This South Australia’s capital is very much famous for restaurants and parklands. So, Adelaide is no less than a holiday retreat for the gourmets and park lovers. However, this does not mean that Adelaide has no other diverse highlights. Things to do in Adelaide is very much assorted with fun, thrill, vivacity, and learning. From natural to historical, all kinds of attractions bring lakhs of tourists here every year.
Adelaide boasts a Mediterranean sort of climate featuring dry summers and wet winters. The warm months, December to February, is actually the best time to come here, especially for the beach goers. This is also the peak season and so you will get the benefit of tourism-related services.
Among the adventurous things to do in Adelaide, try out its abseiling in the hills by being at the Morialta National Park, The Bluff in the Victor Harbor, or Onkaparinga Gorge. A sudden chill will pass your nerves if you even dare to think of descending a steep cliff. However, you will also learn about some tricks to do so. Charges start from $99.00. Continuing with the gust of exhilaration, reach at Aldinga Airfield on the Colville Road where the biplanes offer a memorable adventurous flying. Go for a Waco Biplane flight that soars high at 1,000 feet on the south coast or take up the Tiger Moth flight for enjoying the stunning sunset at front.
Looking for some self-centered adventure? Okay, fair enough! Pick up a bicycle from the Franklin Street at its City Bikes Scheme and pedal on to discover the whole city including its downtown, boulevards, parklands, and markets at your own pace. The best part is that you get a cycle for free. What can be ideal way than this one to avoid the transportation cost? Do not know the roads? Simple, ask a pedestrian or a shop keeper! No matter where you go, but make it a point to pedal along the River Torrens on its scenic track.
Do also dare for some underwater fun by following the Heritage Trail in Esplanade. On this way, you will encounter four shipwrecks of Gulf St Vincent namely Norma, Star of Greece, the Grecian, and Zanoni. Giving a break to the adventurous trips, its time to get a bit wild with the Cleland Wildlife Park nestled in the Mt Lofty Ranges’ bushland. You can stroll freely here for spotting its wildlife including birds. However, a prior registration is required for a day’s tour – $59.00 per adult and $29.50 per child.
Do not miss the free Haigh’s Chocolate factory trip where Haigh’s is among the excellent chocolates in the nation, one of the most interesting things to do in Adelaide. Accessible within 5 minutes from CBD, this tour literates you on how such mouth watering chocolate is made. And yes, you can also have your free samples. These tours are held on Monday to Saturday at 11 am, 1 pm, and 2 pm.
For some cultural fun at the King William Street, head to Adelaide Festival Centre where there is music, dance, theatre, markets, opera, and visual art. This is a big family stop especially during the two annual festivals – OzAsia Festival held in August/September as well as Adelaide International Guitar Festival in November/December. Fascinating and relaxing, the Adelaide Botanic Garden in the North Terrace is like an oasis in the hustling city. In this themed garden, you can gaze at the Australian ornamental plants and the restored deco Palm House as the glasshouse of cactus. The West Beach is just a perfect family beach of swimming and ambling. Just nearby is the Henley Beach and square offering excellent cuisine via its 15 restaurants.
For eating, check out the restaurants of Gouger Street, Jasmin Indian Restaurant, and Raj on Taj restaurant (a budget one). Adelaide people mostly love Asian flavors and so many restaurants cater to this need. If you want to shop something, then visit the Adelaide Arcade, Central Market, and Chinatown. If you are a budge traveler, then I would recommend the following stay options:
- Mercure Grosvenor Hotel in North Terrace from A$99
- Comfort Hotel Adelaide Riviera in North Terrace from A$85
