20 of the Best Places to Visit and Activities in Adelaide

In the mood for a quick weekend getaway? Need ideas for a holiday trip? Travel to the city of Adelaide 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 20 of the best places to visit in Adelaide: 

For the enthusiastic animal lovers

Adelaide Zoo is Australia’s second oldest zoo, and the home of more than 3,000 animals from 300 different species. The zoo offers 19 types of animal experiences, from close encounters to becoming a zoo keeper for a day. One of the best places to visit in Adelaide for families, guests of all ages will enjoy a day of meeting everything from lions to meerkats to penguins.

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, and more! Kangaroo Island is also a paradisiacal destination for tourists due to its secluded location, pristine beaches, beautiful sceneries, and various activities. 

Roam the beautiful park right alongside some furry friends at Cleland Wildlife Park. Get the chance to pet, feed, and observe koalas, 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.

Take a trip to Port Adelaide to paddle through the calm waters of the Dolphin Sanctuary. This is anything but a regular kayaking experience with bottlenose dolphins swimming right next to you as you explore the area. 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. 

For those wanting to reconnect with nature

Enjoy an afternoon among one of Australia’s finest plant collections at the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Made up of 12 spectacular garden areas, it’s every plant enthusiast’s dream to smell the 5,000 roses at the International Rose Garden, take a photo in the vibrant Dahlia Garden, and learn more about garden design at the SA Water Mediterranean 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.

Make your vacation feel like an actual vacation—meaning, take a break from all the noise, and find your inner peace at Adelaide Himeji Garden. 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.

Put on your hiking shoes for a refreshing trip to Waterfall Gully—home of the largest waterfall in Cleland Conservation Park. It’s one of those places to visit near Adelaide (Waterfall Gully is less than an hour from the city) so there’s no reason you should miss out on this natural beauty. From there, you could also make the journey up to Mount Lofty Summit for an equally unforgettable experience and incomparable panoramic views of Adelaide.

Go exploring for the day, or spend a night under the stars, at this nature getaway. Immerse yourself in Australia’s stunning wilderness at Belair National Park Holiday Park. Perfect for outdoor adventurers, the park offers limitless views, biking and walking trails, and a swimming pool, along with exciting sightings of koalas, kangaroos, and other Australian wildlife.

For the beach bums who can’t get enough of the sea

Catch a tan, some fish, and a view of the sunset all at Henley Beach. Splash around in refreshing waters, or stay dry with a book on the sand. There are shops, picnic areas, and live entertainment in the area, making sure you don’t get bored for even a second. Then at night, indulge in a beach-side dinner at the many restaurants and bars nearby.

Take the day off for some rest and relaxation at Grange Beach! As one of the best places to visit in Adelaide to clear your head, you can feel like the only person in the world in its calm waters and picturesque location. And while you’re at it, go ahead and kick back with some fishing or sandcastle-building with friends or with your family. 

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

For curious minds and lovers of art

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. Their Humanities collection is also a must-see, containing the largest and most comprehensive collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural material. There’s sure to be something for everyone at the South Australian Museum, especially since they always have new exhibitions available for visitors.

Browse through nearly 45,000 works of art spanning 2,000 years at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Mull over the history and possible meanings behind some of the most striking paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Watch history unfold in textiles and clothing pieces, metalwork, jewelry, and furniture from Australia and the rest of the world. Kids, teens, and adults will enjoy roaming the beautiful halls of the Art Gallery of South Australia, then taking home a piece of the experience at the Gallery Store.

First completed in 1939, Carrick Hill is one of the few period homes in Australia with its original contents left almost completely intact. The English manor-style home stands as a reminder of the lavish mid-twentieth century lifestyles of Australia’a cultured and wealthy. The destination is one of the most popular and romantic places to visit in Adelaide with its hillside location, vibrant garden, and extraordinary private art collection displayed inside the home. From the expansive Formal Gardens to the home’s unique interiors, Carrick Hill is truly one of a kind.

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.

For those looking for a different kind of adventure

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.

Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life with this half-day tour to the Adelaide Hills. You’ll be taken to Mount Lofty Summit for an awesome view of the area, and through several charming villages located just outside of the city. Make a stop at Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf, for a day of exploring, a cup of afternoon tea, and a scrumptious meal at a local inn. 

Experience the city of Adelaide through a grand tour of its tastiest flavors 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. 

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.

Probably every adult’s favorite place to visit near Adelaide is Penfolds Wine Blending Class in 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. Make 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.

Make the most of your time, and take your pick of two, maybe even three, of the amazing places to visit in Adelaide! Try out something new and discover a new hobby, like abseiling and kayaking. Or, visit a comforting place, like the Adelaide Himeji Garden, to recharge for the coming week. Whichever you do, you’re guaranteed to make unforgettable memories in the city of Adelaide.