Adelaide: City Sights

Aboriginal Heritage

Adelaide is the perfect place for an introduction to Australia’s Aboriginal heritage and contemporary culture. The South Australian Museum’s Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery on North Terrace is home to the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts and archival material in the world, with 3,000 items and interactive multimedia displays. Nearby, Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute is an award-winning multi-arts centre featuring regular exhibitions by Aboriginal and Torres Strait artists.

• South Australia Museum
• Aboriginal Visual Arts Centre

Adelaide Botanic Garden

At the eastern end of North Terrace lies the Adelaide Botanic Garden. The magnificent Bicentennial Conservatory houses a tropical rainforest and is the largest glasshouse in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Adelaide Botanic Garden

National Wine Centre of Australia

Accounting for 70 per cent of the nation’s wine exports, South Australia is the perfect home for the National Wine Centre of Australia. Designed to showcase 10,000 Australian wines and more than 50 wine regions, the National Wine Centre is next to the Adelaide Botanic Garden and will take you on an interactive journey through the past, present and future of the Australian wine industry.

• National Wine Centre of Australia

State Library of South Australia

Sir Donald Bradman’s personal collection of cricketing memorabilia spanning 1927-1977, is on display at the State Library. Sir Donald is the greatest batsman in the history of the game.

• State Library of South Australia

Adelaide Oval

Cricket fans should also take in a tour of the Adelaide Oval – renowned as one of the prettiest cricket grounds in the world. Tours feature the history of the ground and the sporting champions who have played there.

• Adelaide Oval

Haigh’s Chocolates

Visit the home of Australia’s oldest surviving chocolate-making company, take a free tour to check out the factory and heritage display, and taste some of the world’s best chocolates.

• Haigh’s Chocolates

Adelaide Central Market

Jostle with the crowd for fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish and a host of gourmet specialties at the Adelaide Central Market. Most produce is harvested within 24 hours of sale and the heritage and character of the market remains, with the 1900s Grote Street facade still standing. The market is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and is the perfect place for a hearty Adelaide breakfast.

• Adelaide Central Market

Jamfactory Contemporary Craft and Design

Watch artisans at work during a two-hour guided tour of the Jamfactory’s four professional studios – hot glass, ceramics, furniture design and metal design. The centre’s two galleries have exhibitions all year round and works are available for sale.

• Jamfactory Contemporary Craft and Design

Glenelg

A 20-minute tram ride brings you from the heart of the city to the popular beachside suburb of Glenelg. Busking performances and street parties are common. Try your hand at tandem bike riding, parasailing, windsurfing or sailing. Glenelg is also home to a great historical exhibition in the Bay Discovery Centre, and the acclaimed Rodney Fox Shark Museum. Owner, Rodney Fox, survived a great white shark attack in his younger days and his collections are from more than 100 expeditions to film the great white shark.

• Bay Discovery Centre
• Rodney Fox Shark Experience

Maritime History

Explore South Australia’s maritime history at Port Adelaide, 20 minutes northwest of the central business district. Take a walking tour through the old docks. Cruise boats ply the Port River, and often attract the local population of dolphins.

• South Australia Maritime Museum
• National Railway Museum

• Photos
• Map

Rowing on River Torrens. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Festival Centre. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Glenelg. Courtesy of Tourism Australia

City skyline at night. Courtesy of Tourism Australia