Adelaide is a coastal city famous for its museums, wineries, parks, and a bustling food scene. Easily accessible via regular commercial flights, the city used to be a transit stop for tourists headed to Barossa Valley or McLaren. Today, Adelaide is a destination in its own right. Check out this helpful guide to make the best of your visit to Adelaide.
Opened to the public in 1883, Adelaide Zoo is Australia’s second-oldest zoo. Sitting on a 20-acre protected area, the zoo is home to over 300 native and exotic species with over 3,000 animals. The zoo's most recent enclosures are in the second phase of the South-East Asia exhibit, known as Immersion. It provides visitors an experience to walk through a tropical jungle with orangutans. Located in the heart of the city, the zoo is accessible by tram or city bus.
Completed in 1869, Adelaide Central Market is popular for its vendors that sell organic fruits and vegetables and premium meats. Located along Grote Street, the market is easily accessible via city buses. Other items that can be bought in the market include baked goods, nuts, cheese, and seafood. Visit the market on Saturday and join a variety of classes and activities.
Opened in 1857, Adelaide Botanic Garden is one of the scientific gardens in Australia. Situated in the heart of the city, the 130-acre garden is teeming with fascinating plants and trees. Aside from native and foreign plants, the garden also holds many rare specimens such as the Wollemi Pine tree and Bottle Tree.
Founded in 1856, South Australian Museum is a natural history museum and research institution in Adelaide. Explore various exhibits in the museum such as the World Mammals Gallery, the Discovery Centre, the Fossils Gallery, the Ancient Egypt Gallery, and more. The museum is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00 and its busiest days are Saturday and Sunday.
Cleland Conservation Park is a protected area in Adelaide Hills. Named after a renowned naturalist, the park has around 1,500 species of native plants such as orchids, ferns, and gum trees. The park protects many threatened and endangered birds, mammals, reptiles, frogs, and freshwater fishes. Cleland Conservation Park is 22km away from the city center and is often visited for its emus and adorable koalas.
Conveniently accessible by city buses and tram, Adelaide Oval is a modern sports venue that can seat up to 53,000 people. After its redevelopment in 2014, Adelaide Oval is often described as one of the most picturesque test cricket grounds in Australia. Popular for major cricket and football games, the venue also hosts rugby leagues, tennis matches, and concerts.
Located about 15km east of Adelaide, Mounts Lofty is visited for its panoramic views of the city and the vast plains to the west. The mountain is one of the popular destinations for travelers who are seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city center. During weekends or special occasions, the mountain is visited by hikers and cyclists. Aside from wild plants, kangaroos are also often spotted on the trails leading up to the summit of Mount Lofty.
Established in 1881, the Art Gallery of South Australia is a must-visit destination for every traveler that’s visiting Adelaide. Located just across from the University of Adelaide, the museum is accessible via the Art Gallery Tram Station or city buses. Tourists can learn a lot from the wide range of exhibits and galleries in the museum. The Art Gallery of South Australia has a collection of almost 45,000 works of art, making it the second-largest state art collection in the country.
Victoria Square Tarntanyangga is a large well-manicured green space in Adelaide. Tucked in the center of the city, the square is decorated with gum trees, statues, and a fountain. The square is also an ideal place for a morning jog and a relaxing stroll. Visit the square during the Christmas period and marvel at the traditional 24.5-meter high Christmas tree.
The National Wine Centre is a modern facility in Adelaide that features an interactive display about winemaking. Opened in 2001, the center aims to teach visitors the technology, varieties, and styles of wine. Each year, around Wine Centre is located within Adelaide Botanic Garden and its busiest days are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Don’t miss out on the interactive tour that will quench your thirst for knowledge in winemaking.
Adelaide is bursting with many exciting activities that local and foreign tourists can visit. Established in 1836, the city grew to become one of the most vibrant and well sought-after destinations in Australia. For centuries, Adelaide has attracted millions of tourists from around the globe. Some of its most popular attractions are the South Australian Museum, the central market, and the National Wine Centre.
The best time to visit Adelaide is from March to May and September through November—during the fall season. If you're on a budget, the winter season is a great time to visit Adelaide, but you'll encounter its coldest temperatures and increased chances of rain.
Accommodation in Adelaide comes in wide variations, from the cozy bed and breakfasts on the outskirts of the city to the grand 5-star hotels within the CBD. Whether it be an overnight stay, a short break, or a longer holiday, it’s easy to find the perfect place to stay in the city.