15 Free Things to Do in Adelaide
Known as the “20 Minute City” , locals say you can get anywhere in Adelaide city in 20 minutes just using public transport alone. With the city designed as it is, there is also a very easy chance that you can explore multiple attractions in one day. We have put together a list of 15 free things to do in Adelaide that you can explore when you are next in South Australia’s capital. This dynamic travel destination has so many attractions that are suitable for all age groups and needs, you’re sure to have a blast!
Overview:
- Adelaide’s Botanical Gardens
- Japanese Himeji Gardens
- Waterfall Gully
- Glenelg beach
- ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk
- State Library
- Self guided tours to visit all the street art
- Art Gallery of South Australia
- South Australia Museum
- General markets
- Museum of Discovery
- Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
- St Kilda Adventure Playground
- Free pools and water parks
- Rock painting
Top 15 Free Things to Do in Adelaide
Along with being a city of vibrance and culture, Adelaide is also a city of equality. It was the first Australian city to allow women to vote, recognise aboriginal land rights, and properly charge different criminal cases for what they were. Adelaide is the centre of firsts and a must-see destination.
Yet like most cities, Adelaide can be pretty pricey if you’re not careful. With our list of free activities to do in Adelaide, we’ll help you plan a day, weekend or holiday in Adelaide without needing a cash loan to make the most of it.
1. Adelaide’s Botanical Gardens
Adelaide Botanical Gardens are gorgeous and very beautiful to explore all year round. Specially trained volunteers conduct free walking tours around the gardens, which allow for an hour and a half of learning about the gardens with no bookings required. Tours start at 10:30 and occur most days apart from public holidays and when the forecast is not suitable.
Check out more information about the free tours and the Botanical Gardens here.
2. Japanese Himeji Gardens
Adelaide has a lot of gorgeous parklands to choose from to visit, allowing you to soak up nature and possibly have a picnic as well. The Japanese Himeji Gardens were opened in 1985 to celebrate the connection between Adelaide city and the ancient Japanese city of Himeji.
This beautiful parkland uses Japanese garden designs with slight adjustments to suit the Adelaide weather. Yet once you step into the gardens, you are transported to Japan with its beautiful architectural marvels and plant life.
3. Waterfall Gully
Adelaide has seven waterfalls in the national park and Waterfall Gully is said to be the largest of the seven. Located just a short 20-minute drive outside of Adelaide, you can go for a hike, immerse yourself in nature and explore wildlife habitats. Depending on if you want a full tour or paying for parking will depend on the cost but the usual walking trail to the waterfalls is free entry.
4. Glenelg beach
A popular destination for a free thing to do in Adelaide is to relax on one of its many beaches. Glenelg Beach is the favourite among tourists and locals alike, with fun beach vibes, relaxing in the sun and enjoying a peaceful day with the family.
5. ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk
If you are interested to learn some history and pay your respects for ANZAC service and sacrifice, you may be interested to visit the ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk. Built in 2016 to pay tribute, this walk is peaceful and shows respect to those who gave their lives for us.
6. State Library
A free indoor activity to do while in Adelaide is to visit the State Library and find more than books in its walls. In the modern age, the library is not just a place to sit quietly and read books. In fact it can be a lively place depending on what you go in for.
Research about what’s on at the library will help you work out when the best day and time to visit is. The library offers a range of activities including book talks, sit downs, events, different exhibitions and tours that are free for all. The library also offers office spaces, computers and free wifi if you are looking for a new place to study and work on research papers and assignments.
7. Self guided tours to visit all the street art
Why not go on a self guided art tour around the city as a free thing to do in Adelaide this weekend? Adelaide showcases many street art pieces to bring more culture and vibrancy into the city.
There are so many art pieces around the city, and you can find most of the certified street art pieces on this map. Which creates a self-guided tour for yourself and others around the city.
8. Art Gallery of South Australia
Want to explore more art inside? The Art Gallery of South Australia is also a free way to view art in the city. Home to over 45,000 works of art, this gallery holds one of Australia’s largest collections. This gallery offers free entry to everyone, allowing the public to view most of the collection everyday of the week.
9. South Australia Museum
Another free thing to do in Adelaide this weekend is to visit the South Australian Museum and explore the five floors of history and exhibitions from around the world. Learning more about the history of animals, cultures and human evolution is a free and fun experience to do whether you’re solo, with a partner, or with the whole family.
10. General Markets
You can find a permanent food market in Adelaide to enjoy, with main entry and parking for free. These independent markets offer a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, different cuisines from all over the world and different ingredient stores to get your fresh produce today.
In addition to food, the markets offer live music, various workshops and face painting for kids every weekend. This market is lively and can keep you entertained for hours on end.
11. Museum of Discovery
Are you interested in learning more about innovative thinking, science and discoveries for the future? Checking out the Museum of Discovery (MOD) is a free, must-do activity!
Exploring the discoveries made by young adults (15-25) surrounding science and current and emerging technologies. MOD was designed at the University of South Australia to showcase research and innovations that informs what our future could look like.
12. Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
Looking for something free to do in Adelaide with the family, why not go check out the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. The Dolphin Sanctuary is an experience in itself, allowing you and the family to learn, understand and admire the dolphins along the coast. The Sanctuary also offers multiple tours and has many viewing spots to see the dolphins around the port.
In addition to dolphins you can also see and explore the largest, most diverse ship graveyard in Australia, with over 40 vessels to view and learn more about.
13. St Kilda Adventure Playground
Another activity for the family is to visit the St Kilda Adventure Playground. A huge playground that will keep the kids entertained for hours and many areas where you can set up a picnic blanket with toilets nearby.
Perfect for a family day out in the fresh air, and a park right next door to walk and play with your dogs as well. Good news is it’s all free!
14. Free Pools and Water Parks
Wanting to stay cool in the Adelaide summer? There are multiple water parks for the kids to play and enjoy the fresh air while staying cool and breezy. Waterparks are a great way to relax and see your kids have fun in the water without worrying about the sea life that could turn a chill day at the beach into chaos.
Additionally, there are plenty of public and private swimmings pools Adelaide has to offer and most are free entry. A great way to cool down and splash around with family and/or friends. Find out more about the water parks and swimming pools Adelaide has to offer.
15. Rock painting
Ever thought of joining in with a hide and seek activity but don’t know how or where to find one? As a free thing to do in Adelaide with the family, why not join the SA Rocks Facebook page! On this page you can find areas where people have hidden painted rocks to find around SA, you can also paint your own rock and hide it somewhere for another family to find.
This is a unique idea that is a cute, family and budget friendly activity for kids and families alike. This activity can be for both locals and holiday goers as you only need to join the SA Rocks Facebook page to be involved.
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