Bram ReusenAdelaide is the elegant capital of South Australia. This sophisticated and casual city was, unlike other Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, not founded as a penal colony. Instead, from its very beginning it was a freely settled colony of Great Britain. The people of Adelaide still pride themselves for their city’s non-crime-related history.
Also read: Best Places to Visit in South Australia
Adelaide is a relaxed city and has its fair share of museums, pubs, events, natural attractions, parks and historic landmarks.
Let’s take a closer look at things to do in Adelaide, shall we?
Catch a Game at the Adelaide Oval
Image credit: Stephen Beaumont
Adelaide Oval can hold 50,000 spectators and is sometimes referred to as the most beautiful cricket stadium in the world. It hosts national and international cricket games, as well as football games. Visitors should definitely try to get tickets to a sports game. If you fail, however, you need not worry. Taking a tour of the stadium and seeing the Bradman Collection, dedicated to history’s greatest batsman, is a fine alternative.
Sunbathe and People Watch in Glenelg
Image credit: eGuide Travel
Glenelg is where Adelaide’s most lively and popular beach is located. Other great beaches are Henley and Grange Beaches and Semaphore Beach. You may also want to visit the centres of beach life on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Visit the Museums on North Terrace
Image credit: Rexness
Adelaide’s North Terrace is lined with landmark buildings and institutions. You could easily spend a day or two on this street, visiting places such as the gorgeous Adelaide Botanic Gardens, the Parliament House, the South Australian Museum, the magnificent Art Gallery of South Australia and the National Wine Centre.
Also read: Best Places to Visit in South Australia
Walk Along the River Torrens
Image credit: Syed Abdul Khaliq
The pretty River Torrens runs through the heart of the city, from the Adelaide Hills to Henley Beach, and is flanked by beautiful parks and green spaces. The River Torrens Linear Trail runs along the river and invites you to go for a stroll or bike ride. In the parks, people can always be seen reading, picnicking or simply basking in the South Australian sun.
Go on a Day Trip to the Adelaide Hills
Image credit: Dwayne Madden
No further than a 20-minute drive from the Adelaide CBD, the Adelaide Hills is the complete opposite of the city. It is dotted with quaint and welcoming villages, wineries and rolling farmlands. Spending a day or a weekend indulging in local food and excellent wines, and browsing local art stores or craft shops are strongly recommended.
Sample World-Class Wine in the Barossa Valley
Image credit: Graeme Churchard
The Barossa Valley is without question one of Australia’s most important wine regions—right up there with the Hunter Valley in New South Wales and the Yarra Valley in Victoria. It produces the most wine per year of all Australian wine regions, and it’s all world-class wine. Covered with extensive vineyards, farmlands and wine cellars, the Barossa Valley can be reached in about an hour by car from Adelaide. Other wine valleys around Adelaide that are also worth visiting are McLaren Vale and Clare Valley.
Browse the Central Market
Image credit: -JosephB-
The Adelaide Central Market is where you need to be for fresh produce, a bite to eat or a coffee. Its many stalls are great fun to browse—make sure to buy some locally grown ingredients for a picnic in one of Adelaide’s many parks.
Also read: Kangaroo Island: South Australia’s Well-Preserved Open Zoo
See Sea Lions on Kangaroo Island
Image credit: Rodney Campbell
Kangaroo Island is one of the many natural icons of Australia. This stunning island is home to huge numbers of wildlife, including wallabies and, of course, kangaroos. At Seal Bay, you can walk among sea lions, while Admirals Arch, Hill Caves and Remarkable Rocks are a few of the island’s natural landmarks.
Also read: Top 10 Scenic Road Trips in Australia
There you have it! I hope you’ll enjoy all these fun activities when you visit this beautiful part of Australia!
