10 Famous Places to Visit in Adelaide
- Adelaide Zoo
- Is Adelaide Zoo open during public holidays?
- Adelaide Central Market
- Does Adelaide Central Market have a delivery service?
- Cleland Conservation Park
- What’s the difference between Cleland Conservation Park and Adelaide Zoo?
- Mt. Lofty Botanic Garden
- When is the best month for visiting Mt. Lofty Botanic Garden?
- Art Gallery Of South Australia
- Can you take pictures inside the Art Gallery Of South Australia?
- South Australian Museum
- How much is the entry ticket for the South Australian Museum?
- Victoria Square
- Why should you visit Victoria Square?
- Morialta Conservation Park
- What does the word Morialta mean?
- Carrick Hill
- Who used to own the Carrick Hill Manor?
- Rundle Mall
- What are the Rundle Mall pigs?
Adelaide contains museums, natural parks, heritage buildings—and the only pandas in all of Australia! We’re always excited to guide tourists in traveling the city, and we hope that you fall in love with it as much as we are!
If you’re dropping by the city, here’s a quick overview of our favorite places to visit. From science, history, arts, music, and more—we’ve got it!
1. Adelaide Zoo
Address: Frome Rd, Adelaide SA 5000
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 9:30 AM-5 PM
We can’t help but recommend Adelaide Zoo, as it’s a part of almost any Adelaidean’s childhood. With over 2,500 animals, the zoo is any animal enthusiast’s dream come true!
Our favorite part is that the experience is interactive yet ethical.
Their zookeepers ensure that there’s a balance of showcasing the different Aussie natives—koalas, kangaroos, and dingoes—and giving them free time, which is great as these cute critters easily get stressed!
Some of the best activities we’ve experienced here are the giraffe feeding, the panda and friends’ breakfast show, and the meerkat encounter. Some of the country’s best offerings are its animals, and here, you get all day to meet them!
Is Adelaide Zoo open during public holidays?
Adelaide Zoo is open all days of the year, including during public holidays like Christmas and Australia Day. This makes it a great choice for family trips.
However, some attractions are only available on specific days. For example, their penguin encounters aren’t available on Mondays and Wednesdays, and koalas are only available every Monday and Tuesday.
| Local’s tip: Visit during Halloween and Christmas to see the park with colorful decorations. They prepare special animal shows during these holidays. |
2. Adelaide Central Market
Address: 44-60 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000
Opening hours:
- Sunday-Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 7 AM-5:30 PM
- Wednesday-Thursday: 9 AM-5:30 PM
- Friday: 7 AM-9 PM
- Saturday: 7 AM-3 PM
Adelaide Central Market is our go-to place for everything fresh. Local fruits, vegetables, cheese, wines, and more—you can get everything here!
There are more than 70 trades housed here, each with its own special offering for you. It’s not just a market; it’s also a mixing spot for the different cultures of Adelaide.
This is the home of the city’s Chinatown, popular restaurants, and even live music. This is why store-hopping is our favorite thing to do here.
Does Adelaide Central Market have a delivery service?
Adelaide Central Market has a delivery service available for suburbs near the market and during Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
It’s available through their website where browsing through different food categories is easy. We especially love the recipes they provide here, as they give creative ideas for our next meal.
| Local’s tip: Keep it moving! Shoppers here are busy visiting the next store or restaurant, so be prepared to be light on your feet. |
3. Cleland Conservation Park
Address: 365 Mount Lofty Summit Rd, Crafers SA 5152
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 9:30 AM-5 PM
Cleland can be found at the top of Mount Lofty, and the sights and animals here definitely make the soreness from the climb worth it. We love visiting here every time, as there’s always something new and interesting to see.
The park is divided into different areas simulating the natural habitat of the animals. They have wetlands, dry shrublands for marsupials, and aviaries.
Children will have a great time here because they’re able to see (and touch) many of the furry creatures here! We had fun feeding koalas their favorite eucalyptus leaves and patting them gently here.
What’s the difference between Cleland Conservation Park and Adelaide Zoo?
Cleland Conservation Park is larger than Adelaide Zoo and contains much more diverse ecosystems.
On the other hand, Adelaide Zoo’s unique offerings are the only two pandas in all of Australia and it’s much closer to the CBD, which makes it easier to visit.
Don’t limit yourself, as you can always go to both! We personally found the trip to Cleland a highly rewarding one because aside from the animals, it also gives you a great view of Adelaide.
| Local’s tip: Allot at least 3 hours for your visit to the animal park, as you’ll be walking a lot. |
4. Mt. Lofty Botanic Garden
Address: 16 Lampert Rd, Crafers SA 5152
Opening hours:
- Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM-4 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 8:30 AM-7 PM
In the cooler regions of eastern Adelaide Hills, you can see the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden where temperate-growing plants can be seen. After a visit here, our Instagram feeds were filled with photos of magnolias, ferns, and camellias!
Scarlet and bronze hues dominate the garden, which gives the impression that it’s always autumn here. With over 97 hectares of gullies, there’s a lot of space for walking and feeling the chilly breeze.
And while you’re here, we highly recommend visiting the romantic Mount Lofty House. It has a magnificent view of the nearby lake and award-winning restaurants that are best enjoyed with locally-brewed wines.
When is the best month for visiting Mt. Lofty Botanic Garden?
We recommend visiting Mt. Lofty Botanic Garden from March to May, which is the autumn season in Adelaide. It’s the time when the colors of the garden pop and become more alive.
| Local’s tip: There are no cafeterias nearby, so bring your own food with you. |
5. Art Gallery Of South Australia
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 10 AM-5 PM
The Art Gallery Of South Australia is home to more than 45,000 artworks for you to see. There are also many events happening here every month, such as those featuring Andy Warhol’s pop art collection and Frida Kahlo’s influential works.
Located at the North Terrace, it’s home to great works that showcase culture from all around the world. We honestly believe that a single day would not be enough for you to fully absorb all the great work that it features.
It’s also a great showcase for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. An annual celebration of their contemporary artwork is held here.
Can you take pictures inside the Art Gallery Of South Australia?
Handheld photography is allowed for the majority of the Art Gallery of South Australia. The staff will inform you if some parts don’t allow photography.
For professional photography and the use of flash lighting, you’ll have to submit a formal request to their communications team.
| Local’s tip: There’s a particularly shocking installation called “We Are All Flesh” at Melrose Wing of the Museum. Those who are faint of heart should probably avoid it! |
6. South Australian Museum
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 10 AM-5 PM
What makes the South Australian Museum special is that they house a full-time staff for science and research, which translates in more dynamic and exciting displays in the museum.
Some of our favorites include the Australian Polar Collection and the Biological Science Collection. It’s a great way of seeing the diverse life forms unique to Australia.
We also love how there’s always something new here every month. Their events are eclectic, including 80s gadget displays, steam technology exhibits, and scavenger hunts.
How much is the entry ticket for the South Australian Museum?
The South Australian Museum offers free entry, but you’ll have to book in advance. However, do note that some exhibits require payment.
| Local’s tip: SA Museum covers a wide range of the themes for their collections. We suggest viewing their displays online first so that you can prioritize the ones you’re most interested in before visiting. |
7. Victoria Square
Address: Grote St, Adelaide SA 5000
Victoria Square or Tantanyangga is one of our favorite spots for hanging out and taking in Adelaide’s open space. Its centerpiece is the statue of Queen Victoria whose bronze and copper form is illuminated by sophisticated lighting.
There’s plenty of space for picnics and simply lounging around here. You can also hear many performers singing their hearts out in the square whom you can always tip!
It’s a space for some of Adelaide’s most iconic events, including the Adelaide Fringe Festival and the Tour Down Under. As the square is easily accessible by tram, you can visit it any time of the day!
Why should you visit Victoria Square?
The best time to visit Victoria Square is during Christmas so you can see the 80-foot Christmas tree. There’s a lighting event and music to accompany it during the festive season.
| Local’s tip: Bring an umbrella and a picnic mat with you! Once you arrive here, the relaxing aura and the wide space will be too irresistible for anyone. |
8. Morialta Conservation Park
Address: Morialta Falls Rd, Woodforde SA 5072
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
Morialta Conservation Park is for nature enthusiasts. With its gentle streams, roomy pathway, and lush trees, the view here is straight out of a nature documentary.
Don’t be afraid to get your feet sore here, as the view is definitely worth it. Our favorite part is the First Falls which has a majestic sound that rings throughout the path.
The Giant’s Cave, with its rugged and rocky walls, is a children’s favorite. There’s plenty of space to play around and take in the view of the park.
What does the word Morialta mean?
The word Morialta is a Kaurna word for ever-flowing river. It’s no wonder the park was given this name because it’s filled with creeks and streams.
| Local’s tip: Don’t bring your fur babies with you on the trip, as the park isn’t dog-friendly. |
9. Carrick Hill
Address: 46 Carrick Hill Dr, Springfield SA 5062
Opening hours:
- Monday-Tuesday: Sunday
- Wednesday-Sunday: 10 AM-4:30 PM
Want something posh and classy? Why not visit the historic Carrick Hill Manor placed on the foot of Adelaide Hills?
There are more than 100 acres of walking space here, featuring a well-maintained manor, plenty of elegantly-trimmed plantlife, and a wonderful view of the cityscape. The place is straight out of a Jane Austen novel!
We were smitten with the tasteful art pieces inside, which include sculptures and paintings. Dress old money and live your Romantic-era fantasies here in Carrick Hill!
Who used to own the Carrick Hill Manor?
The heritage building of Carrick Hill Manor used to be owned by Edward and Ursula Hayward. They’re true Adelaide locals who had a penchant for the best pieces of art, which now fills their home.
| Local’s tip: The cafe is almost always full. Be sure to bring some light snacks with you so that you don’t get too hungry! |
10. Rundle Mall
Address: Adelaide SA 5000
Opening hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 9 AM-5:30 PM
- Friday: 9 AM-9 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 9 AM-5 PM
Rundle Mall is our go-to place for almost anything: dining, shopping, entertainment, and more! The mall has been part of almost all Adelaideans’ childhood.
Yearly, it welcomes up to 22 million people! It’s no wonder why it’s well-rounded in terms of its offerings, from clothes, music, restaurants, and more.
It’s hard to miss, as it’s located in the heart of the CBD. Because it’s minutes away from museums, galleries, bars, and restaurants of the city, it’s always a good idea to pass by the mall.
Just outside of the mall, you’ll also see plenty of locals playing live music. Don’t be shy to dance or jam along!
What are the Rundle Mall pigs?
Rundle Mall features four live-sized bronze pigs, which is an art piece made by Marguerite Derricourt. They’re affectionately named Horatio, Truffles, Augusta, and Oliver by Adelaideans.
When you pass by them, don’t forget to give them a pat!
| Local’s tip: Parking gets tough during peak hours. Keep a cool head, especially during summer days when visiting here! |
