Adelaide: Things To Do

This museum is dedicated to telling the story of the holocaust and does so through various displays that tell the history of the events. It includes details that connect it to South Australia and the stories of South Australian's who survived.

The Adelaide Oval, the cities main stadium for hosting concerts, cricket and AFL, has three distinct attractions beyond the events themselves. The Roof Climb allows you to follow a gantry onto the roof and has been covered already (see above). Guided tours are available that let you go behind the scenes. And, The Bradman Collection is a purpose built museum about the famous cricketers that displays his personal collection of memorabilia.

This landmark cathedral is prominently located on the edge of the parklands in North Adelaide, just north of the CBD and Adelaide Oval stadium. Come and check out the architecture during visitor hours which are currently 11-1 on Monday's and 11-3 on Tuesday's to Saturday's. Tours are available on Wednesday's at 11am. There is an on-site shop. North Adelaide is worth visiting as a suburb too - see above for the details.

The Royal South Australia Society of Arts has an exhibition space on level one of the Institute Building - the same building that houses the Centre for Democracy and part of the State Library. They have changing art exhibits on display, so check out the 'What's On' section of their website to see what is currently showing.

Located in the old restored railway station, this 24/7 casino is the place to go if you want to have a little fun gambling on the roulette table. You will also find a hotel and several restaurants and bars. If gambling is not your thing, you may want to visit the for the architecture of the train station itself - the interior is pretty impressive.

Opened in 1885, this building was host to South Australia's "criminally insane" for 90 years. It understandably has a creepy air about the place and can be visited on a "behind the walls" tour during the day or on a ghost tour at night.

Fort Glanville Conservation Park is on the coast in Sempahore (listed above). This fort is largely unaltered since being constructed in 1880 and is a fascinating look at the 19th century military defences of Australia. Guided tours and historical re-enactments are held. Opening hours are limited to Tuesday tours or open days with the re-enactments on the afternoon on the third Sunday of the month. Get there on the bus or with a train and a short walk. Driving will take around 25min from the CBD.

This building was the old summer residence of the state governor. It is located within the Belair National Park (see above) and is an excellent historical example of Victorian architecture and landscaping. Tours are conducted by volunteers on Sundays for a gold coin donation.

This grand heritage building can be visited during the week by dropping into the main entrance and climbing the grand marble staircase to the displays and art on level one. You can also take a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the building, but this only runs once per month.

Also on North Terrace, Parliament House is where all the state political decisions are debated and made law. The building is worth admiring from the outside for it's architecture, and the old parliament house is next door (to the west), which highlights the historical development of the state. You can visit Parliament House for a guided tour on week days when parliament are not sitting.

Another historical building on North Terrace, this is the home of the Governor of South Australia, which is more of a ceremonial position than political and they are seen as the Queen's representative. Many royal visits have been hosted here and the location, on the corner of King William Road and North Terrace, is enviable. Unfortunately, as it is effectively a private residence, it is not generally possible to visit, but you can admire the building through the fence, as well as the war memorial that sits at the south eastern corner of the block.

Located on North Terrace, this university has several buildings, such as Elder Hall (pictured), worth checking out for their historical architecture. You can also find the museum of classical archaeology here, which displays a collection of ancient Roman and Greek artefacts.

FUMA is located at the universities campus that sits on the southern edge of the city, a 20min drive or 45min bus ride away. It holds a collection of Aboriginal art, European art, Prints, Posters, and also hosts exhibitions, tours, talks and events - check the line-up on their website.

The 'Art House Urban Renewal' is a two story building which hosts immersive art and dining experiences. Check their website for details of upcoming events.

This national trust house was built in 1849, was the home of the Anglican bishop of Adelaide, and is built in a Mediterranean character to it's design. It is open for tours on the first Sunday of the month.

This heritage listed house is out near Glenelg and can be visited on a tour on the first and third Sunday of the month - book ahead - that is held by volunteers and includes Devonshire Tea.

The St John's Ambulance museum is a historical museum dedicated to preserving and displaying items that tell the history of the ambulance service. The museum is located in Brighton and open for a couple of hours only on Friday's and Sunday's.

This small museum tells the story of it's namesake who was Australia's first saint and developed this historical site in 1872.

Within the University of South Australia's school of Art, Architecture and Design, in the western part of the CBD, is this small architecture museum that houses a collection of architectural drawings. Open Monday's to Wednesday's and by appointment only.

This well presented and comprehensive police museum features historic police cars, motorbikes, uniforms, displays on forensic science, and a remembrance wall. Access is only via pre-booked tours and generally for larger groups only - send them a booking request to see what they have available.

This is a local history museum located in a suburb south of the CBD with changing exhibits of objects, film, photos and interactive displays.

The Freemason's Hall is on North Terrace and a building worthy of checking out for it's architecture. Inside, you can take a tour or visit the museum, which is currently closed to be relocated.