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Adelaide is there capital of South Australia, which is the southernmost state on the continent. The last bastion before the boundless Australian outback, it is located in a very suggestive position, nestled between the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and the mountain peaks of Lofty Ranges. Although it cannot compete with the megacities of Sydney or Melbourne, Adelaide is the fifth largest Australian city by population and is a lively city full of vitality, which makes green spaces and refined culture its strong points, not to mention the incredible food and wine excellences appreciated throughout the continent and in the rest of the world for their quality.
The city owes its name to Queen Adelaide, wife of King William IV of England, and was founded around the second half of the 1800s by Colonel William Light. It rises along the sinuous banks of the fiume Torrens and is crowned all around by a beautiful green ring, known as Adelaide Parklands, made up of around 30 wonderful parks, which preserve a one-of-a-kind biodiversity waiting to be discovered. The history of the city is closely linked to his colonial past: it was in fact founded by free settlers, who chose to make Adelaide a harmonious place where they could settle peacefully.
Since its inception, the founders of the city also sanctioned the freedom of worship, so much so that today Adelaide is known as the city of churches, with chapels and cathedrals adorning every corner of the country. This open and generous spirit is still reflected today not only in the city motto "United for the common good", but also in the multi-ethnic and multicultural atmosphere of Adelaide, which boasts a rich artistic and cultural scene , where tradition and innovation blend perfectly.
What attractions to see and what to do in Adelaide
Here's a quick guide to all the main local attractions and must-see destinations in South Australia's capital.
Explore the city center
Il Central Buisness District (CBD) it is the urban center of Adelaide, developed along the banks of the Torrens river, it is the beating heart of city life, where the main commercial and economic activities are concentrated. The center is on a human scale, and it is possible to explore it entirely on foot, getting lost among its fascinating avenues: it is a lively and lively area but never too chaotic, very well looked after and effectively organized also from a transport point of view . The CBD is also enriched by interesting historic buildings, pretty squares animated by artisan markets, modern shopping streets and lush gardens where you can enjoy a moment of relaxation.
The jewel in the city's cap are above all its numerous clubs and restaurants: southern Australia is in fact renowned for its gastronomic excellences and its fine wines, and in Adelaide it is possible to enjoy delicious food, especially delicious meats, exquisite fish and seafood, but also exquisite cheeses and sweet exotic fruit. Australians are also famous for their passion for coffee and Adelaide is no exception: around the center you can find many roasteries and charming bars where you can enjoy this tasty drink in all its forms.
As the sun goes down the CBD comes alive and changes face to give space to a lively nightlife. Walking along the banks of the river you will find many trendy places where you can have an aperitif while admiring the city lights reflecting on the water, and by delving into the city alleys you can find exclusive cocktail bars where you can enjoy drinks and craft beer while dancing to the rhythm of live music.
Fai shopping a Rundle Mall
In 'East End the main ones are concentrated in Adelaide shopping streets, in particular Rundle Mall is the perfect area to go shopping: it is a modern and rapidly expanding area that hosts refined boutiques of major Australian designers such as Gorman, Zimmermann and M.J. Bale, and other specialty stores that attract fashion lovers. At Rundle Mall you can also find the largest shopping chains, a vast assortment of designer home items in the Norwood Parade area, and sought-after art and antique objects near Magill Road.
Sample the delights of the Adelaide Central Market
Il Central market it is in all respects one of the unmissable stops on the Adelaide tour, a real institution for the local inhabitants: it is a gigantic covered market which hosts hundreds of stalls and retailers 0 kilometer products; open for about 140 years, it is the epicenter of the city's food and wine scene. Here you can stock up on delicious typical products and treat yourself to a tasting tour to discover Australian flavours.
Immerse yourself in Australian culture at North Terrace
North Terrace it is the home of Adelaide's major cultural and artistic institutions: here are some of the most elegant buildings in the city, as well as the main museums and galleries, theatres, libraries, auditoriums and botanical gardens which make it one of the most evocative Australian cities. The capital of South Australia boasts a vast cultural background, starting from its most important museum‘Art Gallery of South Australia, which houses a large collection of nearly 40000 pieces of Australian, European, North American and Asian art.
A few steps from the latter there is also the South Australian Museum: museums are both free and it's really worth stopping to visit them to learn a little about them millenary aboriginal culture. Other must-sees on North Terrace include the Migration Museum, the Austraian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, the World Mammals Gallery and the State Library of South Australia, where interesting temporary exhibitions are often held.
Admire colorful plants and flowers at the Botanic Gardens
Just 20 minutes from North Terrace are the botanical gardens, a real pride for the city that you absolutely cannot miss. One of the most beautiful Australian city parks, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens are an immense green lung immersed in the heart of the city, which extends for over 50 hectares and is home to a multitude of plants and flowers of unforgettable beauty. In the park there are also fountains, statues, installations and architectural works really interesting.
They are worth a visit Palm House, a marvelous crystal palace with its collection of Madagascar plants; the very modern Bicentennial Conservatory, built in honor of the bicentenary of the foundation of Australia in 1888, inside which you will find a vast assortment of plants from the rainforests of Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea; the Amazon Waterlily Pavillon with precious water lilies and the Rose Garden with fragrant rose gardens; but also the Santos Museum of Economic Botany, the SA Water Mediterranean Garden and many others.
Discover local wildlife at Cleland Wildlife Park
If you are a nature lover you cannot miss the Cleland Wildlife Park: it is a'protected area located at the foot of the Adelaide Hills, just outside the city centre, which has been fighting for the conservation of local fauna since 1967. Here you can admire up close some of the most majestic Australian animal species, immersed in their natural habitat: you can hold koalas, feed kangaroos and wallabies, cuddle the cute quokkas, admire dingoes and Tasmanian devils, but also many birds colorful, emu e echidna.
Treat yourself to a break by the sea among the most beautiful beaches in the world
No self-respecting trip to Australia could miss a dip in the ocean, and in Adelaide the beaches stretch along the entire coast, from North Beach at Sellicks Beach: the ocean is a stone's throw from the city and it only takes a few bus stops to reach it. Gleneg is one of the main destinations, with its white sand and crystal clear water; Henley Beach is also very popular, with markets, live music and lively dining options dotting the seafront. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush while riding the waves, you can go to Fleurieu Beach, loved by surfers.
Visit Adelaide Hills and discover the secrets of its fine wines
For a complete visit to Adelaide you cannot miss an excursion to Adelaide hills, the lush hills that dominate the city: they are located in the Barossa Valley which is one of the most important wine regions in Australia. Indulge in a tour with tasting at one of over 60 producers of the finest Australian wine, or spend the weekend in a remote cottage in the area for a relaxing weekend.
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