Amazing Adelaide
Adelaide is often referred to as the ‘City of Churches’, which is partly why Aussies who don’t live there dismiss it as boring. Yes, there is a fair bit of religious architecture like Holy Trinity Church, but there are also plenty of pubs, clubs and places of sporting worship (Adelaide Oval) for those who like to play instead of pray!
Throw in the fact that the Adelaide Festival is the second-largest fringe festival in the world, and you soon realise you’re in a city that simply enjoys thinking a little differently to the rest of the country. With the Barossa Valley on its doorstep, Adelaide is the wine capital of Australia. Visit the National Wine Centre to find out why, then spend the rest of the time feeling completely blissed!
10. Montefiore Hill Situated in northern Adelaide, this hill offers great city views. See the lights twinkle at night.
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5. Rundle Mall One for the ladies. This pedestrian-only shopping strip is home to over 800 shops.
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9. Rundle Lantern A carbon neutral lightshow takes place every night from dusk until midnight.
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4. Glenelg This historic beachside suburb is easy to reach by tram. Take a walk on the jetty when you get there.
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8. Haigh’s Chocolate Factory A tour of one of Australia’s best chocolate makers ends with free samples. Yum!
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3. Bradman Collection Museum Cricket fans will be hit for six by this impressive collection of memorabilia relating to ‘The Don’. Non-cricket fans will be pleasantly mystified.
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7. Adelaide Central Market Offers a unique shopping experience in the centre of the city. Go for fresh produce and various goods, and take a tour to uncover the market’s secrets.
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2. Adelaide Botanic Gardens Adelaide is hardly full of hustle and bustle, but this is still a pleasant spot to sit and relax.
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6. Bicentennial Conservatory The largest single-span conservatory in the southern hemisphere (take that, Sydney!). Channel your inner Tarzan as you stand amongst full-size rainforest trees.
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1. Coopers Brewery Tour the last remaining large-scale family-owned brewery in Australia. You may as well have a try after all that walking!
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Adelaide History
- Ayres House - One of the city's most historic homes, home of Sir Henry Ayres.
- Light Square - A memorial to the man who designed the layout of Adelaide.
- Old Gaol - It is 170 years old, with regular weekend tours and even ghost walks.
- National Soldiers' War Memorial - A poignant tribute to the city's fallen heroes.
- Scots Church - Renowned for its beautiful stained-glass windows.
Adelaide Art & Culture
- Tandanya Complex - The centre for aboriginal art and culture with daily performances.
- Adelaide Festival Centre - A striking music, art and theatre centre.
- Art Gallery of Australia - The most impressive collection of 19th-century art.
- South Australia Museum - Features a boomerang said to be 10,000 years old.
- Bradman Collection - About 150 items of memorabilia from the legendary cricketer.
Adelaide Shopping
- Rundle Mall - More than 600 stores to choose from, and everything you need.
- Harbour Town - West of the city centre has a terrific array of shopping outlets.
- Parkside - Factory outlets and seconds’ warehouses and clearance stores.
- Adelaide Central Market - A year-round market community and a fun place to visit.
- City Cross Shopping Centre - A large centre with some trendy boutiques.
Gay & Lesbian Adelaide
- The Feast Festival - Every November, not just in Adelaide but throughout Australia.
- Rundle and Gouger Streets - Both are well known for their gay restaurants.
- Blaze - The gay and lesbian newspaper of South Australia.
- The Mars Bar - A very popular gay club with weekend drag shows.
- Edinburgh Castle Hotel – A relaxed feel, with Thursday's top DJ performance.
Adelaide Outdoor
- The Botanic Gardens - A popular attraction with many tropical plants.
- H.M.S. Buffalo - A replica of the ship that brought the first settlers to Adelaide.
- Bonython Park - The largest park in the city, a wonderful place for a stroll.
- Cleland Wildlife Park - A multi-award-winning park has more than 130 species.
- Dolphin Sanctuary - Take a kayak to see the dolphins up close.
Adelaide Sport
- North Parklands – A picturesque golf course just minutes from the city centre.
- The Adelaide Oval - Watch cricket, Aussie rules football, rugby and soccer.
- Adelaide Sailing Club - Try out some sailing courses or just relax and watch.
- Memorial Drive Tennis Club (MDTC) - Improve your game at the best facilities.
- Hindmarsh Stadium - The home of Adelaide United Football Club.
Adelaide Events
This Adelaide Fringe Festival runs from late February to March and includes dance, comedy, theatre and much more. Laugh, play and be generally very merry.
WOMAD stands for World of Music, Arts and Dance and attracts audiences and artists from all over the world every March.
Enormously popular among rev heads, the Clipsal 500 roars into town in mid-March. Street parties and huge concerts add to the thrill.
The Adelaide Cabaret Festival is the most comprehensive anywhere and takes place every June.
Taking place in September, the Royal Adelaide Show is where the country meets the city. Family fun ensues, with everything from rides to barn animals and wine tastings to fashion shows.
When To Go
The autumn months from March to May are a great time to visit – warm temperatures but no extreme heat.
December to February can get seriously hot. Although the summer average is a balmy 28ºC (82ºF), heat waves when the mercury climbs above 37.5ºC (100ºF) for days on end are not uncommon.
June, July and August are the wettest months, but since South Australia is the driest state in the country, that’s not saying much!
Getting Around
Taking the tram is a great way to get around. It’s also free if you just use it in the heart of the city!
To explore all Adelaide’s nooks and crannies, take advantage of the city’s free bicycle hire.
Take a bus or train to explore further afield.
