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Bunyeroo Valley, Flinders Ranges, South Australia © Ben Goode

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• Top things to do
• Getting to South Australia

Vast swathes of ochre outback, dramatic coastline, world-class wineries and historic towns and cities – you’ll find it all in South Australia.

South Australia has made a name for itself as a relaxed region full of wine, wildlife and natural wonder. Soak up the capital of  Adelaide's  sophisticated art and dining scene, taste classic Australian drops in undulating wine regions and watch koalas snooze among island treetops. 

Internationally renowned for its production of fine wines, a trip to South Australia's undulating wine country is a must. But the state is also blessed with azure waters, arid outback and unique natural attractions that will impress and confound. It's an incredible place to explore the outdoors, while never having to sacrifice life's little luxuries.

• Unwind with spectacular wines from the Barossa Valley , McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills
• Swim with sea lions, dolphins and giant cuttlefish on the Eyre Peninsula
• Discover epic nature and abundant wildlife in the Flinders Ranges or on Kangaroo Island

Adelaide is the most accessible hub to explore South Australia’s diverse regions. 

You can fly to Adelaide from many international destinations, as well as all Australian capital cities. If you’re coming from  Melbourne , don’t miss the opportunity to traverse one of Australia’s most famous road trips – the  Great Ocean Road . Or for an epic outback adventure, embark on the iconic  Explorers Way  road trip from the  Northern Territory's   Darwin  to Adelaide. 

Popular destinations in South Australia

Mclaren Vale

Fleurieu Peninsula

Clare Valley

Trips and itineraries.

Melbourne to Adelaide: A 5-day road trip

14 days from Darwin to Adelaide

Family road trip from Adelaide to Eyre Peninsula

5 luxurious days of Kangaroo Island and Adelaide

Things to do in south australia.

Top day trips around Adelaide

Adelaide's best rooftop bars

Unmissable winery experiences in the Barossa Valley

Looking for more inspiration? Go to southaustralia.com

Travellers' stories, explore australia's states and territories.

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Must-see attractions in South Australia

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Flinders Ranges

One of SA's most treasured parks, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is laced with craggy gorges, saw-toothed ranges, abandoned homesteads, Adnyamathanha…

Adelaide Oval

Hailed as the world’s prettiest cricket ground, the Adelaide Oval hosts interstate and international cricket matches in summer, plus national AFL and…

Naracoorte Caves National Park

Limestone Coast

About 10km southeast of Naracoorte is World Heritage–listed Naracoorte Caves National Park. The discovery of an ancient fossilised marsupial in these…

Central Market

A tourist sight or a shopping op? Either way, satisfy your deepest culinary cravings at the 250-odd stalls in superb Adelaide Central Market. A sliver of…

Martindale Hall

Clare Valley

Martindale Hall is an astonishing 1880 manor 3km south of Mintaro. Built for young pastoralist Edmund Bowman Jnr, who subsequently partied away the family…

Flinders Chase National Park

Kangaroo Island

Occupying the western end of Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park is one of SA’s top national parks. Much of the park is mallee scrub, but there…

Art Gallery of South Australia

Spend a few hushed hours in the vaulted, parquetry-floored gallery that represents the big names in Australian art. Permanent exhibitions include…

South Australian Museum

Dig into Australia’s natural history with the museum's special exhibits on whales and Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson. Over two levels, the amazing…

Banrock Station

Murray River

Overlooking regenerated wetlands off the Sturt Hwy at Kingston OM (Ngawitjerook tribal country), carbon-neutral Banrock Station Wine & Wetland Centre is a…

Seal Bay Conservation Park

'Observation, not interaction' is the mentality here. Guided tours stroll along the beach (or boardwalk on self-guided tours; adult/child/family $16/13/42…

Snelling Beach

The best swimming beach on the north coast, with a lovely arc of powdery white sand and sheltered shallows. There's not much else at Snelling by way of…

Mount Gambier's big-ticket item is the luminous, 75m-deep lake, which turns an insane hue of blue during summer. Perplexed scientists think it has to do…

Twenty Third Street Distillery

Sip your way into some heady Riverland spirits at this fabulously renovated, art-deco factory on the road into Renmark. The old distillery here closed in…

Fleurieu Peninsula

Duck into the Farm Shop at this beautiful stone-cottage cellar door (1860) and assemble a regional tasting platter to share on the lawns, made lovelier by…

Adelaide Hills

Wow! What a cool building, and what a fabulous setting. Camera-conducive views and contemporary varietals (viognier, pinot grigio, pinot gris), plus an…

Alpha Box & Dice

One out of the box, this refreshing little gambler wins top billing for interesting blends, funky retro furnishings, quirky labels and laid-back staff. On…

Skillogalee

Skillogalee is a small family outfit known for its spicy shiraz, fabulous food and top-notch riesling. Kick back with a long, lazy meal on the verandah …

Outback South Australia

Check out this amazing leftover prop from the film Pitch Black, which has crash-landed on Hutchison St (a minor Millennium Falcon?). Intricate, creative,…

Remarkable Rocks

At Kirkpatrick Point, a few kilometres east of Cape du Couedic, the much-photographed, rather Dalí-esque Remarkable Rocks are a cluster of hefty, weather…

Woakwine Cutting

Just off the highway 12km north of Beachport is this unbelievable feat of human endeavour – a 28m-deep, 1km-long crevasse gouged through the middle a hill…

Beer Garden Brewing

Eyre Peninsula & the West Coast

Right next door to Port Lincoln's backpacker hostel (savvy positioning), Beer Garden Brewing brings the craft-beer revolution to the Eyre Peninsula…

Bellwether Wines

Sue Bell runs Bellwether (ha-ha), an irreverent, arty cellar door in a stone 1868 shearing shed – pretty much the first Coonawarra winery you come to…

Midnight Oil House

Legendary Australian rock band Midnight Oil sold millions of albums in the late 1980s – and more than a few of them had a photo of this derelict stone…

Old Timers Mine

This interesting warren of tunnels was mined in 1916, and then hidden by the miners. The mine was rediscovered in 1968 when excavations for a dugout home…

Coorong National Park

The amazing Coorong National Park is a fecund lagoon landscape curving along the coast for 145km from Lake Alexandrina towards Kingston SE. A complex…

Seppeltsfield

Barossa Valley

The atmospheric, bluestone Seppletsfleld estate started life in 1851 when Joe Seppelt stuck some vines in the dirt and came up trumps. Now it's one of…

Head of Bight

The viewing platforms and boardwalks at Head of Bight overlook a major southern right whale breeding ground. Whales migrate here from Antarctica, and you…

Riddoch Art Gallery

If Mount Gambier's famed Blue Lake isn't blue, don't feel blue − cheer yourself up at one of Australia's best regional galleries. Passionately curated,…

d'Arenberg

'd'Arry's' relaxes atop a hillside with mighty fine views. The wine labels are part of the character of this place: the Dead Arm shiraz and the Broken…

Adelaide Park Lands

The city centre and upmarket North Adelaide are surrounded by a broad band of parkland. Colonel William Light, Adelaide’s controversial planner, came up…

Adelaide Botanic Gardens

Meander, jog or chew through your trashy airport novel in these lush city-fringe gardens. Highlights include a restored 1877 palm house, the water-lily…

Adelaide Zoo

Around 1800 exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles roar, growl and screech at Adelaide’s wonderful zoo, dating from 1883. There are free walking…

West Terrace Cemetery

Driven-by and overlooked by most Adelaidians, this amazing old cemetery (established in 1837, and now with 150,000 residents) makes a serene and…

National Wine Centre of Australia

Check out the free self-guided, interactive Wine Discovery Journey exhibition at this very sexy wine centre (doubling as a research facility for the…

Adelaide Gaol

Only decommissioned in 1988 after housing 300,000 inmates since 1841, this old Victorian lock-up has a grim vibe, but its displays of homemade bongs,…

Migration Museum

This engaging social-history museum tells the story of the many migrants who have made SA their home. The museum has info on 100-plus nationalities logged…

Penfolds Magill Estate Winery

This 175-year-old winery is home to Australia's best-known wine − the legendary Grange. Taste the product at the cellar door; dine at the fab restaurant…

Mt Remarkable National Park

Bush boffins rave about the steep, jagged Mt Remarkable National Park, which straddles the Southern Flinders and rises above little Melrose like a…

Statue of Colonel William Light

The famous statue of Adelaide's town planner (official name Light’s Vision) sits atop the grassy flanks of Montefiore Hill in North Adelaide.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

A privately operated wildlife reserve–resort 129km east of Copley on unsealed roads, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary occupies a far-flung and utterly…

More destinations you need to see

• Things to do

What To Do In South Australia

Things to do in south australia.

There's a world of new experiences and things to do in South Australia. Get up-close to iconic Australian wildlife only minutes away from Adelaide’s CBD or swim with sea lions and sharks on our Eyre Peninsula. Adelaide is a culinary playground with a delicious mix of fine dining restaurants, award-winning cafes, bustling food markets and booming boutique bars. South Australia is home to 18 wine regions and has officially been named a Great Wine Capital of the World. Beach lovers will be in heaven at our stunning beaches, while those with an adventurous spirit can try their luck at some of the country’s most epic surf spots. Ready to start planning? Check out our dedicated   Trip Planner tool  that will help you build your own custom itinerary and an interactive map of your trip.

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Start planning all the bucket list things to see, do and experience whilst on your next south australian holiday..

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Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Places to Visit in South Australia

15 Best Places to Visit in South Australia

The previously little-known charms South Australia are fast turning this state into a favorite destination for visitors to Australia, and for good reason: from charming cities and towns, fantastic food and wine, and renowned cultural festivals, to extraordinarily picturesque scenery ranging from barren outback to lush greenery and the iconic Murray River, there’s truly something for everyone in SA: even one of the world’s greatest fossil sites giving tourists a peek into millions of years of evolution on the most isolated continent!

The flora and fauna are amazing too, with native wildlife only minutes from the city, and if you’re a wine connoisseur, a trip to the world-famous Barossa Valley is a must. There’s also plenty of activities to do in the region: mountain-climbing, bushwalking, and surfing. And no trip to SA would be complete without visiting the intriguing town of Coober Pedy: it’s not only the opal capital of the world, but also an exotic township where much of the population live in caves. Whatever your tastes, you’re bound to have a wonderful holiday in South Australia, with many fond memories of your trip.

Lets explore the best places to visit in South Australia :

1. Adelaide

With just over a million residents, Adelaide is big enough to be fun but small enough not to have the rushed feeling of larger cities like Melbourne and Sydney.

Adelaide is famous for its cultural festivals, such as the legendary WOMADelaide and the Adelaide Festival of Arts; it’s also known for its funky atmosphere, excellent museums and galleries, the Rundle Mall shopping strip (Australia’s first pedestrian mall), and gorgeous scenery.

There’s also many farmers’ and makers’ markets, and a lovely Botanic Gardens.

Waterfall Gully is well worth a visit, as is the beachside suburb of Glenelg with its famous jetty and trams.

There are also many lovely heritage buildings in the area.

If you have time for a side-trip, check out The Big Rocking Horse an hour out of the city centre for a cute, quirky backdrop to your travel photos!

2. Murray River

Australia’s largest river is stunningly beautiful, and the land around it is so fertile that the area is often known as the “food bowl of Australia”. The Murray River is the third longest navigable river in the world, next to the Amazon and Nile, and a popular way to explore the river is by houseboat.

The Murray River spans three states (New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia), finally entering the Southern Ocean in the area of Coorong, South Australia.

The river starts off as a small spring in the Australian Alps, meandering for over 2,500km through five contrasting landscapes until it finally enters the Southern Ocean.

The river and its surrounds are perfect for exploring and relaxing alike, and there’s many interesting towns along the way to enjoy the differences in regional culture between the three states.

3. Coorong National Park

After your visit to the Murray River, exploring the Coorong National Park is a must.

With stunning beaches, abundant bird life, and great fishing, boating and bushwalking, coupled with its proximity to Adelaide, it’s a very popular getaway spot for locals, as well as beloved by tourists.

The flora and fauna in the area are spectacular: in particular, its worth visiting between September and November for the wader migration, when up to 100,000 wader birds of dozens of species come to the Coorong wetlands to feed.

4. Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley is known worldwide for its premium wines, but it also boasts incredible produce and cuisine, as well as an interesting cultural combination of British-Australian and German-Australian heritage.

There are many winery tours and cellar-door tastings in the Valley, and lovely architectural, cultural and heritage sites: the churches in the area are particularly known for their beautiful designs.

The area was heavily settled by German-Australians, even leading to a German dialect called Barossa German.

You can still feel the German influence most strongly in Tanunda, a town which boasts delicious gourmet meats, breads and pastries in the German style.

5. Mt Gambier

Mt Gambier is known for its spectacular volcanic landscape, the crystal-clear Blue Lake, and its amazing caves: Tantaloona Caves’ stalactites are breathtaking, and the World Heritage-listed Naracoorte Caves are considered one of the most important fossil sites in the world.

The Cave Gardens are lush, green and gorgeous, and the Umpherston Sinkhole is a very attractive sunken garden created on the site of a collapsed cave.

Hells Hole is another sinkhole, but much larger, deeper, and full of fresh blue water.

Diving into Hells Hole is allowed with a permit.

Farina is an uninhabited ghost town, and it’s a fascinatingly eerie site! This once-thriving township reached its peak population of 600 in the late 1800s: at the time, it had an underground bakery, two hotels, five blacksmiths, a general store, two breweries, a school, a church and a brothel.

It was once a major trucking yard for sheep and cattle, and there were also several mines in the region.

When the railway line was moved away from Farina, the town’s population began moving elsewhere, leaving the town to crumble into ruins; but in recent years, volunteers with the Restoration Farina group have begun to restore the town; funds for the project come from the restored underground Farina Bakery, which is sporadically open for business.

In the future, Restoration Farina hopes to open a museum in the town; in the meanwhile, the interesting ruins make it well worth the trip!

7. Coober Pedy

Coober Pedy is a mining town specializing in gorgeous opals, but there’s plenty more to see in this popular tourist site: it’s perhaps best-known for the underground homes that many of the residents live in.

The town experiences freezing nights in winter, and extremely hot days in summer, so many of the residents live in “dugouts”, in caves carved out of hillsides.

They’re a lot more comfortable than they sound, though: Faye’s Underground Home is a gorgeous example, and it’s open to visitors; it even has a swimming pool in the living room! There’s also two dugout churches – the Serbian Orthodox and the Catacomb – and you can even stay in an underground hotel, or eat and drink at an underground restaurant or bar!

Several mines in Coober Pedy are open to tourists.

The nearby Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park is also well worth a visit, boasting breathtaking views and exotic flora and fauna.

If you’re a movie buff, you’ll also want to visit the Coober Pedy spaceship, which featured in the 2000 sci-fi movie Pitch Black.

8. The Painted Desert

150kms north of Coober Pedy, the Painted Desert is the barren outback at its most beautiful: awash with soft, fragile and colorful rock formations.

80 million years ago, this area was a seabed, and a combination of rain, weather and erosion has left masses of orange, yellow and white shale on the sloping hills, giving the area its apt name.

The desert is particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset, and it’s a great spot to get a charming taste of Australia’s beautiful desert landscapes.

9. Clare Valley

Clare Valley is a popular wine region, specializing in Riesling, and also a popular tourist destination: there are many gorgeous walking trails and beautiful scenery to enjoy.

Spring Gully Conservation Park is a 400ha woodland with many lovely native orchids, and it’s a great place to spot a kangaroo or echidna, or to go bird-watching.

Budding palaeontologists will love the Red Banks Conservation Park, considered one of Australia’s richest megafauna sites.

There’s also a golf course, and many small local galleries to enjoy.

10. Kangaroo Island

Australia’s third largest island boasts 509km of coastline, gorgeous scenery, and an abundance of wildlife: you can easily spot sea lions, echidnas, wallabies, goannas, koalas, pelicans, and of course kangaroos! Much of Kangaroo Island is still unspoiled greenery, so it’s perfect for bushwalking or hiking.

Enjoy the premium wine and gourmet food, check out one of the many studios and galleries, or enjoy the many water sports available on the island – scuba diving, fishing, surfing and more.

Seal Bay is a particular must-see, as it’s home to the third largest sea lion colony in the world.

While you’re on the island, make sure you visit the Remarkable Rocks: this natural rock formations are very interesting and unique.

11. Eyre Peninsula

Eyre Peninsula is considered the “seafood frontier”, with delicious local Bluefin tuna, Yellowtail kingfish, Pacific oysters, mussels, crabs and prawns.

There’s also seafood festivals such as the Oysterfest Festival.

Murphy’s Haystacks, a unique geological feature, is well worth a visit, and there’s plenty of fascinating eco-tourist options here: swim in a cage with Bluefin tuna, sea lions, or even great white sharks! You can also snorkel with sea lions and dolphins, and sometimes spot a humpback whale.

The Gawler Ranges are a particular highlight of the peninsula, with stunning rock formations such as the famous Organ Pipes, and a wide variety of native flora and fauna.

12. Flinders Ranges and the Outback

The largest mountain range in SA stretches for 430km, and the unspoiled 540 million-year-old landscape is breathtaking.

You can experience a taste of the true-blue outback with a station stay on a farm or cattle station, go camping in the depths of desert nature, and spot an abundance of native animals.

It’s also a great place to try bush-tucker – ever wanted to eat an emu egg? The Pichi Rich steam railway from Quorn is a heritage highlight, and the Tunnel of Time at the Wadlata Outback Centre is a fascinating insight into the ancient history of the region.

13. Yorke Peninsula

Yorke Peninsula is known for its gorgeous beaches, coastal towns and inland mining towns, and the scenery of the stunning national parks.

It’s a great spot for seafood, surfing, and shipwreck diving.

Natural beauty abounds in the area, with many walking trails and plenty of Australian wildlife to see, and the Peninsula has a fascinating history (both indigenous and European) which you can learn about at the many museums in the area.

The Moonta Mines Museum is fascinating, and nearby Kadina is a particularly lovely town to enjoy.

Wallaroo is also well worth a visit: the Heritage and Nautical Museum even offers ghost walks!

14. Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre is an oasis in the barren Aussie outback, covering 1 million square km and crossing the borders of three states: SA, NT and QLD. Technically two lakes connected by a channel, it’s the largest salt lake in the country, albeit not often filled with water: it has only been filled to capacity thrice in the last 160 years.

When the lake starts to dry up and the water evaporates, it appears to turn pink, and when it has dried up completely, the remaining snow-white salt crystals are a stunning sight to behold in of themselves.

15. Fleurieu Peninsula

Just under an hour south of Adelaide, Fleurieu is known as Adelaide’s playground: known for its wineries, water sports, and picturesque scenery, it’s a fun spot either for a day trip or to stay a few days.

The food is fantastic, the galleries and museums are fascinating, and there’s plenty of activities to keep any kids that are tagging along for the ride entertained: camel rides, a horse-drawn tram and even penguin tours!

15 Best Places to Visit in South Australia:

• Murray River
• Coorong National Park
• Barossa Valley
• Coober Pedy
• The Painted Desert
• Clare Valley
• Kangaroo Island
• Eyre Peninsula
• Flinders Ranges and the Outback
• Yorke Peninsula
• Fleurieu Peninsula

• My Favourites

50 best things to do in South Australia

With restrictions on travelling around the state now lifted, it’s time to hit the road, have some fun and support local businesses.

This article may contain links from our affiliate and advertising partners. When you click on them, or share this content, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

8 breathtaking tours to see the Northern Lights

These photography tours will change how you travel

Chef’s guide to the world’s best markets

With restrictions on travelling around the state now lifted, it’s time to hit the road, have some fun and support local businesses.

What to do in Adelaide city and suburbs

1. adelaide central market.

Australia’s best food market is as vibrant and varied as ever, with a few less customers making it easier to get around the stalls. Pre-order and drive by to pick up your goodies if you want to avoid all contact.

2. RoofClimb Adelaide Oval

While the footy season is on hold, high-flying is left to the small groups carefully making their way across the top of the grandstands at Adelaide Oval. See the hallowed turf from a completely different perspective, as well as one of the best views from city to sea.

See also: Top 10 things to see in Mount Gambier

See also: Aussie region set to open to tourists

3. Adelaide Botanic Garden

The concentrated photosynthesis of trees and lush greenery will automatically make you feel better but the Garden of Health goes a step further, with plants believed to cure many ailments of body and mind.

4. TreeClimb

Clamber up obstacles and zoom between platforms built high in a stand of majestic gumtrees in a corner of the Adelaide Park Lands. The eight courses range from Survivor-style challenges to kid-friendly options closer to the ground.

5. Historic Port Adelaide

Wander between the wharves and colonial buildings of Port Adelaide and imagine a time when this was the thriving gateway for all trade and immigration to the fledgling state. Find your own way or download the Living In Port app.

Best things to do in the Adelaide Hills

6. chambers gully walk.

While the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty route can resemble Rundle Mall in the week before Christmas, this nearby loop is far less busy and offers a better chance of bumping into random wildlife.

7. Sequoia Suites, Mount Lofty House

The new six-star addition to this historic property is full of hi-tech gizmos but it’s the glorious outlook and two-person tub that will leave the biggest impression. Order a butler-service dinner and don’t leave the room all night.

8. Lobethal

For a few terrible hours, it seemed possible that this jolly little town might have been lost in last year’s fires. See how close the flames came and celebrate its survival with a sweet bun from the much-loved Lobethal bakery.

9. Prancing Horse

Have your own Top Gear moment behind the wheel of a new Lamborghini, Ferrari and other supercars on a daylong drive through the Hills and Barossa. Booking now for spring.

10. Rock climbing

Test your athleticism and courage on the state’s largest climbing and abseiling wall at the Mount Lofty Adventure Hub. Head to the cliff faces of Onkaparinga or Morialta gorges for more natural obstacles.

These custom-built, sustainable cabins dropped into secluded locations in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula are an antidote to the complications of busy, connected lives. Light a fire, read a book, pour a wine – but leave that phone alone.

Best things to do on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Coorong

12. adelaide biplanes.

Pull on a pair of goggles and embrace your inner Biggles as you take to the skies in a magnificent replica biplane. Take a scenic flight over one of Australia’s most breathtaking coastlines, or strap in for some aerobatic thrills. One word of advice: don’t go with a full stomach …

13. The Salopian Inn

So better wait until later to order a feast from the Salopian , named SA’s Restaurant of the Year in 2018. Try Karena Armstrong’s dumplings or lamb pie and you will understand why. Takeaway for now, though you can eat in the garden.

14. Canoe the Coorong

Have your own Storm Boy experience paddling through the Murray Mouth and natural wonderland of the Coorong. Winter has some of the best canoeing weather and a good chance to see pelicans, fur seals and other wildlife.

15. Myponga Reservoir Trail

Take a gentle stroll around the recently opened Myponga Reservoir Trail and reward yourself with a purchase from the Smiling Samoyed brewery, situated right by the entrance to the track.

16. Willunga Farmers Market

A Saturday morning ritual for the region and brilliant way to do the weekly shop. Buy direct from growers/producers who like nothing more than sharing a few tips. For those north of the city, the Barossa market is also recommended.

Best things to do in the Barossa Valley

17. on your bike.

Something for cyclists of all dispositions. Cruise through the idyllic countryside between Angaston and Gawler on the 40km-long Barossa Trail, or go for more high-adrenaline pedalling on the new mountain bike track at the Barossa Adventure Station.

18. Sculpture Park

Get your fill of art in the outdoors. The Barossa Sculpture Park hosts a collection of abstract pieces as well as having sweeping views of the Valley floor. Head up Mengler Hill and look for the signs.

19. Casa Carboni

The cooking classes are on hold but Fiona and Matteo Carboni are still teaching Barossans to eat like an Italian. That would be cannoli for breakfast and ravioli (wild duck and Swiss chard, perhaps) that will make your heart sing. Takeaway for now, of course.

20. Hutton Vale

Farm life stops for no one. New-born lambs will be tottering about the paddocks at the Angas family’s spectacular 2000-acre property just in time for the reopening of accommodation in either a luxury villa or cabins.

Best things to do in Mid-North SA and the Clare Valley

21. burra heritage.

Time travel back to the 1840s when Burra was a wealthy mining town. Visit dugouts, cellars and the Redruth Gaol, where the film Breaker Morant was shot. Head north for 3km and see the ruin made famous on the cover of Midnight Oil’s Diesel and Dust.

22. Riesling Trail

An old rail corridor has been converted to a flat, cycle-friendly track that runs for 35km from Clare to Auburn. Hire bikes at either end and call into historic Sevenhill Cellars if you are passing by.

23. Spring Gully Conservation Park

Watch the sun’s last gasp light up golden fields of canola from a lookout with views across the prime farmland of the Wakefield Plains as far as the waters of the Spencer Gulf.

24. Minarto

Visit the historic town of Minarto and see why it has more than 30 buildings that are heritage listed. Order takeaway pub grub from the friendly folk at the Magpie & Stump which has been looking after travellers since 1851. Look for the Minarto Maze and Martindale Hall to reopen soon.

Best things to do near the Murray River

25. the bend motorsport park.

Feeling the need for speed? Experience the thrills of eight different vehicles – from V8 cars to racing karts and superbikes – all in one day at The Bend. Professional instructors will help put you on the right track.

26. Dark Sky Reserve

Shooting star, satellite or UFO? This national park, just out of Swan Reach, is officially Australia’s best place to see the stars, and one of only 16 Dark Sky sites around the world. You will need a four-wheel drive for access and equipment to stay overnight.

27. Houseboat hire

See the River Murray in all its glory, from lagoons where the birdlife has no concept of social distancing to the fiery glow of cliff faces in the setting sun. Drop in a line, try a new water sport or just go with the flow on a River Murray houseboat .

28. Twenty Third Street Distillery, Renmark

Pick up a bottle of Signature Gin, flavoured with mandarin and lime, and see the century-old copper still in which it is made. The original distillery building is a similar vintage and its modern revival is something worthy of a Kevin McCloud spiel.

29. The Frames

One of the state’s most eye-catching places to stay, this luxury retreat of three villas is set atop cliffs overlooking the river near Renmark. Splash about in a heated pool or tub and watch the stars come out.

30. Canoe Adventures

Paddle through the Murray’s network of creeks, inlets and wetlands, while getting up close and personal with pelicans and other birdlife. Hire a kayak, join a tour or even camp overnight.

YORKE / EYRE PENINSULA

31. Shark cage diving

Watch as many video clips as you like but nothing will prepare you for a nose-to-nose encounter with a great white shark . Calypso Star Charters was named Australia’s best tourist attraction last year for its daylong cage diving tours out of Port Lincoln.

32. Beach fishing

Look at the food chain from the opposite side while hauling Australian salmon from the surf. David “Lunch” Doudle runs bespoke expeditions and tours that make the most of the natural beauty of the southern end of the Eyre Peninsula. “Lunch” can even organise a cookout on the beach.

33. Cuttlefish courtship

Giant cuttlefish gather in their thousands over winter and put on a display more colourful than the Fringe parade. One of Australia’s great natural wonders occurs in June and July each year in the calm, rocky shallows off Point Lowly and Stony Point, east of Whyalla. Snorkelling is fine but you will need a heavy-duty wetsuit.

34. Lake Macdonnell

It’s the watermelon lake – one side a standard blue/green, the other bright, bubblegum pink. Little wonder Lake Macdonnell, in the far west of the state near Penong, is one of the most popular tourism pics on Instagram.

35. Troubridge Island

Stay in a heritage-listed lighthouse keeper’s cottage and have this island off the east coast of the Yorke Peninsula all to yourself. Explore the island’s sandy beaches and look out for members of the resident penguin colony.

36. Inneston

Spend the night in a ghost town. Inneston once had a population of 200 people, with a school, post office and store. Now it is deserted but does have a renovated cottage available to rent.

Best things to do on Kangaroo Island

37. nat’s retreat.

Stay in what is believed to be the state’s oldest inhabited house. Nat’s Retreat was built in the 1820s (long before Adelaide) by a whaler who wanted an unimpeded view of the ocean and his potential quarry. It’s now part of a working farm with expanses of bush and private beaches.

38. Lashmar Conservation Park

With the Chapman River on one side and Antechamber Bay on the other, Lashmar has the best of both worlds. Book one of the island’s most attractive campsites or visit for the day. Either way bring a fishing rod – bream are on the bite in the river, locals say.

39. Secret beaches

Follow the road (or dirt track) less travelled and discover a stretch of sand that you can call your own. Try King George Beach on the north coast of the island and Flour Cask Bay in the south.

40. Raptor Domain

A wedge-tailed eagle swooping down, talons raised, is a fearsome sight, but Jedda wants nothing more than a perch on your gloved arm. Raptor Domain has reopened with private sessions including a variety of birds, reptiles and other wildlife experiences.

41. Sand boarding

Can you tame the slopes of Little Sahara, a two-square-kilometre expanse of dunes, some up to 70m above sea level. Hire toboggans and boards from KI Outdoor Action which also offers quad bike and buggy tours around Vivonne Bay.

Best things to do in South Australia's South East

42. bellwether glamping.

Camp the night at one of the Coonawarra’s favourite wineries without the hassle of bringing the gear. Set on wooden platforms surrounded by 500-year-old gumtrees, the Bellwether tents will keep you cosy, especially with a bottle of cabernet on hand. Ask for a leg of lamb to roast in a camp oven on the fire.

43. Robe to Beachport

Walk the beaches between Robe and Beachport when the weather is wild and imagine what it would be like aboard an old clipper trying to reach a safe port. Start in the Little Dip or Beachport conservation parks, where a four-wheel drive will help you explore further.

44. Piccaninnie Ponds

A freshwater spring bubbling up through limestone has created a series of ponds so clear (visibility up to 40m) they are like looking into a fish tank. Book ahead for snorkelling or diving permits or simply enjoy wandering a wetland of international renown.

45. Seafood feast

A trip to Robe wouldn’t be complete without lobster, available live from a tank or freshly cooked at Sky Seafoods. Expect to pay $70-$100 for a lobster that will feed two.

Best things to do in the Flinders Ranges and Outback

46. Camping in the Flinders

Dig out the tent for a tour of the Flinders Ranges . Start in Melrose where the caravan park has plenty of space for bush camping and a trail to the top of Mount Remarkable.

47. Wilpena Pound flights

Take to the air to appreciate the scale and grandeur of the Wilpena Pound crater and its natural amphitheatre of mountain peaks.

48. Holowiliena Station

Owned by the same family for nearly 170 years, this station gives an insight into life back in those early colonial days. Stay in a private campsite, shearers’ quarters or the old governess’s cottage.

49. Dalhousie Springs

Packing your bathers for a journey into the red dust of the Simpson Desert might seem like madness – until you come across the warm waters of Dalhousie Springs, part of the Witjira National Park.

50. Arkaroola Ridgetop Tour

See rock formations nearly 1600 million years old and learn how the Flinders Ranges were formed a billion years later on this half-day tour of geological (and numerical) wonders. Take a break looking over a gully that’s a kilometre deep.

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Simon Wilkinson is the restaurant reviewer at The Advertiser and plays a lead role in compiling the delicious. 100 list every year. While living and working as a journalist in London, he has followed the food trails of Europe from Sardinia to Scandinavia. He lives in Adelaide's beachside suburbs where he is an enthusiastic home cook.

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Based in Bondi, Aussie chef and TV host Guy Turland loves nothing more than discovering food markets around the world.

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10 of the best places to visit in South Australia

Have you tasted fine wines amongst the great Barossa vines? How do you feel about sinking with the Great White Sharks of Port Lincoln? Watched seals frolic as you rendezvous on the great Island of Kangaroo? Or have you experienced a sliver of the great Murray River? Well grab a mate and get out and discover what makes SA so great.

Watch rolling pastures pass you by, visit historic old towns and meet friendly locals as you journey outside Adelaide. Let your travels take you to contrasting landscapes around the state where you’ll enjoy stretches of isolated beaches, world-class wine regions, untouched natural wonders and wildlife experiences that get you back in touch with nature.

With accommodation and touring options around the state to suit every budget and taste, there’s no time like the present to get to know the city and state better. South Australia and its many natural, man-made and gourmet wonders are just waiting for you to explore…

Here’s our TOP 10 ideas:

Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens - Adelaide Hills . Credit South Australian Tourism Commission & Adam Bruzzone

1. Adelaide Hills

• Choose from one of the many cosy coffee spots in Stirling and Aldgate
• Wander through the German town of Hahndorf and taste Bavarian style platters and beers
• Enjoy a wonderland of spring or autumn colours at Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens
• Sample the range of world-renowned products and pick fresh strawberries (Nov-Apr) at the famous Beerenberg Farm
• Try an award-winning Gruner Veltliner at the Hahndorf Hills Winery

Two Hands Winery, Barossa Valley . Credit South Australian Tourism Commission & Adam Bruzzone

2. Barossa Valley

• Enjoy a multitude of world-class wineries on a day tour – no designated driver needed!
• Wander down the charming main street of Tanunda and discover quirky boutiques, antique stores and gourmet eateries
• Sip world-class wine while gazing over picturesque rows of vineyards
• Check out the view from Mengler’s Hill Lookout then explore the Barossa Sculpture Park below

Cycling, Clare Valley . Credit South Australian Tourism Commission & Adam Bruzzone

3. Clare Valley

• Hire a bike and explore the natural beauty found along the Riesling Trail
• Visit the recently refurbished Pikes Wines cellar door and restaurant
• Step back in time while staying in a historic Miner’s Cottage in Burra
• Take in the impressive view from the Quarry Hill Lookout
• Stop by the famous pink Lake Bumbunga on your way through to Clare

Cummings Lookout, Eyre Peninsula . Credit Tourism Australia

4. Eyre Peninsula

• Tour a Coffin Bay oyster farm followed by a fresh-as-can-be tasting
• Come face-to-face with Great White Sharks while cage-diving in Port Lincoln
• Pack a picnic and make the most of untouched and secluded beaches
• Enjoy fresh seafood and local wine with a view of the ocean at Sarin’s Bar & Restaurant, Port Lincoln

Port Willunga, Fleurieu Peninsula . Credit South Australian Tourism Commission & Adam Bruzzone

5.Fleurieu Peninsula

• Wander around a local market and discover fresh produce and unique wares
• Explore the popular wine region of McLaren Vale , including the world-famous d’Arenberg Cube
• Retreat to a cosy cottage or lakehouse for a refreshing weekend away
• Swim with large Southern Bluefin Tuna next to Granite Island

Long Beach, Robe - Limestone Coast . Credit South Australian Tourism Commission & Adam Bruzzone

6. Limestone Coast

• Explore the ancient beauty of South Australia's only World Heritage site at Naracoorte Caves National Park
• Take a guided tour around the burgeoning wine region and visit popular wineries
• Get a photo at the tourist icon of the striped Robe Obelisk
• Take a drive down 17 kilometres of pure white sand on the aptly named Long Beach

Waterskiing, Riverland . Credit South Australian Tourism Commission & Adam Bruzzone

7. Riverland

• Forget waterside – stay on the river itself by hiring a houseboat
• Wander through the biggest winery and distillery in the southern hemisphere at Berri Estates
• Marvel at the view of one of the world's longest rivers from Headings Lookout
• Take a guided tour via kayak of the nature-filled waterways
• Try your luck fishing off the picturesque Marion Bay Jetty

West Cape, Innes National Park - Yorke Peninsula . Credit South Australian Tourism Commission & Peter Fisher.

8. Yorke Peninsula

• Walk or cycle the Yorke Leisure Trail for spectacular cliff views, pristine beaches and secluded coves
• Take a break from city-life in a coastal holiday cottage, tourist park or apartment
• Visit the Cape Spencer Lighthouse and watch the sun set over the ocean
• Spot native wildlife, like emus and kangaroos, while exploring Innes National Park

Glass Gorge, Flinders Ranges . Credit South Australian Tourism Commission & Adam Bruzzone

9. Flinders Ranges

• Experience the splendour of the Flinders Ranges from above on a scenic flight
• Get back to nature by staying in a luxury glamping Ikara safari tent
• Explore the wonders of the Flinders Ranges via a multitude of 4WD tracks and walking trails
• Delve deeper into Indigenous culture with an experienced guide

Admirals Arch, Kangaroo Island . Credit South Australian Tourism Commission & Adam Bruzzone

10. Kangaroo Island

• Watch wild sea lions frolic and play at Seal Bay
• Take a break from the stresses of everyday life at a relaxing isolated lodge
• Indulge in local produce including the island ’s popular KIS gin varieties
• Visit Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in the Flinders Chase National Park

Click here for all our of our great accommodation, packages and touring Australia wide in the Short Breaks Australia program.

For more information or to book your perfect getaway contact one of our friendly Short Breaks Australia team on 1800 810 910 or email [email protected].

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18 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Adelaide

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Elegant, culture-rich Adelaide sits between the rugged south coast of Australia and the foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges. European immigrants founded this tidy capital of South Australia, and its layout was carefully crafted around the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri, imparting a welcome sense of order balanced by a laid-back vibe.

Exploring Adelaide is rewarding for all kinds of travelers. The city's wide boulevards seem refreshingly uncrowded, and Adelaide's affluent heritage, financed by mining and agriculture, is still proudly on display. Magnificent private mansions and grand public buildings command an important place amid the modern high-rises. Museums, galleries, gardens, and gourmet restaurants are some of the city's finest treasures, and culture vultures can indulge in opera, symphony, and a flourishing live music scene.

Nature is never far away from Adelaide. Parklands ring the city, and a short drive from the CBD, bucolic landscapes and sparkling beaches provide a picturesque playground for outdoorsy locals and lucky tourists. Discover some of the best places to visit in this vibrant state capital with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Adelaide.

See also: Where to Stay in Adelaide

1. Get a Culture Fix along North Terrace

2. wander through adelaide botanic garden, 3. find inspiration at the art gallery of south australia, 4. take a tour of adelaide oval, 5. south australian museum, 6. state library of south australia, 7. shop at adelaide central market, 8. soak up the sea air at glenelg, 9. meet the pandas at adelaide zoo, 10. feed kangaroos at cleland wildlife park, 11. catch a performance at adelaide festival centre, 12. ayers historic house museum, 13. people-watch at victoria square, 14. spend a day at port adelaide, 15. visit the migration museum, 16. take a day trip to the barossa valley or clare valley, 17. book a getaway to the fleurieu peninsula, 18. find your inner german on a hahndorf day trip, where to stay in adelaide for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in adelaide, adelaide, australia - climate chart.

A handsome tree-lined boulevard graced by historic and cultural treasures, North Terrace is a great place to kick off a city tour. Exploring all the attractions here is one of the top things to do in Adelaide's CBD (central business district).

Parliament House, at the intersection of King William Street and North Terrace, is perhaps the most imposing building in Adelaide with its monumental colonnade. Just down the street, cheek by cheek, the State Library of South Australia , the South Australian Museum , and the Art Gallery of South Australia offer a triple dose of art and culture and are three of the city's top tourist attractions.

Bordering these, the main campus of the University of Adelaide hosts the Mitchell Building, one of the city's finest examples of Gothic Revival style.

Other North Terrace treasures include the Migration Museum; Ayer's Historic House; and the Adelaide Botanic Garden , a green thumb's dream.

Wander through the wrought-iron gates at the east end of North Terrace and enter a wonderland of botanical treasures. Established in 1855, Adelaide Botanic Garden features educational themed plantings, including medicinal plants, a Mediterranean garden, Australian native species, and a wetland designed to sequester enough water to eventually irrigate the entire grounds.

The Santos Museum of Economic Botany provides insight on the important role plants play in everyday life through a series of permanent collections. Other garden favorites include the palm house; the Bicentennial Conservatory, with lowland rainforest plants; the night-flowering Amazonica water lilies; and Australia's oldest avenue of Moreton Bay fig trees. Kids will love the Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden complete with fruit and veggies, compost, and a worm farm.

Exploring these beautiful gardens is one of the best things to do in Adelaide for free.

Ready for more garden gazing? Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is also worth a visit to see its impressive collection of cool climate plants and heritage rose garden. And if you're seeking a little pocket of peace in the CBD, head to Himeji Garden . This carefully tended Japanese Zen garden is an oasis of lily-topped ponds, artfully placed stepping stones, and the soothing sounds of trickling water.

Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia

Official site: https://www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/visit/adelaide-botanic-garden

In the heart of Adelaide's cultural precinct, the Art Gallery of South Australia exhibits one of Australia's finest art collections. The elegant, colonnaded Victorian building, established in 1881, sets the tone for the esteemed works within its walls.

Spanning 2,000 years, the collection crosses all mediums, from sculpture, paintings, textiles, metalwork, and photographs to ceramics, jewelry, and furniture.

The Australian collection spans the colonial days to the present, including Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander art. European works highlight pieces from the Renaissance to the present day, and Asian exhibits include Australia's only dedicated Islamic gallery. Important North American pieces are also on display, as well as some evocative avant-garde sculptures.

Official site: http://www.artgallery.sa.gov.au/agsa/home

Stadiums aren't always a top attraction in a capital city, but Aussies love their sports, and this venue is an important part of the city's history.

Sitting in the center of Adelaide's attractive Riverbank Precinct, the stadium was established in 1871 and hosted its first test cricket match in 1884. Since its founding, the stadium has played host to more than 16 different sports, including AFL, archery, cycling, hockey, lacrosse, and tennis, as well as music concerts and major events.

A multi-million-dollar renovation completed in 2014 revitalized the venue, but it still features the old heritage-listed scoreboard and century-old Moreton Bay fig trees.

If you have time, try to buy tickets for a sporting match or event here. Cricket fans should make a beeline for the Bradman Museum to see memorabilia on the life of Australia's most famous cricketer.

Official site: https://www.adelaideoval.com.au/

The South Australian Museum, adjacent to the State Library , is a top research facility renowned for its Aboriginal heritage collections. In addition to the excellent Australian collection, you can admire artifacts from the South Pacific Islands in the permanent Pacific Cultures Gallery, gaze upon Egyptian antiquities, and learn about local flora and fauna in the South Australian Biodiversity Gallery.

Children love the natural history exhibits with stuffed specimens, fossils, and skeletons, and special exhibits mean there's always something new to see. This museum is one of the top things to do for free in this culture-rich city – especially if you're looking for indoor activities in Adelaide.

Official site: http://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/

The State Library of South Australia surprises first-time visitors with its dramatic juxtaposition of old and new. The contemporary Spence Wing , with its sharp lines and glass-fronted entrance, offers modern facilities and free Wi-Fi.

From here, ask for directions to the original library, housed in the adjacent 1884 French Renaissance building known as the Mortlock Wing . Entering this grand old space is like stepping back in time. Multi-tiered galleries beckon high above, edged by elaborate wrought iron balustrades, and ladders reach up to leather-bound books neatly propped in the wooden shelves. Highlighting this flashback to libraries of old is a stream of natural light flooding through the glass dome in the roof.

The Mortlock Wing is also worth a visit for its special collection of works on the history of South Australia. Here, you can learn about the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of this land. Be sure to also look for the Kaurna greeting stone at the entrance to the Spence Wing, among other artworks outside.

Address: North Terrace and Kintore Avenue, Adelaide

Official site: http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm

A few paces west of Victoria Square , on the south side of Grote Street, the Adelaide Central Market is one of the oldest indoor markets in the world . Founded in 1870, these colorful markets are a hot spot for shoppers. Come here to buy everything from fresh fruit and veggies, flowers, and baked goods to cheeses and a mouthwatering array of multicultural culinary treats.

After browsing the produce-packed stalls, enjoy a meal at one of the many cafés in the area or the Asian restaurants in nearby Chinatown , and don't forget to bring your own shopping bags or baskets.

The markets are open Tuesday through Saturday. But for the best bargains, try to be here Saturday afternoons, when some vendors slash prices to move their produce.

Location: Between Gouger and Grote Street, Adelaide, South Australia

Official site: http://www.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/

In the sheltered and surf-free Gulf St. Vincent, the seaside village of Glenelg is a popular escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. To get here, most visitors opt for the 25-minute trip on Adelaide's only surviving tram, which departs from Victoria Square in the city center.

As well as its beach appeal and many tourist attractions, Glenelg has a fascinating history. The first group of free settlers disembarked from HMS Buffalo in Holdfast Bay here, making this the oldest European settlement on mainland South Australia.

Sidewalk cafés, boutique hotels, and lively summer entertainment create a holiday feel. Looking for Adelaide attractions for families? Kids can catch their thrills at The Beachouse , an amusement park packed with rides, including a giant waterslide, bumper boats, and Ferris wheel.

Those seeking a quieter visit can bask on the beach or cast a fishing line off the pier. Sailing and swimming with dolphins are other popular things to do in Glenelg.

Adjoining the Adelaide Botanical Gardens on the northwest, the Adelaide Zoo is much loved for its educational focus and charismatic collection of animals. It was established in the late 19th century.

Giant pandas are the stars here, delighting young and old alike. Other popular residents include the orangutans, koalas, meerkats, lemurs, and the colorful feathered friends in the aviary. Also make sure you stop by the Envirodome , an interactive visitor center with a vertical garden and terrarium.

Enhance your visit by signing up for an interactive animal experience. Choose from a lion or tiger encounter; mingle with meerkats, lemurs, or red pandas; come face to face with a giraffe; and more.

Looking for things to do in Adelaide with toddlers? They'll love the petting zoo, where they can cuddle, kiss, and feed a cast of furry and feathery farmyard friends, as well as kangaroos, quokkas, and wallabies.

A visit here is one of the most popular things to do in Adelaide for families, and it's only a 10-minute walk from the Adelaide CBD (central business district).

Address: Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia

Official site: http://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/

Cleland Wildlife Park cares for a cute and cuddly bunch of Aussie animals in a naturalistic environment. You won't find many enclosures here. Instead, kangaroos, wallabies, potoroos, and emus roam freely in the wide-open spaces, and you can wander among them, feed them, and enjoy close-up encounters.

Photographers will have a chance to capture some excellent shots, and the interactive keeper presentations provide interesting details about the animals and their habitats. For an extra fee, you can cuddle a koala and take home a souvenir photo.

Cleland Animal Park lies less than a 20-minute drive from the city center on the northwestern slopes of Mount Lofty. It's one of the most popular things to do in the Adelaide Hills.

Address: 365 Mount Lofty Summit Road, Crafers, South Australia

Official site: https://www.clelandwildlifepark.sa.gov.au/

A five-minute walk from North Terrace and Rundle Mall , the Adelaide Festival Centre excites both locals and tourists with its lively cultural calendar. It was Australia's first multi-functional arts venue, and its white tent-like roof structure is a distinctive landmark along the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri.

In addition to the large 2,000-seat Festival Theatre, the venue is home to several smaller theaters, a banquet room, light-filled gallery, and an amphitheater for concerts and recitals.

The center hosts the highly regarded Adelaide Festival of Arts , also known as the Adelaide Festival , with theater, opera, ballet, exhibitions, lectures, and readings by writers. Those who don't have time to attend an event can join a behind-the-scenes tour of the dressing rooms and performance spaces.

Ample parking and easy accessibility enhance the appeal of this multi-faceted venue.

Address: King William Street, Adelaide, South Australia

Official site: http://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/

Ayers House is one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in Australia. Originally a modest house built in 1846, it was owned from 1855 to 1878 by Henry Ayers, who for many years was prime minister of South Australia. Ayers transformed it into an elegant 40-room mansion with a large new dining room and a ballroom.

It now belongs to the National Trust of South Australia and is a popular event venue, but you are welcome to view the house on a guided tour. During the tour, you'll learn fascinating tidbits about the social history of the period, as well as the life and work of Sir Henry Ayers.

The interior is famed for its decorative painted finishes on the internal walls and ceilings. On display is a superb collection of period decorative arts, furniture, silver, and artwork, as well as changing exhibitions.

Address: 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia

Official site: http://www.ayershousemuseum.org.au/

In the heart of the city, at the intersection with Grote Street and Wakefield Street, King William Street opens out into the revamped Victoria Square, also known by its Aboriginal name, Tarndanyangga. This event venue, with beautifully laid out gardens, is a popular meeting place, and it's a great spot to hang out and watch the world go by.

Children squeal with delight as they run in and out of the fountains. Workers come here for a picnic lunch, and many events and festivals are held here throughout the year.

In the shadow of the modern high-rise blocks (among them the Hilton Adelaide ), a few handsome 19th-century buildings have been preserved. On the south side, stands the imposing Magistrates' Courthouse (1851) with a Doric colonnade, and the Neoclassical Supreme Court (1868). On the east side of Victoria Square lies the Treasury Building adjoining the Town Hall , and St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (1856-1926).

Other features of the square include a statue of Queen Victoria and a charming fountain by John Dowie, with figures representing the three principal rivers of South Australia: the Murray, the Torrens, and the Onkaparinga.

Victoria Square also hosts the popular Adelaide Central Market , and the city's only surviving tram departs from the square to the seaside suburb of Glenelg .

North of Victoria Square, the busy pedestrian-only Rundle Mall runs east from King William Street, lined with large department stores, boutiques, and arcades.

Port Adelaide is a popular tourist destination, with museums, restaurants, and well-preserved heritage buildings. You'll find it about 14 kilometers northwest of the city center.

Much of the town is a State Heritage Area, and a number of imposing 19th-century buildings bear witness to this city's early prosperity as a thriving port. Key landmarks include the 1879 Customs House and the Courthouse.

Looking for things to do with the family? Top tourist attractions include dolphin-spotting cruises and a clutch of intriguing transport-themed museums, including a National Railway Museum; South Australian Aviation Museum; and the South Australian Maritime Museum, where you can browse interesting exhibits on the region's seafaring history.

Seafood lovers head to the Fishermen's Wharf Markets on Sundays to buy fresh-caught fish straight from the boats.

The Migration Museum, housed in a beautifully restored building behind the State Library, traces three centuries of immigration history in South Australia. From Aboriginal history before colonization to the impact of immigration on their culture and local communities, you can gain insight into the pioneering spirit and diverse cultures that changed the face of South Australia.

Personal stories of some of the immigrants infuse a poignant note to this worthwhile museum, and the interactive displays will keep the kids entertained. Admission is free, except for certain special events and exhibitions.

Address: 82 Kintore Ave, Adelaide, South Australia

Settled by Prussian and English immigrants, the Barossa Valley is about an hour's drive from Adelaide airport and is one of Australia's oldest grape-growing regions. Foodies will be in heaven here with the plethora of fresh produce and fabulous restaurants.

In addition to all the gastronomic delights, other things to do in the Barossa Valley , include heritage trails, cookery schools, craft stores, galleries, and museums.

A little farther afield, the rolling green hills of the Clare Valley also nurture a rich grape-growing history and thriving gourmet food culture.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Barossa Valley

Less than hour's drive south of Adelaide's city center, the Fleurieu Peninsula is one of Adelaide's most popular coastal day trip destinations. Rolling hills, farms, fantastic surf beaches, and upscale dining lure foodies and city slickers looking for a slower pace.

Victor Harbour is the largest and one of the most popular towns along this rugged peninsula. From here, you can hop aboard a seasonal whale-watching cruise or fishing charter, surf one of the south coast swells, cast a line from one of the windswept beaches, or take a horse-drawn tram to Granite Island with its dwindling colony of Little Penguins.

Goolwa, by the Murray River, is another popular peninsula town, as are the inland towns of Strathalbyn and Mount Compass.

In the beautiful Adelaide Hills , about 20 minutes from the city center, Hahndorf is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement. It was established in 1839 by German Protestants from East Prussia. Tree-lined streets, half-timbered houses, and steeple-topped Lutheran churches imbue the town with a European village charm, and the many farms and German restaurants will delight foodies.

A great place to start a tour is the former 1857 schoolhouse, which houses the visitor center and the Hahndorf Academy, an art gallery spotlighting local artists.

Hahndorf is famed for one of its talented residents, Sir Hans Heysen (1877-1968), a German-born landscape artist who came to Australia in 1883 and later built an Alpine-style house on the outskirts of Hahndorf. Today, you can take a guided tour of his home and studio, known as The Cedars, stroll through the colorful gardens, and view some of his paintings.

You can easily spend a relaxing day in this charming village, sightseeing, picking fruit at nearby farms, browsing the craft shops and galleries, and dining at the excellent restaurants.

Most of Adelaide's top attractions are centered around North Terrace on the south bank of the River Torrens, and this is where you'll find the best luxury and mid-range hotels. Budget accommodation typically tends to be a little farther out but still within easy reach of the prime sightseeing spots. You'll also find some great affordable options around North Adelaide, near Adelaide Oval and the zoo.

Luxury Hotels:

• Steps from Rundle Mall, in the heart of the city, the boutique Mayfair Hotel occupies a 19th-century heritage building. Rooms are contemporary, with plush beds, rainfall showers, and sleek decor. Guests mingle at the French cafe and rooftop terrace, and the weekend high tea is a treat.
• On North Terrace, The Playford - MGallery by Sofitel exudes Art Nouveau charm. Chandeliers grace the upscale restaurant, and guests keep fit at the 24-hour health club and heated indoor pool. The pillow menu is a posh perk.
• Also on North Terrace, the InterContinental Adelaide is less than a minute from Adelaide train station. The rooms come with city or river views and marble bathrooms. Dining options range from Japanese teppanyaki and sushi to an inviting riverside restaurant.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Convenient for families and longer stays, the Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury occupies an elegant historic building near Victoria Square. The studios and apartments come with kitchens, and the excellent facilities include a central courtyard and indoor pool.
• Within walking distance of city attractions, shops, and restaurants, Majestic Roof Garden Hotel offers spacious rooms and a lovely rooftop garden. Suites add separate living areas and kitchens.
• At the Adabco Boutique Hotel in a heritage building nearby, guests have access to a communal kitchen and laundry facilities.

Budget Hotels:

• Light flows in through floor-to-ceiling windows at the Ibis Adelaide , and the rooms come with free Wi-Fi.
• At the artsy and modern Majestic Minima Hotel , the petite rooms are individually decorated, and you can walk to Adelaide Oval and the zoo.
• A little farther afield, in North Adelaide, Princes Lodge Motel offers peaceful park views, a couple of kilometers from city center attractions.

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Scenic South Australia: Once you've seen the best of Adelaide, you'll find plenty of other things to do in South Australia . Less than an hour from the city, you can explore the bucolic scenery of the Barossa Valley , one of the country's top grape-growing regions and a haven for foodies. If you're looking for an escape to nature, Kangaroo Island ticks all the boxes, with abundant wildlife, fantastic hiking trails, and one of Australia's best beaches . Other top South Australia tourist attractions include the sparkling Fleurieu Peninsula, the pink-hued peaks of the Flinders Ranges, and the wild and windswept Eyre Peninsula.

More Aussie Adventures: If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, see our article on the Top-Rated Outdoor Adventures in Australia . For tips on where to cast your line, our article on Australia's best fishing destinations is worth a look, and if you want to explore the country's spectacular scenery on foot, consult our page on the top hikes in Australia .

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