8 of Adelaide City’s Free Attractions

If you are spending time in Adelaide City, then 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 gallery and architecture that goes back to colonial days, and you can see it all these attractions for free.

Start walking along North Terrace to see all that Adelaide has in wait for you.

There is a free tram service that runs from South Terrace to North Terrace. This makes it an easy option for visiting the Adelaide Central Markets, Adelaide Casino, and Botanic Gardens.

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If you are travelling around Australia, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.

Need A Car?

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

Need Accommodation?

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

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All prices and times were correct when this was written or updated, but please check the websites when you wish to visit.

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Parks

The city is nearly surrounded by parklands to get away from it all 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 you 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 the sacrifice, Australians have given to help keep peace in the world.

Walking down Kintore Avenue, you will find pavers of conflicts that Australia has been a part of 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 taken over the last 200-plus years through British, European and Asian migration.

The exhibit when I was there 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 get to see and read lots of information on the migrants, how they travelled here and how it affected the Aboriginals who were here before them.

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 on offer when you visit.

Tours are also available and hosted by Ambassadors with in-depth information about the library and its history. You can find more information on them here.

Hours

Closed on public holidays.

South Australia Research Library	Monday to Tuesday: 10 am to 7 pm Wednesday to Friday: 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday: 12 to 5 pm
Self Service Hub State Library Gallery Mortlock Chamber	Monday to Tuesday: 8 am to 7 pm Wednesday to Friday: 8 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday: 12 to 5 pm

South Australian Museum

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

From ecology to a famous Australian astronaut, dinosaurs and antarctic research, you will learn a lot about this fantastic state.

There is nearly an entire floor set aside for the Aboriginal exhibit showing you not only how they lived but also artwork in a separate gallery. The Pacific Islands are also represented on the mezzanine level.

What all the kids want to see is 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 they take three floors to show them.

Hours

The Museum is open every day from 10 am–5 pm, including weekends and all public holidays except Christmas Day and Good Friday.

We open from 12 noon to 5.00 pm on ANZAC Day (25 April).

The Museum Shop is open every day from 10 am – 5 pm, the Terrace Eatery is open from 10 am – 4 pm, and the Terrace Coffee Caravan is open from 8 am Mon-Fri.

The Terrace Eatery has a 15% discount for members and the Museum Shop has a 10% discount for members.

Art Gallery of South Australia

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

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

Whether it’s a hot or wet day, the Art Gallery of South Australia is a great place to get away from the elements while admiring the art that is showcased.

Hours

10 am to 5 pm, every day except Christmas Day.

The University of Adelaide

As you walk along North Terrace, you will see many old buildings belonging to 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. Not only do you have sculptured and colourful outdoor gardens to visit, but also indoor exhibits showcasing plant life from around the world.

If you are short on time, then 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 many colours of the seasons.

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

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

Admission is free.

Hours

Opening times	Closing times
Monday – Friday 7:15 am Weekends and public holidays 7.15 am Dec-Mar, and Apr-Nov 9:00 am.	Dec-Mar 7.00 pm Mon-Wed, 9.00 pm Thur-Sun & Public holidays Apr-Jun 5:30 pm July 5:00 pm Aug-Sep 5:30 pm October – November 6:30 pm

Adelaide is known as the city of churches, and there are many to explore as well as 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 tours of the city. There are also wine regions to check out.

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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, or 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 has 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 train travel in the UK and Europe.
• Travel Insurance – is your number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master and Insubuy are invaluable in keeping you insured 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 has house sits all around the world for you to try.
• 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 is the world’s first eSIM store that 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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