8 of Adelaide City’s Free Attractions

If you spend time in Adelaide City, it doesn’t have to be all the usual hustle and bustle of a big city. Adelaide offers a reprieve in its many gardens that surround the city, as well as museums, art galleries, and architecture that dates back to colonial days, and you can see all these attractions for free.

Start walking along North Terrace to see what Adelaide has to store for you.

A free tram service runs from South Terrace to North Terrace, making it easy to visit the Adelaide Central Markets, Adelaide Casino, and Botanic Gardens.

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If you plan on travelling around Australia, the best way to get around is by car. You get to see more, and you will find hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.

Need A Car?

If you want to book a car, you can use one of these rental websites: EconomyBookings.com, DiscoverCars or Expedia.

Need Accommodation?

Try using these accommodation websites: Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia to find a comfortable place to sleep after your day of exploring.

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All prices and times were accurate when this was written or updated, but please verify the information on the websites before your visit.

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Parks

Parklands surround the city to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre. They can be accessed from West Terrace, South Terrace, and North Terrace. There are also bikeways along the River Torrens and more parkland. Walkways beside the river give views back to the city, as well as fresh air and relaxation.

Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the green parks and shady trees on warm summer days.

ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk

Opened on 23 April 2016, the ANZAC Centenary Walk commemorates Australians’ sacrifice to help keep peace in the world.

Walking down Kintore Avenue, you will find pavers of conflicts that Australia has been involved in, as well as artwork on the Granite panel wall.

Migrant Museum

Across the road from the ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk is the Migrant Museum.

This free museum showcases the changes Australia has undergone over the last 200-plus years due to British, European, and Asian migration.

When I was there, the exhibit was on the British migration, from the first white and convict settlement through to “£10 Poms” after World War 2.

Walking through the museum, you can see and read lots of information on the migrants, how they travelled here, and how their arrival affected the Aboriginals who were here before them.

Prices

This museum is free, but donations are appreciated.

Hours

Daily 10 am — 5 pm
Closed Christmas Day

State Library of Adelaide

The State Library of Adelaide building was opened in 1884. It now houses art exhibits, collections and family history research.

There are two parts to the library, the old and the new glass extension at the back.

It is free to wander around to see what is available when visiting.

Ambassadors also host tours that provide in-depth information about the library and its history. You can find more information on them here.

Hours

Closed on public holidays.

To find the hours in the cafe and libraries, click here.

South Australian Museum

The South Australian Museum is once again free and houses many exhibits showcasing life in South Australia.

You will learn much about this fantastic state, from ecology to a famous Australian astronaut, dinosaurs, and Antarctic research.

Nearly an entire floor is set aside for the Aboriginal exhibit, which shows not only how they lived but also artwork in a separate gallery. The Pacific Islands are also represented on the mezzanine level.

All the kids want to see the Giant Squid. You can view the Giant Squid over four floors and also see the other wildlife that inhabits the depths of the Southern Ocean. Its tentacles are so long that it takes three floors to show them.

Hours

The Museum is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, including weekends and all public holidays except Christmas Day and Good Friday. We open at 12 noon on ANZAC Day (25 April).

The Museum Shop is open Monday – Sunday from 10 am-4.45 pm.

The Museum Café is open from 10 am-4 pm Monday- Sunday.

The coffee caravan on North Terrace is open Monday-Friday from 8 am.

The Discovery Centre is open from 10:30 am-2:30 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Art Gallery of South Australia

Whether you like old or modern art, the Art Gallery of South Australia is well worth visiting.

Admission is free to wander around the rooms packed with paintings and sculptures to admire.

Whether it’s a hot or wet day, the Art Gallery of South Australia is a great place to escape the elements while admiring the art on display.

Hours

10 am to 5 pm, every day except Christmas Day. It is open until 9 pm on the first Friday of the month.

The University of Adelaide

Walking along North Terrace, you will see many old buildings from the University of Adelaide.

Along this block of North Terrace, you will find many older styles of architecture.

There are also many statues along North Terrace of notable South Australians for you to learn about.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens

Any time of the year is a great time to visit the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. You have sculptured and colourful outdoor gardens to visit, and indoor exhibits showcasing plant life from around the world.

If you are short on time, a stroll through the gardens will restore your energy levels. Take a break on one of the benches or grassy areas and breathe in the fresh air.

All paths are well paved, and it is a pleasant flat walk exploring the seasons’ many colours.

The gardens are free to visit at any time of the year. You could bring a picnic lunch or enjoy eating in one of the three cafes/restaurants in the park.

While in the area, you can walk back into the city centre following the River Torrens.

Admission is free.

Hours

Adelaide Botanic Garden is open every day of the year, including public holidays.

Opening hours change with the seasons and daylight hours.

April – September 

(non-daylight savings hours)

Monday – Friday: 7.15 am – 5.30 pm 

Weekends and Public Holidays: 9.00 am – 5.30 pm 

October – March

(during daylight saving)

Monday – Friday: 7.15 am – 6.30 pm

Weekends and Public Holidays: 9.00 am – 6.30 pm

Conclusion

Adelaide is known as the city of churches, and there are many to explore in addition to the above attractions.

While you are here, there are many more things to do in and out of the city. Visit the Pandas at Adelaide Zoo, located behind the Botanic Gardens, explore the Adelaide Oval and Old Adelaide Gaol or take guided city tours. There are also wine regions to check out outside the city.

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Links

If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them on the following links: Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art. If you’re after New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Photography, you can click on their links.

Travel Resources

• Flights & Accommodation—You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor, and WayAway, which offers 5% cashback.
• Car Hire—Take to the open road with great deals from EconomyBookings.com, RentalCars.com and DiscoverCars.
• Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe—Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and bus travel in the UK and Europe.
• Travel Insurance is the number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master, and Insubuy provide insurance coverage during your travels..
• Attractions—buy before you leave home with these great sites: Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
• House Sitting is a great way to save on accommodation, and Trusted Housesitters offers house sittings worldwide.
• Photo Editing is a great way to bring your photos to life, and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
• Visa Applications—apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
• Sim cards—Try Airalo, the world’s first eSIM store, which solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).

If you want more, try my Travel Links and Resource page.

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