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The 10 Best Things to Do in Adelaide

Top 10 Things to Do in Adelaide

1. Morialta Conservation Park


Enjoy the rugged ridges, gully scenery and seasonal waterfalls that makeup Morialta Conservation Park. The three waterfalls along Fourth Creek are popular features of the park and are linked by an extensive network of walking trails. The views from the rock climbing zone also provide opportunities to admire Morialta Gorge and the nearby Adelaide plains.

The first two falls are the grandest, each cascading over sheer quartzite cliffs after rain. To see the falls at their best, visit the park during spring or winter when the water flow is strongest. For wildlife lovers, the park's rock pools and creeks provide habitat for small reptiles, frogs and birds. Watch out for honeyeaters and thornbills among the woodlands that cover the hills.

Source — Parks.sa.gov.au

2. Adelaide Botanic Garden


This 51-hectare botanic garden was first opened in 1857, with its design having been influenced by the Royal Gardens at Kew, England and Versailles, France.

Some of the structures in the garden date back to the 19th Century, such as the Palm House (a Victorian glasshouse). The National Rose Trial garden is a lovely spot: the first garden of its type in Australia, it is used to trial various international breeds of roses to establish their suitability for growing in Australia.

A panel of 10 rosarians (yep, that’s a word!) judge the roses over two growing seasons, with the results being announced at the end of the period, and the winning roses being given an award.

The bicentennial conservatory is also noteworthy as the largest single-span conservatory in the Southern Hemisphere, and the home of at-risk or endangered plants from northern Australia, Indonesia, PNG, and the South Pacific.

The Museum of Botany, dedicated to the study of “useful” plants (i. e. with economic value), is also a fascinating visit: opened in 1881, it has been described as “the last purpose-built colonial museum in the world”, and many of the items originally on display can still be viewed there.

Of course, beyond the appeal of the history and architecture, there is also a stunning array of beautiful, diverse flora to enjoy, as well as the lovely Botanic Park right next door!

Source — Thecrazytourist.com

3. Glenelg Beach


Glenelg Beach is Adelaide's most popular city beach, offering a buzzing vibe and a great atmosphere for all to enjoy. Renowned for its wide beach, stunning sunsets, rich heritage, charming hotels and bustling shops, sidewalk cafés and loads of entertainment. 

Take a dip, stroll the jetty, grab a bite to eat and watch the sunset over the ocean. No trip to the beach is complete without an ice-cream or gelati - or two - and you'll find plenty of opportunities to treat yourself at Glenelg.

The Glenelg Foreshore playground is hives of activity throughout the summer months, offering a huge range of family-friendly entertainment and sporting activities. Look out for the Bungee trampoline, pedal cars, and talented buskers. Hire a bike or just walk to the coast path.

The coastline has a number of user-friendly foreshore parks and reserves. Most have large, grassed areas that are great for picnics and are equipped with BBQ facilities, playgrounds, and public toilets.

Source — Southaustralia.com

4. Semaphore Beach


Take a dip in the clean waters of Semaphore Beach with its stunning white sandy beaches and low dune background, which gives you a sense of being away from it all, but you are actually only 20 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD.

The foreshore is a hive of activity, with its famous expanse of lawn foreshore, offering two kilometres of public space preserved and reserved for what beach holidays are supposed to be all about … having fun!

Play mini-golf, slither down the waterslide, ride the vintage carousel or Ferris wheel, walk, cycle or jog along the coast path, while kite-surfers, windsurfers, and all-weather swimmers make the waters their playground. Or take a ride on the steam train that puffs along the shoreline during the summer months.

Semaphore also offers events throughout the year with many being held on the Semaphore Foreshore. Check the City of Port Adelaide Enfield website for details.

Source — Southaustralia.com

5. Horsnell Gully Falls


Take a bushwalk through the steep gullies in the picturesque Adelaide Hills to discover the history of Horsnell Gully and Giles Conservation Parks. Both the Heysen and Yurrebilla trails wind their way through these parks, offering stunning views of the surrounding region.

Named after the state Governor's coachmen, John Horsnell, relics and reminders of the Horsnell family property still remain. Along the signposted walking trails, you will find the remains of a large homestead, including the coaching sheds, stable and cowsheds. The original garden of the Horsnell property is located at the start of the walking trail, marked by elm trees, plum trees, and orange trees.

There is an extensive network of trails within both parks, with two main hiking loops in Horsnell Gully Conservation Park.

Source — Parks.sa.gov.au

6. Bumbunga Lake


Lake Bumbunga is one of the most accessible pink salt lakes in Australia at less than 2 hours drive from Adelaide. Walking on a salt lake is a surreal must-do experience in Australia. It’s surrounded by farmland and stretches out for 5km along the highway. Once you’re there you can walk anywhere on the lake.

The lake was mined for salt starting from 1881. The local town of Lochiel is a historic reminder of the salt industry. I found lots of evidence of mining in the form of train tracks and small wooden structures. The name Bumbunga derives from Parnpangka, which is a local Indigenous Australian term for ‘Rainwater lake’.

It’s best to visit the lake during the summer when the water salinity is high. That means when the lake has extra salty water. Salt-environment algae and pink bacteria are known as halobacteria cause a pink appearance. If the lake is too dry however, the pink doesn’t show much because the bacteria can’t survive. When I went (late January 2018) it was too dry so it was more orange than pink.

Source — Noahstammbach.com

7. Kangaroo Island


Kangaroo Island off the Fleurieu Peninsula is the third largest island in Australia and one of the country's top natural jewels. This beautiful island is a must-do on your South Australia itinerary.

Sparkling cerulean seas, pristine beaches, rugged coastal scenery, fascinating rock formations, caves, and close-up encounters with charismatic wildlife are the prime attractions. Besides its namesake marsupial, you can see koalas, seals, penguins, sea lions, and a diversity of birds in their natural habitat. Scuba divers frequently spot sea dragons in the crystal-clear temperate waters, and many wrecks lie sunken offshore.

In Flinders Chase National Park, the wind-sculpted boulders of the Remarkable Rocks and the eroded curve of Admiral's Arch are striking geographical features. The island is also known for its bounty of fresh produce including fresh seafood, free-range eggs, and Ligurian honey. To get here, you can fly direct to the island from Adelaide, or hop aboard a ferry from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Source — Planetware.com

8. Adelaide Zoo


The Adelaide Zoo, one of the city’s iconic attractions, is home to over 2,500 animals representing 250 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish exhibited over 8 hectares of magnificent surroundings.

Opened to the public in 1883, it is the second-oldest zoo in Australia and is a significant part of South Australia’s heritage and social history.

This relaxing green city oasis is a vibrant sanctuary that gives the feeling of stepping into another world. It offers an intimate zoo experience with elements of curiosity, fantasy, fun, and surprise.

Meet Wang Wang and Funi, the Adelaide Zoo's endearing giant pandas. Visit the bamboo forest and learn all about these amazing animals and why the conservation of giant pandas is so important.

Adelaide Zoo offers a wide range of daily zookeeper talks and animal feeds that give visitors the opportunity of interacting with the friendly staff and learning about the zoo’s unique residents. See the macaw free-flight, pelicans and penguins catching fish or the hippo pumpkin feed!

Just a 15-minute walk from Adelaide’s CBD, the Adelaide Zoo is home to some of the world's rarest and most endangered animals, including some very special native Australians. This is the only major metropolitan zoo in Australia to be owned and operated by a conservation-based charity – Zoos SA.

The Adelaide Zoo is open from 9:30-17:00 every day of the year, including Christmas and all public holidays!

Source — Getyourguide.com

9. Haigh's Chocolates


With the exception of Tasmania's Cadbury factory, there are few confectionery outlets in Australia that are as famous and widely-regarded as Haigh's Chocolates in the heart of Adelaide city, just south of the CBD. A chocolate lover's dream-come-true, Haigh's Chocolates are arguably some of the best chocolates in Australia, and its main building adds a dose of historic flair to the proceedings with its interesting architectural flair and location at Rundle Mall.

The store/factory hybrid boasts an impressive range of rich & creamy chocolates and other products that will delight those with a sweet tooth. From typical staples such as truffles and chocolate bars to more exotic offerings, the amount of product means that there should be an item of taste for almost everyone.

Source — Experienceoz.com.au

10. Adelaide Central Market


Established in 1869, the Adelaide Central Market has been Adelaide’s most flourishing food hub for over 150 years! All your food necessities and indulgences in one place.

Explore some of the freshest fruit and vegetables as well as cured meats, aged cheeses, and fresh bread. Grab a coffee and some lunch during the day or explore on a Friday night (until 9pm) and watch the markets come alive!

Open Tuesday to Saturday.

Source — Groovygrape.com.au


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