10 Best Things to Do in Adelaide

The North Terrace Cultural Precinct in Adelaide is next to the University of Adelaide and UniSA, and a must-visit for those intrigued by art, history and culture. This cultural precinct houses several museums, including the South Australian Museum, the Art Gallery of South Australia, the State Library of South Australia and the Migration Museum.

Stroll North Terrace Boulevard to admire the stunning architecture of the historic buildings that line the street, and explore the West End where you’ll find modern cultural hubs including the Nexus Multicultural Arts Centre and JamFactory. Many of the museums and galleries offer free entry. Check listings for more information.

The Adelaide Botanic Garden is a peaceful oasis in the northeast corner of the city centre, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Comprised of 3 beautiful botanic gardens: Adelaide, Mount Lofty and Wittunga, you can explore the waterlily pavilion, lose yourself in the delicious scent of the rose gardens and spot wildlife at the Butterfly Garden.

To learn about the diversity of Australian plants and trees, take a walk in the Garden of Health, which houses over 2,500 plants used to heal and promote well-being in western and non-western cultures. Visit in the evening to see the garden's illuminated sculptures and light installation art pieces during the special Botanica Lumina events.

Pakapakanthi or Victoria Park is in the South-eastern Park Lands of Adelaide, an innovative piece of urban planning of 29 adjoining parks which circle downtown Adelaide in a figure 8. The English name, Victoria, was assigned in 1897 on Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, but the name changed in 2003 to Pakapakanthi, to reflect that it’s on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people. The Park is also known by locals as ‘Park 16’.

Pakapakanthi Park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for some active fun. Take a stroll through the wetland on the system of footpaths and walking trails to see birdlife in the park such as ducks and miner birds.

Adelaide Central Market is in the heart of the city’s central business district (CBD). A foodie’s paradise, this is one of the largest covered food markets in the southern hemisphere. Since it opened in 1869, the Central Market has been an important part of Adelaide life, with more than 70 stall holders supplying locals and visitors with everything from house-smoked sausages and cheeses to handmade pasta, baked goods and sushi.

In addition to fresh produce and food items, the Adelaide Central Market also offers handmade crafts, homeware and unique gifts. Visit on a Friday for the ‘Friday Night Market,’ where you can enjoy live music, food stalls and a lively atmosphere.

Port Adelaide is a historic port town, 20 minutes’ drive away from Adelaide with a variety of galleries and museums, beautiful scenery and wildlife including dolphins, seals and migratory birds. Explore the town's rich history by visiting the Maritime Museum, the National Railway Museum and the Port Adelaide Heritage Trail.

Work up an appetite on a river cruise, or kayak around the mangrove forests of the Port River. Don't forget to try the local fish and chips, a staple of the town's culinary scene.

Carrick Hill is one of Australia’s very few intact historic mansions and estates, located in the Adelaide Hills just 5 miles away from Adelaide’s CBD. Once the private home of the wealthy Hayward family who lived there from 1939, it is decorated with treasures such as a Jacobean staircase from the now-demolished Beaudesert Hall in Staffordshire, England, a stately home dating back to the 1500s.

Gifted to the nation of Australia in 1982, enjoy the 40 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, take a guided tour of the house and savour breakfast, lunch or an upscale afternoon tea at the on-site cafe.

Adelaide Zoo is in the Park Lands close to the Botanic Gardens, and home to more than 2,500 animals, including koalas, pandas, kangaroos, meerkats, lemurs and many more. The zoo is actively involved in conservation efforts, including breeding programs for endangered species, habitat restoration and education programmes for the public.

The zoo offers many excellent animal encounter programmes, such as a pre-opening tour of the Bamboo Forest where the pandas live to watch cute Red Pandas eating their breakfast and see Australia’s only Giant Pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, wake up and explore their exhibit.

RoofClimb Adelaide offers visitors the chance to safely climb the roof of the famous Adelaide Oval for panoramic views of the city in the north Park Land. The climb, which is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, takes you along a purpose-built walkway, where you'll be harnessed to the roof and led by an experienced guide.

Along the way, you'll learn about the history and architecture of the stadium and the city and enjoy breath-taking views of Adelaide's skyline. Book the "Twilight Climb" for jaw-dropping sunset views.

The Himeji Garden is in Park 18, one of the southern parts of the Adelaide Park Lands, and offers you a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Created as a symbol of friendship between Adelaide and its sister city, Himeji, in 1985, the garden features traditional Japanese elements such as waterfalls, stone lanterns and a koi pond.

Designed to be a place of contemplation and reflection, you can connect with nature and find inner peace. The garden is also a popular spot for photography, with its picturesque landscapes and stunning vistas.

The National Railway Museum is in Port Adelaide and is the largest railroad museum in Australia with more than 100 major exhibits, including vintage carriages and steam engines. Take a ride on a heritage train or explore the interactive exhibits.

At the museum, you can experience the golden age of rail travel and learn about the important role trains played in shaping Australia's development. If you time your visit right, you can sign up for a Driver Experience Day and learn what it’s like to drive one of these beautifully restored steam trains.