Best Things to do in Adelaide

Explore the top attraction and activities by discovering Adelaide's rich culture and history and some natural beauty and conservation parks. We’ve pulled together a mega list of things to do in and around Adelaide with kids or without kids because it’s a great time to visit Adelaide's major tourist attractions.

Adelaide’s Bucket List and Things to do

1. Adelaide botanic garden

This Adelaide Botanic Garden is 51-hectares of an organic garden. It is located in the Adelaide city center's north-east corner, in Adelaide Parklands. It encompasses a fenced garden on the North Terrace. Behind it, the Botanic Park offers eight gardens, a forest, and a wetland, along with architectural marvels like Bicentennial Conservatory. It is an oasis in the city's multicultural heart, featuring remarkable landscaped gardens, impressive avenues, and spectacular architecture.

2. Cleland Conservation Park

A conservation park protected and located in the Adelaide hills, 22 km away from the city center. It conserves a crucial area of bushland that is situated in the hilly face zone. Here you will find wide species of animals and birds, including wallabies and kangaroos. It is must visit place for families with kids for a wildlife experience. It is a prominent tourist attraction since 1967.

3. Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Zoo is the homespun to 2500 creatures and 250 types of exotic and native animals, fish, birdies, and reptiles. It was unwrapped to the community in 1883 and is located north of the city centre in parklands. The zoo showcases the social history and heritage of South Australia. The Adelaide Zoo is a not-for-profit zoo. It is a leader in modern zoological techniques.

4. Mount Lofty Summit

Mount Lofty is the highest point in the Mount Lofty Ranges. It is only 15 km from the Adelaide City Centre. The hills provide spectacular views across the city's skyline to the plains in the west. Tie your walking shoes, grab your cameras and get ready to explore the Mount Lofty Ranges that are over 710m above sea level. Moreover, don't forget to experience the exotic scenery between Mount Lofty and Waterfall Gully.

5. South Australian Museum

South Australian Museum is famous as a natural history museum and research institution. It was founded in 1856 and is owned by the government of South Australia. The Museum is renowned for its world-class social collections and natural antiquity. It is said that the Museum has the world's most extensive collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural materials. Over 3000 artifacts are on display and have the culturally significant Yuendumu Doors. This Museum is one of the world's rarest Museum that has wood-and-glass cabinets with interactive exhibits.

Also, Read: What are some popular places to visit in Australia?

6. Adelaide Oval

One of Adelaide's most iconic and picturesque sports grounds is located in the city center and North Adelaide. The stadium is a prestigious, historic venue with some panoramic views, perfect for AFL, functions, concerts, and cricket tournaments. It has the collection of Sir Donald Bradman for its sports, history, and culture enthusiasts.

7. Art Gallery of South Australia

The Art Gallery of South Australia is the home to stunning works of art. It has more than 45,000 paintings that feature Australian, European, and Asian art. It is part of a boulevard of historical-cultural institutions that line North Terrace, Adelaide. It was established in the year 1881 and was occupying only two rooms at that time. This art gallery is known as the National Gallery of South Australia. They also arrange a festival of Contemporary Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art each year.

8. Tennyson Dunes

Tennyson Dunes is an ecological park in Adelaide. It is a trail of 1.5km where you can enjoy walking and cycling by experiencing an ancient dune system. Tennyson is the last and most significant remnant coastal dunes in Adelaide. The place is just opposite West Lakes and its way through 22 hectares of historic dunes and home to the wildest flora and fauna of South Australia. These dunes are protecting inland areas from storm-caused sea intrusions for thousands of years.

9. JamFactory

To see the local artist's works, including crafts and glass blowing along with pottery, art, wine, and architecture, visit JamFactory. It is a not-for-profit art organization that has training facilities, galleries, and shops. This place promotes culture and supports local artists for promoting their outstanding designs and craftsmanship through its widely acclaimed studios. JamFactory also organizes the exhibition for local artists, from ceramics to knife making to millinery till glass and leather.

10. Semaphore Jetty

Semaphore Jetty is a historical landmark where you can enjoy the sunset and catch blue crabs and fishes. This beach is perfect for the people who live in the northern suburbs of the metropolitan city. Jetty was built in 1860 and was initially 652 meters long, but now it’s only 585 meters. The fantastic white sand beach and low lying dunes and palm trees make this place more appealing.

Conclusion

Exploring these ten places is one of the best things you can do while visiting Adelaide port. This guide of things to do is perfect for spending your port excursion while cruising. Going on a cruise for the first time can be an overwhelming experience so learn about the best cruise travel essentials for first time cruisers.