This is a list of top tourist attractions and things to do while on vacation in Adelaide, Australia. Included in the list are museums, nature adventures, and fun activities for the whole family.
The beautiful city of Adelaide is the capitol of South Australia. The city has a population of a little more than one million people. Adelaide is situated along the shores of Gulf St. Vincent and is a laid back yet sophisticated city. Six of the ten wineries in Australia are near Adelaide. The summers there are hot and the winters can be mild and wet. If you are visiting Adelaide for a vacation, here is a list of ten great things to do while you are there.
Adelaide Zoo: This zoo is home to many endangered species and native Australian animals. The zoo offers a walk-through aviary and a reptile habitat. Over 1400 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish call this zoo their home. Some of the natural habitats here include rainforest and swamp lands. They also offer a petting zoo, activity barn, and a nursery. Food and gift shops are available, along with a picnic area.
Glenelg Beach: This beach is the probably the most popular beach near Adelaide. The beach has easy access from the city and offers swimming, sailing, boating, scuba diving, and beautiful sunsets.
Melba Chocolate and Confectionery Factory: This factory was named after the famous Australian Opera singer Dame Nellie Melba. As a guest here, you can wander through the various candy-making rooms housed in the factory and observe the sweet confections as they are made. Melba's has a gift shop where you can buy and sample the candies that they produce along with craft and gift items.
Just Cruisin 4WD Tours: This company offers four wheel drive tours throughout South Australia. The most popular tours take you through the Outback. These tours will expose you to the unique beauty of the Outback, the wine region, or South Australia's beautiful beaches. Ayers Rock and Kangaroo Island tours are also available. Tours can be arranged for up to thirty people.
Whale Air: Whale Air offers unique whale spotting and site-seeing tours. They operate out of Head of the Blight, near a large whale breeding ground. Site seeing is done over Coorong National Park and the region of Southern Fleurieu.
Little Penguin Colony / Granite Island: Here you can see the penguins in their natural habitat. These little penguins are the only known penguins that breed in Australia. These tours are guided tours that offer up close encounters with the penguins. No flash photography is allowed here because the blinding flash will disorientate them. These tours must be booked in advance.
Mount Thebarton Snow and Ice: This indoor facility offers skiing, sledding, and skating. They also offer a bar area, cafe, and video games. This facility is open daily and has equipment rentals available.
Adelaide Dive Center: This company will show you some of the great ocean life Australia has to offer. Cage dive with Great White Sharks or swim with Leafy Sea Dragons. Many sites are available for dives including reef areas, shipwreck sites, and around Kangaroo Island. Equipment is available for rental and the company operates year round.
Hahndorf: This village is located in Adelaide Hills. Measures have been taken to keep the town looking as it did years ago. This village is a German settlement that has thrived there since 1838. Guided tours of the town are available. On the tours you will learn the history of the area and its settlers. Many buildings stand as they have for hundreds of years. Some establishments are still run by descendents of the original settlers. This is a great place to sample authentic German food or modern Australian meals. You can stroll the street of the town and visit its many shops and galleries.
A Maze 'n' Fun: This attraction is located on Kangaroo Island near Adelaide. This is a great place for some relaxing family fun. Australia's largest hedge maze is here, along with horseshoes, fishing, and a playground for the kids. Here you can enjoy a BBQ and take a stroll through the beautiful grounds.
