Things to See and Do in Adelaide Things to See and Do in Adelaide

Things to See and Do in Adelaide

Wondering what to do in Adelaide and its surrounds? South Australia's capital city is packed with experiences and the best way to explore it all is with a rental car. 

Adelaide is in a geographically unique position, which means an immense amount of diversity for travelers to the city. Adelaide is a plain surrounded by the Mount Lofty Ranges. 

However, it is still close enough to the coast to give visitors an excellent choice of beaches along the St. Vincent Gulf and then there is the Fleurieu Peninsula to the south of the city. So it’s safe to say that there is no shortage of things to do in South Australia. With Budget Car Rental Adelaide, you can hit the road faster and enjoy a hassle-free trip from the city to the coast. 

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Since Adelaide is a large city, it is easy to get to via plane, boat, or car. Adelaide is located in the southeast corner of Southern Australia close to the border of Victoria. You can hire a car in 3 different locations in Adelaide: the Adelaide Airport, Adelaide City, or Adelaide City North at Salisbury. When you see the vast amount of different things to do here, you will definitely want to have your own vehicle to get around at your own pace.
 

Things to do in Adelaide and Surrounds

Adelaide offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you're into hiking rugged trails, sipping your way through wine country, exploring the city’s vibrant arts scene, or relaxing by the ocean — this city delivers it all.

Enjoy retail therapy at major shopping centres or browse local finds at buzzing outdoor markets. In the heart of the city, art galleries and museums provide cultural pit stops between café hopping and fine dining.

And when you’re ready for some coastal fun, Adelaide’s beaches and the waters of the Gulf of St Vincent offer endless adventure — from kayaking and jet skiing to deep-sea fishing, cage diving with sharks, and swimming with wild dolphins.
 

Here are some must-do activities to help you plan your Adelaide escape:

Barossa Valley

There are so many things to do in the Barossa Valley, home to one of the oldest vineyards in Australia and wine & foodie traveler’s paradise, well known for its Shiraz wine. Barossa Valley is large enough for an excursion for a few days, or you can catch the highlights in a day trip.
 

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is just off the coast of Adelaide and is another destination where you can see highlights during a day trip or spend a few days exploring the beautiful island. There are opportunities for ocean and beach activities, farm fresh food excursions, wildlife viewing, and rock climbing too.
 

Mt. Lofty Ranges

Mt. Barker Summit 

The Mt. Lofty Ranges tourism area is called the Adelaide Hills. It is another destination that you can visit for a day to see a few highlights or spend a whole week in the low lying mountains to the east of Adelaide. The area is rich in aboriginal culture, but also features plenty of modern cultural attractions, climbing and walking tours, and other attractions for families or tourists of any age.  Here are just a few of the many things to do in the Adelaide Hills:

• Historic Hahndorf’s Main Street: Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement.
• The Cedars: former home and art studio of Hans Heysen
• Hahndorf Farm Barn: family owned children’s farmyard animal nursery and wildlife park.
• Mt. Barker Summit: open during the day for climbers looking for an inspirational view.
• Laratinga Wetlands: for walking trails, bird watching, and picnicking.
• Cleland WildLife Park: Hug a koala, feed a kangaroo and visit with 130 other Australian wildlife species.
   

Murray River Cruise

The Murray River runs through Adelaide and is the longest river in Australia. This day-long, relaxing cruise lets you explore Australia’s native wildlife and sea life without getting wet. Keep on the lookout for native fish, turtles, crayfish, and the iconic Australian platypus, which make the Murray River their home. Lunch is served on board the beautiful paddle boat. Other highlights you will see along the cruise include the Angus and Torrens Valleys, Walker Flat and the scenic lookout at Mannum.
 

Adelaide Zoo

The Adelaide Zoo’s main attractions are the two giant panda residents of the zoo. They are the only pandas in the Southern Hemisphere. The zoo has plenty of other animals to get to know and see up close including red pandas, lions, tigers, penguins, giraffes, koalas, Orangutans, sea lions, and many more. Learn about the animals with zoo keeper presentations, feedings, and talks. Get educated about conservation and ways that you can help the animals.
 

Morialta Conservation Park 

Morialta Conservation Park is located about 10 km northeast of Adelaide. It is hard to believe that this remote land filled with waterfalls, gorges, mountains, and caves is that close to the hustle and bustle of the city. A trip to this park really helps you get in touch with nature. Activities within the park include dog walks, walking trails, rock climbing, and picnicking facilities. The park also has rock pools and creeks that are great places to spot reptiles, frogs, and to bird watch.
 

Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute

Part of exploring the regions of Australia and getting to know the area should include getting to know about the aboriginal culture of the area. The history of the original peoples of Australia is so well preserved in each culture. This cultural institute is filled with art exhibits that give you a visual look into the amazing “diversity, resilience, wisdom, and creativity of the world’s oldest culture”, as explained by SouthAustralia.com. In addition to the various styles, genres, and techniques you can see in the art work, you can also schedule a presentation or witness a special ceremony while there.