Adelaide was first settled in 1836 by Europeans, who lent it a European flavor, with stone buildings, an orderly network of streets and avenues, and its many parks and gardens gracing neighborhoods throughout the city. Adelaide has always been considered as the most liberal city in Australia and today, too, it is proud of its image as a sophisticated and modern town.

It is not dynamic like Melbourne or Sidney, but has its own unique style, combining a relaxed and intimate atmosphere with first-rate architecture, arts, and culture.

Adelaide enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The average temperature during the winter season (June-September) is 15 degrees, while during the summer (December-March), temperatures average 29 degrees.

What’s there to do?

Adelaide is full of historical buildings, churches, art galleries, museums, green parks and beautiful swimming beaches. Given below is a description of some of it’s main attractions:

In Adelaide’s central marketplace, there are more than 250 food product and cooked-food stores. This is a wonderful place for buying, tasting, having a cheap meal, and mingling with the locals. In Adelaide’s zoo there are more than 1,400 species of animals from Australia and other continents. There are bears, seals and penguins, a huge walk-in birdcage, reptile and nocturnal animal shows and a children’s zoo.

Historical buildings

The North Tce area is the site of many historical buildings, such as the central post building, which was built in 1867. The town hall opposite it is built in Renaissance style. The old prison was built in 1887, and today contains an exhibition on prison life and various means for escaping it. Sir Ayers’ home (the famous rock in the center of Australia is named for him), a townhouse, was built in 1845. It was renovated and today, houses an exhibition of silver and crystal dishes, furniture and clothing from his period.

Parks and Gardens

Throughout the city, you will find parks and gardens ideally suited for taking a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or a rest. Among them, we recommend the Botanical Gardens, with wide lawns and both Australian and overseas plants. There is also a museum and a tropical hothouse, the largest in the southern hemisphere. The garden is open daily from 7 a.m. until sunset. Entrance is free. Rymill Park, has an artificial lake in its center and a boating club. After nightfall, this is a great place to watch possums (one of Australia’s unique pocket mammals). Himeji Gardens are Japanese gardens designed in different styles. The Torrens river crosses the city. You can take a boat, a kayak, or a canoe on it or walk along its banks.

Galleries and Museums

South Australia’s Art Gallery is an excellent gallery that has been exhibiting works from the best Australian artists for many years, including creations from colonial times, which allow you to have an interesting look at the beginnings of Australian life. The gallery also has an impressive collection of international art on display and good temporary exhibitions. Entrance is free, as are guided tours of the museum.

The Museum of South Australia is dedicated to nature, the art and instruments of aborigines and other Asian tribes, as well as physics. It is open during daytime hours; entrance is free. The Immigration Museum tells the story of immigrants coming from more than 100 different nations, and depicts their lives during their first few years in Australia with an audiovisual presentation and various exhibitions. The museum is open during the day; entrance is free. The Center for Aborigine Culture features interesting presentations from the life of local aborigines, digiridoo concerts and traditional dances, an art gallery, and a souvenir shop. The center is open during the day; entrance fee.

Coastal area

South of the city, there is a long stretch of swimming beaches, the most famous of which is Glenelg beach. The first European settlers landed at this site,. Close to the beach, several historical buildings are standing, while the beach itself offers a variety of activities: fishing, surfing, diving, boat trips, and dolphin watching.

Another attraction in the beach area is Rudney Fox’s Shark Farm. In the past, Rudney fell victim to a shark attack, and since then, he has dedicated his life to protecting sharks and explaining their importance in the ecological system. The center he established offers a number of interesting shows, including a glimpse behind the scenes of the movie “Jaws.”

In this area, there are plenty of accommodations and restaurants. It can be reached easily from the city center by tramway or bus. At Port Adelaide, the storehouses of Adelaide’s historical port have been converted into museums, galleries, and antique shops. This is a nice place for strolling and a good place to watch dolphins.

Other attractions in the Adelaide area

Next to Adelaide are swimming beaches, national parks, historical towns and vineyards, all less than an hour’s drive from the city. Some of the main attractions in the area are:

Adelaide Heights – part of the Lofty Mountain Range, southeast of the city. This area is popular among locals because of its wealth of walking paths, nature reserves, and historical towns. A mountaintop road leads to Mt. Lofty (727 m), offering beautiful views of Adelaide and its surroundings.

Another place to visit is the Cleland Wildlife Park, home to a variety of Australian animals. Fleurieu Peninsula, 30 minutes from South Adelaide, offers lots of lovely swimming beaches and small wineries. This is the center of South Australia’s wine industry, with more than 30 operations. Many of them will take you on a tour of the premise and let you taste their products.

Useful information:

Events & Festivals:

Adelaide hosts more events and festivals than any other Australian city. Central events on the calendar are:

The Adelaide Arts Festival, which takes place in March every even year and includes Australian and international dance, theater, and opera performances.

The Adelaide Festival – like its brother in Edinburgh, Scotland, this festival attracts actors and comedians from all over the world for a celebration of theater and comedy. It takes place in February and March of every even year.

Womadelaide is one of the best music festivals in the world, with live shows of more than 400 artists. It takes place every year during the month of March.

Bartercard Glenelg Jazz takes place every year in October. During the festival, New Orleans’ best Jazz groups unite with their Australian counterparts

Other events include sports competitions and races, a March of Pride, art exhibitions, agricultural exhibitions etc.

Transportation

Most places of interest are within walking distance from the city center and we recommend touring them by foot. Another means of transportation we recommend are bicycles, since Adelaide is built on flat ground and very biker-friendly. In the city center area, two bus lines run: City Loop and Bee Line, which are free. On other lines (buses, tramways), prices change according to rush hours. You can buy a day ticket or one that’s good for 10 rides. For further details on prices, routes, and timetables see: www.adelaidemetro.com.au

Accommodations

You can find hotels and hostels all over town. The biggest number is located in Glan Osmond, which is in the center of town. Quieter options lie in North Adelaide (2 km from the city center).

Food

In the Central Market and China Town next to it, there are many cheap restaurants. In Rundle Street and North Adelaide, there are restaurants of medium price range, while Hult Street is the place for a gourmet meal.

Entertainment

Rundle Street is the hot spot for entertainment with lots of coffee shops, restaurants, movie theaters, and fashionable stores. Hindley Street is the center of nightlife with plenty of bars and clubs. Rundle Mall is the city’s central shopping avenue and also has a tourist information bureau.