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Adelaide, along with Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. Known for its cool urban center, lush green parklands, and incredible wineries, Adelaide has a huge variety of fun tourist attractions and activities on offer. Let’s take a look at 17 of the best things to do in this beautiful coastal city.
1. Chill Out in Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Since 1857, Adelaide Botanic Gardens have provided the city with 50 hectares (123 acres) of gorgeous green space filled with a huge variety of native and exotic plants. Wander through the pretty formal rose garden, look out for wildlife in the wetlands, get a taste of the Australian rainforest, and witness stunning Amazonian water lilies.
Some of the gardens are very formally landscaped, while others have a wilder feel to give you a true sense of escape from the city. You’ll also see some fantastic historic and modern architecture in the form of glasshouses and pavilions.
2. Meet Rare Wildlife at Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Zoo is the only non-profit zoo in Australia and has pioneered modern zoological techniques that are now employed all over the world. More than 1,800 animals, comprising 300 species, live in this 20-acre zoo. The area is divided into geographical areas so that species found in the same habitats in the wild live alongside each other in captivity.
You can expect to see lions, tigers, orangutans, alligators, sea lions, tapirs, dingos, giraffes, kangaroos, and many other favorites at the Adelaide Zoo. The stars of the show are Wang Wang and Fu Ni, two endangered giant pandas who are part of a research, conservation, and breeding program designed to protect this at-risk species.
3. Buy Fresh Produce at Adelaide Central Market
One of the best attractions for foodies in Adelaide is its Central Market, where more than 70 vendors sell fresh produce, meats, seafood, cheese, baked goods, and handmade crafts. There are also several food stalls and cafes available serving up delicious, ready-to-eat international cuisine.
Adelaide Central Market is the southern hemisphere’s largest covered market and is Australia’s oldest food market having been in operation for more than 150 years. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday so you have plenty of opportunities to explore, and you can even take a guided tour to learn about the market’s history and its most popular products.
4. Watch Wild Dolphins Play at Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary lies 20 minutes outside of the city center and is one of the best places in Australia to see bottlenose dolphins in their natural environment. There are 30 resident dolphins in this marine park, but some 400 more transient dolphins visit throughout the year to feed, socialize, play, and nurse their calves.
The sanctuary park is comprised of a 10,000-year-old mangrove forest as well as salt marshes, seagrass, tidal flats, and tidal creeks.
You’ll get a chance to spot a variety of wildlife here, including sting rays, Australian sea lions, and long-nosed fur seals. Plus, the north coastal portion of the park is shared with Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary, where fantastic birdwatching opportunities are available. You can explore on foot or give kayaking or paddleboarding a try.
5. Cycle or Walk Along the River Torrens
The River Torrens winds right through the heart of Adelaide to separate the Central Business District from the quieter northern portion of the city. A fantastic way to see the city is to take a walk or bike ride along the riverbank. An 18-mile pedestrian and bike path runs along the river on both sides, and there are plenty of attractions, landmarks, and eateries to stop at along the way. If you’d prefer a more relaxing way to admire the River Torrens, take a sightseeing cruise instead.
6. Learn about Adelaide Gaol
Adelaide Gaol was the first permanent gaol in Australia and it operated from 1841 right up until 1988. Now, it’s open to the public so that you can learn more about this dark chapter in Adelaide’s history.
First, wander around the Adelaide Gaol Museum for an interactive experience of life in the Gaol, including opportunities to pick locks and wear leg irons. Next, check out the Mugshot Exhibition to learn about some of the Gaol’s convicted prisoners and the events that led to their execution.
Drop into Cell 18, a unique art installation that includes oral histories and archival materials to bring the stories of the Gaol’s prisoners to life. Finally, check out the archaeological dig site that lies on the grounds of the Gaol. Operated by the South Australian Museum, the dig site reveals evidence of Adelaide’s earliest white settlement and details the lives of the Gaol’s earliest prisoners.
7. Go Shopping at Rundle Mall
Rundle Mall was founded in 1976 when a 1800-foot stretch of Adelaide’s city center was closed to traffic to create Australia’s first pedestrian mall. More than 700 retailers operate here, including the renowned Haigh’s Chocolates.
You’re right at the heart of the city here and close to Victoria Square and Adelaide Market, so you can combine your visit into a self-guided walking tour of the CBD.
8. Watch Sports at Adelaide Oval
Adelaide Oval is one of Australia’s most prestigious sports venues, with thousands of visitors attending sporting events and concerts here regularly. Get tickets to a cricket, Australian football, or soccer game to get a feel for the incredible atmosphere, or take a guided tour of the stadium to learn about its history and the celebrated sporting moments that have taken place here.
9. Get Cultural at the Art Gallery of South Australia
The Art Gallery of South Australia is home to one of Australia’s biggest and best art collections. More than 42,000 works are on display here, including aboriginal, Pacific Island, colonial, and modern pieces. Discover some of Australia’s leading artists as you wander around this cultural gem.
10. Wander Through the Historic City Centre
There are several self-guided sightseeing tour routes to walk in the historic city center, and this is one of the best ways to get the lay of the land when you first arrive in Adelaide. You’ll pass popular landmarks such as Parliament House, Town Hall, Victoria Square, Adelaide Festival Centre, the Darling Building, and the MLC Building.
There’s some incredible architecture to admire in Adelaide’s city center, including heritage Victorian-era buildings and chic ultra-modern structures. Plus, when you wander down some of the city’s alleyways and backstreets, you’ll catch glimpses of colorful street art.
11. Go For a Hike in Cleland Wildlife Park
If you love hiking you’ll be in your element at Cleland Wildlife Park, which is a popular conservation park in Adelaide Hills. There are several fantastic trails to choose from that let you admire the rugged countryside, witness gorgeous waterfalls, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The trail up Mount Lofty allows you to reach the highest point in the area for impeccable views.
When you visit Cleland Wildlife Park you’ll also get the chance to meet some native Australian wildlife, including koalas. The park’s koala experience is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about these unique creatures and even have a cuddle with one of them.
12. Take the Tram to Glenelg for a Beach Day
Glenelg is a popular seaside town with beautiful sandy beaches and a charming jetty lined with boutique stores, cafes, a historic carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a huge amusement center. You can reach it in just 30 minutes by tram, which is a fun and relaxing way to get around in Adelaide.
Glenelg Beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, but consider visiting some other nearby beaches while you’re in the area. Henley Beach has a laid-back atmosphere and is home to cool thrift stores and ice cream shops. West Beach is a popular watersports hub, so be sure to visit to give surfing a try.
13. Taste Wine in the Barossa Valley
A visit to Adelaide wouldn’t be complete without a wine tour of the Barossa Valley. The area is a 55-minute drive north of the city center, and there are more than 150 wineries to choose from. Eighty of them have cellar doors where you can sample and purchase wines. If you want to spend a night or two in these rolling hills, you’ll also find many hotels and inns in the area.
To enjoy Adelaide’s wine regions without traveling as far as the Barossa Valley, head to Mclaren Vale. This is another popular wine and food region that lies just 20 miles away from Adelaide. Alternatively, you can stay in the heart of the city and visit the National Wine Centre, which offers a variety of food and wine-tasting experiences.
14. Day Trip to Pretty Victor Harbor
Victor Harbor is a beautiful town on the Fleurieu Peninsula where you can immerse yourself in some of South Australia’s best natural beauty. It takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to get here by car, so plan to spend the full day in the region. There’s plenty to do, such as hiking, biking, whale watching, quad biking, abseiling, and boat tours. The area is also known for its fantastic food and drink.
15. Be a Bookworm at the State Library of South Australia
The State Library of South Australia is an important cultural attraction in the North Terrace Cultural Precinct. It is comprised of three buildings, two of which — the Institute Building and the Mortlock Wing — were built in the 1860s. The newest building is the Catherine Helen Spence Wing, which won awards for its impressive design and is instantly recognisable by its grand glass foyer.
Exhibition bays in the Mortlock Chamber and the Spence Wing’s Treasure Wall offer insights into Adelaide’s past. Bookworms can also simply browse the books, newspapers, and magazines on offer and take in the library’s peaceful atmosphere.
16. Meditate in Himeji Gardens
The beautiful Himeji Gardens have offered a slice of peace and quiet in the busy city since opening in 1982. The garden’s design was gifted to Adelaide by Himeji, the city’s Japanese sister city. There’s a charming fish and turtle pond, lots of perfectly manicured shrubs, and a gravel garden.
17. Take a Day Tour to Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island lies just 45 minutes away from Adelaide by boat, and it’s home to a huge array of native species, including kangaroos, sea lions, and koalas. More than two-thirds of the island is protected nature reserves, offering undisturbed natural views and excellent opportunities to spot wildlife. Flinders Chase National Park on the island’s west side is best known for its spectacular rock formations and colonies of penguins.
There’s plenty to do on Kangaroo Island, including snorkeling, diving, surfing, sailing, and bushwalking. You can plan your own tailor-made visit or join a guided tour from Adelaide.
Plan Your Adelaide Sightseeing Schedule
Adelaide is packed with fantastic attractions, so you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to sightseeing. Which of these fun activities will you get up to when you visit this stunning region of South Australia?
