other popular residents include orangutans, koalas, meerkats, lemurs, and colorful birds in the aviary. Visit the Envirodome, an interactive visitor center with a vertical garden and terrarium.
Enhance your visit with an interactive animal experience. Choose from a lion or tiger encounter, mingle with meerkats, lemurs, or red pandas, or come face to face with a giraffe.
Toddlers will enjoy the petting zoo, where they can cuddle and feed farmyard animals, kangaroos, quokkas, and wallabies.
According to the Zoo’s official website, Adelaide Zoo contributes significantly to conservation efforts, making it a meaningful visit. A visit here is a popular family activity and is only a 10-minute walk from the Adelaide CBD.
Address: Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia
Official site: http://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/
10. Feed Kangaroos at Cleland Wildlife Park
Up-close encounter hand-feeding kangaroos
Why is Cleland Wildlife Park a unique Australian wildlife experience? Cleland Wildlife Park cares for a variety of Aussie animals in a natural environment. Kangaroos, wallabies, potoroos, and emus roam freely, allowing visitors to wander among them, feed them, and enjoy close-up encounters.
Photographers can capture excellent shots, and interactive keeper presentations provide interesting details about the animals and their habitats. For an extra fee, you can cuddle a koala and take home a souvenir photo.
Located less than a 20-minute drive from the city center on the northwestern slopes of Mount Lofty, Cleland Animal Park is one of the most popular attractions in the Adelaide Hills.
Address: 365 Mount Lofty Summit Road, Crafers, South Australia
Official site: https://www.clelandwildlifepark.sa.gov.au/
11. Catch a Performance at Adelaide Festival Centre
Architectural brilliance of Adelaide Festival Centre
What makes Adelaide Festival Centre a hub for cultural events? A five-minute walk from North Terrace and Rundle Mall, Adelaide Festival Centre attracts locals and tourists with its vibrant cultural calendar. It was Australia’s first multi-functional arts venue, and its white tent-like roof structure is a distinctive landmark along the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri.
In addition to the 2,000-seat Festival Theatre, the venue includes smaller theaters, a banquet room, a light-filled gallery, and an amphitheater for concerts and recitals.
The center hosts the highly regarded Adelaide Festival of Arts, featuring theater, opera, ballet, exhibitions, lectures, and readings by writers. Those without time to attend an event can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the dressing rooms and performance spaces.
Ample parking and easy accessibility enhance the appeal of this multi-faceted venue.
Address: King William Street, Adelaide, South Australia
Official site: http://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/
12. Explore Ayers Historic House Museum
Regency architecture at Ayers Historic House Museum
What makes Ayers Historic House a journey into the past? Ayers House is one of Australia’s finest examples of Regency architecture. Originally built in 1846, it was owned from 1855 to 1878 by Henry Ayers, who served as prime minister of South Australia for many years. Ayers transformed it into an elegant 40-room mansion with a new dining room and ballroom.
Now owned by the National Trust of South Australia, it’s a popular event venue. You can view the house on a guided tour, learning about the social history of the period and the life and work of Sir Henry Ayers.
The interior is known for its decorative painted finishes on the walls and ceilings. On display is a superb collection of period decorative arts, furniture, silver, and artwork, as well as changing exhibitions.
Address: 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia
Official site: http://www.ayershousemuseum.org.au/
13. Relax and People-Watch at Victoria Square
Central gathering spot at Victoria Square
Why is Victoria Square a central hub for locals and tourists? In the heart of the city, at the intersection of Grote Street and Wakefield Street, King William Street opens into Victoria Square, also known by its Aboriginal name, Tarndanyangga. This event venue, with beautifully laid-out gardens, is a popular meeting place for relaxation and people-watching.
Children enjoy running in and out of the fountains, workers come for picnic lunches, and many events and festivals are held here throughout the year.
Amid modern high-rises, a few handsome 19th-century buildings have been preserved. On the south side stands the imposing Magistrates’ Courthouse (1851) with a Doric colonnade, and the Neoclassical Supreme Court (1868). On the east side lies the Treasury Building adjoining the Town Hall, and St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (1856-1926).
Other features include a statue of Queen Victoria and a charming fountain by John Dowie, representing the Murray, Torrens, and Onkaparinga rivers.
Victoria Square also hosts Adelaide Central Market, and the city’s only surviving tram departs from the square to Glenelg.
North of Victoria Square, the pedestrian-only Rundle Mall runs east from King William Street, lined with department stores, boutiques, and arcades.
14. Spend a Day at Port Adelaide
Historic charm of Port Adelaide
What makes Port Adelaide a destination for history and maritime enthusiasts? Port Adelaide, located about 14 kilometers northwest of the city center, is a popular tourist destination with museums, restaurants, and well-preserved heritage buildings.
Much of the town is a State Heritage Area, with imposing 19th-century buildings reflecting its early prosperity as a thriving port. Key landmarks include the 1879 Customs House and the Courthouse.
Families can enjoy dolphin-spotting cruises and transport-themed museums, including the National Railway Museum, South Australian Aviation Museum, and the South Australian Maritime Museum, with exhibits on the region’s seafaring history.
Seafood lovers visit the Fishermen’s Wharf Markets on Sundays to buy fresh-caught fish straight from the boats.
15. Explore the Migration Museum
Exhibits showcasing immigration stories at the Migration Museum
Why is the Migration Museum a poignant and educational experience? The Migration Museum, in a beautifully restored building behind the State Library, traces three centuries of immigration history in South Australia. From Aboriginal history before colonization to the impact of immigration on local culture, gain insight into the pioneering spirit and diverse cultures that shaped South Australia.
Personal stories of immigrants add a poignant note, and interactive displays entertain children. Admission is free, except for special events and exhibitions.
Address: 82 Kintore Ave, Adelaide, South Australia
16. Take a Day Trip to the Barossa Valley or Clare Valley
Picturesque vineyards in the Barossa Valley
What makes the Barossa Valley and Clare Valley essential destinations for food and wine lovers? Settled by Prussian and English immigrants, the Barossa Valley, about an hour’s drive from Adelaide airport, is one of Australia’s oldest grape-growing regions. Foodies will enjoy the fresh produce and fabulous restaurants.
The South Australian Tourism Commission highlights the Barossa Valley as a premier wine region, attracting visitors globally. Other attractions include heritage trails, cookery schools, craft stores, galleries, and museums.
A little farther afield, the rolling green hills of the Clare Valley also nurture a rich grape-growing history and thriving gourmet food culture.
17. Book a Getaway to the Fleurieu Peninsula
Scenic Horseshoe Bay near Victor Harbour
Why is the Fleurieu Peninsula a perfect coastal day trip destination? Less than an hour’s drive south of Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula is one of Adelaide’s most popular coastal day trip destinations. Rolling hills, farms, fantastic surf beaches, and upscale dining attract foodies and city dwellers seeking a slower pace.
Victor Harbour is the largest and most popular town along this rugged peninsula. From here, you can join a seasonal whale-watching cruise or fishing charter, surf the south coast swells, fish from the beaches, or take a horse-drawn tram to Granite Island to see the Little Penguins.
Goolwa, by the Murray River, is another popular peninsula town, as are the inland towns of Strathalbyn and Mount Compass.
18. Find Your Inner German on a Hahndorf Day Trip
Charming German architecture in Hahndorf
What makes Hahndorf a unique cultural experience in the Adelaide Hills? In the beautiful Adelaide Hills, about 20 minutes from the city center, Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Established in 1839 by German Protestants from East Prussia, the town features tree-lined streets, half-timbered houses, and Lutheran churches, imbuing it with European village charm. The many farms and German restaurants will delight foodies.
Start your tour at the former 1857 schoolhouse, now the visitor center and the Hahndorf Academy, an art gallery spotlighting local artists.
Hahndorf is famed for Sir Hans Heysen (1877-1968), a German-born landscape artist who came to Australia in 1883 and built an Alpine-style house on the outskirts of Hahndorf. Today, you can tour his home and studio, known as The Cedars, stroll through the gardens, and view his paintings.
Spend a relaxing day in this charming village, sightseeing, picking fruit at nearby farms, browsing the craft shops and galleries, and dining at the excellent restaurants.
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FAQ About Visiting Adelaide
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