The capital city of South Australia and the gateway to the Outback, wine regions and river. It is also a great destination in its own right. Wildlife, wine, beaches, Aboriginal culture, superb dining and fantastic events are just some of the experiences Adelaide has to offer.
The city centre, surrounded by parklands, is a blend of historic buildings, wide streets, cafés and restaurants. It’s known as a 20-minute city because its shape and lack of congestion mean you can get to beaches and hills in a 20-minute drive, or if you’re on foot, the city’s attractions are within walking distance.
Adelaide’s restaurants and cafés are among the best in the country; while a new breed of renovated pubs, small bars and pop-up eateries have added a new dimension to the city’s food and wine scene. Most restaurants, pubs and wine bars feature the state’s produce and wines on their menus, giving visitors a real taste of South Australia. Laneways such as Leigh Street and Peel Street, where locals congregate day and night, feature coffee shops, restaurants and wine bars, some with live music.
It is a vibrant capital that boasts an endless calendar of festivals and events and is newly named one of the Great Wine Capitals of the world and the gateway to 18 wine regions.
Adelaide is easily accessible by air from all Australian capital cities and international destinations. With its central location, Adelaide is the perfect gateway to much of Australia, especially the Outback. Major coach companies link Adelaide to other capital cities and Adelaide is also a hub for rail access across Australia. Both The Indian Pacific and The Ghan stop in Adelaide.
All the city's attractions are within easy walking distance, but a free City Connector bus also links the city's major cultural, entertainment and retail centres and North Adelaide. Discover the city with a local and book an Adelaide City walking tour to get familiar with the world's second National Park City. Adelaide is an ideal city to explore by bike with its wide and flat streets, dedicated bike lanes and cycling infrastructure make it very cycle friendly.
within 20 minutes walk between attractions
Enter the Adelaide Botanic Garden through a spectacular avenue of Moreton Bay fig trees. Inside, buildings like the 1877 glass Palm House and Amazon Waterlily Pavilion complement the garden, which features Australian natives, exotics and ornamental plants. Free entry.
The variety of produce on offer is superb and includes fruit and vegetables, cheeses, seafood, continental meats and organic produce. The market is located in the centre of the city, near Victoria Square. Trading hours are Tuesdays to Saturdays. Limited stalls operate on Wednesdays. Tours are available.
Adelaide Oval invites visitors to see one of the best sports stadiums from a different view, and in a different light. The RoofClimb will take visitors on an exciting walk, complemented with information about the Oval and Adelaide. Both daytime and twilight climbs are on offer.
Adelaide Zoo is Australia's second oldest zoo and is home to more than 3,000 animals and 250 species of exotic and native animals including two Giant Pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni. The zoo is located in the northern parklands, just 15 minutes walk from the city centre.
The Art Gallery has 38,000 pieces in its collection, from Australia, Europe, North America and Asia, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photos and furniture. General admission is free. Charges apply for some exhibitions.
Adelaide is a melting pot of high quality, mouth-watering food and drink that is grown, reared, farmed, crafted, brewed, distilled and fermented in South Australia’s regions. Native and foraged foods are featured on many restaurant menus, taking into account truly Australian ingredients.
The strong arts scene means there is always something on. Adelaide Festival Centre hosts regular theatre, dance, classical music and opera performances. Bars like Udaberri, Barbushka, The Clever Little Tailor and Casablabla, located in Leigh and Peel Street, are open until the early morning hours.
In summer, when nights are at their balmiest, Adelaide is host to the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Adelaide Festival of Arts, WOMADelaide, Tour Down Under and Vailo Adelaide 500. The Cabaret Festival and Guitar Festival warm up the winter months. Events, festivals and festivities run all year-round.
The City of Adelaide Golf Links has two 18-holes public golf courses in the city’s parklands. Private courses are usually available to members and guests. Royal Adelaide Golf Course features as one of the ‘Great Golf Courses of Australia’.
The charming suburb of North Adelaide lies just north of the city centre and is a great place for sightseeing walks. Here you will find beautiful old buildings, local pubs, multicultural restaurants, cafes and wide, leafy, tree-lined streets. It is only a 15-minute walk or free bus ride from the city.
JamFactory supports and promotes outstanding design and craftsmanship through its widely acclaimed studios, galleries and shops. A unique not-for-profit organisation, located in the city centre, JamFactory is the perfect place to see the works of talented artists, craftspeople and designers.
Situated next to the Botanic Garden, the National Wine Centre showcases the different styles of Australian Wine. The 'Wined Bar' boasts Australia's largest tasting room experience with visitors able to sample 120 different wines - from Penfolds' famous Grange to other boutique wine labels.
The Art Gallery of South Australia, the State Library of South Australia, the South Australian Museum (and its Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery) take pride of place on North Terrace, the city’s favourite leafy boulevard.
Rundle Mall – the city’s premier shopping precinct with more than 700 retail stores, major department stores and arcades and centres is pedestrian friendly with many outdoor cafes to relax. Rundle Mall becomes Rundle Street with quirky fashion shops nestled beside smart homewares stores and camping outfitters.
The South Australian Museum contains five floors of intriguing displays for visitors to explore. The world’s biggest display of Australian Aboriginal artefacts sits in the museum’s Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery. Entry is free with the exception of special exhibitions.
Tandanya is Australia’s oldest Aboriginal owned and managed multi arts centre, providing excellent introductions to Aboriginal heritage and modern culture. It specialises in promoting Indigenous art, including visual art, music and storytelling.
within 20 minutes drive from the city
Carrick Hill is a beautiful heritage house, museum and garden. Its privately-collected French, British and Australian fine and decorative arts collection include examples of British modernism and examples of seventeenth-century furniture and house fittings.
Many beaches are close to the city, being dotted along its western and south-western shoreline. Henley Beach and Glenelg are closest to central Adelaide, where swimming, jet skiing, kayaking and sunbathing are all popular activities.
Travel on the tram to Glenelg from Adelaide (20 minutes) and spend a half day exploring the shops on Jetty Road, relaxing on the beach and dining at Holdfast Shores. For a full day at Glenelg include a Temptation Sailing Dolphin Cruise in the morning or at sunset.
Haigh's Chocolates Visitor Centre is located only minutes from the city centre, offering free guided tours and chocolate tastings that last for about 20 minutes and are available Monday to Saturday at 9am and Sunday at 10am.
The Maritime Museum houses the oldest nautical collection in the country over three floors of a 1850s bond store. Nautical instruments, bathing costumes, shipwreck artefacts, paintings, model ships, photographs and more, including a large collection of ships’ figureheads.
Nestled in the foothills with stunning views over the city, Magill Estate is one of the worlds few urban single vineyards only a 15 minute drive from Adelaide city. The new cellar door offers a selection of tailored tastings and tours.
Dining precincts like Gouger Street, Leigh & Peel Street in the city, The Parade in Norwood, Jetty Road in Glenelg, Henley Beach Square and Melbourne Street in North Adelaide - all offer good value dining that reflect Adelaide's diversity.
Temptation is a 58-foot sailing catamaran, which operates only 15 minutes from Adelaide’s central business district. Dolphins are one of the Earth’s most fascinating and curious creatures and Temptation Sailing offers the amazing opportunity to swim with them.
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