Top 10 Things To Do In Adelaide

Of all the places to visit in Australia, there is none quite like Adelaide. The city is famous for its churches and festivities, both of which are must-dos for visitors. However, there is more to Adelaide activities than its picturesque architecture and fascinating cultural activities. Here is a list of the top things to do in Adelaide for your visit to Australia’s festival state:

1. Adelaide Oval

Adelaide Oval. Image courtesy of the South Australian Tourism Commission. 

Adelaide Oval is known as the second home of AFL. Hosting a variety of sports, such as cricket, Australian rules football, rugby and soccer, the ground is bound to give sport fans something to see. Don’t worry if you’re not interested in sports though, the venue also hosts a number of concerts, allowing even more people to enjoy this spectacular arena and all the things Adelaide has on offer. Tip for some adrenaline: climb the roof of the Adelaide Oval and view the sparkling cityscape of South Australia's capital. 

2. Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra is known for its inspiring performances that are perfect for throwing a bit of culture into your trip. Make sure you book your tickets so these talented musicians can blow you away. Enjoy this Adelaide attraction while the orchestra season is in full swing, from August to December.

3. Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Zoo. Image courtesy of the South Australian Tourism Commission.

Adelaide Zoo may not be the biggest wildlife park in Australia, but it is definitely worth a visit for one very special reason. It is home to the southern hemisphere’s only pair of breeding giant pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni. These delightful creatures are adored all over the world, and Adelaide Zoo is doing its part to ensure they do not go extinct. Visit the keepers that take care of these creatures. From the lion feeding to a wildshow animal experience, come monkey around for an afternoon at the Zoo. 

Hahndorf

Hahndorf. Image courtesy of the South Australian Tourism Commission.

Experience another culture in your own back yard. Hahndorf is a small town nestled in the Adelaide Hills, known for its German influences and wintertime roasted chestnuts. Home to Australia’s finest black forest cake, Hahndorf will give you a taste for the proud multiculturalism of Australia. After filling your belly, take some time to admire the captivating fachwerk (half-timbering) architecture that makes this town so unique.

Barossa Valley

Seppeltsfield. Image courtesy of South Australian Tourism Commission. 

South Australia is famous for its wine largely thanks to the Barossa Valley. Fans of red wine will be glad to taste the highly regarded Shiraz while those looking to expand their horizons can enjoy a variety of fortified wines - Seppeltsfield has a range of fortifieds with flavours of caramel and dried fruit. You have to pair it with something though, don't leave the drink on it's lonesome. The Barossa Farmers Market is on every Saturday in Angaston with stalls of locally made cheese, fudge, preserves and more. 

Looking for a park closer to the wine and cheese? Stay at Discovery Parks - Barossa Valley in Tanunda. 

Museums & Galleries

Art Gallery of South Australia. Image courtesy of the South Australian Tourism Commission. 

Learning doesn't have to be boring. The South Australian Museum do a fantastic job at creating displays that are interactive, unusual, fun and informative. See the tools used by the native people of the land in the permanent collection or check out what's the current exhibition. The Art Gallery of South Australia next door is a bit of a show-off, too. Showcasing famous national and international artists, the curators of this gallery are helping make Adelaide an important art & cultural centre in Australia. 

Port Adelaide

Semaphore Beach. Image courtesy of South Australian Tourism Commission.

This port town is worth a day of your holiday. The Maritime Museum in Port Adelaide displays the proud local history of the people who explored our oceans and rivers. Even more fascinating is the Ghost Crime Tour; this spooky tour will introduce you to some of the spirits that still inhabit the area. They really are the experts in the paranormal and the tour is easily one of the most fun things to do in Adelaide!

Haigh’s Chocolate Factory Tour

Haigh's Chocolates. Image courtesy of South Australian Tourism Commission. 

Looking for more things to do in Adelaide with kids? A tour of one of Australia’s most beloved chocolate factories is bound to keep them happy. Haigh's Chocolates are known for their frogs, truffles and fruit centres. But don't go past those dark chocolate coffee beans! They're the stuff of dreams. Afterwards, take your children to the South Parklands across the road to help them work off the sugar rush.

Dolphin Kayaking Tour

 

Tired of walking? Sit down in a kayak and spend a day out on the water. Take a tour of a dolphin sanctury with Adventure Kayaking SA. From Garden Island, you will explore the mangrove creeks and Ships Graveyard Maritime Heritage Trail. There are 25 wrecks known to be here, with a mix of pontoons, ferries, dredges and barges sunken in. Don't stress about fitness or experience; it's suitable for couch sitters and elite athletes alike. Give it a crack!

Adelaide Botanic Gardens

Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Image courtesy of South Australian Tourism Commission. 

Officially opened in 1857, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens have an established history of beauty and excellence that the locals love. When the corpse flower opened in early 2016, over 16,000 visitors showed up to smell the fairly unpleasant (but curious) odour. Sadly, you've already missed it. Instead you're stuck with the International Rose Garden, the Cactus and Succulent Garden, and the Australian Forest. Life's hard! Ready to spend a pretty penny on a unique experience? The Blanco Botanic Gardens Restaurant has a highly-acclaimed menu using South Australian produce and ingredients taken from the gardens themselves. You'll never have a meal quite like it. 

 

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