There are a growing number of reasons to visit Adelaide, South Australia’s increasingly cosmopolitan capital. It plays host to a number of festivals and sporting events, offers incredible food and wine and is simple to get around (you can easily experience the city, the hills and the coastline in the same day).
Whether you’re planning your first time in the City of Churches, or a returning visitor, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained. To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite things to do in Adelaide for tourists, based on the best of local and visitors’ knowledge.
One of Australia’s most iconic venues, the Adelaide Oval has played host to some of the biggest events of the sporting calendar. It’s a must-visit for any sports fans, but the option to climb to the roof gives it added appeal to any adrenaline lovers. Not only will you get a unique view of the stadium on this roof climb, but the surrounding Adelaide Hills, city skyline and coastline too. You’ll be fully kitted out with all the equipment you need for this exhilarating two-hour trip and can choose from daytime, twilight and night tours.
Get up close to more than 1,800 animals and around 300 species, including mammals, reptiles, fish and birds, at the famous Adelaide Zoo. The zoo, which is known for its commitment to rare and endangered species, is centrally located and set in the stunning surrounds of eight hectares of botanical gardens. Make the most of your visit with a free daily walking tour, included in your ticket price.
Join your expert local guides for an unforgettable night out, exploring some of the best bars Adelaide has to offer and learning about the city’s thriving small bar culture. They’ll take you to those hidden away spots you’d easily miss yourself and share their wealth of knowledge about the city during this four-hour tour. There’ll also be plenty of tasty food and drink, with six signature cocktails served up across the six venues, as well as delicious local tapas and grazing boards. If you only have time for one night out in Adelaide, make it this one.
Get ready for an evening out with a difference! Take a trip to Australia’s longest continuously operating gaol and be prepared for a spooky occasion. Search for the ghosts of prisoners passed, including South Australia’s most notorious killer. More than 12 spirits are said to haunt this building, which saw 45 hangings and has its own burial site. This ghost tour even includes the opportunity to use paranormal investigation tools to make contact.
Hot Air Balloon in the Barossa
There are few better places than the stunning Barossa Valley to enjoy the strange combination of serenity and exhilaration offered by a hot air balloon ride. This famous wine region is an incredible sight from above, making this one of the most romantic journeys you can make. It’s well worth the early morning start and you can even enjoy a delicious breakfast, served with sparkling wine, afterwards. You’ll also be ideally placed to continue to explore this beautiful area and visit some wineries.
Skydiving Goolwa – Basham Beach
Want to make your Adelaide trip an unforgettable one? A tandem skydive over Basham Beach, taking off from Goolwa Airport, is about as memorable as it gets. Experience the exhilaration of freefall and then, once the parachute is open, soar serenely across the sky, looking out for whales and dolphins in the water as you descend. You’ll struggle to find a better view anywhere in Australia!
Seal Island Tour – Victor Harbor
Love wildlife? This is the tour for you. You’ll take a 45-minute cruise to Seal Rock, home to Australian Sea Lions, New Zealand Fur Seals and a variety of seabirds. Common and bottlenose dolphins are also often seen and sometimes race the boat, so keep your eyes open. The boat sets off from Granite Island Causeway, and you’ll pass the horse-drawn tram and Screwpile Jetty as you go.
Experience the rush of a ride in a V8 supercar at Tailem Bend. If you love motorsport, or just love thrilling activities that bring your senses to life, then you’ve got to get out on to the racetrack at least once in your life. You’ll be blown away by the sheer acceleration of these machines, as a pro racing driver takes you for the fastest laps imaginable. Why not tie in your visit to the track with an exploration of other sights in the area?
Adrenaline
Adrenaline 