Adelaide has everything for everyone and here are the best things to do you shouldn't miss!
Looking for new ideas for a fresh Aussie holiday? Travel to the city of Adelaide in South Australia for a one-of-a-kind vacation! There’s always something exciting going on in the city. So, whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or new and thrilling adventures, we’ve got you covered with our list of 16 of the best things to do in Adelaide!
Getting around Adelaide
Adelaide is a relatively easy city to get around. With a solid public transport system consisting of buses, trains, and trams, you can get around the city with ease. But if you're thinking of heading out to explore Adelaide and its surroundings, we would definitely recommend that you rent a car, starting at only $70 a day.
Wildlife Experiences:
1. Monarto Safari Park
Monarto Safari Park is one of the world’s largest open-range zoos, and the home of more than 500 animals from 50 different native and African species. The zoo offers a chance for you to come face to face with a giraffe and even to feel the ferocious roar of a lion. One of the best places to visit in Adelaide for families, guests of all ages will enjoy a day of meeting everything from rhinos to meerkats to chimps.
- Address: 63 Monarto Road, Monarto, SA 5254
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30am to 5pm
2. Kangaroo Island Day Tour
With an unassuming name, you’d be surprised by all there is to see and do on Kangaroo Island, aside from kangaroos. The sizable island is a sanctuary for Australian wildlife, such as sea lions, koalas, wallabies, echidnas and more! Kangaroo Island is also a paradisiacal destination for tourists due to its secluded location, pristine beaches, beautiful sceneries, and various activities.
One of the best ways to visit Kangaroo Island is to take a day tour from Adelaide. You’ll spot a wild colony of sea lions during a guided beach walk, pose for pictures at the Remarkable Rocks, and get up close with kangaroos and koalas at the wildlife park!
- Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 6:45am to 10:30pm
3. Cleland Wildlife Park
The award-winning Cleland Wildlife Park is one of South Australia's must-see attractions. Roam the beautiful park right alongside some furry friends and get the chance to pet, feed, and observe koalas (one of the only few places in the world where visitors can hold a koala), kangaroos, and emus up close.
Make sure to have your camera ready to snap a pic with you and your new friend. There are educational talks, discovery trails, a cafe, and a souvenir shop to make sure there is something for everyone at Cleland Wildlife Park.
- Address: 365 Mount Lofty Summit Road, Crafers, Adelaide Hills, SA 5152
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30am to 5pm
4. Dolphin Sanctuary Kayaking Tour
Take a trip to Port Adelaide to paddle through the calm waters of the Dolphin Sanctuary, home to over 30 resident dolphins and 300 transient dolphins. This is anything but a regular kayaking experience with bottlenose dolphins swimming right next to you as you explore the area and through a 10,000-year-old mangrove forest. Learn from professional guides, who will make sure you have a safe and fun experience, as you travel to some iconic landmarks and breathtaking shipwrecks along the coastline.
- Address: Garden Island Road, Port Adelaide,SA 5960, Australia
- Operating Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 9am to 12:30pm or 1pm to 4:30pm
Get lost in nature:
5. Adelaide Botanic Garden
Enjoy an afternoon among one of Australia’s finest plant collections at the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Made up of 11 spectacular garden areas, it’s every plant enthusiast’s dream to smell the 2,700 roses at the International Rose Garden, take a photo in the vibrant Dahlia Garden, and learn more about Australia's native plants that are both sustainable and water wise in the Australia Native Garden
The impressive garden also boasts striking architecture, like its Palm House–built in 1877–and the Bicentennial Conservatory, which was built in 1989 and is currently the largest single-span glasshouse in the Southern Hemisphere. This is surely a must-visit on your list of places to visit in Adelaide.
- Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
- Opening Hours: Daily, 7:15am to 5pm (Closing time varies depending on season)
6. Adelaide Park Lands, Himeji Garden
Adelaide is the only city in the world garlanded by Park Lands, a city built inside a park. Take a break from all the noise, and find your inner peace at Adelaide Himeji Garden located within the southern parts of Adelaide Park Land. The traditionally-styled Japanese garden is a little oasis for those looking for some quiet and a break from city life. With only the goldfish and ducks in the pond, the sounds of a waterfall, and a well-maintained zen garden to keep you company, you might never want to leave this delightful little garden.
- Address: South Terrace &, Glen Osmond Rd, Adelaide, SA 5000
- Opening Hours: Daily, 8am to 5:30pm
7. Stargaze at Mannum
Experience a stargazer’s delight well hidden within the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve. While you’re on this Dark Sky tour, a well-known astronomer will guide you through your stargazing experience. You’ll also be provided with a telescope and red torch lights to view the stars, constellations, and galaxies. Your evening will also be made complete with a delightful dinner and a guided tour of the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Archaeological Cultural site.
- Operating Hours: Selected days from May to December, 4:30pm to 11:30pm
8. Glenelg Beach
Meet Adelaide’s most popular city beach, Glenelg Beach. Unwind for the day with some beach-side ice cream or gelato, while the kids take a dip in the cool water. There are countless ways to keep yourself busy at Glenelg with cafes, buskers, and boutiques galore. At the end, celebrate a lovely day out with a stroll down the jetty for a perfect sunset photo with your loved ones.
If you’re looking for a deeper appreciation of the area, why not hop on board the Adelaide Ocean Safari for a 75-minute Cultural Coastline Cruise? You can even upgrade the experience to feast on fresh local seafood and sip on wine while you’re out at sea!
- Address: Cnr Jetty Road, Colley Terrace Glenelg, Glenelg, Adelaide, SA 5045
Immerse in arts & culture:
9. South Australian Museum
For over 150 years, the South Australian Museum has been a venue for education on the country’s national heritage, housing over four million specimens and material cultural items. They’ve got an excellent Paleontology collection, most notable because the museum is responsible for over 50,000 registered fossil specimens. There’s sure to be something for everyone at the South Australian Museum, especially since they always have new exhibitions available for visitors.
- Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10am to 5pm
10. Explore Street Art with Eco Caddy
Discover the diverse collection of art found in the streets of Adelaide on a private Eco Caddy tour. Your guide will bring you on a 12km journey around the city to explore a mix of the city’s history, street art, and even cafes, all while you’re on board an e-Tricycle. Find hidden gems tucked in some of the most unpredictable places with the help of your guide!
- Meeting Point: Victoria Square, Adelaide
- Operating Hours: Daily, 9am to 6pm
11. St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral
St. Peter’s Cathedral is one of Adelaide’s most iconic landmarks for its outstanding neo-Gothic architecture and striking interiors. Its beautiful ornate carved furniture and stained glass windows have been the backdrop for many worships and weddings. Drop by for a quick tour around the cathedral, or join a service to hear the distinguished St. Peter’s Cathedral Choir’s beautiful voices.
- Address: 27 King William Road, North Adelaide, SA 5006
- Visiting Hours: Monday to Friday, 11am to 1pm
- Free Guided Tour: Every Wednesday, 11:00am
Foodie Adventures:
12. Adelaide Central Market
Experience the city of Adelaide through a grand tour of its tastiest flavours and unique crafts. Try out different delicacies and one-of-a-kind recipes at over 80 different stalls at Adelaide Central Market. Be sure to pick up some bits and bobs at local artisan stalls for souvenirs you can’t get anywhere else. Satisfy your tastes, whether you’re in a group or with a few loved ones, everyone’s guaranteed to leave feeling full in their stomachs and their shopping bags.
- Address: 44-60 Gouger St Adelaide SA 5000
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 9am to 5:30pm | Friday, 7am to 9pm | Saturday, 7am to 3pm
13. Penfolds Winery Visit
Probably every adult’s favourite place to visit near Adelaide is Penfolds Magill Estate Winery. Here you’ll uncover the origins of a name that has become synonymous with world-class wines and learn the process of how the grapes are carefully cultivated through the seasons. You’ll also get the chance to head into the vintage cellar to find a treasure trove of the finest wines within, and get an opportunity to taste some of their famous wines.
- Address: 78 Penfold Rd, Magill SA 5072
- Tour Operating Hours: Daily, 11am
14. Penfolds Wine Blending Class
For the wine connoisseurs out there, you shouldn’t miss the Penfolds Wine Blending Class at their Barossa Valley Cellar Door. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from master winemakers about the processes and techniques behind tasting, crafting, and blending wine.
During your 1-hour class, you’ll create your very own bottle of wine suited to your own tastes, and, as a reward for a day of learning, bring home your bottled creations to keep fun going for days to come.
- Address: 30 Tanunda Rd, Nuriootpa SA 5355
- Tour Operating Hours: Daily, 10:30am or 2pm
Adventure Seekers:
15. RoofClimb Adelaide Oval Experience
Experience the city of Adelaide from atop the roof of the Adelaide Oval in this high-stakes adventure. Once you’ve climbed up the Oval, roll up your sleeves and muster some more courage to try the Lean Out - leaning over the railing from 50 metres high! Take on the challenge with friends for a chill and safe climbing experience you won’t forget.
- Address: War Memorial Dr, North Adelaide SA 5006
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10am (April to January)
16. Abseiling Adventure
Perfect for beginners and thrill-seekers, this Abseiling Adventure will keep you on your toes as you learn to rock climb and abseil at Morialta Conservation Park. Let your fears be washed away by the stunning scenery of the area—the photos just don’t do it justice. You’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled because you might spot a koala or two on your journey.
- Tour Meeting Address: 621 Magill Rd, Magill SA 5072
- Tour Operating Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 9am to 12pm
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