Sip-Free and Sober: Things to Do in Adelaide without Alcohol
- Explore Adelaide’s Night Markets
- Stargaze at Adelaide Planetarium
- Visit the Adelaide Zoo
- Embark on a twilight tour of Adelaide Oval RoofClimb
- Enjoy gaming and entertainment at SkyCity Adelaide
- Ghost hunt at the Adelaide Gaol
- Tour Adelaide Oval Stadium
- Appreciate art at the Art Gallery of South Australia
- Watch movies at the Capri Theater
- Travel to Adelaide’s Natural Landmarks
So you’ve decided to venture into the wild world of Adelaide without alcohol. Don’t worry, our city has many exciting activities that don’t require the borrowed confidence you can get from a Cosmopolitan or craft beer!
You can strap on your brave pants and climb the Adelaide Oval, hunt the haunters in a ghost tour, and more. If you want to learn how to have a blast in Adelaide sans the boozy shenanigans, see our recommendations below!
Explore Adelaide’s Night Markets
Who needs alcohol when you can go full-on night shopping mode in Adelaide’s bustling night markets? First up, we have the Adelaide Central Market, or as we like to call it, the granddaddy of all Adelaidean shopping spots.
Here you can delight in irresistible treats with no alcohol goggles required. Try the kebabs, gourmet burgers, and the exotic emu or crocodile meat sold by this market’s diverse stalls!
Sober Suggestions:
- Visit the Ebenezer Night Markets, which typically runs from December to March. Its pièce de résistance is street food, but the handcrafted products and artisanal goods are worth checking out, too!
- Last but not least, we suggest the Gilles Street Market. This spot is a fashionista’s and a collector’s playground, filled with quirky fashion finds, vintage treasures, and handmade wonders.
Without the haze of alcohol, you can take pleasure knowing you won’t wake up the next day wondering why you bought a neon, polka-dot jumpsuit!
Stargaze at Adelaide Planetarium
Website: http://www.unisa.edu.au/planetarium/
Address: University of South Australia Mawson Lakes Campus
Contact Details: (08) 8302 3138
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Sat – 11 am to 4 pm
- Sun – Closed
Here’s a fascinating alternative to happy hour: exploring space without leaving Adelaide.
How, you say? The Adelaide Planetarium offers an interactive simulation of our distant stars, planets, and galaxies—all in the comfort of a controlled environment.
The immersive presentations and state-of-the-art technology transported our team to different corners of the cosmos, revealing the mysteries of our vast universe. Moreover, our team learned a lot here, as the planetarium’s experts explained cosmic phenomena!
Sober Suggestion: Bring a fellow stargazer or a galaxy-loving loved one! Gazing at the stars is always more enjoyable when you have a partner.
Visit the Adelaide Zoo
Website: http://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/
Address: Frome Rd, Adelaide SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8267 3255
Operating Hours: Daily – 9:30 am to 5 pm
The Adelaide Zoo is one of the best ways to go on a wild adventure without loading your system with margaritas or pale ales. This spot is an animal sanctuary showcasing remarkable creatures, from enchanting snow leopards to colorful tropical butterflies.
Catch the captivating animal presentations, where knowledgeable zookeepers share fascinating facts and stories about their furry, feathery, and scaly friends.
Don’t skip the giant pandas’ enclosure, too. Fu Ni and Wang Wang are too cute to be missed!
Sober Suggestion: Grab a map and plan your route strategically to make the most of your time with the animals.
We recommend heading to the popular exhibits early to beat the crowds and get up-close encounters with the captivating creatures. This will save some time for the zoo’s lesser-known gems, like the Bamboo Forest and Nocturnal House!
Embark on a twilight tour of Adelaide Oval RoofClimb
Website: https://roofclimb.com.au/
Address: War Memorial Dr, North Adelaide SA 5006
Contact Details: (08) 8331 5222
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 9:30 pm
Completing the twilight tour of Adelaide Oval Roofclimb was one of our team’s most exciting booze-free activities. Sure, some of us could’ve used liquid courage during the frightening climb, but the view at the Oval’s pinnacle was oh-so worth the scare.
At the stadium’s roof, we had a panoramic view of the starlit cityscape and beyond. The River Torrens, Adelaide Hills, and nearby coastlines were all within our sight.
In addition, we had a high-spirited party at the top. Not all dance fests require alcohol!
Sober Suggestions:
- Dress comfortably and wear suitable footwear for this adventure. We advise opting for lightweight and breathable clothing, as you’ll be scaling heights and embracing the elements, and boy, does it get chilly at the top.
- If you’re terrified of heights, we encourage you to avoid this activity. There’s no shame in passing this one. Besides, more exhilarating activities are waiting for you below.
Enjoy gaming and entertainment at SkyCity Adelaide
Website: https://www.skycityadelaide.com.au/
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5001
Contact Details: (08) 8212 2811
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
The SkyCity Adelaide or more commonly known as Adelaide Casino isn’t just a one-stop destination for fun and excitement, it’s also a place where fortunes are won (or lost, depending on your luck and strategy).
From the classic blackjack and poker tables to modern slot machines like Coin Classics and Thunder Drum, there’s something to suit every risk-taker and fortune-seeker here.
But that’s not all! SkyCity Adelaide also goes above and beyond the dynamic gambling experience with their special shows, such as jaw-dropping magic acts that defy logic to side-splitting comedy shows.
Sober Suggestions:
- Gambling mostly depends on the roll of the dice, and luck can be a fickle companion, so we recommend setting a budget and sticking to it. Responsible gambling is the name of the game here.
- Play your cards right by taking advantage of their Skycity Rewards loyalty program.
If you sign up, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks, such as discounts on dining, priority access to shows and events, and even the opportunity to earn rewards while you play.
Ghost hunt at the Adelaide Gaol
Website: http://www.adelaidegaol.sa.gov.au/
Address: 18 Gaol Rd, Adelaide SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8231 4062
This eerie adventure allowed us to delve into the dark side of South Australian history while keeping our wits about us (no need to blame it on the spirits lurking around). The Adelaide Gaol is a former prison that offers a spine-chilling escapade.
The main draw of this spot is the spooky atmosphere, all thanks to dimly lit corridors, weathered walls, and creepy cells that once housed prisoners.
Almost every corner of the gaol is bloody terrifying, but the dark room where the final chapters of some unfortunate souls were written was the spot that gave us the ultimate heebie-jeebies!
Sober Suggestions:
- This activity is not for everyone, especially if you don’t like ghost stories or dark locations. Trust us, Adelaide Gaol at night feels and looks like a real-life haunted house.
- If you want to conquer your fears, bring a brave companion to share the frights and keep you company in case things bump in the night (or someone needs a shoulder to hide behind).
- Flashlights are a must! Tripping over can be scarier than a haunted alley.
Tour Adelaide Oval Stadium
Website: https://www.adelaideoval.com.au/
Address: War Memorial Dr, North Adelaide SA 5006
Contact Details: (08) 8211 1100
The Adelaide Oval Stadium Tour is a surefire way to have a ball of a time. This nocturnal adventure allows you to experience the iconic stadium in a whole new light by allowing you to walk on the hallowed turf where sporting legends have made their mark.
The tour also offers access to typically restricted zones and behind-the-scenes operations like the players’ locker rooms and the broadcasting teams’ reporting areas. Additionally, you’ll learn more about the stadium’s history from the ever-cheery guides!
Sober Suggestion: Bring a jacket or sweater, even if the weather seems mild. The stadium can get quite chilly in the evening, especially when the wind picks up.
Appreciate art at the Art Gallery of South Australia
Website: http://www.artgallery.sa.gov.au/
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8207 7000
Operating Hours: Daily – 10 am to 5 pm
This Art Gallery of South Australia offered us a refreshing alternative to the typical nightlife scene and allowed us to appreciate the beauty of art in all its forms.
From classic masterpieces to contemporary installations, there’s something here to captivate every art enthusiast (and maybe even those who claim they don’t get art).
Sober Suggestions:
- Don’t miss the gallery’s standout pieces, such as the iconic The Ophelia by Sir John Everett Millais or the breathtaking Aboriginal artworks that pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of Australia.
- Swing by the permanent exhibitions. Our favorites? We’ll have to go with the striking cultural artworks of The Nature of Culture and the profound handcrafts of Milton Moon: Crafting Modernism!
Watch movies at the Capri Theater
Website: http://www.capri.org.au/
Address: 141 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood SA 5034
Contact Details: (08) 8272 1177
The elegant Capri Theater is where vintage meets modern.
The movie-viewing experience here has a classic touch, as you’ll be surrounded by opulent décor and a nostalgic ambiance that adds a dash of glamor and romance to your cinematic adventure.
The theater boasts a diverse selection of films, from timeless classics to new releases, catering to all tastes and genres. Whether you’re a fan of heartwarming dramas, action-packed flicks, or laugh-out-loud comedies, there’s something to enjoy here.
Sober Suggestion: Arrive early. With its popularity among movie enthusiasts, it’s better to claim your spot ahead of time and avoid the awkward scramble to find suitable seating in the dark. No one wants to experience the drama of a front-row neck cramp or a corner seat with a blocked view!
Travel to Adelaide’s Natural Landmarks
A nature escapade is a fantastic alternative to a booze-fueled extravaganza. We suggest beginning your journey at Cleland Wildlife Park, where you can walk among kangaroos, cuddle a koala, or have a stare-off with an emu (don’t push too far, though).
Next, venture to the Adelaide Botanic Garden, a lush oasis of tranquility in the city’s heart. Here, you can lose yourself in the enchanting Bicentennial Conservatory, the vibrant blooms of the Garden of Health, and the fragrance of the Dahlia Garden.
Sober Suggestions:
- Once you’ve had your fill of botanical delights, it might be time to hit Adelaide’s best beaches. Why not sink your toes into the warm sands of Glenelg Beach or Henley Beach and soak up the sun’s rays (or moonshine if you go at night)?
- You can also go for a hike at Mount Lofty, but be warned—the hiking trails can be a bit challenging, so make sure to wear proper footwear and prepare yourself for a physically-demanding and fun-filled ascent.
