Adelaide has long flown under the radar. But those in the know will tell you: this city is no sleepy country town. It’s a bold blend of beachside energy, world-class festivals, urban innovation and green spaces galore - all wrapped up in a walkable city centre with a laid-back charm that’s hard to beat.
Whether you’re climbing rooftops, mingling with pandas, or sipping cocktails on the sand, there’s no shortage of “wait - this is Adelaide?!” moments. If you’re after the extraordinary, here are 10 truly unique experiences that’ll show you Adelaide in an entirely new light.
Sip & Savour at Penfolds Magill Estate
Set just minutes from the city, Penfolds Magill Estate is where Australia’s most iconic wine story began. Visitors can explore the historic vineyard, enjoy guided tastings of renowned vintages, or settle in for a long lunch overlooking the vines. It’s a must for wine lovers who want heritage, craftsmanship and a genuine sense of place in Adelaide.
Feel the Energy of Adelaide Fringe
For four glorious weeks throughout February and March, Adelaide becomes a city transformed. The Adelaide Fringe is the biggest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere, second only to Edinburgh globally. Expect street performances, circus tents, laneway pop-ups, comedy, cabaret, immersive art - and a contagious atmosphere that takes over the entire city. It’s spontaneous, bold, and utterly electric.
Indulge at Adelaide Central Market
A feast for the senses, Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest undercover markets in the Southern Hemisphere - and an absolute must for foodies. Wander past rows of cheese wheels, heaving olive barrels, spice-laden counters and fragrant flower stalls. Grab a coffee from a local roaster, sample artisan chocolates, and chat with the traders who make the market hum with life. Feeling curious? Book a guided tour to get the stories behind the flavours.
Stroll the Adelaide Botanic Garden
Step through the gates and into a world of green serenity. The Adelaide Botanic Garden, sprawled across 50 hectares, is a peaceful escape with heritage-listed architecture, meandering paths, tropical glasshouses and ancient trees. Highlights include the Victorian Palm House and the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion, home to waterlilies the size of dinner tables. It’s the perfect place to unwind between city adventures.
Where Adelaide Eats and Drinks Its Best at Tasting Australia
Tasting Australia is a celebration of South Australia’s food, wine and culinary talent, bringing together acclaimed chefs, winemakers and producers from across the state. With pop-up dining events, masterclasses and long-table feasts in stunning locations, it’s a festival that captures Adelaide’s love of flavour, storytelling and unforgettable shared experiences.
See the City from the Roof of Adelaide Oval
One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Adelaide Oval isn’t just for sports fans - it’s also the only stadium in Australia where you can climb the roof during a live AFL match. Strap in and join a RoofClimb for panoramic views stretching from the coastline to the Hills as you scale the stadium’s curved roofline. Pause at the viewing platform, and - if you're brave - lean out over the pitch. Daytime, twilight and night climbs are all available, but nothing beats the electric atmosphere of watching the game from the sky. Sunset + footy? That’s pure Adelaide magic.
When the World Comes to Adelaide at WOMADelaide
Adelaide isn't known as the festival state for nothing! WOMADelaide transforms the city’s parklands into a vibrant celebration of music, culture and creativity. Each year, artists from around the world bring four days of performances, workshops and food experiences that feel joyful, inclusive and wonderfully global. It’s one of Adelaide’s most loved festivals, offering an atmosphere that’s lively yet relaxed, and unmistakably South Australian.
Valo Full Throttle Fun at the Valo Adelaide 500
The Valo Adelaide 500 brings high-octane excitement to the heart of the city. Each November, Adelaide’s streets transform into a world-class street circuit, combining Supercars racing with live music and festival energy. It’s loud, fast and thrilling, drawing fans from across the country and proving Adelaide knows how to host a spectacular major event. WOMADelaide transforms the city’s parklands into a vibrant celebration of music, culture and creativity. Each year, artists from around the world bring four days of performances, workshops and food experiences that feel joyful, inclusive and wonderfully global. It’s one of Adelaide’s most loved festivals, offering an atmosphere that’s lively yet relaxed, and unmistakably South Australian.
Uncover Adelaide’s Street Art Scene
Wander off the main roads and you’ll find Adelaide’s hidden canvases: multi-storey murals, spray-painted laneways, and pop-up art installations. Head to Leigh Street, Hindley Street and Port Adelaide for some of the most vibrant examples. Street art walking tours are also available for those keen to dig deeper into the city’s creative side.
Be Dazzled by Illuminate Adelaide
When the nights grow cooler in July, the city begins to glow - literally. Illuminate Adelaide is a winter celebration of light, art, music and technology that transforms Adelaide’s streets, buildings and public spaces into a luminous playground. From giant digital installations to futuristic concerts and immersive projections, this festival proves winter can shine just as brightly as summer.
Adelaide Like You’ve Never Seen It
Adelaide isn’t just a stopover or a sleepy capital - it’s a city brimming with bold experiences, creative energy, and local character. Whether you’re zipping through treetops, sipping wine in a leafy laneway, or dancing under festival lights, this is a city that rewards the curious.
So ditch the itinerary. Wander. Climb. Taste. Discover. The best bits of Adelaide are the ones you didn’t expect.
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Images courtesy of SATC.
