Thrilling Adventures in Adelaide
From the four world-class wine districts to the heritage city centre, the thriving food scene, and a scenic beauty Adelaide has never fallen short of adventures. Follow along to discover the best and fascinating adventures in Adelaide, few tips to make the fabulous city’s experience to remember.
Adelaide is South Australia’s capital, and its central region is compact. The city is structured in a perfect grid pattern and covers around 5 km squared. River Torrens cuts down the central city running from the Adelaide hills to Glenelg.
The city has a vibrant culture, entertainment, flavors and events. Soak-up at some of the picture-perfect beaches found in Adelaide. You could also dine at the world-famous restaurants and experience the local cuisine at its best. From the exciting beach bars to the flamboyant coastal road trips here are some of the top adventures in Adelaide.
- Visit Rundle Mall
Among the top main shopping streets in the lush city is this bustling Mall. Have in mind that the Rundle Mall was the first pedestrian-only Mall in Australia. Found here is a wide array of international and Australian retailers as well as several high-end boutiques and a lush network of arcades. This magnificent street was first set up in 1837, and quite a number of the buildings were constructed in the 19th century.
The iconic Mall is also famous for fabulous sculptures which include a giant cockroach statue, the Spheres and a collection of adorable life-size bronze pigs (Horatio, Augusta, Truffles and Oliver). Adelaide has a lavish décor at Adelaide arcade, which is another brilliant attraction, and the Fountain found near the entrance.
- North Terrace
What an awesome place to kick start your itinerary in the beautiful capital. Found here is a stunning tree-lined boulevard that is graced by cultural and historical treasures. Parliament House is probably the most striking building here located at the intersection of North Terrace and King William Street. The House has a panoramic monumental colonnade that is a must-visit in the city.
Down the street observe other thrilling adventures in Adelaide such as South Australian Museum, State Library of South Australia and also the Art Gallery of South Australia. Experience the Mitchell Building found in the University of Adelaide which brings out the Gothic Revival style in a real sense.
Some of the other North Terrace gems include Ayer’s Historic House, the Migration Museum and the Adelaide Botanic Garden.
- Adelaide Botanic Garden
Stroll through the wrought-iron gates found at the east end and enter another world of botanical treasures. Set up back in 1855, the Adelaide botanic garden comprises of educational themed plantings like medicinal plants, Australian native species, a Mediterranean garden and a wetland that irrigates the entire place.
Plants play a very crucial role in our daily lives as the Santos Museum of Economic Botany has it. Find other garden favourites such as the Bicentennial Conservatory filled with lowland rainforests flora, the palm house and of course the night flowering Amazonica water lilies.
Exploring these spectacular gardens is among the most thrilling adventures in Adelaide. Make sure you set foot in the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden and experience the impressive collection of plants.
- River Walk
Choose to stay at the Adelaide intercontinental found in the North Terrace. You will have direct access to the riverside where you will have several other options to experience Adelaide. The river gives you an English feel with deciduous trees and the bandstand that was forged in 1882 in Glasgow.
This is where you will also see rowing crews as they make their way gently on the river. Take a river cruise on the Popeye boats and enjoy a refreshing breakfast at the Jolleys Boathouse café. Explore the ambient river to the north and discover the stunning bridges that lead to North Adelaide and Adelaide Oval.
- Enjoy Classic Glenelg
Glenelg is a robust seaside resort found in suburban Adelaide and can be accessed from Adelaide airport and Adelaide city centre. Among the top adventures in Adelaide is this popular destination that flocks both locals and tourists. It has a lovely foreshore and pristine beach that makes an incredible spot for relaxation.
Observe panoramic views of the serene beach, and you can also engage in recreational boating. Stroll along Jetty Road, which is the major retail district for Glenelg and experience the sensational Beachouse theme park. Glenelg has a very vibrant history as it is the oldest European settlement located on mainland South Australia.
Also, check out the special Glenelg tram, which happens to be the only tram line that is still operational in Adelaide.
- Art Gallery of South Australia
Found in the heart of Adelaide’s cultural precinct is the magnificent Art Gallery of South Australia. The colonnaded Victorian building has among the finest collections of art in Adelaide and was established in 1881 with an astounding architectural design coming into play. The wide array of collections found here cut across all mediums from paintings, sculpture, textiles, photographs, metalwork, furniture, jewellery and ceramics.
Australian collection spans from the colonial era to the present days, and this includes the Torres Strait Islander art.
- Stroll the Himeji Garden
Discover this spellbinding gift from Adelaide’s sister, Himeji. It is a lush Japanese garden that is designed into two unique Japanese styles. The two are commonly referred to as kare senzui (dry garden) and senzui (lake and mountain garden). Some of the unbelievable attractions found here are koi fish, zen rock garden, the Okunoin lantern, a shishi-odoshi and the lake. Wander in this thrilling garden for bird-spotting, a meditation session or a prodigious picnic.
- Take a Heritage Walking Tour
Often referred to as a “city of great buildings”, Adelaide is widely known for a fascinating history and a gorgeous heritage architecture. There are plenty of tour guides around the city that are quite informative and will give you all the insights and account behind the beguiling sites.
Many of the famous heritage buildings can be found in Adelaide just around the city centre. Experience the various structures in the city and appreciate both modern and ancient Adelaide.
- Tour Adelaide Oval
In most countries, stadiums are not regarded as a top tourist attraction, but Aussies love sporting activities and the playing arenas as well. Resting at the centre of the Adelaide Riverbank Precinct is this stunning structure that was established back in 1871. The first cricket match hosted in this stadium was in 1884.
The Oval has hosted more than 16 different sports since it was established including lacrosse, hockey, cycling, archery, AFL and tennis. Major events and music concerts have also taken place at the stadium. The venue was revitalized in 2014 after a multi-million-dollar renovation took place. The Oval is, of course, among the premier adventures in Adelaide.
- Shop till you drop at Adelaide Central Market
Found to the west of Victoria Square is the Adelaide Central Market, which is a favourite shopping hub for many. It is among the oldest indoor markets on the planet. Established back in 1870, the colourful markets orchestrate vegetables and fresh fruits, baked goods, flowers, cheeses, and multicultural culinary treats.
Enjoy mouth-watering cuisines one of the several cafes found here after wandering the produce-packed stalls. Bring your shopping bags or baskets as there is a lot of things you can get from here, especially during Saturday afternoons where the vendors slash prices.