Adelaide, South Australia
Guide to Adelaide
Aboriginal name: Tarntanya (pronounced Tarn-tan-ya)
Colourful cultural events, a thriving restaurant and small bar scene and fine wine make Adelaide your next must-visit destination.
The bustling city of Adelaide is brimming with events that excite, restaurants that inspire and beaches that make you feel at ease. What’s more, Adelaide sits right at the foot of three incredible wine regions that produce both world-renowned and under-the-radar wines. So when you visit, make sure you leave enough time to experience the city and explore its stunning surrounds.
The Adelaide Plains, known as Tarntanya, are the traditional lands of the Kaurna people. The plains stretch from Port Broughton, about a two-hour drive north from Adelaide’s city centre, all the way down to Cape Jervis.
One of the best ways to learn more about Kaurna history in the city is by following the Adelaide Kaurna walking trail, which links 17 significant sites like botanic gardens, museums and cultural centres. You can also visit Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute.
- Traditional name: Tarntanya (pronounced Tarn-tan-ya)
- Indigenous Peoples: The Kaurna people
- Traditional languages: Kaurna
- How to say g'day in Kaurna: Niina marni
Getting to Adelaide is easy with both domestic and international flights arriving here.
- Adelaide Airport (ADL) is 7km (4.5mi) from the city and services domestic and international arrivals
- Hire cars, ride shares and a shuttle service are available from the airport
If Melbourne is on your itinerary, consider driving along the iconic Great Ocean Road to reach Adelaide.
Adelaide is an easy city to get around, and while you can hire a car for your stay, it’s not necessary. The city has a great range of public transport options, and walking around the city will let you seek out hidden gems. Find more tips for getting around Adelaide.
The dry climate means that Adelaide's weather tends to be a bit cooler than Australia’s northern cities. During spring and autumn, there is very minimal rainfall which makes this the perfect time to explore the city on foot!
If the wineries are calling your name, then February and March is when the local vineyards are harvested so there will be plenty to see (and drink) on your tour.
- High season: Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May)
- Low season: Winter (June to August)
- Don’t miss: Adelaide Festival and Adelaide Fringe (February to March)
You’ll find plenty of accessible options for accommodation, experiences and attractions when exploring Adelaide and the rest of South Australia.
- Arrival: Adelaide Airport provides dedicated assistance for people with disabilities, helping with baggage and movement throughout the airport.
- Getting around: You’ll find accessible public transport information on the Adelaide Metro website.
- Accessible experience highlights: Adelaide is known for its scenic national parks that are brimming with wildlife, and many of these offer accessible facilities. The stunning Adelaide Hills wine region also promotes stellar accessible and inclusive experiences to explore.
- Helpful resources: Download the Pavely app to search for accessible venues in and around Adelaide. Changing Places is a great tool for locating highly accessible bathroom facilities.
