Keen to check out your new city, but also living on a strict student budget? If you’re studying in South Australia, there are plenty of fun things to do in Adelaide that won’t cost you a cent.
Here are some of the best completely free activities in Adelaide.
Hang out at Rundle Mall
OK, stick with us here. Although going to a shopping mall usually involves some spending, checking out this Adelaide icon certainly doesn’t have to. Rundle Mall is not only Adelaide’s premier shopping district, but it’s also one of the busiest malls in Australia.
But, if you are after a spot of shopping, Rundle Mall is the place to go. There are fashion, beauty, lifestyle, gaming and food stores, including four department stores, 15 arcades and more than 700 retailers. So, you’ll have no trouble finding what you need.
Make sure you stop to take a photo with Rundle Mall’s Oliver, Truffles, Augusta and Horatio, four bronze pig sculptures that are part of the artwork, A Day Out, and be sure to check out the rest of Rundle Mall’s exciting landmarks, including Beehive Corner, Rundle Mall Fountain and the iconic Mall’s Balls.
Discover exciting new tastes at Adelaide Central Market
If you’re obsessed with food and looking for indoor activities in Adelaide, definitely don’t miss the famous Adelaide Central Market. It’s one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere. Conveniently located opposite the tram stop at beautiful Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, the colourful market is full of stallholders selling incredibly fresh local produce. You’ll find a bunch of interesting fruits, vegetables and vegan eats, as well as gourmet meats and baked goods.
Many vendors also offer free samples and taste tests of their products, such as artisan cheese or bread, so keep an eye out for those.
Get close to nature at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens
If you’re looking for activities in Adelaide that will offer you some peace and quiet in the heart of the city, look no further than the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Check out the impressive blooms at the International Rose Garden, the Victorian-era Palm House greenhouse, follow the winding pathways along the First Creek Wetland, or visit the Bicentennial Conservatory, full of rainforest plants.
Wildlife-watchers should look out for the freshwater turtles, ducks and swans that frequent the garden. Take advantage of the free tram service to this beautiful, quiet study area, bring your books along and enjoy a picnic in the grassy parklands.
Study inside the State Library of South Australia
The State Library of South Australia is a beautiful blend of old and new. The Spence Wing entrance of the library is strikingly modern and connects to the older Institute Building and Mortlock Wing, French Renaissance-style buildings designed in the 1880s. Not only is the library visually stunning, but it’s also a quiet place to sit and study. It offers free Wi-Fi, study areas, history exhibits and books aplenty.
Enjoy a day by the seaside
Adelaide is home to many gorgeous stretches of coast. And the best part is, you can soak up the beach atmosphere without spending any money. Take a dip at Glenelg Beach, one of Adelaide’s most popular seaside spots. Along this stylish metropolitan beach lie many trendy shops, cafes and boutiques. Glenelg is just an easy tram or bus ride away from Adelaide’s CBD, and the journey usually only takes half an hour.
Up for some exercise? Take the coastal walk from Glenelg to Brighton, a laid-back coastal suburb near Seacliff. Brighton is a locally loved paddle-boarding and swimming spot and is generally much less crowded than Glenelg.
Experience Adelaide’s arts and culture scene
Feeling arty? Adelaide is a city practically bursting with culture. March sees the kick-off of Adelaide Writers’ Week, a completely free celebration of poems, books and writers. It’s part of the internationally acclaimed Adelaide Festival, which is full of arts, music, theatre and dance events, many of which are free. Adding to the festive spirit of March is Adelaide Fringe – the biggest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere.
To keep the fun going after summer is over, every winter for two weeks and three weekends, Illuminate Adelaide lights up the streets with a free city-wide light trail, cutting edge public installations and a program filled with music, art and technology. The colourful LGBTIQ+ Feast Festival, and OzAsia, Australia’s leading Asia-focused festival, are also worth adding to your calendar, and all feature free events.
Throughout the rest of the year, there are plenty of cultural activities taking place around the city. On any given day, you can lose yourself in the vast collections at the Art Gallery of South Australia, immerse yourself in history at the South Australian Museum (entry to both is free) or discover the stories and architecture of The University of Adelaide – home of some of Adelaide’s most historically significant and iconic buildings. Explore the beautiful North Terrace Campus by taking either a self-guided tour, a self-guided cultural tour, or both. All of these places are conveniently located near the CBD, so you’ll have no trouble getting to them.
Get to know your Adelaide
Take advantage of Adelaide Free Bikes* and ride around while soaking up the sights, or jump aboard one of Adelaide’s charming trams or free city buses. Not only is tram-riding a fun way to see the city, but rides between the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and South Terrace are completely free!
Looking for more things to do in Adelaide? Take yourself on a tour of the city with this great collection of maps and brochures that you can easily view on your phone or download and print. If you’re new to Adelaide, why not try the Orientation to Adelaide trail to give you a better understanding of your surroundings? Be sure to check out the Heritage & Folklore trail too, and uncover some of Rundle Mall’s secrets and learn more about the city’s historical buildings.
Established in 1874, the University of Adelaide is home to a thriving community from over 100 different countries. It’s a university of outstanding quality, ranked among the top 1% globally and located in the heart of Australia’s most liveable city.
Enjoy the confidence of a competitive education that only a Group of 8 university can offer, and prepare for an unrivalled quality of life. Start your studies in 2022.
*Note: The Adelaide CBD service remains suspended until further notice – a limited service is now available in the City of Charles Sturt.
