The Best Things to Do in Adelaide

Home to an enviable dining, entertainment, and cultural scene combined with proximity to both the coastline and inland ranges, Adelaide is the capital city with something for everyone.

Families with children will love meeting the animals at the zoo while those travelling with friends will enjoy getting out on the River Torrens.

And whether you’re travelling solo or with a group, if you’re into local food and wine, you can’t go past a day trip to the Adelaide Hills.

For those who love exploring the great outdoors, Adelaide leaves you spoiled for choice with beaches, parkland, and bushwalks all close to the city.

Whatever activities you prefer to put on your travel itinerary, you’ll find plenty of fun and unique things to do in Adelaide.

There are so many things to do in Adelaide, so to get your travel planning started we’ve curated some of our favourite activities.

We’ve rounded up ideas for families travelling with children, friends looking for suitable activities to enjoy as a group, as well as activities you can enjoy regardless of who you travel with including food and wine attractions and outdoors activities.

To get started, we’ll take a look at some of the very best free things to do in Adelaide.

If you’re travelling on a budget and looking for free things to do in Adelaide, you’ll love these recommendations — from browsing the galleries and museums to relaxing by the beach.

The Art Gallery of South Australia is one of Australia’s largest art galleries featuring a collection of 47,000 pieces. Located on North Terrace in Adelaide, the Art Gallery of South Australia is open daily and admission is free (some special exhibitions and events may attract a fee). Check the Art Gallery of South Australia website to plan your visit.

The South Australian Museum features five floors of collections celebrating natural and cultural heritage. The South Australian Museum is open daily (except Christmas and Good Friday). Entry to the South Australian Museum is free, though donations are encouraged, and some special exhibitions and events may attract a fee. Visit the South Australian Museum website to plan your visit.

MOD is a unique museum experience focused on science, art, and innovation. This museum looks to the future to inspire visitors and has been specifically created with 15 to 25 year olds in mind, but people of all ages will find exhibits to enjoy at MOD. You’ll find MOD located at the UniSA Bradley Building on North Terrace. Visit the MOD website to plan your visit.

If you’re interested in space and technology, you’ll love the Australian Space Discovery Centre. The Australian Space Discovery Centre features engaging and interactive exhibits designed for those 12 years and up (younger children must be accompanied by an adult). During your visit you can learn all about the role Australia plays in space. The Australian Space Discovery Centre is located on North Terrace in Adelaide. You can visit the Australian Space Discovery Centre website for opening hours and to plan your visit.

The State Library of South Australia is located across three impressive buildings in central Adelaide. Don’t miss the grand Mortlock Wing, opened in 1884. In addition to housing a huge collection of books, and spaces for quiet reading and study, the library also hosts regular events and exhibitions. The state library is open daily, visit the State Library of South Australia website to plan your visit.

Interested in the inner workings of Australian democracy? Put a visit to the Parliament of South Australia on your Adelaide itinerary. Free tours are available on non-sitting weekdays. When parliament is sitting, the public galleries are open in both the House of Assembly and Legislative Council. Visit the Parliament of South Australia website for more information.

The Adelaide Himeji Garden is a Japanese-style garden that provides a place of respite and beauty in central Adelaide. This garden pays homage to the sister city relationship between Adelaide and Himeji in Japan. The Himeji Garden is located on the corner of South Terrace and Glen Osmond Road, and is open daily.

If you’re keen to explore Adelaide on foot, the River Torrens Linear Park Trail is a great way to get out and about. The River Torrens Linear Park Trail is a 30km shared path for cyclists and walkers that runs the length of the Torrens Linear Park from Athelstone in the foothills north of Adelaide, through Adelaide CBD, and onward to the coast near West Beach and Henley Beach. Follow the path alongside the River Torrens for the entire distance or pick a spot and enjoy wandering for an hour or two.

Located in Cleland National Park, Waterfall Gully is a popular spot near Adelaide thanks to its scenic waterfalls and access to the Mount Lofty Summit walking track. Whether you’re after a scenic place to relax among nature or eager for a bushwalk to the summit that ends with spectacular views over Adelaide, Waterfall Gully is well worth a visit.

The star attraction of many a happy snap from Adelaide, the Rundle Mall Pigs are bronze sculptures located in the city’s popular shopping strip. The pigs – named Horatio, Oliver, Truffles, and Augusta – have called Rundle Mall home since 1999.

Keep everyone entertained can be a challenge when travelling as a family. That’s why we’re sharing some of our favourite family-friendly things to do in Adelaide. These are activities the whole family can enjoy.

Adelaide Zoo is a must-visit attraction for families. Home to 2,400 animals, children will be especially delighted by the animal experiences available at the zoo.

The Adelaide Zoo offers visitors the opportunity to book various experiences including the Tiger Encounter and feeding the Giraffes.

The zoo is easily accessible from central Adelaide and is open every day of the year. You can find out more and plan your visit on the Adelaide Zoo website.

From November until April each year the Beerenberg Farm throws opens its gates for strawberry picking. If you’ve never experienced fresh strawberries, picked straight off the patch, you’re in for a treat when you visit Beerenberg Farm during your trip to Adelaide.

Located at Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, this is an activity perfect for family and friend groups… and anyone who loves strawberries. Plan your visit to Beerenberg Farm.

This one is for the adventurers! TreeClimb is a fun aerial adventure park where you’ll strap into a harness and climb among the trees.

This activity is designed for kids over 100cm and adults will enjoy it too. There are multiple TreeClimb courses available including the kids course and family experience.

TreeClimb Adelaide is located close to the CBD in the Adelaide City Park Lands. Be sure to book online to secure you place at TreeClimb Adelaide.

If you’re travelling to Adelaide with friends, you’re likely looking for an activity that will keep a whole group of people entertained. Adelaide has plenty of variety when it comes to local attractions, and these are a few of our favourites.

Looking for a fun day out? Climb aboard the BBQ Buoys on the River Torrens! You can fit up to 10 people in a boat, food and drinks are available to purchase (or you can opt to BYO food). 

The buoys feature seating under the shade of an umbrella, a table or BBQ for your food, an esky for your drinks, and even a speaker to play tunes as your cruise along the river.

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just looking for a fun way to spend a day in Adelaide, the BBQ Buoys are a real crowd-pleaser.

Adelaide Gaol operated from 1841 until 1988. The now decommissioned gaol was built not long after European settlers first arrived in South Australia – it became the state’s first permanent gaol. During its years in operation, in addition to housing a great many prisoners, 45 people were executed and buried on the grounds of the gaol.

Today, the heritage-listed gaol is open to visitors daily, except Christmas Day. When you visit Adelaide Gaol you can take a self-guided tour, see the Mugshot Exhibition, and visit the Adelaide Gaol Museum.

Want the best views of Adelaide CBD? Adelaide Oval RoofClimb delivers 360 degree views of the city from a vantage point atop Adelaide Oval. This is an exhilarating Adelaide Experience like no other. Take your pick of climb experiences with Adelaide RoofClimb available during the day, at dawn, or twilight.

One of the best ways to get to know a destination is to explore its scenic natural attractions. In Adelaide you can enjoy a range of outdoor activities close to the city: from the coast to the bush, and the urban parkland in between.

Located in the east end of Adelaide, the Adelaide Botanic Garden has been welcoming visitors since first opening in 1857. The gardens are the perfect place to relax and unwind among nature without leaving the city. The Adelaide Botanic Garden has free entry and is open daily.

If a trip to the beach is what you’re after, head to Glenelg Beach. This popular Adelaide beach is a 20 minute drive from the CBD and has plenty to enjoy from a foreshore playground to waterfront cafes of course the beach itself.

Adelaide is a fantastic place to holiday if you’re into exploring the local food and wine scene during your travels — from the restaurants in central Adelaide to the nearby South Australian wine regions.

No visit to Adelaide is complete without a visit to the Adelaide Hills. This scenic region a short drive from central Adelaide is a favourite spot for day-trippers from Adelaide.

It’s home to village towns and some of South Australia’s finest wineries including The Lane and Petaluma. When you visit The Lane, located 3km from Hahndorf village, you can book a wine tasting experience overlooking the vineyards and enjoy lunch at The Lane Vineyard Restaurant. At the Petaluma Cellar Door, near the town of Woodside, you can take your pick from a range of wine tasting experiences.

If you’d like to experience more of the Adelaide Hills wineries, you might like to book a seat on the Adelaide Hills hop on hop off bus which departs Adelaide CBD on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

And if you’re planning your Adelaide Hills itinerary and have realised a day trip simply won’t do, why not check in to Mount Lofty House? This beautiful Adelaide Hills hotel is home to Hardy's Verandah Restaurant, an onsite day spa, and views over the Piccadilly Valley.

Adelaide Central Market is a popular destination for shopping and dining. Located in central Adelaide, the market has a rich history, dating back to 1869.

Today, you’ll find over 70 traders at the Adelaide Central Market, which many offering locally grown produce and gourmet foods like cheeses, meats, antipasto, and breads.

Whether you’re after ready-to-eat food to enjoy as you browse the market or looking to stock up on food to take home with you, Adelaide Central Market has plenty of great local good to discover.

The Adelaide Central Market is closed Sunday and Monday – find out more and plan your visit on the market’s website.

There are many excellent dining options in central Adelaide, some of which are located within Adelaide’s hotels including Garçon Bleu at Sofitel Adelaide and Luma at The Playford.

At Garçon Bleu you’ll discover a modern take on traditional French cuisine. Both a la carte and degustation menus are available. Located on Level 9 of Sofitel Adelaide, when you dine at Garçon Bleu you’ll enjoy views over the city and Adelaide Hills. Make a reservation at Garçon Bleu.

Luma Restaurant & Bar is an award-winning dining experience located on the ground floor of The Playford, MGallery hotel in central Adelaide. Stop in for coffee and a pastry at breakfast, or a cocktail later in the day. If the inviting space with its Art Nouveau inspired interiors, has you wanting to linger longer, you can book a table for lunch or dinner.

Now that your Adelaide itinerary is taking shape, it’s time to choose where to stay. If Garçon Bleu or Luma caught your eye, you might like to check in to Sofitel Adelaide or The Playford, MGallery.

Pullman Adelaide is another great option for visitors to Adelaide, whether you’re travelling for business or leisure. In addition to comfortable guestrooms, Pullman Adelaide has a pool, sauna, spa, and fitness centre for use during your stay.

If you’re visiting Adelaide on a budget, ibis Adelaide is an ideal choice, centrally located close to Rundle Mall.

When it comes to hotels in Adelaide, you can take your pick from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hotels and plenty to discover in between.