Formerly best known as the City of Churches, today Adelaide boasts one of the most exciting cultural scenes in the country. Visit this compact capital to experience the best of South Australian food, wine, arts and more.
What To Do
Adelaide offers a range of experiences to sink your teeth into – and they’re all just about walking distance apart.
Art Gallery of South Australia
Established in 1881, the Art Gallery of South Australia is one of the most historic buildings in the city. The Gallery celebrates art from Australia and around the world, emphasising the Kaurna people as the custodians of the land where it is located. General entry is free, with some special exhibitions incurring an admission cost.
Central Market
Make sure you’re hungry prior to a trip to Adelaide Central Market. The more than 250 stalls offer incredible produce to taste and purchase, with multiple eateries for dining in and Adelaide’s Chinatown located next door. You can even organise a guided tour.
Adelaide City Tour
The best way to see this historic city is on a specialised tour. Adelaide City Tours offer a snapshot of the city, with a coach ride through the architectural streets, an experienced guide giving you insights into the history, and stops at all the highlights.
Adelaide Oval
Cricket fans won’t want to miss a visit to what has been called the world’s prettiest cricket ground. You can watch live sport from the stands or take a tour through the Bradman Collection, highlighting the career of the famous batsman Don Bradman. For the adventurous, Roofclimb Adelaide Oval allows you to climb to the top of the stadium for amazing views.
Kangaroo Island
Don’t forget to include a trip to Kangaroo Island when you visit Adelaide. Accessible via a short ferry ride, the island boasts incredible natural sights including seals, dolphins, and of course kangaroos. Flinders Chase National Park is a highlight.
How to Get Here
Adelaide is serviced by a number of airlines for international flights. All major domestic destinations also offer travel to the city.
Driving to Adelaide from Melbourne takes eight hours, although the picturesque Great Ocean Road route is worth some extra time. From Sydney, the drive takes fourteen hours.
Train travel is easy, with three interstate travel options to Adelaide: The Overland from Melbourne; The Ghan between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin and The Indian Pacific which runs between Perth, Adelaide and Sydney.
When To Go
Adelaide enjoys moderate weather year-round, with the coldest and wettest months in June and July. The busiest times in the city coincide with the Adelaide Fringe Festival, which takes place in February and March. April and May offer cheaper flights and accommodation, as do September to November. Summer in the city (December and January) is hot and crowded.
Things To Know
Day Trips
Amazing locations abound just outside of Adelaide
Wine
South Australia is famous for its wine production, so make sure you do a tasting and take a few bottles home with you.
Walking
Adelaide city has a small footprint and is very flat. Exploring the city on foot is the best way to get around – and it’s free!