Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, was founded in 1836 by Colonel William Light as a planned city. It was named after Queen Adelaide, the wife of King William IV. The city was designed to be a center of culture and commerce and was meant to be a model city for the rest of Australia. Today, Adelaide is a vibrant, multicultural city that offers a range of experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Tourism is a significant industry in Adelaide, with visitors attracted to the city for its food and wine, natural beauty, cultural events, and historic landmarks. The city is surrounded by some of Australia’s premier wine regions, including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Adelaide Hills. Visitors can take wine tours and tastings, as well as sample local produce at farmers’ markets. The Adelaide Central Market is a must-visit for foodies, offering a range of fresh produce, seafood, cheese, and baked goods.
Adelaide is also known for its cultural events and festivals. The Adelaide Festival of Arts is a biennial international arts festival that showcases theater, dance, music, and visual arts. It attracts artists and performers from around the world and is a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar. The Adelaide Fringe is the largest annual arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere and is known for its eclectic and diverse program of events.
In addition, Adelaide is home to many art galleries, museums, and cultural institutions. The Art Gallery of South Australia features an impressive collection of Australian and international art, including works by Picasso, Monet, and Rodin. The South Australian Museum is another must-visit, with exhibits on natural history, Aboriginal culture, and Australian wildlife.
Adelaide is surrounded by natural beauty, including the Mount Lofty Ranges, beaches, and parks. The Adelaide Botanic Garden is a popular attraction and features a range of plant species from around the world. Visitors can also take a hike in the Adelaide Hills or relax on one of the city’s many beaches.
The city has a rich history and is home to many historic buildings and landmarks. The Adelaide Oval, a historic cricket ground and home to the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Power AFL teams, is a must-visit for sports fans. The Adelaide Town Hall, built in the 1860s, is another iconic landmark that is worth a visit.
Adelaide’s efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and trams, makes it easy for visitors to get around the city. The city also has a bike-sharing system, making it easy for visitors to explore the city on two wheels. The Adelaide Airport provides connections to domestic and international destinations.
With that said, Adelaide is also a popular city, so below are some non-touristy things to do in Adelaide to avoid the crowds
Wall of Cars by Slovenian artist Matej Andra Vogrincic
The Wall of Cars is an eye-catching installation by Slovenian artist Matej Andraz Vogrincic. The installation features ten cars that are stacked on top of each other, forming a towering wall that stretches up to 6.5 meters high. The cars are arranged in a seemingly haphazard manner, with some of them upside down, and some partially buried in the ground.
The installation is meant to be a commentary on the impact of car culture on our environment and urban landscapes. Vogrincic believed that cars have become an integral part of our lives, to the point where they dominate our cities and leave a significant impact on our environment. The Wall of Cars is a representation of this dominance, and it serves as a reminder of the need for sustainable and responsible transportation options.
It has sparked conversations about sustainability and the need for more responsible transportation options. The Wall of Cars is a powerful statement about the impact of car culture on our environment, and it serves as a thought-provoking reminder of the need for change.
Santos Museum of Economic Botany
The Santos Museum of Economic Botany is a unique museum focused on useful plants for humans. The museum was established in 1881, and it is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in Australia. It is housed in a beautiful Victorian-era building that was constructed in 1879.
The museum’s focus is on the relationship between plants and humans, with a particular emphasis on economic botany, which is the study of plants that are useful to humans. The museum has a vast collection of over 5,000 specimens, including plant products, scientific models, and artworks. The specimens are arranged thematically, covering topics such as food plants, medicinal plants, dyes and fibers, and economic botany in Australia.
One of the most striking features of the museum is its beautiful display cases, which are made from Tasmanian blackwood and are carved with intricate botanical motifs. The museum’s collection also includes a herbarium, which is a collection of pressed and dried plant specimens that are used for scientific study.
Visitors to the Santos Museum of Economic Botany can take a self-guided tour of the museum, or they can participate in one of the guided tours that are offered by the museum staff. The museum also hosts a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and temporary exhibitions.
Spot the Polites signs
The “Polites” signs in the Adelaide central business district can be seen on dozens of different buildings. They are all buildings which at a point in history, were owned by Constantine George Polites from 1959 until his death in 2011.
Art Gallery of South Australia
The Art Gallery of South Australia is a leading cultural institution located in Adelaide, South Australia. It is home to a vast collection of Australian and international art, spanning over 38,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs.
The Gallery was founded in 1881, making it one of Australia’s oldest public art museums. The original building has been expanded and renovated over the years, with the most recent renovation completed in 2018. The Gallery’s architecture blends historic and modern elements, with the iconic “floating” glass entryway being a standout feature.
The collection at the Art Gallery of South Australia is diverse and comprehensive, with works ranging from ancient art to contemporary pieces. Some of the most notable works in the collection include paintings by Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, and Hans Heysen, as well as sculptures by Auguste Rodin and Salvador Dali.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Gallery also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions showcase works from local, national, and international artists, and cover a range of topics and themes.
The Art Gallery of South Australia also offers a range of educational programs and events, including talks, tours, and workshops for people of all ages. The Gallery’s restaurant and cafe, Art Gallery Food + Wine, offers visitors a unique dining experience with a focus on local, seasonal produce.
Rundle Mall Pigs
The Rundle Mall Pigs are a set of bronze sculptures located in Rundle Mall, a pedestrian shopping street in the heart of Adelaide, South Australia. The sculptures depict a mother pig and her five piglets, each with their own unique personality and expression.
The sculptures were created by South Australian artist Marguerite Derricourt and were first installed in Rundle Mall in 1999. Since then, they have become one of Adelaide’s most iconic landmarks, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
The pigs are known for their whimsical and playful nature, and they have become a popular photo opportunity for visitors to the city. They are also known for their “good luck” properties, with many people rubbing the pigs’ noses for good luck or tossing coins into the pigs’ fountain.
The Rundle Mall Pigs are more than just a fun attraction, however. They are also an important part of Adelaide’s cultural heritage, serving as a reminder of the city’s agricultural past and the important role that pigs have played in South Australia’s economy.
In recent years, the pigs have undergone several restorations to ensure that they remain in good condition for future generations to enjoy. They have also become a symbol of the city’s commitment to public art and its efforts to create a vibrant and engaging urban environment.
The Somerton Man beach
Somerton Beach is a picturesque beach located in Adelaide, South Australia. It is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the South Australian coast.
Somerton Beach is particularly notable for its association with the mystery of the “Somerton Man.” In 1948, a man’s body was found on the beach, and to this day, his identity and cause of death remain unknown. The case has captured the attention of investigators and the public alike, with numerous theories and speculations about the man’s identity and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Despite this intrigue, Somerton Beach remains a peaceful and relaxing place to visit. Its wide, sandy beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and the clear blue waters of the ocean are ideal for surfing and other water sports.
In addition to its natural beauty, Somerton Beach also offers a range of amenities and facilities for visitors. These include picnic areas, public toilets, and beachside cafes and restaurants. The beach is also easily accessible by public transport and has plenty of parking available for those who prefer to drive.
Something Wild Store
The Something Wild store is a unique retail concept located in Adelaide, South Australia. It is a specialty food and beverage store that offers a range of high-quality, sustainably sourced native Australian products.
The store was founded by a group of Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians who are passionate about promoting the use of native Australian ingredients in cooking and culinary culture. Their aim is to create a sustainable industry that supports Indigenous communities and preserves Australia’s unique culinary heritage.
The Something Wild store offers a wide range of products, including meats, seafood, fruits, and vegetables that are all sourced from Indigenous communities around Australia. Some of the most popular products include kangaroo, crocodile, and emu meat, as well as native fruits and vegetables such as finger limes and wattleseed.
In addition to its range of products, the Something Wild store also offers a range of educational and culinary experiences. These include cooking classes, guided tastings, and educational talks about the history and culture of native Australian ingredients.
The store’s mission to promote Indigenous culture and sustainable practices has garnered widespread recognition and support. It has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the New York Times, and has won several awards for its commitment to promoting sustainable practices and supporting Indigenous communities.
David Roche House Museum
The David Roche House Museum is a museum located in North Adelaide, South Australia, dedicated to showcasing the personal collection of antiques and decorative arts amassed by the late David Roche.
David Roche was a prominent Adelaide businessman and art collector who spent over 60 years collecting art, furniture, and other decorative objects from around the world. The museum is housed in his former residence, a restored 19th-century mansion that has been preserved in its original condition.
Visitors to the David Roche House Museum can explore over 3,000 pieces from Roche’s extensive collection, which includes furniture, paintings, ceramics, silverware, and other decorative objects from a range of historical periods and styles. The collection is displayed in a series of rooms that have been carefully curated to reflect Roche’s personal taste and style.
In addition to its collection, the David Roche House Museum also offers a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year. These include talks, tours, and special exhibitions that explore various aspects of decorative arts and design.
The museum is known for its dedication to preserving and promoting the decorative arts and its commitment to educating the public about the importance of preserving cultural heritage. It has won several awards for its commitment to excellence in collection management and has been recognized as one of the premier decorative arts museums in Australia.