When backpacking in Australia, you can escape the hat-trick of Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne by heading out to Adelaide in South Australia. There are a lot of fun things to do in Adelaide, both within the city and in the surrounding boroughs and suburbs. Use our favourite things to do in Adelaide as a starting point to discover your personal must-see Adelaide attractions.
Adelaide Zoo
If you’re looking for things to do in Adelaide, the Adelaide Zoo is a great choice. You’ll find over 3,000 animals of over 300 species in the zoo, not to mention both native and exotic species. Take in the daily animal shows to learn more about the animals and wander through the zoo for a day of fun!
Backpacking in Australia: Fun Things to do in Adelaide This Year
Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Over 50 hectares of land make up the impressive Adelaide Botanic Garden and as you walk into all that greenery you’ll feel like you’re walking into another world. Native and exotic species are to be found in the gardens and a range of biomes take you from the romance of the rose garden to the eco-sustainability of the wetlands garden. The gardens are one of the best things to do in Adelaide for nature-lovers.
Backpacking in Australia: Fun Things to do in Adelaide This Year
Rundle Mall
Adelaide’s Rundle Mall is more than just a mall, it’s an icon of the city. The mall is full of both historical elements like the classic architecture the city is known for as well as contemporary art styles like the two large, silver balls that stand proud in the centre of the mall. A walk through Rundle Mall means more than just a fun day of shopping, though of course, that’s on offer as well.
Backpacking in Australia: Fun Things to do in Adelaide This Year
Art Gallery of South Australia
With a collection of almost 45,000 pieces, this gallery is a must-see Adelaide attraction for art-lovers. The gallery was established in 1881 and ever since it has hosted a range of art to inspire visitors from all over. Inside you’ll find travelling exhibitions and regional galleries of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art as well as collections of European, Asian, and North American art. If you’re looking for cultural things to do in Adelaide, the Art Gallery of South Australia is a great choice.
Backpacking in Australia: Fun Things to do in Adelaide This Year
Wineries
Just out of Adelaide is the Barossa Valley, South Australia’s biggest collection of wineries and vineyards. The most common varietal in the Barossa is Shiraz, but there are still plenty of other types of wine grown here. Head to a few different wineries to sample the local palette, take in the stunning views of the vineyards, and relax. A trip out to the Barossa Valley is a great way to escape from the busyness of the city for just a day or two.
This content is sponsored by Red Balloon and part of my backpacking in Australia adventures.
Cape Byron, most easterly point of the Australian mainland (2010)