Adelaide Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Adelaide’s compact centre is ringed by parkland, with beaches, hills and vineyards all within easy reach.

• Adelaide Central Market — One of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere.
• North Terrace — A cultural boulevard with the Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australian Museum.
• Adelaide Botanic Garden — Historic gardens with glasshouses and shady lawns.
• Glenelg — A seaside suburb reached by tram, with a long beach and jetty.
• Barossa Valley — One of Australia’s best-known wine regions, a scenic drive from the city.
• Adelaide Oval — A historic sports ground hosting cricket and Australian rules football.
• Adelaide Hills — Charming villages, lookouts and wildlife parks just east of the city.

Adelaide has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters; seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are ideal, with warm, sunny days that are perfect for wine touring and outdoor dining.

Summer can bring very hot spells, but February and March are the city’s festival season, with the long-running Adelaide Fringe and Adelaide Festival drawing big crowds. Winter is cool and quieter, a good time for cosy wineries and indoor attractions.

Adelaide Airport is only about 7 km west of the city centre, making it one of Australia’s most conveniently located capital city airports. Public buses connect the terminal with the CBD and Glenelg.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are available outside arrivals, and car hire is popular for exploring the wine regions. The drive into the city centre is usually short, even at busier times of day.

Adelaide is small enough that most areas are only a short tram, bus or drive from the centre.

• CBD — Close to North Terrace, shopping and the Central Market; ideal for first-time visitors.
• North Adelaide — Leafy streets, heritage buildings and cafés near the parklands; suits couples.
• Glenelg — Beachside living with restaurants and a tram link to the city; good for families.
• Adelaide Hills — Cottages and guesthouses among vineyards and forests, for a relaxed escape with a car.

• Money: Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere; tipping is optional.
• Getting around: Trams, buses and trains cover the city, and a car is useful for the Barossa, McLaren Vale and the Hills.
• Driving: Australians drive on the left; never drink and drive on wine tours — book a guided tour instead.
• Sun: UV levels are high, so wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses and drink plenty of water.
• Nature: Keep to marked trails and follow local advice on wildlife and bushfire safety in summer.