11 free (and almost free) things to do in Adelaide

Image: South Australian Tourism Commission

From snapping seaside sunsets to eating at multicultural food markets, you don’t have to part with much cash to have a fun time in South Australia’s cool capital.

One of the best ways to maximise the amount of time you spend travelling is ensuring you stretch every dollar as far as possible. Thankfully, Adelaide is a city with plenty of free and low-cost things to do all year round. If you’re watching your travel funds closely, here’s some activities to keep on your radar the next time you’re visiting South Australia.

1) Visit the Art Gallery of South Australia

Art can say a lot about a place. If you want to delve a little deeper into the unique culture of the state, then visit the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) to see an incredible variety of Australian paintings, drawings, textiles, clothing, jewellery and photography. There’s also a solid collection of international works to check out too, with art world heavyweights like Tracey Emin and Auguste Rodin represented. Free to visit, it’s also no cost to join a daily guided tour. If you’re visiting on a Tuesday, stay to listen to a free lunchtime talk with an artist, curator or special guest, to learn more about a specific piece of art or collection.

2) Nosh on cheap eats at Adelaide Central Market

Adelaide’s food scene is thriving and thankfully you don’t need to splash much cash (or dress up in your best threads) to enjoy a good feed. When hunger strikes, head to Adelaide Central Market where you’ll find plenty of snacks and dishes that won’t break the bank. From pizza to paella, laksa, bibimbap and beyond, the world’s cuisines are all in one place at Adelaide Central Market. Don’t know where to start? Download the free audio tour onto your phone to be guided around the many market stalls by local foodies Adam Liaw and Katie Spain.

3) Join a free guided walk around Adelaide Botanic Garden

Image: South Australian Tourism Commission

Get your daily dose of nature on a wander through the serene Adelaide Botanic Garden. On most days, you can join a free guided walk led by a passionate botany-loving volunteer. Over 90 minutes or so you’ll be shown horticultural highlights of this prized garden beloved by locals. With 50 hectares to explore, perhaps pack some snacks or lunch to enjoy during your visit. If you’re visiting during spring to autumn don’t miss experiencing the multisensory wonder of the International Rose Garden in full bloom. Visiting in late summer? Try the Dahlia Garden instead to see incredible displays of these beautiful flowers at their best.

4) Enjoy some quiet time at the State Library

If you’re a book lover, then spending a peaceful hour or two wandering around South Australia’s State Library is highly recommended. Free to enter and home to visual arts collections, there’s plenty more to see than shelves of old books! Don’t miss checking out the impressive Mortlock Chamber, an architectural masterpiece that you won’t be able to resist taking a photo of. Take a free tour with a volunteer ambassador to learn more about South Australia’s history and notable people or simply wander around at your own pace to take in the old-world splendour of this magical space.

5) Nerd out at the Australian Space Discovery Centre

If you’re fascinated with space, then head to North Terrace to check out the small but fascinating Australian Space Discover Centre. Open Wednesday to Sunday, admission is free at this centre dedicated to showcasing Australia’s role in space exploration via interactive displays and exhibits. This is a top rainy-day activity that you don’t have to spend a penny on.

6) Take a joyride on the Adelaide Metro

Image: South Australian Tourism Commission

Transport can be quite expensive in some cities, but Adelaide isn’t one of them! Get your bearings by riding Adelaide Metro’s free services and you’ll soon see that you can access many points of interest without parting with a cent. The tram routes around the city centre are free, while the free city connector buses loop around the city also, connecting you to popular spots like Rundle Mall, Chinatown, Central Market and Hutt Street’s happening cafe and restaurant scene.

7) Catch a sublime sunset at Glenelg Beach

Glenelg Beach is an Adelaide icon. Head there in the afternoon once the sting is taken out of the sun and spend an hour or so wandering along the Glenelg to Seacliff coastal walk. The full walk is 6km, so go as far as you like before turning back to watch a golden sunset from the picturesque jetty that juts out into the sea. There’s plenty of pubs, restaurants, cafes and takeaway food joints opposite the beach too, so grab a pint of beer, glass of white, some hot chips or ice cream to take it all in.

8) See the greatest hits of the South Australian Museum

Image: South Australian Tourism Commission

From rare minerals to megafauna fossils and meteorites that have journeyed all the way to earth from space, the SA Museum has five floors of wonders to discover. General admission is free, so download the self-guided trail map (which lists all the must-see exhibits) and spend an afternoon exploring the museum’s most noteworthy collections and items at your own pace.

9) Pay your respects to Aussie sporting royalty

Housed at the Adelaide Oval, the Bradman Collection is a place that cricket fanatics won’t want to miss. Dedicated to honouring the life and times of Don Bradman (who many people consider to be the greatest cricketer of all time) this free museum is open most days of the year. While here you’ll be able to take a look at his personal collection of bats, balls and trophies, watch rare footage of the legend in action and even test your skills against an interactive display. Howzat!

10) Step out on a self-guided public art walking tour

Image: Tourism Australia

Over the past few decades, Adelaide’s once-traditional streetscapes have slowly been transformed by murals, sculptures and other public art pieces. If you’ve got a free day to spare, download the public art trail map and set out on a self-guided walk to take in as much as you can. A free wall for street artists to express themselves on, the Morphett Street Bridge Wall is worth a look as you’re pretty much guaranteed to see something different every time you visit.

11) Enjoy a city stay on a shoestring

Keen to stay near all the action? The good news is that when you stay the YHA Adelaide Central, you’ll be right in the heart of the city without having to fork out the big bucks. Just a short stroll from Adelaide Central Market and Chinatown, the city’s best eats are right on your doorstep, as well as nifty access to public transport, shops, museums, galleries and everything else Adelaide has to offer.
* Words: Jo Stewart
* YHA Australia