Choose from 56 Fun Things to Do in South Australia
ShowingFilter 41-56 of 56 listings.
Some tours at Wirra Wirra Winery take place every day, whereas other tours are only available by special, advance appointments. There’s a restaurant on site with exceptional food, as well as free Wi-Fi and complimentary iPads that guests can use for reviews.
Seppeltsfield Wines
When was the last time you toured a winery and tasted the year you were born? At Seppeltsfield Wines in the Barossa Valley, barrels that have been aging for 100 years create an oenophile’s archive that is unparalleled by any other winery in the world. Each year, Seppeltsfield releases a “Para Tawny” that has been aged for 100 years, and has consistently uncorked a 100-year old vintage since 1978. Visitors can enjoy a casual tasting at the large cellar door, or book one of the legendary tours for a taste of the fancier wines. The Seppeltsfield name is synonymous with wine here in the Barossa Valley, and in addition to tasting the famous wines, there is also a restaurant and contemporary design studio to round out the vineyard experience. If it’s a nice summer day, or you just feel like a walk, linger a while in the vineyard gardens among date palms, roses, and elms. It’s all a part of a day at Seppeltsfield, where the wine, scenery, and regal history are a perfectly charming combination.
Practical Info
Seppeltsfield Wines is in the Barossa Valley about an hour northeast of Adelaide. The cellar door is open for tastings, and the JamFactory craft gallery is open from 11am-5pm, seven days per week.
Address: Seppeltsfield Road, Seppeltsfield, South Australia, Australia
From $ 59
Parliament House
It took 65 years for this building to be erected, but despite major delays it's a stately structure Aussies are seriously proud of. Daily tours provide access to Chambers and the chance to view historic documents, like the Magna Carta, up close and in person. Permanent exhibits on women in government and an impressive art collection"”including one of the world's largest tapestries and an outdoor sculpture garden"”make this a cultural destination for visitors locally and aboard.
Practical Info
Parliament House is located at the corner of North Terrace and King William Road. It is open to the public every day of the year except Christmas from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in non-sitting weeks.
Address: North Terrace and King William Road, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
From $ 22
Colonel Light's Lookout
Sometimes referred to as Light's Vision, this lookout on Montefiore Hill is named after Colonel William Light, the founding father of Adelaide. During the summer of 1837, Light was put in charge of selecting and surveying the site for the city. A life-sized statue of Colonel Light sits here, having been originally erected in Victoria Square but moved in 1938 to create Light's Vision on top of Montefiore Hill. Local legend says it's where he looked out and began planning the city.
Practical Info
Today, Colonel Light's Lookout is a popular site for residents and visitors to get a glimpse of Adelaide's skyline, so be sure to bring your camera along. Grassy areas at Colonel Light's Lookout make it a nice spot for adults to stretch their legs and for young kids to run around.
Address: Adelaide, Australia
From $ 50
Wirra Wirra Winery
In the world of wine, the Adelaide region is known for producing some of Australia’s best vintages. Such is the case at Wirra Wirra Winery, where talented winemakers have mastered the craft since 1894, enticing visitors from around the globe to sip on the fruits of their labor. One of South Australia's most iconic wineries, Wirra Wirra is known for its quirky, eccentric environment and affable, fun-loving staff, as well as for its fine Shiraz wines and array of reds and whites.
Take a part in Wirra Wirra Winery's master class to learn the technique behind the award-winning wines of the world-renowned McClaren Vale region, and to explore the vineyard, tour the winery, and sample some of Wirra Wirra's best. To get in the celebratory spirit without imbibing, visitors can ring the winery's nearly one-ton church bell, the Angelus Bell, which is used during special occasions and also completely at random.
Practical Info
Wirra Wirra Winery is located 45 minutes south of Adelaide and five minutes south of downtown McLaren Vale. It is accessible by car, but many visitors choose to arrive by organized tour, since wine tasting is involved. Admission to the cellar is free, while tours range from $15–200.
Did You Know? Wirra Wirra Vineyards is officially certified as biodynamic and organic.
Address: McMurtrie Road, McLaren Vale 5171, Australia
Hours: Mon–Sat: 10am–5pm; Sun: 11am–5pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 37
Victor Harbor
A world away from busy Adelaide, Victor Harbor is the perfect place to get away from the city and relax.
Victor Harbor is situated on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide. Though easily accessible from the city as a day trip, it would be remiss not to spend a few days exploring the peninsula in its own right "“ wineries, national parks, ocean views and historical attractions abound in the area.
The drawcard of Victor Harbor is first and foremost the gorgeous outlook over Encounter Bay. A wide, sweeping beach and clear water is backed by colonial architecture encasing boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. A horse-drawn tram is a nod back to history as it takes visitors across a causeway to Granite Island and its colony of Little Penguins.
When to visit Victor Harbor depends on your interests. While the area is beautiful year round, visiting between June and September will afford views of whales as Southern Right Whales use the waters nearby as a nursery for their newborn calves. Fishing and surfing is good in all seasons, though warmer in summer! Visiting in Spring grants visitors the opportunity to try new season wines and olive oils.
Victor Harbor is situated on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide. Though easily accessible from the city as a day trip, it would be remiss not to spend a few days exploring the peninsula in its own right "“ wineries, national parks, ocean views and historical attractions abound in the area.
The drawcard of Victor Harbor is first and foremost the gorgeous outlook over Encounter Bay. A wide, sweeping beach and clear water is backed by colonial architecture encasing boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. A horse-drawn tram is a nod back to history as it takes visitors across a causeway to Granite Island and its colony of Little Penguins.
When to visit Victor Harbor depends on your interests. While the area is beautiful year round, visiting between June and September will afford views of whales as Southern Right Whales use the waters nearby as a nursery for their newborn calves. Fishing and surfing is good in all seasons, though warmer in summer! Visiting in Spring grants visitors the opportunity to try new season wines and olive oils.
Practical Info
Victor Harbor is located roughly 80km from Adelaide "“ about an hours drive. For public transport, the Adelaide Metro runs a bus service to nearby McLaren Vale, and a train runs from the Adelaide CBD to Noarlunga.
Address: Victor Harbor, SA, Australia
From $ 84
Stokes Bay
When it comes to beaches on Kangaroo Island, many visitors head for the South Coast and never look back behind them. An hour west of Kingscote, however, Stokes Bay is a north coast outpost that can rival any south coast shoreline. In fact, the overall emptiness and rustic isolation add a degree of romance to this coastline, where a small campground and a handful of holiday homes are the only development around.
Aside from the white sand beach and the bluffs, the main highlight of Stokes Bay is the natural rock pool for swimming. This protected lagoon is the perfect place for wading in the water with small children, and you can listen to the rumble of crashing surf from the protected confines of the pool. Once finished soaking in the pool, head next door to Lathami Conservation Park on a search for endangered birds. The Glossy Black Cockatoo—of which only 250 remain—is only found on Kanagaroo Island, and one of the highest concentrations is located within this park less than a mile from the sands of Stokes Bay.
Practical Info
Stokes Bay is located 1 hour and 15 minutes from the main town of Kingscote, and nearly 2 hours from the ferry terminal at the small town of Penneshaw. The only facilities at the campground are toilets, and there are a small amount of rental homes for those who want to stay overnight.
Address: Stokes Bay, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 340
Vivonne Bay
You would think that a beach voted “Best in Australia” would be a little more crowded than this. Serenely set along the southern coast of Australia’s Kangaroo Island, Vivonne Bay is one of the most scenic—and famous—beaches in all of Australia. White sand stretches out to the horizon and simply begs to be walked at sunset, and consistent waves crash on the shoreline in a fusion of turquoise and white. Playful dolphins and migrating Right whales can occasionally be seen swimming offshore, and the scent of the ocean wafts on the breeze as children splash in the surf. Even with all of its beauty, however, the long drive to the southern coast keeps the bay relatively empty, with long weekends and school holidays being the few exceptions to the rule.
Travelers staying in Vivonne Bay can pitch a tent just steps from the ocean at the popular Vivonne Bay campground, or share a romantic balcony with a view from the handful of coastal lodges. Watch as fishermen haul their catch from the rustic boat ramp and jetty, and for an up close encounter with island wildlife, stroll down the beach with dozens of sea lions along the neighboring Seal Bay shoreline.
Practical Info
Vivonne Bay is located 1 hour and 20 minutes from Penneshaw and 50 minutes from Kingscote. The beach is accessed by a short road just after the Vivonne Bay store, and the safest swimming areas are either by the jetty or in the river that empties into the bay.
Address: Vivonne Bay, South Australia, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 27
Waterfall Gully
Urban areas aren’t usually known for their close proximity to waterfalls, but Adelaide offers a pleasant surprise with popular Waterfall Gully. Just 25 minutes outside the city, Waterfall Gully has hiking trails that lead to multiple waterfalls, the first of which, First Falls, is a very short walk from the parking lot. Continue up toward the second falls, and take in the scenery where koalas lazily hang in the canopy of gum trees.
The most popular hike in Waterfall Gully is following the trail for 2.5 miles up to the top of Mt. Lofty, where the mountaintop lookout has sweeping views of Adelaide and the coast. By joining a self-guided hiking tour, transport is provided from the center of Adelaide to the Waterfall Gully trailhead, where you’re free to make the climb to Mt. Lofty and enjoy the walk at your pace.
Insider Tip: If driving your own car, plan to arrive early—very early—in hopes of finding a parking spot.
Practical Info
There is no fee to visit Waterfall Gully, but if you choose to hike from Mount Lofty Summit there’s a fee to park near the lookout. There are small cafés at each end of the hike, and be sure to bring water along for the hike since the steep climbs can be challenging.
Address: Waterfall Gully, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily
From $ 22
Whispering Wall
Like the beloved dome of Grand Central Terminal, words whispered at one end of this historic reservoir wall can still be heard crystal clear by listeners stationed at the other end—some 100 meters away. This surprising fact is what gave the famous Whispering Wall its name, and what drives thousands of tourists to this popular site each year.
Travelers can take in the beauty of the Barossa Reservoir, which was created in the early 1900s, while they test the much-storied wonder of this wall that allows quiet whispers to be heard from far away. Picnic areas, public toilets and shade tree areas make an ideal setting for a quiet afternoon in nature.
Practical Info
Visitors can access the Whispering Wall via car by traveling to Williamstown and following signs from the main street. It is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.
Address: Whispering Wall Road, Williamstown, South Australia, Australia
Hours: Daily 8 am-5 pm
From $ 80
Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve
Ngaut Ngaut is the ancestral home of the Nganguraku people and today serves as a site of archaeological study, history and cultural significance. A visit to the site offers a glimpse into the life, beliefs and customs of the local Aboriginal people, much of whose culture has been lost.
Located on the banks of the Murray River, Ngaut Ngaut takes advantage of the beautiful natural scenery with a boardwalk that runs along the riverbank and allows visitors to walk near the cliffs that rise above an ancient seabed. There is also the opportunity to view an untouched section of the Mighty Murray.
Visitors to Ngaut Ngaut are taken through the park on guided tours, during which guides impart knowledge of the historical Nganguraku culture through viewings of the remaining archaeology. Ngaut Ngaut is the site of incredibly comprehensive rock art that details Aboriginal astronomy with lunar cycles carved into the cliffs. Guides also introduce visitors to the plants and animals that enrich the views of the natural landscape.
Practical Info
The site is located in the Murray-Darling Basin of South Australia, approximately 105 miles (170 km) north of Adelaide. It takes about two hours to drive from the city center. Entrance to the park is arranged by prior appointment only to respect the area and its significance to the Aborigine people, and guided tours are offered. The park is closed on days of extreme fire danger.
Address: Murray-Darling Basin, Adelaide, Australia
Hours: Closed on days of extreme fire danger.
From $ 979
South Australian Museum
One of the principal attractions of Adelaide’s Cultural Precinct, the South Australian Museum is devoted to the region’s natural and cultural history. The museum is best known for its impressive collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural items: the largest collection of its kind in the world.
The Basics
The South Australian Museum has 11 galleries, with exhibits titled Australian Aboriginal Cultures, Pacific Cultures, Megafauna, Ediacaran Fossils, South Australian Biodiversity, and Minerals and Meteorites. There is also a Discovery Center, where interactive exhibits include a microEye video microscope, a live bee hive, and expert talks. Explore the museum on a guided or self-guided tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the museum is free, but there is sometimes a charge for special events and temporary exhibits.
- On-site facilities include restrooms, a cloakroom, a café, and a gift shop.
- The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The South Australian Museum is located along the North Terrace in downtown Adelaide, next door to the Art Gallery of South Australia. It’s a short walk from the shopping boulevard of Rundle Mall, and the free City Loop bus 99C stops right outside.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily, year-round. The quietest time to visit is on weekday mornings.
Exhibition Highlights
Marvel at the whale skeleton in the Whale and Dolphin Gallery; see a model of a 36-foot (11-meter) long Architeuthis dux squid; follow Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson in the Australian Polar Collection; and see fossils up to 550 million years old. In the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, the collection includes ancient paintings, maps, boomerangs, and bark canoes, while the Pacific Cultures Gallery has weaponry, masks, and ritual objects.
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide 5000, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 44
Henley Beach
Just a few minutes from the city center and blessed with a long stretch of white sand, Henley Beach is one of Adelaide's most attractive coastal retreats. Running for 500-meters along the gulf coast, the city beach is a lively spot, lined with waterfront restaurants, cafes and bars.
Along with swimming and sunbathing, activities at Henley Beach include kayaking, water sports and fishing. A scenic esplanade also runs along the beachside, all the way from Henley Beach to West Beach, with walking and cycling trails connecting the coast to the Torrens riverside.
Practical Info
Henley Beach is located around 10km west of downtown Adelaide.
Address: Henley Beach, Adelaide, Australia
From $ 88
St Peter's Cathedral
St. Peter’s Cathedral dominates the skyline of Adelaide’s northern suburb, and the sound of its bells ringing out from the tower brings a festive joy to the city. Constructed back in 1869, the church features stunning stained glass windows and rises 168 feet from the street, with the set of eight church bells being the heaviest of their kind found anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. Aside from its impressive and imposing architecture, the church is riddled with religious symbolism from the altar to windows and nave, and guided tours are available for digging deeper into its past. Around Christmas, the church is busy with carolers joyously singing their praise for the season, and the cathedral choir has gathered here for over 130 years. When visiting the building, admire the windows, sculptures, and angels that were shipped to Australia from England, as well as a couple of stained glass windows that were made right here in Adelaide. There’s a small gift shop inside the Cathedral for purchasing souvenirs, and while photography is welcomed inside the Cathedral, a proper degree of decorum and respect is kindly requested by the church.
Practical Info
Guided tours of the cathedral are offered at 12:30pm on Sunday, and at 11am on Wednesday. The public welcome to attend weekly services, which range from 8am Communion on Sunday, to 8:45am prayer on Monday-Friday. To hear the choir, attend the Choral Evensong at 6pm on Sunday.
Address: 27 King William Rd, North Adelaide, South Australia SA 5006, Australia
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 9:30am-4pm and Sun 12pm-4pm
From $ 50
Seal Bay Conservation Park
One of the major attractions of Kangaroo Island, Seal Bay Conservation Park is the home of the rare Australian Sea Lion.
The Conservation Park contains numerous attractions, such as the Bales Bay Picnic Area, which provides the perfect lunch spot with picnic and barbeque areas. A short walk from the Picnic Area is a lookout offering views of Cape Gantheaume where migrating whales can be seen swimming offshore from May through October. A short drive from the Picnic Area is the Bales Bay beach.
The true attractions of the park however, are the sea lions. A tour is the best way to learn about the sea lions, and to see them up close. Guides take visitors to the colony, relating information about the sea lions, their behaviour, and their conservation. The Seal Bay Experience tour is run several times a day, allowing visitors to walk among the sea lions and marvel at these amazing animals up close. Be sure to bring a camera to capture every moment!
For those who want a little distance between themselves and the seals, the Boardwalk Self-Guided Experience doesn’t disappoint. A short, wheelchair friendly boardwalk, the walk provides an unobstructed view of the sea lion colony and the Southern Ocean behind them. The viewing platform at the end of the boardwalk is a prime whale watching spot. The Sunset Tour is easily the most spectacular tour, taking visitors onto the beach in a single group as the sun sets, casting a golden glow.
The Conservation Park contains numerous attractions, such as the Bales Bay Picnic Area, which provides the perfect lunch spot with picnic and barbeque areas. A short walk from the Picnic Area is a lookout offering views of Cape Gantheaume where migrating whales can be seen swimming offshore from May through October. A short drive from the Picnic Area is the Bales Bay beach.
The true attractions of the park however, are the sea lions. A tour is the best way to learn about the sea lions, and to see them up close. Guides take visitors to the colony, relating information about the sea lions, their behaviour, and their conservation. The Seal Bay Experience tour is run several times a day, allowing visitors to walk among the sea lions and marvel at these amazing animals up close. Be sure to bring a camera to capture every moment!
For those who want a little distance between themselves and the seals, the Boardwalk Self-Guided Experience doesn’t disappoint. A short, wheelchair friendly boardwalk, the walk provides an unobstructed view of the sea lion colony and the Southern Ocean behind them. The viewing platform at the end of the boardwalk is a prime whale watching spot. The Sunset Tour is easily the most spectacular tour, taking visitors onto the beach in a single group as the sun sets, casting a golden glow.
Practical Info:
The Seal Bay Conservation Park lies on the southern coast of Kangaroo
Island, only a 45 minute drive from Kingscote. The park is open 9-5
daily, and stays open until 6 in the summer months of December and
January. Entry to the park is free, though fees apply for the tours. The
following fees are for adults/children. Seal Bay Experience (including
Boardwalk): $32/18. Boardwalk Self-Guided Experience: $15/9. Sunset
Tour: $60/36.
Address: Seal Bay Conservation Park, Seal Bay, SA 5223, Australia
Hours: Open Daily: Feb - Nov: 9am - 5pm; Dec - Jan: 9am - 6pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Admission: Guided Tour: Adult: $32, Child $18. Self-Guided: Adult: $15, Child: $9.
From $ 156
State Library of South Australia
Housed in a French Renaissance building from 1884, the State Library of South Australia has the state’s largest literary collection and public reference library. Now comprised of multiple wings, the museum is known for the Mortlock Wing and its architectural beauty, which has led to its inclusion on lists of the world’s most visually stunning libraries. Inside of the vaunted building is a cornucopia of knowledge, on everything from wines of South Australia to pieces of South Australiana that detail the area’s heritage. You’ll also find a large selection of texts on indigenous Australian heritage, as well as a library for the Royal Geographic Society of South Australia. At the Treasures Wall, ogle over rare books and highlights from the library’s collections, some of which date to the ancient world or are the only remaining document in print. Aside from the wealth of literary offerings, the library houses cultural collections of art and memorabilia, from Ernabella rugs from Pukatja aborigines, to over 30,000 items that comprise the Australian Aboriginal Ethnographic collection.
Practical Info
There are free tours daily at 11am and 2pm that are led by local volunteers. There are also services for genealogy and researching family history, as well as a café for a quick bite or drink.
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
Hours: The Mortlock Wing is open 10am-5pm daily, and the Spence Wing is open 10am-8pm Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm Thursday-Friday, and 10am-5pm on weekends. Closed on public holidays.
From $ 22
Victoria Square
Victoria Square is actually a rectangle—a cheeky point of geometric contention amongst the locals who sprawl on its grass. Every day, particularly around lunchtime, you can find office workers enjoying an outdoor lunch on a shaded table or bench, or families playing with young children around the famous three-spouted fountain.
More than just a public square, however, Victoria Square is where the Adelaide community gathers for outdoor events. Enjoy outdoor yoga classes and community vegetable gardens or evening concerts in the park, and since the square is within walking distance of notable sights such as the teeming Central Market, it’s always a flurry of pedestrian activity and is unbeatable for its energy and people watching. Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the ground where the modern day square is built was a traditional Aboriginal gathering place, and cultural groups still assemble today to partake in ceremony and song. The square is also known as Tarntanyangga—a Kaurna name that loosely translates to “Dreaming Place of the Red Kangaroo”—and an Aboriginal flag now flies above the grounds as a reminder of its cultural past.
Practical Info
It’s easy to reach Victoria Square from everywhere in the Adelaide City Center. The Glenelg Tram runs right past the park, and the cycling paths within the square make it a great destination for biking.
Address: Adelaide, Australia
From $ 22