Adelaide Travel Guide

Welcome to Adelaide! We hope you’ll enjoy your adventure exploring Adelaide’s picturesque coastline and city centre. From beautiful churches to water parks to luxury shopping, there’s no shortage of things to do in Adelaide.

Where can I go in Adelaide?

Adelaide offers many attractions to match your interests. Most of Adelaide’s famous sights and activities are located around the prominent city centre.

Where can I go at night in Adelaide?

Nightlife is abundant in the city centre. Whether you’re looking for a wine bar, pub or nightclub, you’re sure to find a venue to suit your taste. Below is a list of highly recommended nightlife spots in Adelaide:

• Apothecary 1878
• Clever Little Tailor
• Proof Bar
• The Rising Sun Inn
• HQ Complex

City Centre Attractions

Adelaide Central Market is a must-see on your Southern Australia holiday. This undercover market has been sharing food and culture for over 150 years. Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest markets in the Southern Hemisphere with over 70 traders—make sure to stop by for some fresh produce or dine in one of the many local cafes.

The Adelaide Oval hosts Australian Football League games featuring the Adelaide Crows, cricket matches and stadium concert tours. The arena is a great stop to add to your itinerary if you’re looking for a true entertainment experience.

Rundle Mall is Australia’s first pedestrianized mall and Adelaide’s premier shopping destination. With over 700 retailers, it’s the perfect place to shop away a lazy afternoon in Adelaide.

The Art Gallery of South Australia is home to a variety of Australian, European and Asian art, totalling over 38,000 works. Enjoy a visit to the gallery and browse works ranging from Tom Roberts to J. M. W. Turner.

Family Accommodation in Adelaide

Adelaide is home to many hotels suitable for families travelling together. Many resorts offer bunkbeds or multi-room accommodation as well as amenities like swimming pools, beach access and amusement activities, like mini golf. Our recommended list of family-friendly hotels is available below:

• West Beach Parks Resort
• Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre
• BIG4 West Beach Parks
• Adelaide Brownhill Creek Tourist Park
• Oaks Plaza Pier

Things to do in Adelaide for Young Families

Adelaide is the perfect destination for your next family vacation. With a wide range of activities for all ages, you are sure to find something unique to experience for each and every member of your family.

Since Adelaide is located along the coast, there are a variety of water activities and beachside resorts for the whole family. The vibrant city is home to multiple water parks and water slides that are perfect for an afternoon of adrenaline-filled family fun. The Beachouse, Semaphore Water Complex and The Big Wedgie offer waterslides as well as other family activities unique to each location, like mini golf, bumper cars, a carousel and kids play areas for a budget-friendly price. West Beach Parks Resort, mentioned above, offers mini golf and a mega-adventure park. BIG4 West Beach Park is home to its very own water complex with a swimming pool, water play area and direct access to West Beach.

Outside of the scenic coastline and family-friendly water parks, Adelaide has a lot to offer in terms of other varieties of family entertainment/activities. Haigh’s Chocolates in Parkside hosts free chocolate factory tours for families to learn about the chocolate making process and purchase some sweets at the conclusion of the tour. Adelaide Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals and is a convenient 15-minute walk from Adelaide’s city centre. Your family can experience wildlife encounters unique to Australia, like meeting a koala, kangaroo or wallaby.

Weather

Adelaide has a relatively mild climate year round. Temperatures are rarely too hot or cold, and rainfall is pretty limited. The humidity in Adelaide is the lowest of any Australian city.

Temperature ranges and general rainfall estimates are listed below so that you can find out what time of year is ideal for your trip to Adelaide. For updated and accurate weather conditions for your trip, check the forecast one week prior to your trip.

Spring (September—November)

Temperatures ranging from 11.8 - 22°C (53.2 - 71.6°F)

Low rainfall

Summer (December—February)

Temperatures ranging from 16.7 - 28.6°C (62 - 83.5°F)

Low rainfall

Autumn (March—May)

Temperatures ranging from 12.7 - 22.7°C (55 - 73°F)

Low rainfall

Winter (June—August)

Temperatures ranging from 8 - 16°C (46.5 - 60.8°F)

High rainfall

Fuel Locations

Access our convenient list of nearby petrol stations below:

• Shell 111 West Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
• BP Tapleys Hill Rd &, W Beach Rd, West Beach SA 5024, Australia
• Shell Findon 245 Findon Rd, Findon SA 5023, Australia
• OTR Fulham Gardens Drive Thru 471 Tapleys Hill Rd, Fulham Gardens SA 5024, Australia
• BP OTR 148 Grange Rd, Flinders Park SA 5025, Australia
• Shell 606 Marion Rd, Park Holme SA 5043, Australia
• Coles Express 111 West Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
• United Petroleum 1 Sir Richard Williams Ave, Adelaide Airport SA 5950, Australia
• BP 41-49 West Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
• BP 282 Henley Beach Rd, Holbrooks Rd, Underdale SA 5032, Australia

Major Attraction Distances from Adelaide Airport

Reference the table below for distances from Adelaide Airport to Adelaide Attractions.

• Adelaide Botanic Garden 7.7km
• Adelaide Central Market 5.2km
• Adelaide Oval 7.3km
• Adelaide Zoo 8.2km
• Art Gallery of South Australia 7.5km
• Glenelg Beach 8.8km
• National Wine Centre of Australia 8.1km
• Rundle Mall 6.9km
• South Australian Museum 7.3km
• Waterfall Gully 15.6km

FAQs

What is Adelaide best known for?

Adelaide is the capital city of the state of South Australia and houses the South Australian government. The city is known as the “City of Churches” due to its large number of churches and diverse faiths throughout the city. Adelaide’s nickname was coined by a newspaper in 1867 and stuck. You can even take a tour of Adelaide’s churches to get a feel for some of the city’s beautiful architecture.

Adelaide is also recognised for its festival culture. Festivals range from the Adelaide Film Festival to Adelaide Festival of Arts to Tasting Australia. Make sure to check a festival calendar before planning your trip to ensure that your trip coincides with one of Adelaide’s vibrant festivals.

Beaches are another huge draw for Adelaide. Glenelg Beach is Adelaide’s most popular beach and a tourist destination in its own right. Many of Adelaide’s beautiful beach resorts and shops can be found along this stretch of sand. Brighton, Henley and Semaphore Beaches are also great choices for a beach day with some fun in the sun.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Adelaide?

A rental car is a cheap and effective way to explore Adelaide and the surrounding areas. The cost depends on the kind of car you want and how long you rent for. Enter your details in the search form for an obligation free quote.

Where is Budget Car Rental located in Adelaide?

Budget has car rental locations at Adelaide Airport or in downtown Adelaide, located at 274 North Terrace. In suburban Adelaide we are located in Marleston, Wingfield, Salisbury and Reynella.

How old do I need to be to rent a car in Adelaide?

Budget allows renters aged 21 years and up. A young driver surcharge may apply. Enter your details for a quote.