MUSEUMS
Art Gallery of South Australia
The Art Gallery of South Australia is home to a collection of more than 40,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, sketches, photographs, textiles and design masterpieces sourced from every corner of the planet, attracting 780,000 visitors per year. This gallery isn’t just the state’s premier collection of art, it’s also one of the most gorgeous buildings on Adelaide’s leafy cultural boulevard — North Terrace — perched right next door to the University of Adelaide.
South Australian Museum
The South Australian Museum — the Art Gallery of South Australia’s next-door neighbour — is home to the largest collection of Aboriginal Australian artefacts anywhere on earth, housed in the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery. This natural history museum has five floors of displays to explore, including rare fossils of a six-metre long snake and a giant leaf-eating kangaroo.
State Library of South Australia
Another one of North Terrace’s clutch of beautiful stone structures, the State Library pledges to “keep the memories of the state alive”. The idea of the institution was formed just a fortnight after the colony of South Australia came into being in the 1830s, and is still going strong nearly two centuries later as the largest public research library in the state, with a focus on South Australian research and reference material.
Migration Museum
Located in an early colonial bluestone building behind the State Library of South Australia, this museum used to house a destitute asylum as well as a school for Indigenous children. These days it’s a social history museum tracing the immigration and settlement history of South Australia, telling the stories of the state’s migrant communities to promote multiculturalism and diversity.
National Railway Museum
Australian largest undercover railway museum is located in Port Adelaide, containing more than 100 exhibits tracing the history of Australia’s state, commonwealth and private railway operators. The museum first opened in 1970 and moved to its current site in 1988, giving visitors the opportunity to climb into the cabs of giant steam engines, stroll through elegant carriages, and learn a little about Australia’s long locomotive tradition.
South Australian Maritime Museum
Just across the road from the Railway Museum, the South Australian Maritime Museum inhabits a pair of picturesque 1850s bond stores, which contain an extensive collection of artefacts detailing the state’s nautical past. Explore the stories of the South Australian sea across three levels of interactive exhibits, as well as the historic Port Adelaide Lighthouse on the waterfront.
JamFactory
These purpose-built studios train aspiring artists and designers in the fields of ceramics, glass, furniture, jewellery and metalwork, and the exhibition and retail space showcases some of the best contemporary craft and design anywhere in Australia.
Ayers House Museum
Adelaide’s finest Victorian home is open to the public six days a week, the last surviving mansion of the era on the southern side of North Terrace. Enjoy a glimpse of what life looked like for an upper-class family in the 19th Century by walking through the former house of Sir Henry Ayers, the premier of South Australia a record five times between 1863 and 1873.
Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute
Tandanya — a Kaurna word meaning ‘place of the red kangaroo’ — is the oldest Aboriginal-owned and operated arts centre, with almost three decades under its belt. Located on Grenfell St in the East End of the city, the museum is an interactive arts space that promotes the art and story-telling of Australia’s First Peoples.
PARKS
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Found in the heart of the city, the Adelaide Botanic Garden is home to a diverse array of native and exotic plant life. Stretching across 50ha of land, the garden has numerous walkways with stops along the way for admiring the various plant life. The Garden of Health, International Rose Garden, and Mediterranean Garden demonstrate the beauty and diversity of the plants found here.
Elder Park
On the southern bank of the River Torrens, Elder Park brings a touch of natural beauty to the city. Bordered by a walking and cycling track, Elder Park is a stunning spot to stop with a coffee and watch the world go by. Watch rowers power along the river, wave to Popeye the boat, and admire the way Adelaide parks fit so perfectly within the city.
Cleland Conservation Park
Found in the bushland of the Adelaide Hills, Cleland Conservation Park preserves natural surroundings for native wildlife. With many walking and cycling tracks, the park offers a unique opportunity to explore this scenic spot your way. No visit is complete without a look at Waterfall Gully, the largest of seven waterfalls in the area.
Belair National Park
The oldest national park in Adelaide, Belair National Park is part heritage and part natural bushland. Explore Old Government House, or take a walk along the many trails available here to find the perfect picnic spot. One of Adelaide’s favourite attractions, Belair National Park is also home to tennis courts and cricket pitches (available for hire if you fancy fitting a little sport into your holiday).
Victoria Square
Located right beside the tram line into the city, Victoria Square is a beautiful sight in daylight or after the sun sets. With the square’s namesake, Queen Victoria, overlooking the area and some of Adelaide’s most beautiful buildings surrounding it, this is a haven in the city centre. Three Rivers Fountain and the water feature are popular spots in the summer.
Rymill Park
Located in the East Parklands, Rymill Park is a gorgeous spot if you’re seeking a little recreation. The lake being the centrepiece, Rymill Park has rowboat hire to allow you to enjoy it from a different perspective. Hosting major events during the festival season, the park is also home to a beautiful rose garden and community barbecue facilities.
MARKETS
Adelaide Central Market
For over 148 years, the Adelaide Central Market has been an integral part of the South Australian food and culture scene attracting 8.5 million visitors each year. With more than 80 stall holders the Central Market sells a huge range of goods including fruit and vegetables, meat and seafood, bread and health foods. The market also features some of Adelaide’s best cafes.
The Finders Keepers
Australia’s leading design market was founded in 2008 with the aim of supporting independent and emerging designers. Bi-annually held in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne and annually in Adelaide at historically and architecturally handsome venues The Finders Keepers aims to give shoppers and stallholders a wondrous experience. Now supporting over 1200 sellers each year, the markets feature art, design, delicious food and live music.
