Free Things to Do in Port Adelaide: We had fun without breaking the bank!
- Sail through time aboard The City of Adelaide
- Unleash your inner Picasso and see street art
- Test your bravery in a ghost tour
- Take snaps of Port Adelaide Lighthouse and the port scenery
- See playful dolphins at Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
- Swing your kids into fun times at Hart's Mill Playground
- Listen to live music at Markets at the Mill
- Soak up the sun or swim at Semaphore Beach
- Go on a cycling adventure
- Vibe at free events or festivals
If you’re looking to stretch your Port Adelaide entertainment budget as far as it’ll go without sacrificing any of the fun, this is the right place. We know the nooks and crannies of this port town as well as free things to do here a penny-pinching adventurer will love.
This list ranges from dolphin sightings and self-guided ghost hunting to appreciating street art and unwinding in parks. We even added tips to ensure you get your time’s worth.
Sail through time aboard The City of Adelaide
From francesbillinghurst
Address: Dock/2 Honey St
Contact Details: (08) 8337 5645
Operating Hours: Daily – 10 am to 3 pm
There’s no need to build a time machine to see the past. Simply board The City of Adelaide clipper ship to see what the yesteryears of sailing offer.
This historic site is the world’s oldest clipper ship, launched in 1864 in Sunderland, England. Inside, bygone days can be relished through navigational gear, the passenger’s personal stuff, and the ship’s well-preserved sections, like the helm and mast.
The only downside is that self-guided tours are only free for the under-16s. If you really want to check this one out without paying a penny though, there’s the model ship gallery at the Information Center.
Tip: Check the weather before driving to The City of Adelaide’s location. If the temperature reaches 36°C, all the exhibits will be closed.
Unleash your inner Picasso and see street art
From wonderwallsportadelaide
Thanks to the Wonderwall Festival, you don’t have to spend hundreds of bucks for fancy and pricey art galleries. Since 2015, this festival has been transforming Port Adelaide into an artist’s dream—one wall at a time.
Nowadays, there are over 80 murals peppered throughout Port Adelaide. On our recent trip, we saw large-scale portraits, hyperrealistic paintings paired with graffiti-style throw-ups, and dream-like images at almost every turn.
Oh, and here’s a little secret that made our trip a breeze: we downloaded the Visit Port Adelaide App. This app led us through the streets while detailing the stories and meanings behind each work—two things casual art appreciators like us missed.
Tip: For those who want to go old-school, you can obtain a physical map at the Port Adelaide Visitation Center. On the other hand, you can conveniently download the digital guide here.
Test your bravery in a ghost tour
From creaturesofadelaide
If you have the stones for it, test your guts on a self-guided ghost tour. Dubbed ‘Port Misery’ for good reason, this place has been brewing up haunts since 1837, serving up more chills than a freezer in Antarctica.
Some of the infamous specters you might encounter include the wrathful ghost of a Russian sailor in Todd Street, Jasper, the forever-patrolling phantom, and a lady apparition trapped in an old brothel.
For us though, a ghost tour that costs nada is more fun if you do it your way (as long as you aren’t breaking any laws). Scan each shadowy corner, and enter abandoned buildings. Just prepare to run like the wind if things get too spooky.
Tip: Choose your footwear wisely. Self-guided ghost tours can take about 45 minutes, and Port Adelaide’s pavements aren’t getting any softer.
Also, bring a spare set of pants…just in case.
Take snaps of Port Adelaide Lighthouse and the port scenery
From chamakits
Address: Fishermen’s Wharf Market
The Port Adelaide Lighthouse has been a guiding light since its first flicker in 1869, marking the entrance to the Port River near Outer Harbor.
Getting a peek inside this historic and iconic site will set you back a few bucks; the tour spots also run out quickly, so those with poor internet might be up for disappointment.
Luckily, all you need is the perfect weather and angle. Aim your camera properly, and you’ll capture the contrast of old and new—the lighthouse standing proud amid the modern hustle of Port Adelaide with the ships, water, and sky as the backdrop.
Tips: For photography rookies, don’t be afraid to get creative with your composition. Try shooting through nearby objects, like foliage or fences, to add foreground interest. Also, bring sunscreen and wear a hat; the area isn’t shady.
See playful dolphins at Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
From franmuzz
Address: Garden Island Rd
Contact Details: (08) 8405 6560
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Dolphin sightings aren’t rare in Port Adelaide, but the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary takes things a notch with its pristine and serene locale that won’t cost self-guided explorers anything. It’s even better if you own a kayak or paddleboat.
Home to around 30 resident bottlenose dolphins and 400 more just passing through, this sanctuary made us appreciate nature more. We saw several of the flippers around the Garden Foreshore Island, which is also a picnic hotspot.
In addition, it wasn’t just the dolphins we crossed paths with during our visit; our team also cruised past 10,000-year-old mangrove forests, sea grass, salt marshes, and tidal creeks.
Tip: The Visit Port Adelaide App is essential if it’s your first time here. Use it to check the best self-guided land-based routes, like the ones in the innermost section of the sanctuary.
Swing your kids into fun times at Hart’s Mill Playground
From lcslandscapes
Address: 9 Mundy St
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Hart’s Mill Playground is a must-visit for kiddos—and for parents who don’t want to dish out money on adventure playgrounds or theme parks.
Fully fenced with all the bells and whistles, this playground doesn’t lack features, from BBQs and mini zip lines to bike paths and toilets.
The real star though, is the 7.5-meter-tall ‘Dalben Tower’ with a slide that launched our kiddos into thrills, giggles, and even scares (it’s super slippery). There’s also the mouse wheel (or hamster wheel, it’s your call) for a mix of fun and exercise.
Tip: Visiting during weekends and early afternoons sounds like a no-brainer, but it isn’t exactly a great move. Hart’s Mill Playground can get crowded during these times, so we recommend picking off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late afternoons.
Listen to live music at Markets at the Mill
Address: 9A Mundy St
Free live music (and a bit of window shopping) is what the Markets at the Mill offers penny-pinchers. After all, who doesn’t love indulging in toe-tapping bops and retail therapy that won’t hit the savings?
On top of that, the market might be the perfect spot for people-watching or soaking up Port Adelaide’s hustle and bustle. With food trucks and stalls galore, it’s a feast for the senses that even the poshest tourists would appreciate.
You can even bring the whole fam. There’s free soft play and balloon twisting for the kiddos. The cherry on top is that furry pals are welcome, too!
Tip: Keep an eye on their Instagram or Facebook for announcements and updates since their operating hours constantly change.
Soak up the sun or swim at Semaphore Beach
From nishabano
Having a blast at Semaphore Beach doesn’t cost a buck.
Here, you’ll enjoy long stretches of powdery sand, child-friendly shallows, and sunset views straight out of a postcard. Just stay away from the public space if you truly want a no-cost trip; it’s filled with tempting cafes and shops.
As for the main activities, go with the 3S: swim, surf, snorkel. The wide beach is also terrific for a game of beach volleyball since it isn’t rocky.
And if you’re a fishing enthusiast, summer is your time to shine at the nearby Semaphore Jetty. Yellowfin whiting, mullet, garfish, and herring are easy to catch here when the mercury is rising.
Tip: Check the tide times before hitting up the beach. You don’t want to end up high and dry because you missed the memo when the tides are rolling in (based on personal experience).
Go on a cycling adventure
From calabreeze75
As hardcore cyclists, Port Adelaide has been one of our favorite towns for a pedal-powered odyssey.
Our go-to route is the Outer Harbor Greenway, a 20-km path kicking off at the River Torrens Linear Park and winds its way to Outer Harbor.
For a more scenic ride, hop on the River Torrens Linear Park or the Coast Park trail. Both trails boast shared paths, picnic areas, toilets, and benches. Just watch out for rogue seagulls!
Tip: For those without a bike but itching for a spin, take advantage of Port Adelaide’s free bike hire program. Just swing by the Port Adelaide Visitor Information Center to avail of this service.
Vibe at free events or festivals
From cityofpae
Ah, free festivals and events—they’re practically staples in Port Adelaide. In fact, just this June 2024, we were knee-deep in the action, hitting up not one, but two epic, zero-cost shindigs.
The first one is Coastal Sounds, a beachside bash with live music, art displays, and dance shows. Breakdance battles at Semaphore Beach Foreshore were absolute bangers!
Another free event we enjoyed was Earth’s Sensual Pleasures—an art exhibition that took us on a visual journey through abstract representations of nature and architecture.
Tip: Don’t let FOMO ruin your vibe. To keep your social calendar as fresh as a sea breeze, check out Port Adelaide’s event page for the latest and upcoming free festivals or events.
