Adelaide is known as many things, such as the ‘Festival Capital’, the ‘Garden City’, and the ‘City of Churches’.
One thing is for sure – whether you are drawn to Adelaide for its vibrant music festivals, the stunning wine region, its food scene, sporting events or iconic landmarks, you will never get bored when visiting this quirky city.
The coastal capital of South Australia boasts endless activities and a hug array of historical landmarks for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for an educational tour at a museum, a peaceful place to stroll and take in some feats of Mother Nature, or the top spot to cheer on a sports team, these iconic landmarks in Adelaide are sure to keep everyone entertained.
Be entertained at Adelaide Oval
Starting us off strong, the Adelaide Oval is a world-class venue that hosts countless major sporting events and concerts year-round. Opened in 1873, the Oval has since been the headquarters to the South Australian Cricket Association and as of 2014, the South Australian National Football League too. If you aren’t too keen on watching sports, the arena’s location in the Adelaide Park Lands makes it a picturesque experience nonetheless. Witness the heritage-listed scoreboard in-person and soak up the sun near the arena’s Moreton Bay fig trees.
Indulge in produce at Adelaide Central Market
The Adelaide Central Market, a bustling central hub produce market, is one of the oldest markets in Australia. With over 70 passionate traders, it is crawling with fresh fruit, veggies, seafood, meats, cheeses, baked goods, several cafes and eateries. Adelaide Central Market is the perfect place for food lovers, curious tourists, and locals looking for an afternoon activity.
With more than 8.5 million visitors per year and approximately one million kilograms of fresh produce delivered to the market and sold every month, it is an integral part of the landmarks that make Adelaide what it is today. Make sure to stop by on Easter weekend to see exclusive offers and specials! The market is open for most of the daytime, from Tuesday through Saturday.
Explore beautiful Adelaide Botanic Garden
Next up, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens propose leisure, tourism, and cultural opportunities. This 51-hectare public garden opened in 1857 and is located adjacent to the Adelaide Zoo. In 1863, its familiar pagoda was built, and in 1864, it became the home of the first herbarium and botanical library in Adelaide. This library is modelled after the Museum of Economic Botany at Kew Gardens in England.
Take a wander in Victoria Square
Victoria Square is the central square of the five public squares designed by Adelaide’s founder, Colonel William Light. Named after Princess Victoria in 1837, this square was given a second name, Tarntanyannga, in 2003 to honour the square’s original history. The square has cultural significance, as the Yarndanya people used to gather there for special ceremonies and dances. In the square, you will find the centrepiece, the Victoria Square Fountain, and the iconic Statue of Queen Victoria.
Victoria Square is bordered by many public institutions, such as the Supreme Court of South Australia, the Former Adelaide General Post Office, the Historic Old Treasury Building, the Roman Catholic Cathedral Church of St Francis Xavier, and even Carnegie Mellon University.
Appreciate wildlife at Adelaide Zoo
The Adelaide Zoo is a staple when it comes to Adelaide icons. This world-famous zoo is popular for its behind-the-scenes attractions and experiences. Talk a walk through the jungle, alongside Sumatran tigers and orangutangs, dine in the presence of pandas at the Bamboo Forest Pavillion, feed a giraffe, or encounter koalas and meerkats. Opened in 1883, the Adelaide Zoo is Australia’s second-oldest zoo. It is located in the Parklands, just north of the city centre, and is home to over 3,000 animals, boasting over 250 different native and exotic species, including incredibly rare giant pandas.
The Adelaide zoo is not just for animal lovers, but also the plant lovers, as it doubles as a botanical garden, and the grounds contain significant exotic and native flora including the Moreton Bay fig tree. This zoo also contains five buildings that have been listed as state heritage places on the South Australia Heritage Register. No matter your reason for visiting, the Adelaide Zoo is sure to entertain all ages!
Let your tastebuds be the judge at the National Wine Centre of Australia
The South Australian region is known for its extensive wine-making culture, so if you’re a wine lover looking for an informative adventure, head to the National Wine Centre of Australia in Adelaide. A local hub for wine education, tourism, and appreciation, this public exhibition showcases all things wine! There is even a wine tasting area to taste blends from all different regions of Australia.
Step back in time at Carrick Hill
Carrick Hill, a 100-acre grand estate museum, is Australia’s most intact period mansion. This English manor house showcases stunning architecture, luscious gardens, and an impressive art collection. Self-guided tour admission is free for kids and $17 for adults, while a guided tour is $3 for kids and $20 for adults. After taking a tour of the home or garden, have a coffee and pizza at the vibrant Rozelle’s.
Explore stunning St. Peter’s Cathedral
St Peter’s Cathedral is a historical Anglican cathedral that is one of the most grand iconic landmarks in Adelaide. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Adelaide, Metropolitan of the Province of South Australia, and the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide. Pop in to discover the cathedral’s breathtaking stained glass windows and incredible arches on your next visit.
Whether you are a history geek, wine enthusiast, or sports fanatic, Adelaide offers something for everyone. Looking for tasty vegetarian dining options in Adelaide? Check out our recommendations here.
