Adelaide is designed for discovery. Enjoy everything from iconic cultural institutions, stretches of picturesque Park Lands, boutique shopping and culinary delights with our top ten sights and activities.
1. North Terrace Cultural Precinct
The North Terrace Cultural Precinct is the perfect place to discover more about South Australian history and soak up some art and architecture. Just next to the magnificent University of Adelaide and UniSA campuses you will find the Art Gallery of South Australia, South Australian Museum, State Library of South Australia and Migration Museum. Continue along North Terrace to the West End where you’ll find wonderful institutions like the Samstag Museum, APY Art Centre Collective, JamFactory and Nexus Multicultural Arts Centre.
2. Adelaide Oval
Sports lovers are in for a real treat. Adelaide Oval is the sporting Mecca of South Australia and where all the action happens. Adelaide Oval hosts sporting events all year round including international cricket matches and Aussie Rules Football. Catch a game and experience the electric atmosphere or take a tour and check out the historic features of the site including the scoreboard or the Bradman Collection. For adventure seekers why not try a RoofClimb?
3. Rundle Mall
If you’re after some retail therapy, look no further than Rundle Mall, South Australia’s premier shopping destination. It is packed with more than 700 retailers, street performers, public art and delicious eateries. Highlights include the upscale shopping of Rundle Place and public sculptures of A Day Out and The Spheres, known to locals as ‘The Pigs’ and ‘The Mall’s Balls.’ Once you’ve sated your shopping desire, take a wander down neighbouring Rundle Street for some tasty dining and upmarket retail!
4. Adelaide Central Market
South Australia’s pride in its agriculture and fresh produce is best seen through the Adelaide Central Market. This bustling hub of fresh fruit and vegetables, cafes, meat, seafood and all kinds of retail stalls is one of the largest undercover markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Hot tip: head along in the early morning to watch the Market come to life, or in the mid-afternoon to snag some delicious bargains!
5. Chinatown and Gouger Street
Situated right next to the Adelaide Central Market is the foodie paradise of Gouger Street and Chinatown. Whatever your tastes may be, you can expect to satisfy them in this gastronomic wonderland. Gouger Street hosts a huge range of restaurants and cafes from all over the world.
6. Adelaide Park Lands
Adelaide is the only city in the world that is built within a park. The Park Lands cover an area larger than New York’s Central Park and are filled with endless possibilities. Grab a bike and ride the Linear Trail along the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri, explore the beautiful Himeji Garden which celebrates our Sister City relationship or have a picnic and watch the world go by! Adventure seekers can get a bird’s eye view from Australia’s first inner-city aerial adventure park, TreeClimb.
7. Aboriginal Culture
The Kaurna people are the traditional inhabitants of the Adelaide Plains on which Adelaide is located. Discover the rich Kaurna heritage on the Kaurna walking trail.
Visit the South Australian Museum, home to the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts in the Southern hemisphere or Australia’s oldest Aboriginal-owned and managed multi-arts centre.
If you’re looking for genuine Aboriginal art to take home with you, visit Indigenu Art of Australia in Sturt Street or the APY Gallery on Light’s Square where you might even see some of the artists at work.
8. Colonel Light and Montefiore Hill
Colonel William Light was the first Surveyor-General of South Australia and was responsible for designing the city as it exists now. He envisioned a space where the unique natural surrounds, now known as the Park Lands, could be enjoyed by all. The Montefiore Hill lookout features a statue that pays homage to Colonel Light while treating you to panoramic views of the city and beyond.
9. Riverbank Precinct
The Riverbank Precinct is home to some of the city’s most iconic destinations including the Adelaide Casino, Bonython Park and the Adelaide Festival Centre. The Riverbank fuses the beautiful backdrop of the Park Lands and panoramic views of the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri with an array of unique experiences. Take a river cruise on the Popeye or paddle boats, catch a hit show at the Adelaide Festival Centre, cheer on your favourite team on game day at Adelaide Oval or partake in a community event by the historic rotunda in Elder Park.
10. The East End
The East End is home to the largest number of boutiques in one stylish spot. It is an oasis of independent designers and one-off treasures such as Zimmermann, Leonard St. and Jack London. Stick around after an afternoon of shopping. There is also an array of boutique bars which are big on personality and some of the best dining spots in the State (and Australia!). Africola has been collecting accolades with their creative culinary offerings and there are plenty of pubs if you are craving a schnitty and a brew. Enjoy a post-dinner drink at NOLA Craft Beer & Whiskey Bar, Hellbound Wine Bar, East End Cellars or Mr. Goodbar. Whatever you are craving, the East End is sure to satisfy.
