Top Attractions in Adelaide

Belair National Park

Belair National Park offers an appealing mix of native wildlife and colonial heritage. While brightly colored parrots and koalas are common, the centre piece of the park comprises the elegant sandstone buildings and gardens of Old Government House. Walkers can enjoy a stroll around Playford Lake or join a network of marked trails that wind along scenic hilltops and straddle creek beds. For families the park is peppered with barbecue areas, sports ovals and 54 ramshackle tennis courts: all part of the charm!

Adelaide Parklands

Planned by Light's Vision Statue in his vision for Adelaide, the parklands encircling the city centre remain the envy of many large cities around the world. Adelaide's diverse parklands lend the city its style. Made up of separate parks, gardens and sports grounds there is plenty for everyone; walking trails, cycle tracks, picnic areas and spots to watch the world go by. Alternatively you can play golf, football or attend the races. Many events and festivals, from Writers Week to the Adelaide International Horse Trials, are held in the park lands throughout the year.

St Francis Xavier's Cathedral

A visual treat, St Francis Xavier's Cathedral is the only catholic cathedral within Adelaide. The first Bishop of Adelaide is buried inside the church. The cathedral tower has the largest peal of bells in the state (13 in total) and the heaviest peal in all of Australia. Established in 1858 and subsequently heritage listed, a visit here will surely confirm humanity's reverence for the Lord.

Old Adelaide Gaol

Opened in 1841, the gaol closed its doors to prisoners in 1988 and now fills with curious visitors. Highlights include the grim hanging tower, cell blocks, grave area, displays of artifacts, plus the colonial architecture and gargoyles. Visitors can wander around as they please, or take one of the regular guided tours offered on Sundays from 11a to 3:30p. A souvenir shop sells postcards, mugs and trinkets. The gaol is found in the western Adelaide parklands near the River Torrens. Last entry to the gaol is admitted at 3.30 pm and one can explore the gaol on Sundays with a tour guide only.

Adelaide Oval Tours

Adelaide Oval & Museum Tours is one for die-hard cricket fans who either want to see where their teams have lost, or the place where Australians have excelled since 1871. A quite beautiful ground is the setting for introductions to the Sir Donald Bradman Stand and Room, the famous scoreboard, dressing room and Favell-Dansie Indoor Center. The museum houses memorabilia mainly for cricket but also for Australian rules football and other sports that have taken place at the ground. Limited access/tours for disabled. Call ahead for details.

Hazelwood Park

This beautiful, lush park has something to please everyone, whatever their mood. Those feeling active, can burn off spare calories with a frolic on the grass or a few laps in the Burnside Swimming Center. Alternatively, a few extra calories can be piled on with a picnic at one of the cute log tables. Children will enjoy enticing a flock of quacking ducks out of the creek like the Pied Piper, while those feeling pensive or just plain lazy can relax on a park bench in a garden of lavender.

Popeye Motor Launches

Pop-eye is the first experience of water transport for many South Australian children. He has had a face-lift or two over the years, but the ride has remained unchanged. With excited children aboard, he leaves his Elder Park landing for a 35-minute cruise to the Torrens Weir, then up-stream to the Adelaide Zoo and back to Elder Park. It is a fun way to enjoy the peaceful surrounds of the river. Pope-eye runs more frequently during school holidays. In June and July, he runs only on weekends and school holidays.

Thorndon Park Reserve & Reservoir

In the Adelaide Hills, Thorndon Park is a delightful watery hideaway. Whether picnicing with the family, walking the dog around the perimeter trail, or simply enjoying the abundant bird life, this picturesque reserve and reservoir is a real treasure often missed in Adelaide's east. For those with relaxation on their minds a lazy visit to the reserve could last all day. Although it is presently drained due to reclamation, it is still a beautiful spot and the water will be filled again soon. The more energetic may wish to move on to nearby Black Hill and Anstey Hill recreation parks which offer challenging bush walks.

Moana Beach

A quiet beach close to Mclaren Vale, Moana may take off in popularity with the advent of Adelaide's South Eastern Freeway extension. There is a bit of everything to be had here. Swim or snorkel in the cheerful clear waters of the Gulf or toss in a line to catch the local "tommy ruff" fish. And when there is a swell in the ocean and it is blowing an easterly, be sure to wax that surf board! Finally, at the end of a long summer's day, why not just hang out and enjoy one of Adelaide's special sunsets?

Elder Park

Bounded by Torrens Lake, King William Road and the Festival Centre, Elder Park is the park closest to the city's heart. And if its happening in Adelaide festivals, concerts, rallies, firework-displays or exhibitions then it is often happening here. On quieter days many folk simply use the park to escape the office or throw down a blanket and laze a while in the sunshine. Toilets and a kiosk are located next to the Festival Center.