One of the best ways to get to know your new home is by exploring it to the fullest – and we’re here to help you do exactly that! If you’re studying and living in Adelaide, you’ll enjoy a wide range of bucket-list-worthy activities. Here are nine of the best things to do in Adelaide to experience the wonders of the South Australian capital.
Browse the Adelaide Central Market
With over 70 vendors selling fresh produce, meat and seafood, dairy products, baked goods, health food, and handmade items, Adelaide Central Market has it all. Known for being the Southern Hemisphere’s largest undercover market, it’s a fantastic place to stock up on goods. It is also a great place to grab a bite in one of the many eateries serving multicultural cuisines.
Check out Rundle Mall
Stretching between the West End and East End, Rundle Mall is a local favourite, offering fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. Here, you can shop ‘til you drop or eat to your heart’s content. Take a selfie with the mall’s award-winning artworks, such as The Spheres (AKA Mall’s Balls) and The Pigeon. Stop to appreciate world-class buskers and don’t forget to pop into the historic Adelaide Arcade. Stay updated on upcoming events, offers and news related to this vibrant pedestrian mall to make sure you never miss out on the fun!
Visit the Art Gallery of South Australia & the South Australian Museum
Discover artistic and cultural wonders at the Art Gallery of South Australia. The gallery is home to a whopping 47,000 of Australia’s best art collections spanning 2,000 years. From aboriginal to colonial and modern pieces, you’re sure to be impressed! Be sure to check out the varied exhibitions, many of which offer free entry (a complement to the affordable average cost of living in Adelaide!).
Right next to the art gallery is the South Australian Museum, which displays Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. The Aboriginal and Pacific Island collection is unmissable. The SA Museum Terrace Coffee caravan offers delicious coffee; students and museum members receive a 15% discount, so remember to flash your student ID!
Stroll through the Adelaide Botanic Garden
Nestled in the CBD, the Adelaide Botanic Garden is a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is a fantastic spot for a study break, a date or even a cute picnic. Check out what’s beautiful in the garden at the moment and marvel at its architectural wonders. Here you’ll find diverse flora from across the country spread across 50 hectares of lush parklands. Entry is free, making this one of the best free things to do in Adelaide.
Meet the wildlife at the Adelaide Zoo
Combine your trip to the beautiful gardens with a visit to Adelaide Zoo as they’re right next to each other. The zoo is home to over 250 species of exotic and native animals. Remember to meet the giant pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, and choose from the many animal experiences where you can feed, encounter or be a keeper to your favourite animals. Students are eligible for concession tickets, so make sure to leverage this offer while you can.
Explore the National Wine Centre of Australia
Living in Adelaide means access to world-class wineries. But sometimes, you may not be able to travel that far to experience South Australian wines. If that’s the case, check out the National Wine Centre. Located in the heart of the CBD, the centre is connected to the Botanic Garden, making it the perfect next stop on your journey around the city. Learn all about winemaking and indulge in a wine tasting experience (with a range of 120 different wines from over 55 regions available). Finish the tour with some scrumptious food paired with delicious local wines – all without leaving the city.
Catch a cricket or AFL game at Adelaide Oval
Situated in North Adelaide, Adelaide Oval is one of the most prestigious sports venues in the state and country, attracting thousands of visitors every year. Here you can watch a cricket or football game or even attend a concert or major event. Keep up to date with what’s on at the Oval and secure your tickets once you find an event that interests you.
Reach new heights at RoofClimb Adelaide Oval
Feeling adventurous and looking to splurge a little? Get your adrenaline fix by braving the Adelaide Oval RoofClimb. You will be greeted by stunning 360-degree views of Adelaide, including the coastline and picturesque foothills. There are day, twilight and night climbs to choose from. The night climbs even come with a post-climb drink, so you can say cheers to the magnificent city views. If you’re a sports fan, go for the RoofClimb Game On! option where you get to watch a full quarter of an Adelaide game live from the rooftop seats.
Float down the river in a BBQ Buoy
If you’ve walked past the River Torrens, you’ve probably seen white buoys floating on the River – these are the incredibly reputed BBQ Buoys! Enjoy some mouthwatering cheese platters, wine and/or beer while floating down the river. Plus, as the name suggests, every buoy has a built-in barbecue, which you can cook a tasty meal on. While the cost is a bit pricey, it’s cheaper to go with a group of friends and bring your own food and drinks. The standard two-hour session includes Bluetooth speakers, an esky full of ice to keep your drinks chilled and tableware. Enjoy!
Photo courtesy of AEDA.
Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) is a City of Adelaide (CoA) subsidiary designed to accelerate economic growth in the Adelaide CBD and North Adelaide. The driving force behind the CoA’s recovery and reinvigoration, you can learn more about AEDA here.
