Adelaide Destination-Information Listings

Adelaide

Adelaide is the festival city. The city centre, surrounded by parklands, is a charming blend of historic buildings, wide streets and a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants. Adelaide is known as the 20-minute city because it’s so easy to get around. Events: Throughout the year attend great festivals and events. Look out for Clipsal 500 Adelaide V8 race, the international music festival WOMADelaide and the Santos Tour Down Under pro cycling event. The Adelaide Festival is one of the most innovative arts festivals in the world and the Adelaide Fringe is now the second biggest in the world. Taste the Adelaide Central Market: Join the bustling people buying, selling and tasting the best South Australian food at the Adelaide Central Market. It's the largest undercover market in the southern hemisphere. Glenelg Trams: Enjoy a ride on Adelaide’s tram from the city centre to beachside Glenelg. Enjoy the beach, jetty, lively shops and cafes along Jetty Road. At the other end of the tram line, get to concerts, circuses and entertainment at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Bonython Park and Governor Hindmarsh Hotel (The Gov). Port Adelaide and Semaphore: Visit the South Australian Maritime Museum and take a short cruise to see the Port River dolphins. At Semaphore, the majestic Palais has a great deck looking over the ocean. Stop in for a bite to eat and a glass of South Australian wine. Wander the boulevard of antique shops, cafes, bakeries and pubs. Botany Bounty, the Adelaide Botanic Garden: Marvel at native and exotic flower displays and 5000 roses at the International Rose Garden. Stroll through a tropical rainforest in the Bicentennial Conservatory. The South Australian Museum: Explore the world's largest collection of indigenous artefacts in the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery. For contemporary Aboriginal culture, visit Tandanya, the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute. The Art Gallery of South Australia: The Art Gallery of South Australia holds one of the best Au

Adelaide Coast

A beach so near! Just 15 minutes from the city, the waters of Gulf St Vincent wash onto a wide band of fine white sand, which stretches virtually unbroken for more than 30 kilometres. The metropolitan coast begins at the tip of the narrow Le Fevre Peninsula, created by the Barker Inlet's sweep of waters, and ends at Sellicks Beach, where the sandstone cliffs begin their run down to the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula. In between are wide sandy beaches and blue waters, reefs, wetlands and estuaries, and the cliffs that glow with the setting sun. There's a great choice of accommodation along the coast, particularly in Glenelg and Adelaide Shores. More Information: For further information on Adelaide's metropolitan coastline, pick up a copy of the Adelaide Coast guide and map from Visitor Information Centres in Adelaide and along the coast.

Adelaide River ( Stuart Highway )

The Adelaide River settlement is located on the banks of the river, 114 kilometres south of Darwin. The scenic village has a rich history and was the site of a major military headquarters during World War II. It is a small community with a population of just 250 and an ideal stop-off point between Darwin and Katherine. The highlight of a visit to Adelaide River is the beautifully maintained World War II cemetery which can be easily found in a peaceful location by the banks of the river. Some 434 servicemen and 63 civilians killed in the Top End are buried here. Among the civilians are 9 Post Office workers who were killed on February 19, 1942 during the first of the Japanese air raids on Darwin. Also of interest to visitors is the Adelaide River Pub set among shady trees and green lawns, it is an ideal lunch destination with the popular house special of barra and chips. The old railway bridge and station (now a museum), which was a major enterprise at the time of completion in 1889, is also worth a visit. The Adelaide River itself flows north from the settlement and reaches the Timor Sea approximately 50 kilometres north-east of Darwin.

Adelaide River (Arnhem Highway)

The Adelaide River snakes its way south from the Van Diemen Gulf, through Djukbinj National Park, to the Adelaide River settlement on the Stuart Highway. The river is perhaps best known for its popular ‘jumping crocodile’ cruises, run by a number of different operators. The crocodile cruises are located about one hour’s drive south of Darwin along the Arnhem Highway - just follow the signs to any of the ‘jumping crocodile’ theme cruises. Watch crocodiles being encouraged to jump high in the air for their food. The river is also home to a massive and varied bird population. Nearby, the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre provides a 360 degree view of the floodplains of the river. Viewing platforms and walking paths at Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve also provide visitors with an excellent opportunity to see birdlife.

Aldinga

Aldinga is a seaside town near fabulous Aldinga Beach. Aldinga Beach itself is one of the few in Australia where cars are permitted to drove on parts of the broad sand, making it easier for you to reach the water and surf. This is also a great spot for scuba diving and snorkelling, with the beach overlooking an aquatic reserve established to protect a rare reef formation. An underwater trail includes a spectacular drop-off, or underwater cliff. A boat ramp provides easy access to the water. See more of the Fleurieu Peninsula inc McLaren Vale – a coastal playground famed for its laidback lifestyle, beach breaks for surfers of all levels of experience, and top fishing spots. It's a paradise for divers and snorkellers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Seadragon. Enjoy some of the best produce and vineyards in Australia. The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to some prestigious winemaking regions, including McLaren Vale. The history of winemaking in this region goes all the way back to 1842, and it consistently produces some of the best drops you'll ever taste. There's also national parks, golf courses, top quality cuisine and more.

Aldinga Beach

Aldinga Beach is one of the few in Australia where cars are permitted to drive on parts of its broad, sandy beach, making access to its safe swimming and surf especially easy. Aldinga Beach is a top spot for scuba diving and snorkelling, with the beach overlooking a unique aquatic reserve established to protect a rare reef formation. An underwater trail includes a spectacular drop-off, or underwater cliff. A boat ramp provides easy access to the water. See more of the Fleurieu Peninsula – a coastal playground famed for its laidback lifestyle, beach breaks for surfers of all levels of experience, and top fishing spots. It's a paradise for divers and snorkellers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Seadragon. Enjoy some of the best produce and vineyards in Australia. The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to some prestigious winemaking regions, including McLaren Vale. The history of winemaking in this region goes all the way back to 1842, and it consistently produces some of the best drops you'll ever taste. There's also national parks, golf courses, top quality cuisine and more.

Ashton

Ashton is a small village in the Adelaide Hills, central to the wonderful attractions of this picturesque region. Make it your base for a romantic holiday or relaxing retreat. It's only a short drive to renowned restaurants and eateries including the Bridgewater Mill at Bridgewater, Mt Lofty House at Crafers and Maximilians at Verdun. The Scenic Hotel at Norton Summit is only minutes away, offering restaurant meals by a roaring log fire in winter, as well as breathtaking views. Nearby the Uraidla Hotel has a split-level restaurant overlooking the beautiful Piccadilly Valley. Ashton is home to Ashton Hills Vineyard, which offers wine tastings and sales on weekends and public holidays. There is also a charming bed and breakfast. Enjoy the many antique stores, arts, crafts and cafes in the region. And there's more to discover in the Adelaide Hills. It's the home of boutique wineries, country markets, art galleries and charming villages. It's also the place for romantic weekends away, cosy pub meals, scenic drives and nature walks. Children love the Adelaide Hills's giant rocking horse, National Motor Museum, Melba's Chocolate Factory and wildlife parks. Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide's central business district, the Adelaide Hills provide a wonderfully refreshing change from the pace of the city.

Brighton

Brighton Beach is a little south of Glenelg. It has an art deco feel, jetty, cafés and restaurants. Recline in the sunshine out the front of the many lovely cafes. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and a walk along the wide, sandy beach. At the beach end of Jetty Road stands a grand memorial to Australian soldiers who fought in the first World War. The Anzac Memorial attracts a large crowd each Anzac Day dawn (25 April). The Brighton Surf Life Saving Club is based at Brighton Beach, you’ll feel safe knowing that they’re nearby. The Brighton Jetty Classic occurs each year at the surf life saving club. There are a series of swimming competition events for various levels of swimmers. It is held in February and is accompanied by the Brilliant Brighton Jetty Classic Sculptures event, inspired by the Cottlesloe Sculptures by the Sea event held in Western Australia. Grab some fish and chips and nestle in the sand while waves wash up the shore. After a busy day in the sun (or not so busy) this is a blissful way to spend a summer evening. If you’ve got energy to burn, go south and walk along the cliffs and trails down the coast. You can catch a spectacular view of the city.

Glenelg

Located only 10 kilometres from the heart of Adelaide City, Glenelg is a charming seaside resort set on the long sandy white shores of Holdfast Bay. Glenelg is the site of South Australia's original mainland settlement in 1836. It is Adelaide's most popular coastal region. Glenelg has a perfect Mediterranean climate characterized by warm dry summers and cool mild winters. Summer temperatures average around 27 degrees celsius and winter months around 15 degrees celcius. A short 25 minute trip, on a tram departing from the centre of Glenelg - Moseley Square, takes you into Victoria Square in the heart of Adelaide. So you can base yourself at seaside Glenelg, but you are just a short trip away from the lights of the big city! But really why leave this delightful seaside destination, when everything is at your fingertips. We hope you enjoy your stay at Glenelg, we know you will want to come back again for some more of what this beautiful town has to offer.

Grange

Grange Beach is a quiet, seaside beach a little north of Henley Beach. Enjoy a walk between these two popular suburban beaches. Bring the kids, the dog and a frisbee. Keep your feet sand-free and enjoy a drink and a meal at the Grange Jetty Kiosk. The Grange Hotel will keep you sheltered from the elements and give you prime views of the ocean. Watch the sun set over this beautiful beach.

Henley Beach

Henley Beach is a popular beachside suburb of Adelaide, offering white sand, gentle surf, a popular dining square and regular live entertainment in the summer. Take your family and spread out on the sand, or enjoy a picnic on the grassed areas. Take advantage of the shade beneath Henley Beach's long jetty, or bring along the fishing rod and try your luck. The lapping waters are ideal for families. Henley Square is here - a popular Adelaide dining spot, offering fine cafes and restaurants including Thai and Greek. Dine outdoors while you watch the sun set over the ocean. The square fills up quickly in the summer months. Enjoy a few drinks at the nearby Ramsgate Hotel or Bacchus Wine Bar. There’s no shortage of indoor dining options, but sometimes the best option is tried and tested fish and chips on the grass. During the summer months, you can watch bands playing in Henley Square or enjoy a local festival. Henley Beach Road has a cornucopia of food stores and eateries - Asian, African, Mediterranean and Indian. All this, just 20 minutes from the Adelaide city centre. Henley Beach is located around 20 minutes west of the Adelaide city centre. Walk north along the beach and after about twenty minutes you’ll reach the Grange Jetty. Here you’ll find the Grange Jetty Kiosk, the perfect spot to kick back with a coffee (or meal) while enjoying amazing ocean views.

Holdfast Bay

An historic and popular Adelaide coastal area, Holdfast Bay encompasses Glenelg, Brighton, Seacliff and Kingston Park. Holdfast Bay is just 20 minutes from Adelaide's city centre and less than 10 minutes from the domestic and international airports. Its coast offers great opportunities all year for both business travellers and holiday seekers. Glenelg's well-known 'Old Gum Tree' was the site chosen by Governor Hindmarsh to read the proclamation of South Australia on 28 December 1836. Each year this event is celebrated on Proclamation Day with a re-enactment of this reading on the same site. While visiting, see the HMS Buffalo - an authentic replica of the original ship that brought the state's first Governor to Holdfast Bay - now a floating restaurant. Experience Glenelg's bustling Jetty Road, the marina and Holdfast Shores development, beautiful white beaches, heritage walks and buildings, as well as a wide variety of accommodation, attractions, activities, festivals, cuisine and shopping. Brighton, Kingston Park and Seacliff boast a relaxed lifestyle and superb coastal views. They offer a variety of shopping, dining, historical features and seaside activities. The area has a Mediterranean climate characterised by warm dry summers and cool mild winters, with summer temperatures averaging 27 degrees Celsius and winter months around 15 degrees Celsius.

Moana

Moana is a popular beachside town on the Fleurieu Peninsula with Norfolk Island Pines that dominate its foreshore. Go to Moana for its summer swimming, year-round fishing, snorkelling and coastal walks. It's not far from Adelaide and a popular seaside destination for the locals. Moana is also one of the few beaches where you can drive onto the sand. The beach's swimming areas are patrolled by Moana's Surf Life Saving Club. Moana Beach Tourist Park is only 40 minutes drive south of Adelaide, with facilities including two full size tennis courts. See more of the Fleurieu Peninsula – a coastal playground famed for its laidback lifestyle, beach breaks for surfers of all levels of experience, and top fishing spots. The Fleurieu is a paradise for divers and snorkellers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Seadragon. Enjoy some of the best produce and vineyards in Australia. The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to some prestigious winemaking regions, including McLaren Vale. The history of winemaking in this region goes all the way back to 1842, and it consistently produces some of the best drops you'll ever taste. There's also national parks, golf courses, top quality cuisine and more.

North Adelaide

A few minutes north of Adelaide's city centre you'll find North Adelaide's tree-lined streets, majestic mansions and a bustling atmosphere. North Adelaide is home to two of Adelaide's most loved 'eat streets', boasting everything from coffee shops and fast food to cafes, pubs and five-star dining. Among its historic buildings and boutique gift stores, O'Connell Street offers a diverse selection of some of the city's finest Italian, Asian and Modern Australian cuisine. Just a short walk away is cosmopolitan Melbourne Street, packed with classy cafes, elegant restaurants and hip pubs that just ooze style. You'll find some fabulous children's playgrounds in North Adelaide, parklands to stroll through, the Adelaide Aquatic Centre, Piccadilly Cinema, and the City of Adelaide Golf Links. North Adelaide boasts plenty of quality accommodation, including the historic and quirky and the modern.

Norwood

Just five minutes east of the central business district, you’ll find one of Adelaide’s most popular shopping and dining destinations – The Parade, Norwood. Famous for its cosmopolitan café culture and an extensive selection of men’s, women’s and children’s quality shopping outlets, The Parade also offers visitors the choice of gourmet food, books, music, sports and furniture stores, amongst a selection of award-winning hair and beauty salons. The locals know the joy of strolling The Parade, deciding which cuisine to choose. Will it be Nepalese, Thai, Italian or Tapas tonight? With more than 30 restaurants and cafés to choose from, The Parade is a regular venue for those who love endless opportunities to eat out. And during the day, you’ll find plenty of alfresco café spots for a coffee revival, before hitting the shops. There are high street retailers, designer fashion houses and one-of-a-kind exclusive boutiques - all within easy reach. There are hair and beauty salons, ensuring plenty of opportunity to be pampered before or after shopping. Don’t forget the diversity of ethnic food you’ll find. Reflective of Adelaide's multicultural, cosmopolitan population – it’s a cook’s heaven. If you’re visiting in late summer, attend the Natuzzi Parade Food, Wine and Music Festival. This annual event, which starts at 12pm and continues until 8pm, attracts an average of 80,000 locals each year. They come back to sample the gourmet dishes of more than 20 restaurateurs and café owners, who have made The Parade their home. There’s wine too, complementing the great food samples on offer from all of South Australia’s vineyards. Add six stages of music to suit every age and taste, fashion parades throughout the afternoon and the Parade Piazza, (a quality market, presenting locally made goods in a village-like atmosphere). You can see why this festival is considered Adelaide’s premier food and wine event. Just a stone’s throw away from The Parade is the eclectic, ‘Magill Road treasure trove’, featuring antique

Old Noarlunga

Old Noarlunga is a Fleurieu Peninsula town set on a bend in the Onkaparinga River. Take the self guided tour of Old Noarlunga to absorb its history, including the landmark Saint Phillip and Saint James Church. The village of Old Noarlunga became an important focus for local industry after it was founded in 1841. The river that once provided an early trade route for locally milled flour taken to ships at Port Noarlunga is now the centrepiece of a national park, with boardwalk access to the estuary wetlands where birdwatchers can expect to see little egrets, coots, ibis, herons and Yellow-billed spoonbills. See more of the Fleurieu Peninsula – a coastal playground famed for its laidback lifestyle, beach breaks for surfers of all levels of experience, and top fishing spots. It's a paradise for divers and snorkellers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Seadragon. Enjoy some of the best produce and vineyards in Australia. The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to some prestigious winemaking regions, including McLaren Vale. The history of winemaking in this region goes all the way back to 1842, and it consistently produces some of the best drops you'll ever taste. There's also national parks, golf courses, top quality cuisine and more.

Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide is a sea port city and the historic maritime heart of South Australia. It's home to fascinating museums, bustling markets, historic buildings and more. Port Adelaide's ornate former bank and office buildings, humble warehouses and bond stores, and wharves and hotels tell the vivid story of colonial maritime life. You'll find the South Australian Maritime Museum there, celebrating stories from settlement to today in its collections and exhibitions. The Port is also home to the National Railway Museum, South Australian Aviation Museum and the Seahorse Farm. The mangroves, estuarine waters and wetlands form an aquatic reserve and are richly endowed with birds and marine life, including a substantial colony of much-loved Bottlenose Dolphins. The Ships Graveyards is a rare and unusual heritage collection: more than 40 ships dating from the 1850s have been abandoned here over the years, as local waters were generally too shallow for scuttling. Must See and Do: . Meet the dolphins on a cruise or kayak tour of the mangroves . Visit the museums, walk the wharves and see the tall ship One and All, which offers trips into the gulf . Walk the Port or Semaphore on a self-guided tour or with one of the Port's volunteer guides . Ride the carousel and the steam train at Semaphore . Explore the bustling Sunday markets Port Adelaide is only 14 kilometres, or 20 minutes drive, west of Adelaide. A short drive from Port Adelaide is the charming seaside suburb of Semaphore, its name reflecting its vital communications role in the 19th century. The tower on the hill was an official signal station where signalmen relayed information to ships in the gulf. Semaphore retains a nostalgic beachside holiday atmosphere, with a charming foreshore with an old carousel and a steam train that runs a 2km route along the coast.

Salisbury

Salisbury is a vibrant community offering a wide range of recreation opportunities including beautiful parks, reserves and wetlands for you to enjoy. It takes in the historic seaside town of St Kilda with its award winning adventure playground. Explore Salisbury's local trails and wetlands including the Little Para Trails, the Wodliparri Trail at Kaurna Park and Dry Creek Linear Park. Salisbury is a recognised national leader in a range of industries and encompasses Technology Park, where companies deal in the many myriad forms of technology, such as computer systems, robotics and space technology. Salisbury is located 25 kilometres north of Adelaide. The first people associated with the Salisbury area were the Aboriginal people known as the Kaurna. Recent research indicates that far from living a nomadic life style, groups were settled in campsites along the coast and inland plains of the Adelaide region. Many occupational and sacred sites still exist around the Salisbury area, including the Greenfields Wetlands. In 1839, three years after the founding of South Australia, a Scot named John Harvey migrated to South Australia. In 1847 he bought Section 2191 along the Little Para River and decided to develop a township there. The township allotments went for sale the following year. John chose to name the township 'Salisbury' as his wife came from near Salisbury (on-the-plain) in England. His wife Ann (nee Pitman) was related to Sir Isaac Pitman of shorthand fame. Many of the streets in Salisbury are named after John and his family. Most of the early settlers were English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh. There were also German settlers and some French. Since World War Two Salisbury had grown and changed dramatically due to changes in transport, population growth, technology, immigration and its proximity to the city of Adelaide.

Sellicks Beach

Beautiful Sellicks Beach offers steep cliffs that give way to a long expanse of white sand. Sellicks Beach is at the southern most point the City of Onkaparinga and is where the Mount Lofty Ranges meet the sea. This part of the South Australian coastline is renowned for its plentiful fishing and you'll find good boat launching facilities here. This is also a popular spot for surfers, particularly during the winter. Cars with beach passes are permitted on the beach below the Esplanade. You can contact the City of Onkaparinga for information on beach passes. The Victory Hotel restaurant and cellar door are here. Enjoy the view from the restaurant's enclosed verandah, which is heated during the colder months to provide a cosy hideaway. The Victory Hotel is famed for its quality, extensive wine list.

Semaphore

Semaphore’s white sands, family-friendly shallows and colourful foreshore make for a classic Adelaide beach escape. Semaphore beach is deep and white and backed by low dunes rather than tall buildings, so you get a sense of being miles from anywhere. Enjoy the expanse of green foreshore – 2 kilometres of public space preserved for what beach holidays are supposed to be all about. Fun! Play mini-golf, slither down the water slide, ride on the vintage carousel or ferris wheel, buy ice creams and fish and chips from a beachside kiosk, cycle on the bike track, and ride on the steam train that puffs along the shoreline. Semaphore’s maritime history isn’t confined to a museum. Even from the end of the jetty you can see the Timeball Tower, the oldest working carousel in the southern hemisphere, the glorious 1920s Palais bathing pavilion, historical buildings along Semaphore Road and the Ozone Theatre building. Semaphore Road – one of Adelaide’s widest boulevards – is finding a new sense of style. Funky boutiques have opened their doors alongside famous ‘old salt’ pubs. Contemporary cafes are serving beneath the tin ceilings of century-old buildings. Indulge in high quality food in a beachside atmosphere, where fine dining and great pubs mix with quirky cafes and good old-fashioned fish and chips. Want to wake in the morning to the sound of waves? Start the day with a swim at any number of Bed and Breakfasts near the seafront. In the area you’ll find luxury apartments, traditional guesthouses, a caravan park, hotel accommodation in pubs, student accommodation and even a converted church. Semaphore hosts Australia’s largest kite festival in March. The Semaphore Street Fair in November sees the community get together on Semaphore Road to celebrate everything Semaphore! Other carnivals include the Summer Carnival, New Year’s Eve and Australia Day fireworks, Greek Festival, and Semaphore Music Festival. Check out the Semaphore SA website for more information.

Tjilbruke

What is now Adelaide's metropolitan coastline plays a significant role in the creation story of the Kaurna (pronounced Gar-Na) people. The ancestor Tjilbruke carried the body of his slain nephew down the coast from the place that's now Kingston Park to the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula. At each place where the grieving giant stopped to shed tears, a freshwater spring welled from the ground. Springs and other geological sites at Kingston Park, Hallett Cove, Christies Beach Port Noarlunga, Port Willunga and further south are all linked by this great Dreaming legend. To discover this ancient story, and learn about Kaurna life in the region, visit the peaceful Warriparinga Reserve (bounded by Sturt, Marion and South roads at Marion). Here the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre sits with the tranquil wetlands.

West Beach

Spend time at West Beach, one of Adelaide's most popular seaside holiday destinations. Swim in its beautiful, safe waters or relax on the sand and watch pelicans fly by. West Beach offers award-winning caravan park and holiday village accommodation, particularly suited to families. You'll find the Adelaide Shores Holiday Village here, as well as the Adelaide Shores Caravan Resort. This is also home to Harbour Town shopping complex - outlet shopping with big savings. Harbour Town has more than 90 fashion and home wares outlets all in one location and all selling direct at prices permanently up to 60 per cent below regular retail. But there isn't a factory in sight - just stylish, beautifully presented shops and boutiques. For family activities, head to the West Lakes Mini Golf, set between Adelaide Shores Caravan Resort and Adelaide Shores Holiday Village. It's an immaculate course, offering fun for all ages. For a larger green, head to Adelaide Shores Golf Park West Beach is also close to popular Glenelg and Henley Beach precincts, offering restaurants, cafes and live entertainment during warmer months.