The 23 best things to do in Adelaide

What is it? Established in 1869, Adelaide Central Market is the undisputed jewel in the city's produce crown.

Why go? One of the largest undercover markets in the southern hemisphere, it has more than 70 traders from more than 40 nationalities under the one roof, selling a whopping one million kilograms of fruit and vegetables every month – not to mention meat, cheese, seafood, coffee, spices and baked goods. You can't go wrong by just walking in and wandering the aisles, but if you want a true taste of ‘The Market’ (as the locals call it), take yourself on a guided audio tour.

What is it? Swap Adelaide’s greenery for the blue of South Australia’s rugged coastline on this gorgeous five-kilometre boardwalk.

Why go? When you just don’t feel like getting down and dirty, this boardwalk of the Marion Coast walking trail will keep your shoes away from mud and bushland. The path winds all the way through many a gully so be prepared for steps, and lots of them. If it’s a good cardio sesh that you’re seeking, Hallett Cove is waiting for you.

What is it? A chance to go behind-the-scenes with Australia’s oldest family-owned chocolate company at their original 1919 Parkside factory. 

Why go? Today, the chocolate oasis is run by fourth-generation Haigh's, and you can take a 30-minute, free guided tour around the factory to learn about its rich history and watch the magic in the making. Haigh’s Chocolate Factory tours operate during the store’s usual trading hours and booking is recommended.

What is it? Stop and smell the roses in a different kind of way on a free guided tour, leaving from the Visitor Information Centre on the Schomburgk Pavilion at 10.30am daily.

Why go? It’s easy to call the Adelaide Botanic Garden an oasis in the middle of the city, but that’s really what it is. These impressive gardens span more than 50 hectares and with a swathe of beautifully landscaped zones, you’ll be able to explore one of the country’s finest plant collections. The exquisitely restored Victorian Palm House is the pride of Adelaide Botanic Garden, but you’ll also want to explore the rows of roses in the Rose Garden and observe the UFO-looking, 1989-built conservatory, which is the largest single-span glasshouse in the southern hemisphere.

What is it? Just five kilometres southeast of Adelaide’s city centre, Mount Osmond offers sweeping views across the CBD and Saint Vincent Gulf – most magical at golden hour.

Why go? With trails winding up to 276 metres, Mount Osmond offers prime spots to catch stunning oceanic sunset reflections. Hike to the top for a spectacular sunset show, or keep it relaxed with a picnic facing west and visualise what it means to be part of a ‘20-minute city’.

What is it? If you've ever eaten breakfast at a fancy hotel or on a Qantas flight you've probably eaten Beerenberg. A South Australian institution, the family-owned company has been making delicious jams at its Adelaide Hills strawberry farm since 1975, and distributing them in cute miniature jars all over the world since the 1980s.

Why go? Although the brand now makes 75 different preserves, its strawberry jam remains the most famous, made fresh from the fruit picked from the farm's strawberry plants in Hahndorf, just 30 minutes out of Adelaide (Beerenberg actually means “berry hill” in German). Every year from November to April, you can grab a punnet and wander the farm yourself, picking your own fresh berries to take home for just $5 per person and $11.95 per kilo. There's no better way to spend a sunny day than wandering Beerenberg's picturesque strawberry patch, hunting down the perfect luscious berries to eat later.

What is it? If you're looking for a true VIP experience at the footy or cricket then forget those fancy corporate boxes you're probably not getting invited to anyway – the most exclusive seats at Adelaide Oval are 50m above the field, on the roof.

Why go? Strap on a safety harness and make the breathtaking climb to the top of the now iconic stadium, where you can take in stunning panoramic views of the city, from the Hills to the coast. For a bit extra, get the ‘Game On!’ package, where you can get a bird's eye view of every kick, mark and tackle of a live footy match, or every sixer and wicket of a cricket match, from the world's only rooftop stadium seats.

What is it? Adelaide isn’t known for its metropolitan beaches, but the city has lots of sand and sea for a relaxing day out. 

Why go? Glenelg Beach is one of the most popular in Adelaide, lying just on the outskirts of the city and accessible by tram. What sets this beach town apart from the others is its diverting amusement park on the water’s edge. You could park yourself here for a balanced day of entertainment and relaxation, or if you want to dodge the crowds, head just next door to West Beach. After a quick dip or a salty sunbake, follow the seaside path all the way to Henley Beach. Hot tip: time your walk with sunset for the most magical views over the calm shores.

What is it? Established in 1881, the city’s premier visual arts museum is home to more than 47,000 incredible works spanning 2,000 years.

Why go? Behind the neoclassical sandstone facade of the AGSA lies a treasure trove of local and international artworks. You can take a tour or plot your own course, exploring the gallery’s newest works, international shows and permanent installations, such as Donald Judd's minimalist, brutalist topographical sculpture on the north lawn and Lindy Lee's six-metre metal ovoid sculpture, 'The Life of Stars'. The AGSA also hosts the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art every two years, the Ramsay Art Prize for artists under 40 and Tarnanthi, a festival of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

What is it? A bespoke bakery stall by celebrity chef Poh Ling Yeow, open every Sunday from 8.30am to 12.30pm at the Adelaide Showground Farmers’ Market. 

Why go? MasterChef fans will be no strangers to Poh Ling Yeow, who went from runner-up in season one to celebrity contestant and now judge. You can sample one of her very own homestyle sweet treats at the Adelaide Farmers’ Market, with everything from buttery pies and pasties to old-school gingerbread cookies, chunky brownies, delicate tarts and sugary cakes smothered in icing. On the rare occasion, you might even spot Poh or her business partner, Sarah Rich.

What is it? Perched within the Adelaide Hills’ treetops, a mere 18 kilometres from the city centre, lies the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens – an oasis for nature enthusiasts and avid picnickers alike. 

Why go? The 97-hectare sanctum has stood the test of time as one of the best parks in Adelaide, offering plenty of walking trails, tranquil lakes where reflecting takes on a double meaning, and wildlife galore of kangaroos, koalas and bandicoots. The garden is home to a plethora of cool-climate plants that blush with spectacular hues in the autumn months – a brilliant spot for a romantic date, may we say.

What is it? South Australia’s charming climates and picturesque landscapes are a recipe for some of the world’s finest wines, and you can sample the best drops on a wine tour starting in Adelaide. 

Why go? Just a tick over 64km north of Adelaide, the compact Barossa Valley is one of the world’s great wine regions. There are more than 150 wineries in the Barossa, and an astonishing 80-plus cellar doors, including big names like Penfolds, Seppeltsfield and Yalumba. Around 45 minutes from Adelaide in the opposite direction is the easily accessible McLaren Vale. You could spend weeks going between the 80-plus cellar doors, sipping fine wines all day long – but that’s probably not entirely sensible – so start with d’Arenberg or Hugh Hamilton.

What is it? One of South Australia’s most picturesque lookout points, located in the Adelaide Hills just 17 kilometres from the city centre.

Why go? Complete with a café and an overshadowing lighthouse at 710 metres above sea level, Mount Lofty Summit makes for a picturesque place to soak up the new day’s rays cast over central Adelaide from the east. Trust us, the early wake-up is worth it.

What is it? As the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere and the second-biggest fringe festival in the world (right after Edinburgh), Adelaide Fringe brings together more than 6,000 global artists in a whopping 1,400-plus shows across 500 venues.

Why go? March is the best time to be in Adelaide, as the city comes alive with three of its biggest festivals. You can stumble across shows spanning cabaret, comedy and circus at Adelaide Fringe; see striking dance, music and visual art performances at Adelaide Festival; and end with the epic four-day multicultural music concert, WOMADelaide.

What is it? Play tennis in the sky, ride a BMX bike mid-air or sit at a sky-high picnic table on the largest aerial adventure course in Australia – all while enjoying views of Adelaide.

Why go? The creation of entrepreneur Alex Blyth, who based much of the design on challenges he experienced as part of his training in the British Army, this amazing 28-metre tall playground in West Beach includes more than 70 aerial obstacles in its MegaClimb. Get your Spiderman on with suspension bridges, swings, scramble nets and vertical climbs. Real risk-takers can take a leap of faith from the 18-metre-tall GiantSwing, while those with less of a daredevil streak can enjoy the views from the tamer 83-step Skywalk.

What is it? One of Adelaide's favourite family attractions, the Zoo is home to the Southern Hemisphere's only giant pandas – Funi and Wang Wang – which, let's face it, is more than enough reason to visit. (Take our word for it, they're seriously cute.)

Why go? If ogling cuddly, bamboo-eating mammals is a little too tame for you, then check out the ‘animal experiences’ on offer, such as hand-feeding the Sumatran tigers, coming face-to-face with ginormous giraffes or letting mischievous meerkats run over your lap. There’s lots of free fun for the whole family too, including daily keeper talks, flight bird shows and lion feeding sessions. 

What is it? Wander along the edge of the River Torrens in Adelaide's Riverbank precinct and you might spy something strange: a fleet of donut-shaped, floating vessels with smoke emanating from the middle, manned by people waving tongs. Are they boats? Are they barbecues? Actually, they're both, and they're the best idea ever.

Why go? Yes, the BBQ Buoys (see what they did there?) boats combine the tranquillity of floating along the river with the joy of a sausage sizzle, with each circular boat kitted out with a gas grill in the centre. The boats range from couple-sized right up to a ten-seater, with hourly rentals starting at $190 (for two). BYO food and drink, or choose from a range of local beers, wines and ciders, plus pre-made barbecue, cheese and meats, or dessert platters.

What is it? A free, futuristic museum at the University of South Australia that hosts new, interactive exhibitions combining art, science and technology every six months.

Why go? It might sound nerdy, but MOD. is much more than just a place for STEM students and art geeks. Spread across the museum’s seven interactive gallery spaces, you’ll find all sorts of touch screens, drawing pads and building blocks that prompt visitors to engage with research shaping both our understanding of the world and our futures. You can spend hours staring into the spinning globe in Australia’s first 'Science on a Sphere'; a six-foot, 3D video projection that can show entire planets – one day it’s the earth, the next, the moon or even a Mars landscape.

What is it? Get up close with the acrobatic dolphins in the cool waters off Glenelg Beach, just a 20-minute drive from the CBD.

Why go? Temptation Sailing's 17m catamaran was the first vessel in South Australia to be granted a license for dolphin swims; as a result, the thousand or so common and bottlenose dolphins in the area are now friends with the boat and are always eager to play. The marine biologist-led cruises last about 3.5 hours, with swimmers potentially getting more than an hour of dolphin interaction. Those who don't want to dip their fins can stay on the boat and watch the action from the 360-degree viewing deck.

What is it? Lounging on a bean bag at The Moseley Beach Club on a hot summer’s day, gazing across the shimmering shores, you could be mistaken for thinking you’re in Positano.

Why go? Spend your summer arvos, cocktail in hand, at Australia’s first and only beach club. Scattered across the soft white sands of Glenelg Beach from December to April, this seaside set-up is complete with swings, bean bags, day beds, sun loungers and a fully stocked bar. Pair fruity cocktails and local beers with classic fish and chips, and dance the night away with DJs on deck until just before midnight.

What is it? A prestigious wine institution that serves as a combined museum, bar, cellar door, events space and wine research institute, located near the majestic Adelaide Botanic Gardens. 

Why go? Australia’s largest wine-tasting room, with more than 120 wines to swirl and sip, is one of the drawcards here. Together with an interactive ‘wine discovery journey’ that demonstrates the process from grape to bottle, it’s the perfect preparation for a trip through South Australia’s beautiful winemaking regions. You can explore the history of Australian wine and its 65 wine regions in the Tasting Room, sample a cellar reserve celebration on a guided tour, or savour the best of the region with a ‘Feed Me’ dining experience.