9 Top Things To Do In Adelaide Australia That Are Worth Your Time
Overshadowed by its more famous neighbors Melbourne and Sydney, Adelaide is a hidden gem in Australia.
Adelaide is the capital of the state of South Australia.
Although most of the state is a desert, Adelaide sits on the coast.
This location gives the city a Mediterranean climate making it warm and sunny in the summers with mild winters.
But what surprised us most, though, was how large park areas separate the city center from its suburbs.
Adelaide surprises with its wide variety of fun and diverse activities.
If you’re planning to travel to Adelaide, make sure to check out this list of top things to do in Adelaide Australia.
Top Things To Do In Adelaide Australia
1. Visit Parliament Building
On the corner of North Terrace and King William Road, you’ll find the Parliament Building.
There are two Parliament Buildings adjacent to each other, the New Parliament and the Old Parliament.
The new Parliament House construction was completed in 1889.
Its architecture is in the Greek revival style with ornate Corinthian Columns, impressive towers, and a grand dome.
Today it is the home of the South Australia Parliament.
The original Parliament Building construction began in 1849.
Today it is identified as Old Parliament and the building is still in use as offices.
You can enjoy the building’s exterior architecture or reserve a space for a guided tour if you’re interested to see the inside.
Guided public tours of the building are held on weekdays at 10 AM and 2 PM, except when the Parliament is sitting
2. Explore the Railway Station
Across Station Road adjacent to Parliament you’ll find the Railway Station Building.
This neo-classical building has been in operation since the late 1900’s.
Today, it is the central terminus for the Adelaide Metro.
Nevertheless, the majority of the Railway Building functions as a Casino.
This building is also part of a renovation that unites the area with the nearby Festival Plaza, the nearby park, and the river.
Even if you don’t take the metro make it a part of your visit for the architecture and its nearby Station Arcade.
Tip:
If you love books O’Connels Bookshop is one of Australia’s oldest second-hand booksellers. You’ll find it at Station Arcade.
3. Wander around Festival Plaza
Connecting the Railway Station to the Festival Theatre and beyond to Elder Park this Plaza is an urban oasis.
A green space to take a break from all the walking or a location to meet friends or family.
This is also a place to meet up before catching a concert at the festival theatre nearby.
This unique area is sure to bring a smile to your face.
4. Immerse Yourself in the South Australian Museum
The South Australian Museum holds one of the most important collections of Aboriginal material culture in the world.
There is also a full section on Polynesian culture including artifacts and history of the neighboring archipelago.
The museum has five stories of interesting and unique exhibitions.
There is sure to be something of interest for everyone in your party.
With so much to see we stopped at the museum cafe to refuel with a delicious soup and a tasty orange cake.
The museum is free and opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
For more information on special exhibitions, opening days, and hours visit the South Australian Museum website.
5. Get Your Art Fix at the Art Gallery of South Australia
Next door to the South Australia Museum is the Art Gallery of South Australia.
As the name implies this museum has a collection of Australian, Asian, and International Art.
The exhibits include paintings, sculptures, drawings, textiles, and jewelry.
Plan to spend about 2 hours exploring this museum.
The operating hours are daily from 10 am to 5 PM and entry is free.
Check the AGSA website for special exhibitions and to confirm operating hours.
6. Spend Half a Day at the Adelaide Botanical Gardens
This is a must-see for all plant lovers, and if you want to learn about Australian native plants.
Among the most interesting collections are the Australian Forest and Australian Native Plants Collection.
Other captivating collections are the Dahlia Garden, an International Rose Garden, a Garden of Health, and a Kitchen Garden.
You can wander down an avenue of 150-year-old Bay Fig trees or through Wisteria tunnels.
If you like conservatories you’ll enjoy the Palm House and the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion.
If you get hungry there are three alternatives; a deli, a lodge, and a formal restaurant where you can savor food made with ingredients from the garden.
The opening hours for the Adelaide Botanic Gardens vary depending on the time of year.
For more information on current exhibits and opening hours visit the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium website.
7. Discover the Shops at Rundel Mall
This is a pedestrian area with over 1,000 retail locations.
The mall starts at the corner of King William Street and runs parallel to North Terrace up to Pulteney Street.
The area is filled with stores for all budgets and plenty of dining and entertainment options.
Open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily except Fridays (9 AM to 9 PM) and Holidays.
Tip:
To experience the city’s local vibe, visit Rundle Mall on a Saturday when locals are out shopping.
8. Enjoy the Delightful St.Peter’s Cathedral
Dating back to the late 1900’s this church’s architecture is in the Gothic Revival style.
In addition to regular services and special events, the cathedral is open to visitors at all times.
The Cathedral has some lovely windows, many made by local artisans.
The woodwork throughout the building is also fantastic.
If you enjoy visiting churches and admiring the work of the many artisans who build these buildings you will surely enjoy a visit to St. Peter’s Cathedral in Adelaide.
9. Stroll Elder Park and the Adelaide Riverbank
Elder Park and the Adelaide Riverbank are part of the beautiful green expanse bordering the Torrens River.
Find a bench in the Park and enjoy watching the skateboarders.
Or on a sunny day, relax under a tree and people-watch or read a book.
If you want to do something more active take a cruise on the River Torrens or kayak on the river.
Don’t forget to stop by one of the tap rooms or cafes for a snack and some refreshments with a view.
Extra Things To Do in Adelaide for Longer Stays
Adelaide Zoo – If you’re traveling with children you can enjoy a visit to the zoo, just north of the Botanic Gardens.
Roofclimb Adelaide Oval – If you love views of the city from altitude, this is the opportunity to climb and walk along the roofline of the Sports venue called the Oval at 50 meters (164 feet).
Glenelg Beach – to relax and spend the day at the beach
Getting to Adelaide
Once you’re in Australia getting to Adelaide is easy.
From Sydney:
The best way to reach Adelaide from Sydney is to fly.
Local low-cost carrier Jet Star has several direct flights that take 2 hours and 10 minutes from Sydney (SYD) to Adelaide (ADL).
Twice a week you can take a twenty-five-hour train ride from Sydney to Adelaide on the Indian Pacific Train.
From Melbourne:
Jet Star also flies direct from Melbourne (MEL) to Adelaide (ADL) several times a day.
The trip takes an hour and twenty-five minutes.
Visiting Adelaide Australia
Adelaide is a charming city in South Australia.
With its temperate weather and wide variety of activities visiting Adelaide, Australia is a great option when visiting Australia.
We hope this list of things to do in Adelaide Australia is helpful when you’re planning your trip to this charming gem in the South of Australia.
Have a great time in Adelaide!
