Amazing Adelaide Experiences

Surrounded by open parklands, Adelaide is recognised as one of the world’s most liveable cities. This charming city has an enviable reputation for exceptional cuisine, extraordinary wildlife and creative festivals. There are so many fun things to do in Adelaide, you’re spoilt for choice!

Best things to see and do in Adelaide

Explore the city

Adelaide is a great city to explore on foot. Wide, leafy streets, numerous parks and gardens, boutique shops, laneway bars, hip restaurants and museums are all easily accessible.

For something a bit different you can step back into history with a tour of the Adelaide Gaol. The Ghost Tour guarantees a spine-chilling adventure! Walk the hallways shared by some of South Australia’s most notorious criminals and learn the history of this famous building. Or take a walk on top of the roof of the impressive Adelaide Oval for 360-degree views of the city from the coast to the surrounding hills.

Barossa Wineries

A day trip to visit the world-famous Barossa wineries is the picture-perfect Adelaide getaway and should be on your list of things to experience while in South Australia. Barossa Valley wine tours give you access to world-class wines and regional knowledge. Or book an Adelaide Hills wine tour to taste some of the best premium wines locally and lovingly produced.

Shiraz grapes are the local speciality in this renowned wine-producing region encompassing towns such as Angaston, Nuriootpa and Tanunda. Famous amongst the 150 wineries and more than 80 cellar doors are Pindarie Wines, Seppeltsfield, Henschke, Chateau Tanunda, Yalumba and Grant Burge.

McLaren Vale Wineries

Just a short 45 minute drive south of Adelaide, the McLaren Vale wine region is blessed with a variety of world-class wineries and cellar doors to explore. Whilst the area is most famous for its Shiraz, it's also well respected for its Grenache and Cabernet wines. Many of the cellar doors feature local produce as part of the wine and dine experience. Popular wineries include Chalk Hill, Chapel Hill, Angove, Coriole and Wirra Wirra Vineyards. With an estimated 160 plus vineyards and around 74 cellar doors in this region, you'll have plenty of choice! 

River Torrens walking and cycling track

If you have a few hours to spare after checking out the city buildings, shops, markets and restaurants, take a leisurely stroll along the stunning River Torrens. Stretching 85kms from the Adelaide Hills, it weaves its way through the city out to West Beach. You’ll spot wood ducks, black swans, ibis, egrets, herons and other birdlife as you wander along this peaceful and picturesque river. If you have limited time and want to see as much as possible of the beautiful river landscape, hire a bike and get pedalling!

North Terrace cultural centre

If you’re someone who appreciates culture and unique architecture, a walk along North Terrace will give you access to stunning historical buildings including Parliament House, State Library, the Museum and Art Gallery, Adelaide University, the War Memorial and the recently upgraded Railway station first opened in 1856.

Adelaide Day Tours

There is so much to see and do in Adelaide, so taking a day trip with expert guides will not only give you an insight into this historical city, it will ensure you go to all the ‘must see’ places and don’t miss a thing.

Take the horse-drawn tram to Granite Island at the quaint coastal town of Victor Harbor, approximately 1 hr south of the city. Or discover the quaint German settlement of Hahndorf, which is only a short 30-minute drive from the CBD. Here you can stroll through the uniquely European-inspired collection of shops, restaurants, cellar doors, cafés and galleries.

Discover the magical, unspoiled bushlands of Mt Lofty Range, rising amid the rolling Adelaide Hills wineries and townships. There are numerous walking trails that wind between native gum trees. Morialta Conservation Park and Belair National Park are also favourites with avid bushwalkers wanting to enjoy the fresh air and natural bushlands. You won’t have to wander far to see koalas, emus and a diverse range of birdlife.

Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens

Pack your camera and get your walking shoes on and head to the spectacular Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens to enjoy panoramic views of the city giving way to the gently rolling Adelaide Hills.

There’s a multitude of walking trails sprawled across 97 hectares. You’ll see unique sculptures and artworks throughout the gardens, and there are plenty of peaceful spots to put a picnic rug down and enjoy a packed lunch while enjoying the serenity and beauty.

The stately Mount Lofty House is a magnificent venue for fine dining after a wander around the gardens. A degustation menu is a delicious way to explore the region’s best food and wine pairings, in the comfort and luxury of this stunning venue.

Adelaide Events and attractions

During “Mad March”, there are numerous events to enjoy including the Fringe Festival, Adelaide Cup, WOMAdelaide, and many more. While March is the city’s biggest month for festivals and events, there’s always something unique and interesting to experience for the rest of the year.

Haighs Chocolate

If you have a sweet tooth and love chocolate, a visit to Haigh's Chocolate Factory gives you the chance to taste these iconic sweets, and see the chocolate-making process first-hand. If you want to venture further out of the city, you can satisfy your taste buds with a trip to the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company on a Barossa food and wine tour.

Central Markets

Established in 1869, Adelaide Central Markets is a bustling hive of activity, where local growers sell fresh produce, small goods, cheeses, bakery items, honey and so much more. Strolling through the buzzing markets is an absolute must-do for lovers of exceptional food. Being able to taste many items before you decide what to purchase makes it easy to spend several hours wandering around chatting to stall holders and soaking up the atmosphere.

Discover the delights of Adelaide

From the green rolling Adelaide Hills in the east, to the golden sandy beaches in the west, with so much to see and do in Adelaide your most difficult decision will be where to start exploring!

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