10 of the Best Local Attractions
Attractions 1 to 8 are all within 10-minute walk of the Adelaide Convention Centre. Click here to download the pdf
1. Adelaide Central Market
The Adelaide Central Market has been a thriving hub of food and culture for more than 150 years. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the largest undercover fresh produce market in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit stallholders, enjoy tastings and multicultural cuisine, and experience the exciting buzz of the Market.
The Market has more than 70 stalls and is South Australia’s most visited tourist attraction and remains Adelaide’s premier food destination of multicultural cuisine and fresh produce. The Adelaide Central Market is still a traditional fresh produce market, offering a wide variety of artisan products, fruit and vegetables, smallgoods, eateries and is navigated by colourful avenues and roadways. Take yourself on a self-guided tour designed for interstate visitors taking advantage of the special offers and discounts.
2. National Wine Centre
Situated on the edge of Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens, at the east end of North Terrace, is a unique opportunity to explore all of Australia’s 65 wine regions. The National Wine Centre offers a range of tours and cellar experiences for visitors with any level of wine knowledge. The Wine Discovery Journey is a state-of-the-art interactive wine experience that explains the challenges of winemaking, the role it has played in the nation’s history, and the relationship between food and wine.
Visitors can finish their experience in the largest tasting room in Australia, where they can taste from of 120 different wines dispensed from state-of-the-art Enomatic servers. The Wined Bar at the Centre provides a unique dining experience that highlights fresh local produce, and knowledgeable staff can assist with wine matching.
3. Adelaide Oval
Since its inception in 1871, Adelaide Oval has been widely regarded as one of the most picturesque sporting grounds in the world and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Long regarded as the spiritual home of cricket, the Oval hosts, Aussie Rules Football (AFL) concerts, and major events.
Visitors can experience Adelaide Oval in a wide variety of ways – whether it’s going behind the scenes on a Stadium Tour visiting the Sir Donald Bradman Collection, having a night away at the Oval Hotel, or soaking up spectacular views of the city on a thrilling RoofClimb adventure, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
4. Art Gallery of South Australia
The Art Gallery of South Australia houses one of Australia’s most stunning art collections with more than 45,000 works of art from Australia, Europe, North America and Asia.
Entry to the Art Gallery is free, and free tours are offered twice daily. The carefully curated exhibitions and displays showcase art from throughout history and today.
5. South Australian Museum
The South Australian Museum is renowned for its world-class natural history and cultural collections.
The South Australian Museum has five floors and endless wonders to discover. From the first signs of early complex life to the most comprehensive collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural material in the world, there is something for everyone at the Museum. General admission is free, although costs apply to some exhibitions and events.
6. Adelaide Laneways
In Adelaide, streets are lined with quirky, speakeasy bars and laneways packed with cocktail lounges and unique bars. Sip your way around the laneways of Leigh St, Peel St and Gilbert Place and Adelaide’s east end. Top spots include Pink Moon Saloon, Leigh St Wine Room, Maybe Mae, Udaberri, East End Cellars and Hains & Co. For more bar inspiration, check out the guide to the best bars in Adelaide by clicking here.
7. Adelaide Park Lands
The Adelaide Park Lands are the largest inner urban park system in Australia. Nationally Heritage listed for their unique design, which encircle the City and create the Australia’s only “city in a Park”, they span more than 760 hectares.
The Park Lands are designated into 29 Parks and 6 city squares, all with
an array of different features, facilities and biodiverse ecosystems including formal sporting fields, walking and bike paths, golf links, and formal gardens like the Adelaide Botanic Garden. The Park Lands are the perfect opportunity to freely explore the city; meander along the River Torrens, explore the diverse plants in the Botanic Garden, or run a loop around the city through eucalypts and Morton Bay Figs.
8. Adelaide Zoo
Tucked in the heart of Adelaide lies a lush oasis home to exotic animals from all corners of the globe as well as Australia’s most iconic species. With more than 2,500 animals and 250 different species to discover including the only pair of Giant Pandas in the Southern Hemisphere, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, Adelaide Zoo is one of the best family-friendly things to do in Adelaide. Hand feed giraffe, feel the wind from the wings of Blue and Gold Macaws on your face as they fly overhead, watch the pandas at bath time and learn about your favourite animals from the passionate keepers. You can feel good about your visit too; the zoo is a conservation charity, with your ticket helping their important work to protect species. If you’ve got time, Monarto Safari Park, is just a 50 drive away and here you can watch lions, cheetahs and zebras roam over a 1,500-hectare open-range sanctuary.
9. Beautiful Beaches
South Australia has more than 5,000 kilometres of coastline, so it is no wonder the locals love going to the beach! There are plenty of popular metropolitan beaches to choose from, each with their own laid-back vibe.
An easy 30-minute tram ride from the city will bring visitors to the heart of the hustle and bustle of Glenelg, one of the most popular ocean-side locations.
Glenelg is renowned for its wide beach, stunning sunsets, sidewalk cafes, charming hotels, and loads of entertainment. It is a great place to take a dip or stroll along the jetty with some ice cream (or gelati) to cool down after a long day.
10. Penfolds Magill Estate
Just a short, 15-minute drive east of the city, Penfolds Magill Estate is nestled in the foothills over Adelaide. One of the world’s few urban single vineyards, the Magill Estate is the spiritual birthplace for some of Australia’s most famous winemaking stories. It has a luxurious Cellar Door, a fine dining Restaurant, and Kitchen, which all overlook the vineyard.
Learn more about the tours and experiences on offer, including The Ultimate Penfolds Experience by clicking here.