things to do in Adelaide and South Australia

Adelaide is the jewel in the crown of the vast state of South Australia. Whatever your expectations are, there is something for everyone. So, if you are looking for things to do, then why not visit some of the many attractions of Adelaide or, for the more adventurous, the diverse playground beyond the city?
Having endured almost six months at sea and escaping the rigours of English life, Adelaide was settled in 1836 by the first of the 'free' migrants, eager to start a new life in the latest, far off acquisition of the British Empire. the Province of South Australia.
Planning of our gracious city was undertaken by the appointed Surveyor General, Colonel William Light. By March 1837, the foundation stones of what we enjoy today had been laid. Following the original plans, our city overlooks the banks of the River Torrens and provides the community with wide open thoroughfares, leafy green city squares and is isolated from the suburbs by an endless belt of lush parklands, majestic gums and themed gardens. Un-congested, free flowing traffic and easily navigable streets provide for a relaxed, stress free and enviable lifestyle.

Adelaide the 'city of churches' is named in honour of Queen Adelaide, the consort to King William IV. Our colonial and traditionally English history is reflected in many of the buildings and facades that can be found throughout the city today. A relaxing walk along North Terrace, our boulevard of culture and learning reveals the State Library, Art Gallery, South Australian Museum and the city campuses of the Adelaide University and University of South Australia. Nestled behind these establishments the Migration Museum and the original Police Barracks are worth a browse.
The East End of the city square is a vibrant hub consisting of the Botanical GardSens, International Rose Garden, Bicentennial Conservatory, Ayres House, Tandanya - the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute and the National Wine Centre. If you're starting to feel a little light headed, a bite to eat along the energetic café strip of Rundle Street is a refreshing surprise.

Our Mediterranean climate of warm to hot summers and cool to warm winters is the perfect environment for the local farmers, growers and nurseries. Our world class wine regions of the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley are overflowing with superb South Australian wines and restaurants preparing great regional cuisine. Supporting approximately sixty cultures the Adelaide Central Market, in the heart of the city, is a foodies paradise. Neighbouring Gouger Street is just a short walk away and the cafés and restaurants take you on a cosmopolitan journey oozing a world of flavours. The streets of Adelaide permeate with the aroma of fresh coffee as locals, visitors and business delegates enjoy the alfresco lifestyle.
The Adelaide City Council provides the 'city free' bus service that circumnavigates the city and ‘Tindo’ the green solar bus that services North Adelaide. These are a convenient way to traverse the heart of the city and they connect with many of our first class accommodation facilities. Hotels, motels, bed and breakfast or hostel accommodation is varied and plentiful. Standing proud on North Terrace is SkyCity, the Adelaide Casino and Parliament House. Watch our politicians haggle from the spectator gallery. If you're here for business, the Convention Centre has excellent facilities and is host to many corporate functions and exhibitions. Contemporary art and craft enthusiasts will enjoy the arrangements at the Jam Factory.
The River Torrens, flowing through the centre of the city, is an attractive foray of activity, bike riding, walking and a fleet of paddle boats are just of few. Sip champagne and strawberries on a private Gondola or enjoy a scenic river cruise on the Popeye boats. Venture downstream to the weir and the Old Adelaide Gaol or upstream you can alight at the Adelaide Zoological Gardens and take a guided tour around Australia's second oldest zoo. There is also year round entertainment with festivals, concerts and shows at the award winning Festival Theatre and neighbouring Elder Park.

For the sports orientated, a tour of the Adelaide Oval, the home of state and international cricket, is a must. It's easy to imagine the crowd roar as the legend of Sir Donald Bradman hits the ball for six! Superb public golf courses contour the city fringes as too, the volley of tennis balls at the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre. Want more power? The city provides the world's best motor racing street circuit for the famous Clipsal 500, whilst the Classic Adelaide rallies through the Adelaide Hills. The streets of Adelaide also host first class equestrian events - not to mention the world renowned Jacob's Creek Tour Down Under - the Tour de France of the Southern Hemisphere.

The pedestrian precinct of Rundle Mall is a haven for the cities shoppers. Retail therapy is available in many forms and bargains are plentiful. Don't forget to sample the hand-made chocolate delicacies from Adelaide's famous Haigh's Chocolates. A short tram ride on the city to bay tram will take you to Glenelg, our most popular suburban beach. Visit the boutique shops or participate in some of the popular beach activities, scuba diving, sailing, surfing or beach volleyball. Swim with dolphins on the popular dolphin cruise or visit the Rodney Fox Shark Museum or the Bay Discovery Centre.

Adelaide is the ideal gateway from which to explore South Australia's country regions. Whether it's a day trip or something more substantial, our regions are accessible by most travellers. Self drive cars and campervans provide individual freedom to escape and fulfil one's dream. Organised coach trips are popular as is the convenience of flying between regional centres. For the seafarers, cruise ships frequent our ports and for the traveller seeking luxury, a selection of personalised private touring options, are readily available.

Kangaroo Island is a rugged landscape and natural haven for native Australian wildlife and a variety of day tour options or short breaks are available from Sealink. Further along the Fleurieu Peninsula coast is the popular town of Victor Harbor. If you're lucky, you'll see Southern Right Whales from the coastline or catch the Horse Drawn Tram to Granite Island to watch the Fairy Penguins coming ashore.

The mighty Murray River flows through South Australia as it meanders to the Southern Ocean. Enjoy a relaxing few days on the river and see ancient landscapes and Aboriginal heritage sites from the onboard comfort of the Murray Princess or the Proud Mary river cruises, or an Unforgettable House Boat with family and friends. The Coorong National Park is the last leg of the river and is a world heritage area. Eco tours into the park are operated by Spirit of the Coorong Cruises, from the historic township of Goolwa.

The Adelaide Hills region is an array of seasonal colour. Just a short drive from the city centre will take you to places of interest, like the historic township of Hahndorf or the National Birdwood Motor Museum. The views from Mt Lofty Summit are fantastic as is the abundance of wildlife at the popular Cleland Wildlife Park and Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary.

Heading North from the city takes you through the pastoral regions and into the vineyards of the Clare Valley in the mid-north of the state. The Flinders Ranges is a natural environment of history, rugged landscapes, native wildlife, wild flowers and mineral deposits. You will also discover the famous archaeological treasure, Wilpena Pound. Take a birds-eye view of this natural habitat with one of the spectacular scenic flights. Further North is the opal mining capital of Australia, Coober Pedy. Stop for a visit and explore this opal mining town and escape to an underground desert cave. Now going all the way! The Ghan overland train tirelessly crosses the great expanse of the Australian Outback and goes all the way through to Darwin. For the lover of the outback, a few days in the saddle on the trail of the Great Australian Cattle Drive, is one of the great Australian adventures. Don't forget to wear the traditional and fashionable clothing from the famous RM Williams boot and clothing company.

Adelaide's Top Food & Wine Tours hope to assist you in the enjoyment of planning your next visit to our vast State and trust that you will leave having encountered the best of South Australia, with many unique experiences and a swag of rewarding memories. Happy Holidays!

Disclaimer: This information has been compiled as a resource of information to assist you in planning your next visit to South Australia. It does not constitute a recommendation to utilise the facilities of any party, or visit any destination named within.