Here are the top 10 things to do in Adelaide:
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN ADELAIDE
1. Adelaide Central Market Explore one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 80 traders offering everything from artisan cheeses and fresh seafood to gourmet coffee and international delicacies, the Adelaide Central Market has been the heart of Adelaide’s food culture since 1869. Join a guided tour, sample local South Australian produce, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic institution.
2. Adelaide Oval Tour & Rooftop Climb Take a behind the scenes tour of one of the world’s most beautiful cricket and AFL stadiums, or for the adventurous, climb to the rooftop for breathtaking 360 degree views across Adelaide and beyond. The Adelaide Oval RoofClimb experience takes you 50 meters above the famous turf for unforgettable panoramic vistas of the city, parklands, Adelaide Hills, and Gulf St Vincent.
3. Adelaide Botanic Garden Stroll through 51 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens featuring stunning plant collections, historic architecture, and peaceful walking trails. Highlights include the restored 1877 Palm House, the Bicentennial Conservatory (one of the largest single span conservatories in the Southern Hemisphere), and the Australian Native Garden. Free entry and located on North Terrace, just steps from the InterContinental Adelaide.
4. Glenelg Beach & Jetty Visit Adelaide’s most popular beach suburb, just 25 minutes from the city center. Glenelg offers a beautiful sandy beach perfect for swimming, the historic Glenelg Jetty stretching into Gulf St Vincent, waterfront dining along Jetty Road, boutique shopping, and the opportunity to swim with dolphins on guided tours. Take the nostalgic Glenelg Tram from the city center for a scenic journey to the coast.
5. Adelaide Hills & Hahndorf Explore the picturesque Adelaide Hills region, home to charming villages, award winning wineries, artisan producers, and stunning natural beauty. Visit Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, with its heritage architecture, traditional German restaurants, craft breweries, galleries, and the famous Beerenberg Farm. The Hills are a 20 minute drive from Adelaide and offer cool climate wines, scenic drives, and boutique accommodations.
6. Art Gallery of South Australia Discover one of Australia’s finest art collections housed in a magnificent heritage building on North Terrace. The gallery features over 45,000 works including Australian, European, Asian, and contemporary art. Highlights include the world’s most comprehensive collection of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Free general admission with special exhibitions often featured.
7. South Australian Museum Immerse yourself in natural history, cultural heritage, and scientific discovery at this world class museum on North Terrace. The South Australian Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal Australian cultural material, impressive Pacific cultures exhibits, an extensive biodiversity gallery, and the mesmerizing Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery spanning two levels. Free general admission.
8. Adelaide Zoo & Monarto Safari Park Visit Adelaide Zoo in the parklands (walking distance from the city) to see over 2,500 animals including giant pandas Wang Wang and Fu Ni, Sumatran tigers, and Australian natives in beautiful landscaped settings. For a wilder experience, venture 70 kilometers east to Monarto Safari Park, Australia’s largest open range zoo, where lions, cheetahs, rhinos, and giraffes roam across 1,500 hectares of African style savanna.
9. Penfolds Magill Estate Experience one of the world’s most iconic wineries without leaving Adelaide’s suburbs. Located in the foothills just 15 minutes from the city, Penfolds Magill Estate is the birthplace of Grange, Australia’s most celebrated wine. Take a guided tour through historic cellars dating to 1844, enjoy tastings of premium wines, and dine at the acclaimed Magill Estate Restaurant overlooking the city and vine covered slopes.
10. Kangaroo Island Take a day trip or overnight journey to Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third largest island and one of the country’s premier wildlife destinations. Located 112 kilometers southwest of Adelaide (accessible by ferry from Cape Jervis or short flight), Kangaroo Island offers pristine beaches, dramatic coastal scenery, abundant wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, and penguins, plus outstanding local produce, wineries, and natural attractions like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Full day tours available from Adelaide with return flights or ferry combinations. You can also play the new Cliffs at Kangaroo Island, a brand-new dramatic coastal layout.