Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia (SA), is an elegant and lively city characterized by a profound cultural history and a variety of attractions catering to enthusiasts of history, culture, and gastronomy. Notably, South Australia was the only colony established free of convicts, as it was founded as a free settlement populated by voluntary migrants. Importantly, the 1834 Act that established South Australia also included provisions ensuring that the Aboriginal peoples of the state, along with their descendants, would retain rights over the lands they ‘now actually occupied or enjoyed’.

Adelaide soon earned the designation of the City of Churches due to the significant number of churches constructed within its boundaries; many of these historical edifices still stand and remain in use today, offering a captivating glimpse into the city’s heritage. In contemporary times, the city is replete with diverse and exquisite dining options, a vibrant café and bar scene, as well as exceptional boutique shopping. Furthermore, as the global capital of opal mining, it presents an excellent opportunity to acquire unique jewelry.

Adelaide is a splendid destination for picturesque scenery, with an array of easily accessible natural attractions within the city proper and an abundance of regional beauty just a short distance away. South Australia was ranked 5th among Lonely Planet’s top regions of the world for 2017 for good reason; this state offers a wealth of experiences, and Adelaide shines as an irresistible gem in its own right.

Let us explore the premier attractions in Adelaide:

1. Visit Rundle Mall for some great shopping and stunning architecture

Rundle Mall serves as Adelaide’s principal shopping thoroughfare and is notable as Australia’s first pedestrian-only mall, with a significant portion of the street closed to motor traffic since 1976. Within the Mall, shoppers will find an extensive selection of both major Australian and international retailers, as well as unique boutiques and a network of arcades connecting the mall.

Initially established in 1837, many buildings here date back to the 19th century.

The Mall is also famed for its iconic sculptures, including the Spheres, a large cockroach statue, and a delightful assembly of life-size bronze pigs (Augusta, Horatio, Oliver, and Truffles) amusingly foraging near a rubbish bin.

The ornate decor of the Adelaide Arcade and the fountain at its entrance, both constructed in the late 1800s, are additional attractions.

2. Check out the hustle and bustle of Adelaide Central Market

Central Market justifiably claims the title of “Adelaide’s food hub,” hosting 80 stalls under one roof, making it one of Australia’s largest fresh produce markets. Visitors can explore a wide variety of offerings, from fresh fruits and vegetables to exquisite patisseries, gourmet cheeses, and a delectable charcuterie.

Live music is performed every Friday, complemented by an array of events throughout the year, including cooking classes, edible-gift-making sessions, school holiday workshops for children, and even a vegan festival! As most of the products are sourced locally, shopping here supports South Australian growers and artisans, representing a sustainable shopping choice.

3. Admire the gorgeous flora at the Adelaide Botanic Garden

This expansive 51-hectare botanic garden, inaugurated in 1857, was designed under the influence of the Royal Gardens at Kew, England and Versailles, France.

Noteworthy structures within the garden include the Palm House, a Victorian glasshouse dating back to the 19th century. The National Rose Trial Garden is particularly charming; it is the first of its kind in Australia, facilitating trials of various international rose breeds to determine their adaptability to local conditions.

A panel of ten rosarians evaluates the roses over two growing seasons, with the results announced at the conclusion of the trial, recognizing the winning specimens with an award.

Additionally, the bicentennial conservatory represents the largest single span conservatory in the Southern Hemisphere and hosts at-risk or endangered plants from Northern Australia, Indonesia, PNG, and the South Pacific.

The Museum of Botany, dedicated to the study of economically valuable plants, opened in 1881 and is recognized as “the last purpose-built colonial museum in the world,” with many of its original exhibits still on display.

Beyond the historical and architectural significance, the garden offers visitors an extraordinary variety of beautiful and diverse flora, alongside the adjacent enchanting Botanic Park.

4. Enjoy the classic charm of Glenelg

Glenelg is a coastal resort located within close proximity to central Adelaide and the Adelaide airport.

This destination enjoys popularity among both locals and visitors, featuring a beautiful beach and foreshore that create an inviting atmosphere for relaxation.

The area is also well-suited for recreational boating or a leisurely stroll along the jetty, which offers stunning views.

Jetty Road, Glenelg’s primary retail thoroughfare, and the entertaining Beachouse theme park are noteworthy attractions.

Rich in history, Glenelg is recognized as the oldest European settlement on mainland South Australia, established with the proclamation of the colony of South Australia.

Exploring the town reveals a number of charming heritage buildings, including the Centenary Memorial, Stormont House, Glenara, and the Glenelg Town Hall, the latter housing the intriguing Bay Discovery Centre—a museum dedicated to the history of Glenelg and South Australia.

The Glenelg Tram is a significant attraction, being the only operational tram line in Adelaide.

Beginning at Moseley Square and traveling through Jetty Road into Adelaide’s city, this route, established in 1873, often features a historic H-Class tram from 1929 on weekends and public holidays.

5. Revitalize at the Himeji Garden

A gift from Himeji, Adelaide’s sister city in Japan, these serene gardens are designed in two Japanese styles—senzui (lake and mountain garden) and kare senzui (dry garden)—with elements that evoke the beauty of nature. Features of the garden include a zen rock garden, koi ponds, a tranquil lake, the Okunoin lantern, and a shishi-odoshi, which is commonly found in many Japanese gardens. The garden serves as an excellent venue for picnics, meditation, or birdwatching.

This peaceful retreat is conveniently situated just outside the city center, providing a perfect setting to relax after several days of exploration.

6. Experience a taste of Australia at Carrick Hill

Carrick Hill is a remarkable historic estate located at the base of the Adelaide Hills.

Constructed in 1939, the property was designed in an English architectural style. It is extraordinarily well-preserved, including its grounds and the majority of its original furnishings.

Upon their passing, the owners, the Haywards, bequeathed the estate to the state of South Australia. Having many artist acquaintances, the property features an impressive collection of artworks on exhibit within the home.

Art exhibitions are regularly hosted here.

The 40-hectare estate includes 26 hectares of native bushland alongside manicured gardens.

7. Go on a heritage walking tour

Often referred to as a “city of great buildings,” Adelaide is celebrated for its magnificent heritage architecture and captivating history.

A range of informative guided tour options are available for those interested in discovering the history behind these stunning sites.

Travelers on a budget can even partake in one of the many self-guided tours suggested on the Adelaide City Council website, which provides insights into the history of Rundle Mall.

The most prominent heritage buildings, as voted by the residents of Adelaide, can be found in this area; many are centrally located, allowing for a leisurely exploration of both contemporary and historical architecture.

8. Get in touch with nature at the Cleland Conservation Park

Located a 20-minute drive from the city center, this conservation park encompasses the picturesque Mt Lofty, offering stunning panoramic views of the city, as well as the highly popular Cleland Wildlife Park, where visitors can encounter emus, koalas, and various native Australian wildlife.

The Waterfall Gully Reserve, named after First Falls (an exquisite waterfall within its boundaries), is also situated within the Conservation Park.

This park is abundant in diverse flora and fauna, providing an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in Australian natural landscapes that are mere minutes from the urban environment.

9. Get inspired at the North Terrace cultural precinct

This precinct includes several key cultural institutions: the Art Gallery of SA (AGSA), the SA Museum, the State Library of SA, and the University of Adelaide.

It is ideal to dedicate an entire day to explore this area; numerous engaging activities and learning experiences await! This area features heritage buildings from the 19th century, as well as striking modern architecture, including the Spence Wing, providing ample photography opportunities.

The various collections housed within the State Library are fascinating, particularly the “South Australiana” and “Children’s Literature Research” collections.

The SA Museum is distinguished for housing the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal Australian artifacts, along with a Megafauna gallery dedicated to extinct Australian megafauna.

Additionally, a captivating (and aesthetically pleasing) opalized fossil collection is available for viewing.

The AGSA is renowned for its extensive collection of Australian art, both historic and contemporary; it also features international works, including sculptures by Rodin and paintings by Goya.

10. Learn about the traditional owners of the land at the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute

This esteemed Aboriginal art museum is the oldest Aboriginal-owned and managed multi-arts center in Australia, showcasing a variety of compelling art and cultural exhibitions.

Located approximately a 15-minute walk from the North Terrace cultural precinct, it constitutes a valuable addition to your art exploration itinerary.

The institute frequently hosts diverse artistic programs and a children’s holiday initiative.

Australian Aboriginal art enjoys global admiration, known for its aesthetic appeal and profound symbolism; visitors will grasp its significance after appreciating the captivating works displayed here.

11. Go down the River Torrens

Various tour options are available on Adelaide’s iconic River Torrens, including a Venetian-style gondola boat tour. Guests may also partake in kayaking, canoeing, or using paddle boats for an adventurous experience, but conditions apply, and the water quality is deemed “no-contact.” Therefore, should you capsize, it is advised to shower and change promptly.

For those preferring a more leisurely experience, river cruises offer a relaxing way to appreciate the stunning scenery of Adelaide; during the cruise, you will encounter landmarks such as the Elder Park Rotunda (established in 1882), the picturesque footbridge (which is illuminated at night), and the Adelaide Zoo.

The most recognized cruise operator is Popeye, which has been conducting tours on the river for over 75 years.

12. Explore Cobbler Creek Recreation Park

This 256-hectare park serves as a sanctuary of Australian nature in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, preserving delightful woodland and grassland habitats.

Additionally, it is a popular destination for mountain biking, with 17 kilometers of shared-use trails available for both cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy.

The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, notably known for its birdlife, which includes some threatened species.

13. Visit the National Wine Centre

The National Wine Centre is situated just outside the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and offers a compelling educational experience; in fact, it is also an oenology research institute connected to the University of Adelaide! The center hosts wine classes, events, wine dinners, and an interactive exploration of wine, featuring Australia’s largest wine tasting room, with 120 different wines available for sampling to help you discover your ideal selection.

You will gain profound insights into the art of winemaking and the nuances of wine appreciation.

14. Get crafty at the Jam Factory

The Jam Factory is an interactive arts and crafts center, featuring a variety of studios, galleries, and shops.

This multifunctional facility offers opportunities to learn about glassmaking, pottery, metal design, and more. Visitors can also participate in workshops and acquire beautiful artisanal creations from local artists.

The Jam Factory nurtures artistic talent, both in Adelaide and beyond, serving as an inspiring venue where you can engage with passionate and skilled artisans.

15. Visit the National Railway Museum

Australia’s largest railway museum is sure to captivate train enthusiasts! The museum features over 100 exhibits and includes a 457mm gauge railway within its complex.

The engaging and interactive displays provide valuable insights into the history of Australian rail transport, complemented by an elaborate model railway showcasing Adelaide and its surrounding regions! Additionally, the nearby Maritime Museum and Aviation Museum are conveniently located and can be easily visited alongside the Railway Museum.