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Evan Petrelis, Managing Director of Renaissance Tours comments: “We launch our new collection of tours having been guided by our enduring purpose to create the finest, enriching experience for our travellers. Regardless of which tour resonates with a traveller, they know that they can have peace of mind knowing that all the arrangements are taken care of by our skilled team and that they will be accompanied by real experts in their field.”

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The jewel in the crown of the 2024 Renaissance Tours repertoire is a privately chartered French Impressionism Art Cruis e that will sail on the Seine River through Normandy next May.

Marking 150 years since the Impressionist art movement began, the anniversary art-focused cruise will be hosted by Julie Ewington, former Head of Australian Art at QAGOMA, journalist and curator. Early in her career, Ewington taught the work of Impressionist painters Berthe Morisot and Mary Cassatt and has vast knowledge of modern and contemporary art.

The river journey will offer travellers a glimpse into the worlds of Monet, Cezanne, Pissarro, Van Gogh and Gaugin, giving travellers panoramic views of the landscapes and cities that inspired these luminaries to create some of the world’s most seminal works.

The 2024 collection also includes a selection of art, garden,and architectural tours, which offer access to some of the world’s most admired art galleries, private gardens and architecture and design destinations.

Other tour highlights for 2024 include: opera in Spain; classical music festivals in the Swiss Alps; art in the Low Countries; history on the Channel Islands; archaeology in the Balkans; gardens in Japan and architecture in Southern Italy.

Highlights of the 2024 program include the below with full access to brochure here:

• French Impressionism Art Cruise – Paris to Normand —- the 11-day itinerary departs on 28 April 2024 and includes a sailing aboard MS Amadeus Diamond’ s stunning sundeck.
• Spring Gardens of Japan – Honshu —- with Elizabeth Swane | 12 days, departing 6 April 2024
• ¡Opera Olé! – Opera In Bilbao, Madrid, and Barcelona —- Led by Mari Nicolson, 13 days, departing 20 May 2024
• European Spring Rhapsody – Music in Hamburg, Berlin, and Amsterdam —- with Andy Bromberger | 14 days, departing 4 May 2024
• Jewels of Northern India – Delhi, Jaipur, Orccha, Khajuraho, Vsaranasi, Mumbai —- with Alex McKay | 16 days, departing 5 March 2024

View the full collection at www.renaissancetours. com.au .

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Top 10 tours to book in Adelaide

Carla Grossetti

Sub-Editor & Journalist

16 February 2023

If you’re after immersive experiences, experience these top tours in the South Australian capital.

The South Australian capital offers a range of inspiring tours for everyone from families to couples looking for romance. Be it a gondola ride up the River Torrens, a hands-on cooking class, a climb to the top of Adelaide Oval, you’ll find something for all in Adelaide. Here are 10 tours to book in Adelaide.

Enjoy a hands-on cooking class

Do you want to learn to master pasta? Perhaps you prefer the thrill of grill? Maybe you want to learn to make the most of everyday seasonal ingredients? Sprout Cooking School has been offering hands-on cooking classes since 2011 and locavores will love the fact they get to wander around the Adelaide Central Market before returning to their place behind a cutting board to prepare a Market to Plate feast.

Sprout Cooking School has been offering hands-on cooking classes since 2011.

Scale Adelaide Oval Roof Climb

Want a new outlook on life? Climb to the top of the Adelaide Oval and make your way to the Riverbank Platform as the sun sinks in the sky over the SA capital. The Roofclimb Twilight Tour is aimed at everyone from sports tragics, to adventurous couples and families , all of whom will appreciate the 360-degree views over the city. After the 90-minute climb, participants are rewarded with a complimentary beverage while they watch the stars start studding the sky.

See Adelaide from new heights.

Enjoy a gondola ride along the River Torrens

Adelaide is a long way from the canals in Venezia in north-eastern Italy. But you can, nevertheless, enjoy a romantic ride up the River Torrens in a gondola complete with a guide in trademark black pants, stripy shirt and jaunty hat. The authentic Venetian vessels can carry a couple, group of four or party of up to six and are an elegant way to travel, day or night, up the waterway, located in the heart of Adelaide.

Take a gondola down the River Torrens.

Ultimate Penfolds Experience in Adelaide

Australia’s leading red wine producer, Penfolds, has almost singularly embedded Magill on the outskirts of Adelaide on the map for discerning oenophiles. An Ultimate Winery Experiences tour loops in Grange Cottage, the original residence of Dr Christopher and Mary Penfold, and the Magill Estate winery and cellar and includes an intimate tasting of wines (which includes one vintage of Grange).

Enjoy the ultimate Penfolds dining experience.

Enjoy a few ghost stories

Listen to dark tales about scary spirits and encounters with ghosts with Adelaide Haunted Horizons Ghost Tours. The after-dark tour takes visitors through some of Adelaide’s most famous haunts such as Adelaide Gaol, Adelaide Arcade, the National Railway Museum and Old Tailem Town or the Z Ward Asylum. There’s something extra chilling about Parkside Lunatic Asylum for the criminally insane, billed as the ‘darkest and scariest tour in South Australia’.

Encounter spirits on a ghost tour.

Kick your heels up with Flamboyance Tours

If you’ve booked accommodation in Adelaide’s city centre, which surely you must, you should embark on an intimate 90-minute walking tour with Flamboyance Tours to experience the city’s real flavour. The F Factor food tour visits a cluster of shops and includes samples of everything from fritz, Fruchocs and frog cakes. Haigh’s Chocolates is also a highlight.

Paddle up the Port River in a kayak

There’s a high chance you will see a few of the 40-odd bottlenose dolphins that call the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary home while on an Adventure Kayaking SA tour. If that’s not enough, The Dolphin Sanctuary & Ship’s Graveyard Tour takes keen kayakers to Garden Island near the north arm of the Port Adelaide River where, in addition to being a haven for birdlife, you will see one of the largest and most diverse ship’s graveyards in the world.

Take to Adelaide’s seas on a kayak.

Immerse yourself in Adelaide’s arts scene

Lose yourself with like-minded folk on an Adelaide Artscape tour curated by Renaissance Tours and led by Joyce Morgan, who has been writing about arts and culture for more than two decades. The tour highlights include a private tour of Tarnanthi 2021 at the Art Gallery of South Australia, a performance by the Australian Dance Theatre, and a visit to the d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale to admire the works of Salvador Dali.

See the city’s sights

The city of Adelaide’s architectural, cultural and culinary ambitions are on display on an Adelaide City Tour. After starting in grand Victoria Square in the heart of things, in the city centre, the whirlwind tour steers visitors towards some of the city’s treasures, such as vibrant Gouger St, a foodie wonderland, and a look at stunning examples of French Gothic architecture such as St Peter’s Cathedral. There’s also a tour of Haigh’s Chocolates to enjoy.

Rundle Mall. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The world on a plate

Adelaide’s flourishing foodie scene is on show during a Food Tours Australia eat-and-run excursion around Adelaide Central Market . The market boasts scores of cafes, stalls and independent providores specialising in everything from tomatoes to cheese and olives. Do yourself a favour and sign up for a Market Exclusive Tour of the labyrinthine market, where you will get to see just why this place is such an institution.

Nothing beats a visit to Adelaide Central Market.

Find more travel tips in our Ultimate Adelaide holiday guide.

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Living Arts Canberra

• Audio interviews

Renaissance Tours for fine art and contemporary art lovers

Autumn and Winter 2023 Various locations

Offering a fine arts program in partnership with the Art Gallery Society of NSW, the art-specific collection will include tours across Australia as well as overseas destinations like Saudi Arabia, the Caucasus, Bhutan and Central Asia.

28 February – 13 March 2023: New Zealand Now: Contemporary Art and Design

Led by Australasian art expert Julie Ewington, this 14-day tour visits art attractions spanning New Zealand’s north and south islands including contemporary artist Len Lye’s impressive 45-metre-tall Wind Wand sculpture in New Plymouth and Shigeru Ban’s ‘Cardboard Cathedral’ in Christchurch. Plus, a VIP preview of the Aotearoa Art Fair 2023 and a visit to the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand in Wellington.

7 – 21 April 2023: William Morris in Adelaide.

Hosted by art expert Joyce Morgan, this 7-day tour explores the handmade textiles, stained-glass windows, furnishings and interior design of William Morris. One of the great dynamos of English interior design, Morris – designer, poet, medievalist and socialist – revitalised decorative art with his Arts and Crafts Movement, which swept across the British Empire.

Lesser known is the fact that Morris also greatly impacted 19th century Adelaide society as the movement found its home-away-from-home in the growing city. Australia’s wealthiest family, the Barr Smiths, became Morris’s largest international client, furnishing seven homes with his works. This tour visits the vibrant residences to revel in the beauty of Morris’s enduring works.

17 – 23 April 2023: Florence Art Tour

Lovers of art history will join Renaissance art historian Louise Marshall to explore a treasure trove of art in Florence: the cradle of the Renaissance . Travellers will gain new insights on famous Italian artists, from Michelangelo to Giotto, Fra Angelico and Botticelli, by viewing their works in original locations.

Travellers will wander beautifully-preserved churches, chapels, monasteries, and palaces adorned with frescoes. They will also visit Renaissance jewel: Cosimo de’ Medici’s family chapel, Benozzo Gozzoli’s Journey of the Magi and descend into the realm of the dead in Michelangelo’s New Sacristy at San Lorenzo .

Booking and information about all tours: www.renaissancetours.com.au or call 1300 727 095.

William Morris in Adelaide - Renaissance Tours

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FLAMBOYANCE TOURS - ADELAIDE EXPERIENCES | ADELAIDE TOURS

A true Adelaide experience

Discover Adelaide through local, personal stories on our walking tours.

Local and proud

Created by an Adelaide local, we unlock the city's secrets to provide immersive experiences because we live and breathe them every day

Professional

Run by an internationally-trained tour guide, we have been recognised with numerous award placings and featured by media across the globe

Small groups

Our tours generally run with small groups of 10 or less, allowing your Adelaide experience to be that bit more immersive and engaging

Welcome To Adelaide tour

Our popular Adelaide tour of the city centre is an overview of the major landmarks and streets that make the 'City of Churches' or 'Radelaide' great. You'll learn what the Mall's Balls are, hear stories of how Adelaide began, and finish up outside the must-see Adelaide Central Market. It is the essential welcome to Adelaide for any visitor!

The F Factor food tour

Adelaide food is a thing, and our delightful, short walking food tour is where you get to try South Australia's best food. By that, we mean meats and sweets! This Adelaide food tour includes samples of food like fritz, Fruchocs and frog cakes, stories of their history, and extras to take home. This food walking tour covers what most travellers often miss - you won't learn about these on any other Adelaide tours!

Port Adelaide Walking Tour

Our take on Port Adelaide is relaxed yet informative. Walk with us to hear the stories of its grisly beginnings as Port Misery, before finding its feet to become one of South Australia's major settlements. Now a thriving modern hub, get the most out of your Port Adelaide experience by discovering its heritage with us.

Intimate Walk

This is our in-depth private Adelaide walk, more than an orientation of the city. It's an immersive Adelaide experience taking in the northern half of the city centre. This is an Adelaide walking tour bringing you perspective only a local can, and sharing places other tours of Adelaide can't.

Jimmy C Street Art Tour

A street art tour with a difference. We highlight the works of Jimmy C, the world-renowned street artist who grew up in Adelaide and found success in his unique 'drip-style' art. Discover his story, style and collaborations on this Adelaide street art tour that guarantees to leave you curious for more!

Private walking tour

For student groups, corporate groups, conference groups or social groups, our private Adelaide tours can help peers mingle. If you're travelling and want to learn about Adelaide without the crowds, this is also for you, with a range of customisations available. Immersive travel on tours of Adelaide never looked so good.

Adelaide Queer History Tour

Explore Adelaide's alternative history through a rainbow lens, as we reveal the stories behind the city's queer identity. An audio tour that's done at your own pace, in your own time using GPS tracking and the VoiceMap app.

Committed to providing the best Adelaide tours, covering history, culture and heritage through food and street art

Find us on Instagram @flamboyancetours

Small group holidays to Adelaide and surrounds

Explore and learn about on a small group tour of Adelaide city and its pastoral, cultural and historic settlement. Visit Fleurieu Peninsula , the Barossa valley, learn about William Morris and the arts and craft movement in the Art gallery and National trust houses.

From A$4,350 AUD

Departing May, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar, Apr

• 1. Visit the Mclaren Vale wine region and the Barossa Valley
• 2. Learn about the fascinating settlement history and influence of the Lutherans in South Australia
• 3. Explore and learn about the influence of William Morris and the Arts and crafts movement in Adelaide
• 4. Explore Fleurieu peninsula and some its coastal towns history and relationship with the Murray river

Departure Dates

Small group tour of adelaide city and surrounds.

The state capital of South Australia is Adelaide city. Contemporary Adelaide and the surrounds of the Fleurieu peninsula and Barossa Valley make for a refreshing destination to visit as the size and scale of the city against Melbourne and Sydney.

This, like all Odyssey Traveller small group tours is limited to 12 people.

Our small group Adelaide tours spends 8 days in Adelaide city and the surrounding area including the Adelaide hills, the Barossa Valley and the McLaren Vale Wine Region, the Fleurieu peninsula and the Murray river. Each day of our Adelaide tours, the group learns about and visits a particular part of Adelaide city and surrounding area. There are a lot of things to do in Adelaide and the surrounding area and the itinerary reflects this. The full day tour arranged including a Murray river cruise and wine tasting with cellar door visits and a wine tour at selected wineries. Our small group Adelaide tours for seniors seeking to enjoy their holidays to Adelaide city, has a maximum group size of 12 travellers including couples and solo travellers . The program aided by your tour guide, delves extensively not only into the history of the Adelaide CBD but also historic Port Adelaide as well. To tour South Australia and learn about the history of the state, then these small group guided holidays to Adelaide are a great program to start with.

Early history of Adelaide City

Before Europeans arrived, the Kaurna people lived in the Adelaide area. The Indigenous Australians of Southern Australia called the Adelaide area Tandanya, which means the Place of the Red Kangaroo. However, in the early 1830s the British drew up plans to settle this region of Southern Australia. It was planned that the new colony in South Australiawould be of "free people" not convicts. Surveyor-general William Light selected the site for the capital of the new colony in December 1836. Adelaide was a planned city and it was named after the wife of King George IV. Adelaide 's CBD was laid out as an orderly grid, bordered by North, South, West and East terraces, with King st as the main thoroughfare in the city .

The first governor of the new colony was Captain John Hindmarsh who landed on 28 December 1838. At first the settlers were British or Irish but in the mid-19th century it was predominately a German settlement. Meanwhile in 1840 Adelaide was incorporated (given a corporation). It was the first city in Australia to be incorporated. The first mayor of Adelaide was James Hurtle Fisher. Also, in 1840 The Royal Adelaide Hospital was founded. In 1840 Adelaide had a population of over 2,000. By 1850 Adelaide had a population of over 14,000. In 1900 Adelaide had a population of 162,000.

Many famous buildings were erected in Adelaide's cbd in the 19th century. The foundation stone of Holy Trinity Church was laid in 1838. Old Adelaide Gaol was built in 1841. (It was decommissioned in 1988). Government House was completed in 1855 and St Francis Xavier Cathedral was dedicated in 1858. Ayers House was built in 1846. From 1855 to 1897 it was the home of Henry Ayers. Meanwhile Adelaide Town Hall was built in 1866. Adelaide General Post Office was built in 1867-72. It opened on 6 May 1872. (However the Adelaide cbd Post Office did not get its clock until 1875). Then in the year 1878 St Peter's Cathedral was consecrated. Edmund Wright House was also built in 1878.

Creating the Modern Adelaide city

In 1900 the population of South Australia Adelaide was 162,000 and it was growing rapidly. As Adelaide expanded more buildings were added. Parliament House in Adelaide was built in two parts. The West Wing was built in 1889 and the East Wing was built in 1939.

In 1904 a statue of the explorer John McDouall Stuart was erected in Adelaide . In 1906 a statue of William Light was unveiled. Meanwhile amenities in Adelaide improved. The Botanic Gardens opened in 1857. Adelaide gained a gas supply in 1863 and an electricity supply in 1900. Meanwhile Adelaide Oval was established in 1871. Adelaide Universitywas founded in 1874. The Art Gallery of South Australia Adelaide was established in 1881.

Adelaide airport dates from 1921. The War Memorial in Adelaide was built in 1931. Flinders University opened in 1966.

Adelaide is also known for the South Australian Museum and the Migration Museum , which opened in 1986. The South Australia Maritime Museum also opened in 1986. Today Adelaide is a thriving city . Now the population of Adelaide is about 1.3 million and there are plenty of things to do in Adelaide .

What you experience on these small group Adelaide tours & Surrounds.

To tour South Australia and Adelaide this program has three elements; the City of Adelaide tour, Fleurieu peninsula tour and Barossa Valley tour. The first day of this Adelaide city tour explores the cities settlement history including Port Adelaide and Adelaide's beaches and then the small group has a day tour each exploring individual regions around Adelaide.

Adelaide city

So to familiarise ourselves with the city centre and some of historic buildings and superb Architecture of the Victorian era we start with a walking tour to take in the city highlights and Adelaide's main attractions for those travellers keen to learn about the history of the city. After lunch we travel to Port Adelaide and Glenelg. We familiarise ourselves this morning with a walking tour of the city with a tour guide explaining the rich history on offer in this city. This morning's tour takes us on a tram to South terrace and we walk back to take in a key Adelaide attraction, the Adelaide central market an important part of the culture of Adelaide , pausing for morning tea in a cafe. After morning tea we carry on up to North terrace into " North Adelaide " to the botanic garden, on the banks of the river Torrens, University of Adelaide , the art gallery, Adelaide museum and state library. After lunch we will leave the city centre by public transport taking the tram for a half day tour of Port Adelaide .

Historic Port Adelaide is known for its well preserved 19th-century pubs and hotels, reflecting South Australia' s maritime history in catering to the sailors of trading ships. Victorian History is very present in the Port. A key location for the export of Australia's Wool clip, the port played an influential role in shipping for some 130 years until containerisation in the 1970's. There are several museums in the area, we will take the opportunity to visit the maritime history museum before taking the tram back to Glenelg for a walk on the esplanade and then return back to Adelaide city via Adelaide's beaches.

McLaren Vale Fleurieu Peninsula, and Victor Harbour

Today our tour of Adelaide takes us to McLaren Vale wine region drive, Fleurieu Peninsula, and Victor Harbour. The tour leaves the city for the Fleurieu peninsula tour, we head south of the city. The tour visits the McLaren Vale wine region passing many of Australia's famous wineries. We have a guided tour of the region. Stops at Sellicks Beach and Rapid Bay are included. At Cape Jervis where the ferry departs for Kangaroo Island we pause to look across the water to the island before carrying onto the Victor Harbor township and lunch. Victor Harbor and Granite island are popular day trip attractions in South Australia. If the horse drawn tram is operating, we can enjoy a ride across to the island. The tour group then travels onto Port Elliot. We visit here because in the 1850's a big future was envisioned for Port Elliot when it was earmarked in 1854 as the major Encounter Bay outlet through which the rich agricultural bounty shipped down the Murray River would be exported from Australia, instead Port Adelaide become the centre. Today, a battered breakwater is all that remains of the failed attempt to construct a safe shipping harbour.

Strathalbyn, Goolwa & the Murray

Our portfolio of Adelaide, Fleurieu and Barossa valley tours has the group return again to the south east part of South Australia. This is a full day tour to several locations. The group initially visit and explore on a short walking tour, the historic township of Strathalbyn. Strathalbyn has over 30 buildings of historic interest. Of particular interest is the Terminus Hotel, which is the town's first building, located on Franklin Street. It was here in 1869 a dinner to honour Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh was held. From Strathalbyn we tour Goolwa, a place with an interesting back story.

Before 1837 the area Goolwa was considered for the site of the new colony's capital. A wharf was constructed in 1852 and government buildings soon followed, including a post office in 1853. However, the treacherous waters of the mouth of the Murray river made it difficult for shipping and made the town unsuitable as a major port. Goolwa nevertheless developed as Australia's first inland port (1853) built to connect the town to Port Elliot and later extended to Victor Harbor, allowing goods to move from river boats to sea boats, so that neither had to negotiate the Murray Mouth.

The spread of railways to inland Australia put an end to the river trade and Goolwa's significance as a port. With the decline of the river trade Goolwa became dependent on local farming and fishing, as well as becoming a popular destination for holidaymakers from Adelaide city and South Australia.

In 1935 a permanent barrage (called the Goolwa Barrage ) was constructed between Hindmarsh Island and Sir Richard Peninsula on the south eastern outskirts of Goolwa. The barrage separates the fresh water of the River Murray from the saltwater coming up from the River Murray mouth. The barrage was constructed to prevent the saltwater of the Southern ocean traversing further up the River Murray and polluting much needed fresh water.

After pausing for lunch in Goolwa this afternoon we take a short Murray river cruise to the mouth of the Murray River on the Coorong.

The Murray river is the third longest navigable river in the world and for Australia its longest river traversing 3 states before reaching South Australia and the end of its 2,508 Kilometre run to the Southern Ocean. We then return back to the city.

Adelaide Hills, Stirling, Hahndorf & the Barossa Valley

Today this tour of Adelaide heads up into the Adelaide hills for our Barossa Valley tour. This an area of South Australia famous for its fine wine. We stop at Mt Lofty in the Mount Lofty ranges. Mount Lofty was named by Matthew Flinders in 1802 during his circumnavigation of the Australia. It was first climbed by a European when the Military explorer Collet Barker climbed it in April 1831, almost six years before Adelaide was settled. Mt lofty on a clear day the tour group will have a great view back over Adelaide city, to the Flinders range and round to kangaroo island over Fleurieu peninsula and across to Yorke peninsula and Eyre peninsula. The tour continues first to on to Stirling. Settled in 1854, Stirling has some of the South Australia's most beautiful homes. Initially the site of orchards and market gardens, the late 19th century saw the town become popular with Adelaide city's wealthy residents who built summer houses up in the Adelaide hills to escape Adelaide's weather. we travel on a little further to Hahndorf, a small town in South Australia. Settled by 19th-century Lutheran migrants, it’s known for its original German-style architecture and artisanal food. Hahndorf Academy is home to the German Migration Museum, tracing local history. North of town, the Cedars houses the studio and art of German-born landscape painter Sir Hans Heysen. We have time for morning tea before pressing on.

Our small group tour continues onto Auchendarroch House before heading north to the Barossa valley.

Auchendarroch House Built in 1860 by Scottish immigrant, Lachlan McFarlane, began its life in Mt Barker as the Oakfield Hotel, and remained as such until 1878 when it was sold to another Scotsman, Robert Barr Smith, for the sum of 3000 pounds. Robert Barr Smith, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist, chose Mt Barker and the Oakfield Hotel to be the summer house for himself, his wife Joanna and their children. He employed a young architect, John H. Grainger to build a “thirty roomed mansion in the French Renaissance of The Modern School Style” around the old hotel.

As with their other homes, the house was extensively decorated in the William Morris style with all the wallpapers, fabrics, furnishing and carpets by Morris & Co. The original hand-blocked “Spring Thicket” wallpaper still adorns the Ballroom (formerly the Drawing Room) today. Shortly after completion Barr Smith named it “Auchendarroch”. Auchendarroch derives its origins from the Scottish-Gaelic term “holy place of the oaks”. A visit to Auchendarroch House begins the transition to last two days visiting and learning about the incredibly lavish homes decorated in Adelaide city in the Victorian era.

The Barossa Valley is a renowned Australian wine producing region northeast of Adelaide city, in South Australia. This afternoon we explore the Barossa Valley passing along our way through towns such as Tanunda, Angaston and Nuriootpa. Shiraz grapes are the Barossa Valley wine speciality. Australia’s leading wineries are found in the Barossa valley wine region producing acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz from the vine. The Barossa region with the valley, the vineyard, rolling hills all combined make for stunning scenery on this day. Our Barossa valley tours do stop for a wine tasting at a local winery. As we tour the Barossa valley, evidence of German settlers and their small settlements in the region is highlighted by place names such as Menglers hill, the stone cottages and Lutheran churches throughout the Barossa valley region.

Arts and Craft movement and Adelaide in the Victorian era

The last two days of this tour of Adelaide are spent back in the city, where there are plenty of things to do in Adelaide! This portion of the Adelaide city tour examines the Victorian influence on the city and in particular the work of William Morris . William Morris was extremely influential on the arts and craft movement. Adelaide has the second largest collection of original William Morris & Co pieces in the Art Gallery of South Australia (the largest collection is held by the V&A in London). His biggest patron was a wealthy Adelaide family - the Barr-Smiths, who furnished 7 of their large houses with near continual shipments of rugs, stained glass windows, furniture, tapestries, wallpapers and furnishing fabrics sent from England. The Arts and Crafts period influenced many of the very large houses and their interiors designed in and around Adelaide city (Stirling in the Adelaide Hills has many of them) - Adelaide had many wealthy families at the time from Agricultural and mining booms in South Australia. As tends to happen amongst friends you will often find that one will influence the others, and many of the wealthy Adelaide families collected Morris & Co and designed houses in the then fashionable Arts and Crafts style. Our tour allows time to explore and Admire the Morris-designed stained-glass windows of St Augustine’s Anglican Church and All Souls Church as well as a guided tour of

Ayers House is Adelaide’s finest Victorian-era home, and one of the last remaining grand 19th century residences that once lined the North Terrace cultural boulevard. At first a small cottage, the site evolved in several stages from a nine-roomed brick house built by chemist William Paxton in the early 1850s. Upon returning to England, Paxton leased the property to Henry Ayers, a fellow businessman poised to become one of the colony’s most wealthy and influential politicians and financiers. From 1855 to 1897 the house was extended in stages to encompass more than 40 rooms over a two-acre property. Henry and his wife Anne created an opulent home with fine furnishings and fixtures, most imported from England, that showcased the wealth and status they had acquired since emigrating in 1840. For 40 years, the house was central to Ayers’ family life and an entertainment destination for Adelaide’s social and political elite.

The tour also spends time in Art gallery of South Australia with the original William Morris works.

You can choose from one of our 10 Adelaide tours including the Fleurieu peninsula and the Barossa valley offered each year.

Articles about Adelaide city and surrounds published by Odyssey Traveller:

• History of Adelaide.
• Port Adelaide, the museums
• Arts and Crafts, William Morris in Adelaide
• Fleurieu Peninsula
• The Barossa Valley and wine

For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link .

External articles to assist you on your visit to Adelaide and South Australia:

• Places to go: Adelaide
• Guide to Adelaide
• 10 Must-visit attractions in Adelaide
• South Australian wine regions
• A new way to hop around Australia's Kangaroo Island
• Why Adelaide deserves its place on the Lonely Planet list

Day 1: Adelaide

Accommodation: Pullman Adelaide or similar

We meet as a group in the hotel for a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Adelaide

So to familiarise ourselves with the city and some of historic buildings we start with a walking tour .

We familiarise ourselves this morning with a walking tour of the city . This morning’s tour takes us on a tram to South terrace and we walk back to take in a key Adelaide attraction , the Adelaide central market, after we carry on up to North terrace to the botanic garden, University of Adelaide , the art gallery , Adelaide museum and state library. After lunch we will leave the city by tram to tour Port Adelaide .

Historic Port Adelaide is known for its well preserved 19th-century pubs and hotels, reflecting South Australia ‘ s maritime history in catering to the sailors of trading ships. Victorian History is very present in the Port. A key location for the export of Australia ‘s Wool clip, the port played an influential role in shipping for some 130 years until containerisation in the 1970’s. There are several museums in the area, we will take the opportunity to visit the maritime history museum before taking the tram to Glenelg for a walk on the esplanade.

The group returns back to Adelaide city via Adelaide’s beaches .

Day 3: Adelaide

Today our full day tour takes us to McLaren Vale wine region drive, Fleurieu Peninsula, and Victor Harbour.

The tour visits the McLaren Vale wine region passing many of Australia’s famous wineries along the way. We have a guided tour of the region. Stops at Sellicks Beach and Rapid Bay are included. At Cape Jervis where the ferry departs for Kangaroo Island we pause to look across the water to the island before carrying onto the Victor Harbor township and lunch .

Exploring Victor Harbor and Granite island are popular day trip attractions in South Australia . If the horse drawn tram is operating, we can enjoy a ride across to the island. The tour group then travels onto Port Elliot. We visit here because in the 1850’s a big future was envisioned for Port Elliot when it was earmarked in 1854 as the major Encounter Bay outlet through which the rich agricultural bounty shipped down the Murray River would be exported from Australia, instead Port Adelaide become the centre. Today, a battered breakwater is all that remains of the failed attempt to construct a safe shipping harbour.

Day 4: Adelaide

This is a full day tour to several locations outside the Adelaide city.

The group initially visit and explore on a short walking tour , the historic township of Strathalbyn.

Strathalbyn has over 30 buildings of historic interest. Of particular interest is the Terminus Hotel, which is the town’s first building, located on Franklin Street. It was here in 1869 a dinner to honour Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh was held. From Strathalbyn the coach takes us onto the coastal town of Goolwa, a place with an interesting back story.

Before 1837 the area Goolwa was considered for the site of the new colony’s capital. A wharf was constructed in 1852 and government buildings soon followed, including a post office in 1853. However, the treacherous waters of the mouth of the Murray river made it difficult for shipping and made the town unsuitable as a major port. Goolwa nevertheless developed as Australia’s first inland port (1853) built to connect the town to Port Elliot and later extended to Victor Harbor, allowing goods to move from river boats to sea boats, so that neither had to negotiate the Murray Mouth.

The spread of railways to inland Australia put an end to the river trade and Goolwa’s significance as a port. With the decline of the river trade Goolwa became dependent on local farming and fishing, as well as becoming a popular destination for South Australian holidaymakers from Adelaide city and the regional areas of Port Lincoln and Mount Gambier for example.

Day 5: Adelaide

Today this tour of Adelaide heads up into the Adelaide hills for our Barossa Valley tour .

We stop at Mt Lofty in the Mount Lofty ranges. Mount Lofty was named by Matthew Flinders in 1802 during his circumnavigation of the Australia. It was first climbed by a European when the Military explorer Collet Barker climbed it in April 1831, almost six years before Adelaide was settled. Mt lofty on a clear day the tour group will have a great view back over Adelaide city , to the Flinders range and round to kangaroo island over Fleurieu peninsula and across to Yorke peninsula and Eyre peninsula .

The tour continues on to Stirling. Settled in 1854, Stirling has some of the South Australia ‘s most beautiful homes. Initially the site of orchards and market gardens, the late 19th century saw the town become popular with Adelaide city ‘s wealthy residents who built summer houses up in the Adelaide hills to escape Adelaide’s weather.

After Stirling, we travel on a little further to Hahndorf, a small town in South Australia . Settled by 19th-century Lutheran migrants, it’s known for its original German-style architecture and artisanal food . Hahndorf Academy is home to the German Migration Museum, tracing local history. North of town, the Cedars houses the studio and art of German-born landscape painter Sir Hans Heysen. We have time for morning tea before pressing on.

Our small group tour continues onto Auchendarroch House before heading north to the Barossa valley .

After lunch we explore the Barossa Valley a renowned Australian wine producing region northeast of Adelaide city. This afternoon we explore the Barossa Valley passing along our way through towns such as Tanunda, Angaston and Nuriootpa . Shiraz grapes are the Barossa Valley wine speciality. Our Barossa valley tours do stop for a wine tasting at a local winery . As we tour the Barossa valley , evidence of German settlers and their small settlements in the region is highlighted by place names such as Menglers hill , the stone cottages and Lutheran churches throughout the region.

Day 6: Adelaide

The last two days of this tour of Adelaide are spent back in the city, where there are plenty of things to do in Adelaide!

This portion of the Adelaide city tour examines the Victorian influence on the city and in particular the work of William Morris . William Morris was extremely influential on the arts and craft movement. Adelaide has the second largest collection of original William Morris & Co pieces in the Art Gallery of South Australia (the largest collection is held by the V&A in London). His biggest patron was a wealthy Adelaide family – the Barr-Smiths, who furnished 7 of their large houses with near continual shipments of rugs, stained glass windows, furniture, tapestries, wallpapers and furnishing fabrics sent from England. The Arts and Crafts period influenced many of the very large houses and their interiors designed in and around Adelaide city (Stirling in the Adelaide Hills has many of them) – Adelaide had many wealthy families at the time from Agricultural and mining booms in South Australia.

Our tour allows time to explore and Admire the Morris-designed stained-glass windows of St Augustine’s Anglican Church and All Souls Church as well as a guided tour of Ayers House is Adelaide’s finest Victorian-era home, and one of the last remaining grand 19th century residences that once lined the North Terrace cultural boulevard. At first a small cottage, the site evolved in several stages from a nine-roomed brick house built by chemist William Paxton in the early 1850s. Upon returning to England, Paxton leased the property to Henry Ayers, a fellow businessman poised to become one of the colony’s most wealthy and influential politicians and financiers. From 1855 to 1897 the house was extended in stages to encompass more than 40 rooms over a two-acre property. Henry and his wife Anne created an opulent home with fine furnishings and fixtures, most imported from England, that showcased the wealth and status they had acquired since emigrating in 1840. For 40 years, the house was central to Ayers’ family life and an entertainment destination for Adelaide’s social and political elite.

Day 7: Adelaide

This morning the group visits Carrick Hill is Australia’s most intact twentieth-century heritage house museum and garden. Aspects of its privately-collected French, British and Australian fine and decorative arts collection are of an international standard, including masterpieces of British modernism and fine examples of seventeenth-century furniture and house fittings. The garden, grounds, house and collections are all integral to the definition of Carrick Hill.

A very important aspect of the Haywards’, and thus Carrick Hill’s, influence on the cultural life of South Australia was through their patronage of the arts, in particular the visual arts. Both Ursula and Edward were keen collectors, and many works of art by contemporary European and Australian artists were on display in their home. We also have the opportunity to tour the gardens.

This afternoon the tour spends time in Art gallery of South Australia with the original William Morris works and a guide, as well as a time to view the exhibits.

This evening there is a farewell dinner.

Day 8: Adelaide

Tour concludes after Breakfast today.

Includes / Excludes

What’s included in the tour.

• 7 nights accomodation
• 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners.
• Transport by modern and comfortable coach.
• Entrances and sightseeing as specified.
• Services of Tour Leader for the duration of tour
• Detailed Preparatory Information

What’s not included in our Tour

• Return Domestic airfares
• Comprehensive travel insurance.
• Items of a personal nature, such as telephone calls and laundry

Participants must be able to carry their own luggage, climb and descend stairs, moderate walking on uneven surfaces between 3 - 5 kilometers per day. Suitable for most fitness levels

Make it a private tour

Easing your journey.

Crossing international borders with restrictions

The list of requirements to travel internationally has changed and will continue to change for several years. Odyssey is here to assist you in managing your way through these requirements:

For more information see our Crossing international borders with restrictions page.

Book With Confidence

If less than 30 days before your tour starts you are unable to travel as a result of Government travel restrictions, Odyssey Traveller will assist you with a date change, provide you with a credit or process a refund for your booking less any non-recoverable costs.

See Terms and conditions for details.

Peace of Mind Travel

The safety of our travellers, tour leader, local guide and support staff has always been our top priority and with the new guidelines for public health and safety for keeping safe for destinations around the world, we’ve developed our plan to give you peace of mind when travelling with us.

See Peace of Mind Travel for details.

Reading List Download PDF

Adelaide remember when.

Remember childhood visits to the Adelaide Zoo with a ride in the elephant cart? School lunches and a glass bottle of sun-warmed milk? spending Saturday night at Downtown or Tilt to play arcade games or go rollerskating? rides at Magic Mountain or Dazzleland, dances at local clubs with local bands, early TV shows and sleeping on the lawn on a hot Adelaide summer night? Adelaide Remember When is the city we remember, in pictures and words.

Adelaide A Brief History

Kathryn Gargett, Susan Marsden

On 7 February 1837 Colonel Light completed a sketch plan for the 'town of Adelaide'. This colourful book traces how this vision grew into the attractive and comfortable city we know today.

Photographs, illustrations, a chronology and a map of 'places to find' direct readers to Adelaide's distinctive features - its Aboriginal environment, its plan, its British foundations, its buildings and the growing enjoyment of its cultural diversity.

South Australia's Barossa Valley

Brian Lawrenson

The state of South Australia is Australia’s most productive wine area. It is also rich in history and artistically, culturally and scenically wonderful. This is the story of a couples exploration of the capital city, Adelaide, then follow them as they spend sevens days exploring three of the most developed wine regions: the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and the McLaren Vale. Their journey starts on The Ghan train from the centre of Australia and ends as they travel on the Indian Pacific intercontinental railway across Australia.

Conversations with winemakers: Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, South Australia

Christopher Barnes

The story of the Barossa Valley and the McLaren Vale in South Australia told through the voices of winemakers.

Cry Me A River: The Tragedy of the Murray-Darling Basin

Margaret Simons

The Murray-Darling Basin is the food bowl of Australia, and it's in trouble. What does this mean for the future - for water and crops, and for the people and towns that depend on it?

In Cry Me a River , acclaimed journalist Margaret Simons takes a trip through the Basin, all the way from Queensland to South Australia. She shows that its plight is environmental but also economic, and enmeshed in ideology and identity.

Her essay is both a portrait of the Murray-Darling Basin and an explanation of its woes. It looks at rural Australia and the failure of politics over decades to meet the needs of communities forced to bear the heaviest burden of change. Whether it is fish kills or state rivalries, drought or climate change, in the Basin our ability to plan for the future is being put to the test.

"The story of the Murray-Darling Basin ... is a story of our nation, the things that join and divide us. It asks whether our current systems - our society and its communities - can possibly meet the needs of the nation and the certainty of change. Is the Plan an honest compact, and is it fair? Can it work? Are our politics up to the task?"

The Ship That Never Was: The Greatest Escape Story Of Australian Colonial History

Adam Courtenay

The greatest escape story of Australian colonial history by the son of Australia’s best-loved storyteller

In 1823, cockney sailor and chancer James Porter was convicted of stealing a stack of beaver furs and transported halfway around the world to Van Diemen's Land. After several escape attempts from the notorious penal colony, Porter, who told authorities he was a 'beer-machine maker', was sent to Macquarie Harbour, known in Van Diemen's Land as hell on earth.

Many had tried to escape Macquarie Harbour; few had succeeded. But when Governor George Arthur announced that the place would be closed and its prisoners moved to the new penal station of Port Arthur, Porter, along with a motley crew of other prisoners, pulled off an audacious escape. Wresting control of the ship they'd been building to transport them to their fresh hell, the escapees instead sailed all the way to Chile. What happened next is stranger than fiction, a fitting outcome for this true-life picaresque tale.

The Ship That Never Was is the entertaining and rollicking story of what is surely the greatest escape in Australian colonial history. James Porter, whose memoirs were the inspiration for Marcus Clarke's For the Term of his Natural Life , is an original Australian larrikin whose ingenuity, gift of the gab and refusal to buckle under authority make him an irresistible anti-hero who deserves a place in our history.

The Kangaroo Islanders: A story of South Australia before colonisation 1823

W. A. Cawthorne

Written in the mid-1850s before any official or more orthodox history of the South Australian colony had appeared, The Kangaroo Islanders is one of the few colonial novels that represents in fleeting glimpses some of the improvisational and interactive encounters between the colonisers and the colonised on the edges of the island continent.

A remarkable and colourful book, this novel represents life on Kangaroo Island in the period between 1802–1836. Rick Hosking has annotated the book extensively with absorbing historical information and fascinating details of personalities and events, making this new edition of The Kangaroo Islanders a delight for both fiction fans and history buffs. And art lovers too, for the book includes pages of many of W.A. Cawthorne’s best watercolours, reproduced in colour.

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Who can take the tour?

Odyssey Traveller’s holidays to Adelaide small group tours are designed for mature and senior travellers. Typically, our clients begin travelling with us in their mid-50s, but we’ve had clients in their 80s travel with us!

If you’re concerned about your health or mobility, you may want to look at our tour activity levels before you book with us. Our tour of Adelaide is graded Level 1 – Introductory to Moderate meaning that the tour is suitable for most fitness levels. Bear in mind that:

Participants must be able to carry their own luggage, climb and descend stairs, moderate walking on uneven surfaces for 3 – 5 kilometres per day.

Is Adelaide safe?

Absolutely! In 2013, South Australia ‘s Adelaide was ranked Australia ‘s safest city and consistently ranks as one of the World’s most liveable cities .

Does it snow in Adelaide?

Very rarely. It never snows in the city centre, but areas in the Adelaide Hills, particularly Mt Lofty, might see snow every 5-10 years. Click here for a charming collection of photos of the Adelaide Hills under 15cms of snow in the 1950s.

In general, South Australia Adelaide has a mild Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry long summers and mild winters, though wind chill makes the weather sometimes feel much colder than it really is! June is the wettest month, though Adelaide is the driest Australian city.

Reflecting Adelaide’s and the regional areas generally mild weather, Odyssey Traveller is offering tours from August through to November this year, and from February onward in 2021.

How big is Adelaide Australia?

In 2018, Adelaide had a population of 1,345,777, making it the 5th biggest city in Australia.

What is Adelaide known for?

Adelaide is the capital of South Australia and known for its festivals, incredible food and premium wine regions just a short drive from the centre of town.

Why is Adelaide so popular?

Besides its many festivals and sporting events, its nearby wine regions and multicultural environment, it is also South Australia’s government and commercial centre, Adelaide is the site of many governmental and financial institutions.

Articles about Adelaide and surrounds

Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale Wine Regions, South Australia

This small group tour for mature and senior travellers for couples and solo travellers in Adelaide takes time to explore the two major wine-growing regions of South Australia , the Barossa Valley and the McLaren Vale.

Exploring the museums of Port Adelaide, South Australia

8 days exploring Adelaide city and surrounds on small group tour for mature and senior travellers, couples and solo travellers visiting include Port Adelaide, The Barossa valley and Mclaren Vale and Fleurieu Peninsula.

History of the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia

Fleurieu Peninsula is part of a small group tour of Adelaide for mature and senior travellers seeking to travel as a couple or as a solo traveller . The Peninsula is historically important, click through to learn... It is also where you will find Mclaren Vale .

Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Kangaroo Island is reached from Adelaide for a short break tours or view our small group tours of South Australia and/or Adelaide for senior and mature travellers.

Short history of Adelaide, Australia

The capital of South Australia , Adelaide has a fascinating and distinctive history as the only Australian state without a convict past. On both of these small group tours ; Adelaide or the Flinders ranges we explore and learn about this city.

William Morris at the Art Gallery of South Australia

Adelaide has the Morris & Co. collection at the Art Gallery of South Australia , the world's second biggest collection of Morris decorative arts after the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Learn more on this small group tour for mature travellers.

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THE 10 BEST Adelaide Tours & Excursions

Tours in adelaide.

• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Ports of Call Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Barossa Valley Wineries Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Adelaide

2. Barossa Valley Cellar Door Small Group Tour

3. Kangaroo Island in a Day Tour from Adelaide

4. Barossa Valley Inc Maggie Beers & Hahndorf (German Village)

5. Adelaide Hills Tour with River Murray Lunch Cruise

6. Hop-On Hop-Off Barossa Valley Wine Region Tour from Adelaide

7. Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour

8. McLaren Vale Winery Small Group Tour with Wine Tasting and Lunch

9. Adelaide Scenic E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting

10. Barossa Valley Full-Day Tour

11. Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tour Adelaide

12. Victor Harbor and Fleurieu Peninsula Tour

13. Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour

14. McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon)

15. Full-Day Tour in South Australia Highlights

16. Ultimate Adelaide Walking Tour

17. Small Group Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Hideaway Tour from Adelaide

18. Ultimate Adelaide City and Hahndorf Tour

19. Wine Tasting and Lunch Private Tour in McLaren Vale

20. Hahndorf and Adelaide Hills Hop-On Hop-Off Winery Tour from City

21. Torrens River Cruise in Adelaide

22. Adelaides Dark Secrets True Crime Tours

23. 2 day Ultimate Kangaroo Island with return ferry

24. One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide

25. Barossa and Hahndorf Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour

26. Adelaide City Highlights with Hahndorf and Mt. Lofty

27. Full Day Private Barossa Valley Wine Tour

28. 3-Day Kangaroo Island Adventure Tour

29. Guided Walking Tour in Adelaide

30. Murray River Day Trip from Adelaide Including Lunch Cruise aboard the Proud Mary

What travellers are saying.

• Victor Camilo G Brisbane, Australia 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Just a great experience overall The tour had a good itinerary and good choices of wineries. The wineries were beautiful, and the wine was really good. The stops along the way were interesting and added a charm to the tour. The tour guide, Brian, was funny and very friendly, he went above and beyond to make the experience great. The bus was comfortable too, which is useful when a good chunk of the day is spent on the bus. I definitely recommend it. Read more Review of: Barossa Valley Wineries Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Adelaide Written 29 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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18 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Adelaide

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 22, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Elegant, culture-rich Adelaide sits between the rugged south coast of Australia and the foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges. European immigrants founded this tidy capital of South Australia, and its layout was carefully crafted around the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri, imparting a welcome sense of order balanced by a laid-back vibe.

Exploring Adelaide is rewarding for all kinds of travelers. The city's wide boulevards seem refreshingly uncrowded, and Adelaide's affluent heritage, financed by mining and agriculture, is still proudly on display. Magnificent private mansions and grand public buildings command an important place amid the modern high-rises. Museums, galleries, gardens, and gourmet restaurants are some of the city's finest treasures, and culture vultures can indulge in opera, symphony, and a flourishing live music scene.

Nature is never far away from Adelaide. Parklands ring the city, and a short drive from the CBD, bucolic landscapes and sparkling beaches provide a picturesque playground for outdoorsy locals and lucky tourists. Discover some of the best places to visit in this vibrant state capital with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Adelaide.

See also: Where to Stay in Adelaide

1. Get a Culture Fix along North Terrace

2. wander through adelaide botanic garden, 3. find inspiration at the art gallery of south australia, 4. take a tour of adelaide oval, 5. south australian museum, 6. state library of south australia, 7. shop at adelaide central market, 8. soak up the sea air at glenelg, 9. meet the pandas at adelaide zoo, 10. feed kangaroos at cleland wildlife park, 11. catch a performance at adelaide festival centre, 12. ayers historic house museum, 13. people-watch at victoria square, 14. spend a day at port adelaide, 15. visit the migration museum, 16. take a day trip to the barossa valley or clare valley, 17. book a getaway to the fleurieu peninsula, 18. find your inner german on a hahndorf day trip, where to stay in adelaide for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in adelaide, adelaide, australia - climate chart.

A handsome tree-lined boulevard graced by historic and cultural treasures, North Terrace is a great place to kick off a city tour. Exploring all the attractions here is one of the top things to do in Adelaide's CBD (central business district).

Parliament House, at the intersection of King William Street and North Terrace, is perhaps the most imposing building in Adelaide with its monumental colonnade. Just down the street, cheek by cheek, the State Library of South Australia , the South Australian Museum , and the Art Gallery of South Australia offer a triple dose of art and culture and are three of the city's top tourist attractions.

Bordering these, the main campus of the University of Adelaide hosts the Mitchell Building, one of the city's finest examples of Gothic Revival style.

Other North Terrace treasures include the Migration Museum; Ayer's Historic House; and the Adelaide Botanic Garden , a green thumb's dream.

Wander through the wrought-iron gates at the east end of North Terrace and enter a wonderland of botanical treasures. Established in 1855, Adelaide Botanic Garden features educational themed plantings, including medicinal plants, a Mediterranean garden, Australian native species, and a wetland designed to sequester enough water to eventually irrigate the entire grounds.

The Santos Museum of Economic Botany provides insight on the important role plants play in everyday life through a series of permanent collections. Other garden favorites include the palm house; the Bicentennial Conservatory, with lowland rainforest plants; the night-flowering Amazonica water lilies; and Australia's oldest avenue of Moreton Bay fig trees. Kids will love the Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden complete with fruit and veggies, compost, and a worm farm.

Exploring these beautiful gardens is one of the best things to do in Adelaide for free.

Ready for more garden gazing? Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is also worth a visit to see its impressive collection of cool climate plants and heritage rose garden. And if you're seeking a little pocket of peace in the CBD, head to Himeji Garden . This carefully tended Japanese Zen garden is an oasis of lily-topped ponds, artfully placed stepping stones, and the soothing sounds of trickling water.

Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia

Official site: https://www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/visit/adelaide-botanic-garden

In the heart of Adelaide's cultural precinct, the Art Gallery of South Australia exhibits one of Australia's finest art collections. The elegant, colonnaded Victorian building, established in 1881, sets the tone for the esteemed works within its walls.

Spanning 2,000 years, the collection crosses all mediums, from sculpture, paintings, textiles, metalwork, and photographs to ceramics, jewelry, and furniture.

The Australian collection spans the colonial days to the present, including Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander art. European works highlight pieces from the Renaissance to the present day, and Asian exhibits include Australia's only dedicated Islamic gallery. Important North American pieces are also on display, as well as some evocative avant-garde sculptures.

Official site: http://www.artgallery.sa.gov.au/agsa/home

Stadiums aren't always a top attraction in a capital city, but Aussies love their sports, and this venue is an important part of the city's history.

Sitting in the center of Adelaide's attractive Riverbank Precinct, the stadium was established in 1871 and hosted its first test cricket match in 1884. Since its founding, the stadium has played host to more than 16 different sports, including AFL, archery, cycling, hockey, lacrosse, and tennis, as well as music concerts and major events.

A multi-million-dollar renovation completed in 2014 revitalized the venue, but it still features the old heritage-listed scoreboard and century-old Moreton Bay fig trees.

If you have time, try to buy tickets for a sporting match or event here. Cricket fans should make a beeline for the Bradman Museum to see memorabilia on the life of Australia's most famous cricketer.

Official site: https://www.adelaideoval.com.au/

The South Australian Museum, adjacent to the State Library , is a top research facility renowned for its Aboriginal heritage collections. In addition to the excellent Australian collection, you can admire artifacts from the South Pacific Islands in the permanent Pacific Cultures Gallery, gaze upon Egyptian antiquities, and learn about local flora and fauna in the South Australian Biodiversity Gallery.

Children love the natural history exhibits with stuffed specimens, fossils, and skeletons, and special exhibits mean there's always something new to see. This museum is one of the top things to do for free in this culture-rich city – especially if you're looking for indoor activities in Adelaide.

Official site: http://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/

The State Library of South Australia surprises first-time visitors with its dramatic juxtaposition of old and new. The contemporary Spence Wing , with its sharp lines and glass-fronted entrance, offers modern facilities and free Wi-Fi.

From here, ask for directions to the original library, housed in the adjacent 1884 French Renaissance building known as the Mortlock Wing . Entering this grand old space is like stepping back in time. Multi-tiered galleries beckon high above, edged by elaborate wrought iron balustrades, and ladders reach up to leather-bound books neatly propped in the wooden shelves. Highlighting this flashback to libraries of old is a stream of natural light flooding through the glass dome in the roof.

The Mortlock Wing is also worth a visit for its special collection of works on the history of South Australia. Here, you can learn about the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of this land. Be sure to also look for the Kaurna greeting stone at the entrance to the Spence Wing, among other artworks outside.

Address: North Terrace and Kintore Avenue, Adelaide

Official site: http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm

A few paces west of Victoria Square , on the south side of Grote Street, the Adelaide Central Market is one of the oldest indoor markets in the world . Founded in 1870, these colorful markets are a hot spot for shoppers. Come here to buy everything from fresh fruit and veggies, flowers, and baked goods to cheeses and a mouthwatering array of multicultural culinary treats.

After browsing the produce-packed stalls, enjoy a meal at one of the many cafés in the area or the Asian restaurants in nearby Chinatown , and don't forget to bring your own shopping bags or baskets.

The markets are open Tuesday through Saturday. But for the best bargains, try to be here Saturday afternoons, when some vendors slash prices to move their produce.

Location: Between Gouger and Grote Street, Adelaide, South Australia

Official site: http://www.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/

In the sheltered and surf-free Gulf St. Vincent, the seaside village of Glenelg is a popular escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. To get here, most visitors opt for the 25-minute trip on Adelaide's only surviving tram, which departs from Victoria Square in the city center.

As well as its beach appeal and many tourist attractions, Glenelg has a fascinating history. The first group of free settlers disembarked from HMS Buffalo in Holdfast Bay here, making this the oldest European settlement on mainland South Australia.

Sidewalk cafés, boutique hotels, and lively summer entertainment create a holiday feel. Looking for Adelaide attractions for families? Kids can catch their thrills at The Beachouse , an amusement park packed with rides, including a giant waterslide, bumper boats, and Ferris wheel.

Those seeking a quieter visit can bask on the beach or cast a fishing line off the pier. Sailing and swimming with dolphins are other popular things to do in Glenelg.

Adjoining the Adelaide Botanical Gardens on the northwest, the Adelaide Zoo is much loved for its educational focus and charismatic collection of animals. It was established in the late 19th century.

Giant pandas are the stars here, delighting young and old alike. Other popular residents include the orangutans, koalas, meerkats, lemurs, and the colorful feathered friends in the aviary. Also make sure you stop by the Envirodome , an interactive visitor center with a vertical garden and terrarium.

Enhance your visit by signing up for an interactive animal experience. Choose from a lion or tiger encounter; mingle with meerkats, lemurs, or red pandas; come face to face with a giraffe; and more.

Looking for things to do in Adelaide with toddlers? They'll love the petting zoo, where they can cuddle, kiss, and feed a cast of furry and feathery farmyard friends, as well as kangaroos, quokkas, and wallabies.

A visit here is one of the most popular things to do in Adelaide for families, and it's only a 10-minute walk from the Adelaide CBD (central business district).

Address: Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia

Official site: http://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/

Cleland Wildlife Park cares for a cute and cuddly bunch of Aussie animals in a naturalistic environment. You won't find many enclosures here. Instead, kangaroos, wallabies, potoroos, and emus roam freely in the wide-open spaces, and you can wander among them, feed them, and enjoy close-up encounters.

Photographers will have a chance to capture some excellent shots, and the interactive keeper presentations provide interesting details about the animals and their habitats. For an extra fee, you can cuddle a koala and take home a souvenir photo.

Cleland Animal Park lies less than a 20-minute drive from the city center on the northwestern slopes of Mount Lofty. It's one of the most popular things to do in the Adelaide Hills.

Address: 365 Mount Lofty Summit Road, Crafers, South Australia

Official site: https://www.clelandwildlifepark.sa.gov.au/

A five-minute walk from North Terrace and Rundle Mall , the Adelaide Festival Centre excites both locals and tourists with its lively cultural calendar. It was Australia's first multi-functional arts venue, and its white tent-like roof structure is a distinctive landmark along the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri.

In addition to the large 2,000-seat Festival Theatre, the venue is home to several smaller theaters, a banquet room, light-filled gallery, and an amphitheater for concerts and recitals.

The center hosts the highly regarded Adelaide Festival of Arts , also known as the Adelaide Festival , with theater, opera, ballet, exhibitions, lectures, and readings by writers. Those who don't have time to attend an event can join a behind-the-scenes tour of the dressing rooms and performance spaces.

Ample parking and easy accessibility enhance the appeal of this multi-faceted venue.

Address: King William Street, Adelaide, South Australia

Official site: http://www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/

Ayers House is one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in Australia. Originally a modest house built in 1846, it was owned from 1855 to 1878 by Henry Ayers, who for many years was prime minister of South Australia. Ayers transformed it into an elegant 40-room mansion with a large new dining room and a ballroom.

It now belongs to the National Trust of South Australia and is a popular event venue, but you are welcome to view the house on a guided tour. During the tour, you'll learn fascinating tidbits about the social history of the period, as well as the life and work of Sir Henry Ayers.

The interior is famed for its decorative painted finishes on the internal walls and ceilings. On display is a superb collection of period decorative arts, furniture, silver, and artwork, as well as changing exhibitions.

Address: 288 North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia

Official site: http://www.ayershousemuseum.org.au/

In the heart of the city, at the intersection with Grote Street and Wakefield Street, King William Street opens out into the revamped Victoria Square, also known by its Aboriginal name, Tarndanyangga. This event venue, with beautifully laid out gardens, is a popular meeting place, and it's a great spot to hang out and watch the world go by.

Children squeal with delight as they run in and out of the fountains. Workers come here for a picnic lunch, and many events and festivals are held here throughout the year.

In the shadow of the modern high-rise blocks (among them the Hilton Adelaide ), a few handsome 19th-century buildings have been preserved. On the south side, stands the imposing Magistrates' Courthouse (1851) with a Doric colonnade, and the Neoclassical Supreme Court (1868). On the east side of Victoria Square lies the Treasury Building adjoining the Town Hall , and St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (1856-1926).

Other features of the square include a statue of Queen Victoria and a charming fountain by John Dowie, with figures representing the three principal rivers of South Australia: the Murray, the Torrens, and the Onkaparinga.

Victoria Square also hosts the popular Adelaide Central Market , and the city's only surviving tram departs from the square to the seaside suburb of Glenelg .

North of Victoria Square, the busy pedestrian-only Rundle Mall runs east from King William Street, lined with large department stores, boutiques, and arcades.

Port Adelaide is a popular tourist destination, with museums, restaurants, and well-preserved heritage buildings. You'll find it about 14 kilometers northwest of the city center.

Much of the town is a State Heritage Area, and a number of imposing 19th-century buildings bear witness to this city's early prosperity as a thriving port. Key landmarks include the 1879 Customs House and the Courthouse.

Looking for things to do with the family? Top tourist attractions include dolphin-spotting cruises and a clutch of intriguing transport-themed museums, including a National Railway Museum; South Australian Aviation Museum; and the South Australian Maritime Museum, where you can browse interesting exhibits on the region's seafaring history.

Seafood lovers head to the Fishermen's Wharf Markets on Sundays to buy fresh-caught fish straight from the boats.

The Migration Museum, housed in a beautifully restored building behind the State Library, traces three centuries of immigration history in South Australia. From Aboriginal history before colonization to the impact of immigration on their culture and local communities, you can gain insight into the pioneering spirit and diverse cultures that changed the face of South Australia.

Personal stories of some of the immigrants infuse a poignant note to this worthwhile museum, and the interactive displays will keep the kids entertained. Admission is free, except for certain special events and exhibitions.

Address: 82 Kintore Ave, Adelaide, South Australia

Settled by Prussian and English immigrants, the Barossa Valley is about an hour's drive from Adelaide airport and is one of Australia's oldest grape-growing regions. Foodies will be in heaven here with the plethora of fresh produce and fabulous restaurants.

In addition to all the gastronomic delights, other things to do in the Barossa Valley , include heritage trails, cookery schools, craft stores, galleries, and museums.

A little farther afield, the rolling green hills of the Clare Valley also nurture a rich grape-growing history and thriving gourmet food culture.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Barossa Valley

Less than hour's drive south of Adelaide's city center, the Fleurieu Peninsula is one of Adelaide's most popular coastal day trip destinations. Rolling hills, farms, fantastic surf beaches, and upscale dining lure foodies and city slickers looking for a slower pace.

Victor Harbour is the largest and one of the most popular towns along this rugged peninsula. From here, you can hop aboard a seasonal whale-watching cruise or fishing charter, surf one of the south coast swells, cast a line from one of the windswept beaches, or take a horse-drawn tram to Granite Island with its dwindling colony of Little Penguins.

Goolwa, by the Murray River, is another popular peninsula town, as are the inland towns of Strathalbyn and Mount Compass.

In the beautiful Adelaide Hills , about 20 minutes from the city center, Hahndorf is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement. It was established in 1839 by German Protestants from East Prussia. Tree-lined streets, half-timbered houses, and steeple-topped Lutheran churches imbue the town with a European village charm, and the many farms and German restaurants will delight foodies.

A great place to start a tour is the former 1857 schoolhouse, which houses the visitor center and the Hahndorf Academy, an art gallery spotlighting local artists.

Hahndorf is famed for one of its talented residents, Sir Hans Heysen (1877-1968), a German-born landscape artist who came to Australia in 1883 and later built an Alpine-style house on the outskirts of Hahndorf. Today, you can take a guided tour of his home and studio, known as The Cedars, stroll through the colorful gardens, and view some of his paintings.

You can easily spend a relaxing day in this charming village, sightseeing, picking fruit at nearby farms, browsing the craft shops and galleries, and dining at the excellent restaurants.

Most of Adelaide's top attractions are centered around North Terrace on the south bank of the River Torrens, and this is where you'll find the best luxury and mid-range hotels. Budget accommodation typically tends to be a little farther out but still within easy reach of the prime sightseeing spots. You'll also find some great affordable options around North Adelaide, near Adelaide Oval and the zoo.

Luxury Hotels:

• Steps from Rundle Mall, in the heart of the city, the boutique Mayfair Hotel occupies a 19th-century heritage building. Rooms are contemporary, with plush beds, rainfall showers, and sleek decor. Guests mingle at the French cafe and rooftop terrace, and the weekend high tea is a treat.
• On North Terrace, The Playford - MGallery by Sofitel exudes Art Nouveau charm. Chandeliers grace the upscale restaurant, and guests keep fit at the 24-hour health club and heated indoor pool. The pillow menu is a posh perk.
• Also on North Terrace, the InterContinental Adelaide is less than a minute from Adelaide train station. The rooms come with city or river views and marble bathrooms. Dining options range from Japanese teppanyaki and sushi to an inviting riverside restaurant.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Convenient for families and longer stays, the Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury occupies an elegant historic building near Victoria Square. The studios and apartments come with kitchens, and the excellent facilities include a central courtyard and indoor pool.
• Within walking distance of city attractions, shops, and restaurants, Majestic Roof Garden Hotel offers spacious rooms and a lovely rooftop garden. Suites add separate living areas and kitchens.
• At the Adabco Boutique Hotel in a heritage building nearby, guests have access to a communal kitchen and laundry facilities.

Budget Hotels:

• Light flows in through floor-to-ceiling windows at the Ibis Adelaide , and the rooms come with free Wi-Fi.
• At the artsy and modern Majestic Minima Hotel , the petite rooms are individually decorated, and you can walk to Adelaide Oval and the zoo.
• A little farther afield, in North Adelaide, Princes Lodge Motel offers peaceful park views, a couple of kilometers from city center attractions.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Scenic South Australia: Once you've seen the best of Adelaide, you'll find plenty of other things to do in South Australia . Less than an hour from the city, you can explore the bucolic scenery of the Barossa Valley , one of the country's top grape-growing regions and a haven for foodies. If you're looking for an escape to nature, Kangaroo Island ticks all the boxes, with abundant wildlife, fantastic hiking trails, and one of Australia's best beaches . Other top South Australia tourist attractions include the sparkling Fleurieu Peninsula, the pink-hued peaks of the Flinders Ranges, and the wild and windswept Eyre Peninsula.

More Aussie Adventures: If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, see our article on the Top-Rated Outdoor Adventures in Australia . For tips on where to cast your line, our article on Australia's best fishing destinations is worth a look, and if you want to explore the country's spectacular scenery on foot, consult our page on the top hikes in Australia .

More on Australia

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See the light: Illuminate Adelaide fires up for 2024

Singing Renaissance portraits on the Art Gallery of SA facade, a fiery night-time ‘wonderland’ in the Botanic Garden and prehistoric creatures roaming Adelaide Zoo will be among highlights of the 2024 Illuminate Adelaide festival, which launches its full program today.

This will be the fourth year of Illuminate Adelaide, with the line-up for the annual winter festival encompassing free and ticketed events seeking to showcase the magic that can happen when art, light, music and technology converge.

The centrepiece of creative directors Rachael Azzopardi and Lee Cumberlidge’s July 4-21 program is the previously announced Fire Gardens , a fresh iteration of the popular event presented by French artistic collective Compagnie Carabosse in the Botanic Garden during the 2020 Adelaide Festival.

Compagnie Carabosse’s Fire Gardens . Photo: Andrew Beveridge

Taking place across 12 nights, Fire Gardens features thousands of “fire pots”, candlelit archways and flaming sculptures, as well as live music. Azzopardi and Cumberlidge say it will be much larger than the event audiences saw previously, extending into new spaces such as the Bicentennial Conservatory.

Adjacent to the Botanic Garden will be Illuminate’s pop-up night-time food and drink hub Base Camp in its new location at Lot Fourteen, where visitors will find bars, firepits and live performances across the site’s laneways.

A highlight of the free City Lights trail of immersive installations and activations will be Grand Mix , which will see Renaissance portraits come to life on the façade of the Art Gallery of South Australia. The sound and light show by French company Inook uses deepfake AI and has been presented at art museums and galleries across Europe – including the Museum of Fine Arts in Lyon (see video below) , where thousands gathered to watch and join in as the projected portraits “sang” hits by artists ranging from Serge Gainsbourg to Britney Spears and Eminem.

In Adelaide, Grand Mix will feature artworks from AGSA’s Reimagining the Renaissance exhibition, which opens the same month, and Azzopardi and Cumberlidge say the soundtrack will be almost all Australian pop and rock anthems.

Other City Lights works will include The World Has Gone Pear Shaped (Tine Bech Studio), a 6m-tall inflatable structure featuring detailed 3D images from NASA, which will be on the War Memorial lawns; Ngarrindjeri Ruwi (Tjarutja Dance Theatre Collective Project), which brings to life the Ngarrindjeri story of Kondoli the whale on the State Library forecourt; and ChronoHARP (Amigo & Amigo), a giant harp-inspired instrument of light and colour at Festival Plaza that will react to human movement.

Adelaide Zoo will once again light up after dark with a new experience ­– this time featuring prehistoric creatures from land and sea recreated through puppetry and installations by creative studios Erth and A Blanck Canvas. The program says visitors to Universal Kingdom: Prehistoric Nights will be able to “wander in a sea of floating bioluminescent jellyfish, see playful Plesiosaurs frolic with their hatchlings, and even come eye-to-eye with Australia’s own sharp-toothed Megaraptor…”

Berlin design studio flora&faunavisions’ “digital garden” EDEN will bloom across the 150sqm of LED screens of the Light Room at ILA in Light Square, with interactive technology enabling audiences to create flowers and change the whimsical landscape, while Adelaide’s Patch Theatre will present its new interactive light-play show Superliminal at the SA Museum.

A digital garden of EDEN will take over the LED screens in ILA’s Light Room. Photo: Lacey Wright

A highlight of Illuminate’s music program will be Dutch musician Joep Beving, who is described as one of the most-streamed living pianists in the world. He will perform music from his latest album Hermetism at the July 18 show at Her Majesty’s Theatre, which is co-presented by Adelaide Festival Centre and will be the first stop on his Australian tour.

“I played my last show down under in March 2020, moments before the lockdown,” Beving says. “There was a zebra on stage that night in Adelaide. I realise this will be difficult to top. But we’ll do our best by bringing a beautiful light installation designed by artist Boris Acket especially for the show.”

The Unsound Adelaide experimental music festival will return to the Dom Polski Centre during Illuminate with a line-up that includes British artist Lee Gamble, who will bring his latest album to the stage through a collaboration with Spanish choreographer and “action artist” Candela Capitán; former Sonic Youth member Kim Gordon; British ambient musician The Caretaker; Japanese multi-instrumentalist Eiko Ishibashi, with producer and musician Jim O’Rourke; and Norwegian saxophonist and performance artist Bendik Giske.

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Also in the West End, at Nexus Arts, will be Fill the Earth – a performance installation from Finnish-born director and choreographer Juha Vanhakartano that will be presented with 12 SA-based contemporary dancers, sculptors, lighting designers and performance artists and see a series of cryptic scenes exploring “tragi-comic rituals” play out on a round stage.

Azzopardi and Cumberlidge, in a statement accompanying the program launch, say the 2024 Illuminate Adelaide program features “some of the most exciting creative innovators and artists the world has to offer”.

“And we can’t wait for July when they will brighten our winter with installations, projections, performances and immersive experiences across the city for a full 18 nights.”

Illuminate Adelaide will take place from July 4-21, with the full program now online .

The World Has Gone Pear-Shaped – Tine Bech Studio’s inflatable pear is coming to the War Memorial lawns during Illuminate Adelaide. Photo: Greg Franklin

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Compagnie Carabosse’s Fire Gardens . Photo: Andrew Beveridge

A digital garden of EDEN will take over the LED screens in ILA’s Light Room. Photo: Lacey Wright

The World Has Gone Pear-Shaped – Tine Bech Studio’s inflatable pear is coming to the War Memorial lawns during Illuminate Adelaide. Photo: Greg Franklin

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We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of New South Wales stands.

Travel and Luxury Draw 2024

Nice, France

Congratulations to the winners of our annual Travel and Luxury Draw fundraiser for Art Gallery members.

This year, our fabulous first prize is a travel package from Renaissance Tours, plus there are seven other fantastic prize packages from 24 generous prize supporters and a total prize pool of over $50,000.

Thank you to everyone who entered. Every dollar raised from ticket purchases goes towards supporting the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Prize winners

1st prize winner: Ana-Sofia Petrovic

2nd prize winner: Anne Skyvington

3rd prize winner: Katherine Dixon

4th prize winner: Priscilla Guest

5th prize winner: David Sice

6th prize winner: Theresa Gin

7th prize winner: Jennifer Jones

8th prize winner: Deb Sander

First prize: Luxury holiday

Our first prize is a  World Art Tour  for two people in 2024 courtesy of our prize sponsor and travel partner  Renaissance Tours .

The lucky prize winner will have the opportunity to choose from a range of unique international destinations, including France, Spain, India, Scotland, Japan, Georgia and Albania. On a World Art Tour enjoy the company of like-minded art lovers and expert tour leaders, meticulously researched itineraries with exclusive access to people and places, and the peace of mind knowing that all arrangements are taken care of, including accommodation, sightseeing and most meals.

When you travel on a members World Art Tour with Renaissance Tours you will have an enriching experience led by knowledgeable art experts.

Prize value: $30,000

Taormina, Sicily, Italy

Second prize: Fashion

Elevate your wardrobe and step out in style with our second prize package.

Embrace the enchantment of opals with a $5000 Opal Minded voucher. Established 1989, Opal Minded is a high-end jewellery boutique dedicated exclusively to Australian opals. Located in The Rocks, Opal Minded offers the finest quality, ethically sourced opals from its very own mines situated in the remote Jundah-Opalville in Queensland, as well as from other renowned mines. Express yourself with a timeless opal jewel designed by esteemed Dr Renata Bernard.

Enjoy a bespoke VIP styling experience and a $2500 gift voucher to spend with iconic Australian brand  Oroton . You can choose from Oroton’s large range of designer leather bags, wallets, luxury jewellery, must-have fashion accessories and the current ready-to-wear collection.

Receive a $1500 voucher to spend at  Dioptics The Studio . Located in King Street Sydney, Dioptics is passionate about providing a unique optical retail experience focused on premium products and personalised fittings. Their optical ranges are a voyage in discovery – personally handpicked and sourced through travelling around the world.

Discover luxury cutting-edge skincare with  La Prairie , your skin will feel nourished with their rich and velvety Skin Caviar Luxe Cream. Fusing Caviar Micro-Nutrients and Caviar Premier for the first time, this luxurious cream aims to support skin’s metabolic activities to restore its youthful structure.  

Prize value: $9875

Third prize: Indulgence

Indulge in special tasting experiences, premium champagne, spirits and fine chocolates in our third prize package.

Savour a delectable tasting at the  Mount Pleasant Wines  Hunter Valley winery with chief winemaker Adrian Sparks. Enjoy lunch prepared by head chef Kyle Whitbourne paired with an O’Shea premium tasting experience for four guests. This special wine-tasting showcases four of the greatest vintages of the last 20 years. Plus, each guest takes home a copy of  The Wine Hunter  by Campbell Mattinson. 

Enjoy an exclusive experience on board  Regent Seven Seas Cruises ®  Seven Seas Explorer® . The prize winner and three guests will be treated to a gourmet three-course lunch and ship tour aboard the luxury ship when she docks in Sydney in December 2024 or January 2025. Part of The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™,  Seven Seas Explorer®  is designed to impress, with state-of-the-art deluxe fittings and a US$7 million art collection including pieces by Chagall and Picasso.

Toast to shared moments together with a Moët & Chandon liquid gold celebration pack which includes one Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Magnum and six Moët & Chandon gold glass goblets.

Hendrick’s Gin proudly invites you to enjoy G & Tea Time with the luxurious Hendrick’s Hotel limited edition gift box. Receive a beautiful Hendrick’s porcelain high tea set featuring a bespoke teapot with six matching teacups and six saucers, accompanied by a bottle of Hendrick’s Original Gin.

Haigh’s Chocolates  is Australia’s oldest family-owned chocolate maker. Haigh’s   have been making chocolate in Adelaide since 1915 and are committed to the art of premium chocolate-making. This $150 chocolate hamper is filled to the brim with a selection of the finest milk and dark chocolates. 

Prize value: $2950

Fourth prize: Encore

Delight in some of Australia’s best music, opera and theatre with our fourth prize package.

Exhilarating music heard live can be a life-changing experience, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra 2024 season is full of unforgettable moments that simply must be experienced live. Receive a six-ticket flexible package which includes six premium tickets to be redeemed on any SSO concert(s) in 2024.

In 2024 something great’s happening on that magic corner stage at  Belvoir Street Theatre .  There are stories of Sydney and the other side of the world. There are big dreams, messy families, secret lives, epic journeys. Receive a four-play subscription for two people to their   2024 season. 

Immerse yourself in the emotional highs and action-packed plot of  Tosca’s  taut tale of passion and betrayal. This five-star production has all the drama and scale of an epic theatrical experience. Tosca will have you up on your feet. Receive two A-Reserve tickets to this epic performance at the Sydney Opera House courtesy of  Opera Australia .  

Experience the collision of genius: Christopher Wheeldon’s Oscar © fuses Oscar Wilde’s wit with awe-inspiring ballet, an artistic masterpiece in the making, exclusively for The Australian Ballet’s repertoire. Enjoy two A-Reserve tickets to Oscar at the Sydney Opera House in November 2024, courtesy of Herbert Smith Freehills .

Prize value: $2734

Fifth prize: Regional escape

Enjoy some time out to relax and unwind with our regional escape prize package. 

Experience everything  Bundanon  has to offer with an exclusive overnight package including meals and beverages, museum tours and stay in the Bridge, its award winning accommodation. Be immersed in Bundanon’s unique artistic history and creative offerings with a weekend-long tailored itinerary, including private tours of its renowned architecture award winning art museum, world-class art exhibitions, historic Homestead and Arthur Boyd’s Studio. Enjoy fine-dining highlighting sustainable and quality produce from the South Coast region at the Ramox Café and restaurant.

Travel in style with high-quality, durable and design focused luggage from  Crumpler . Receive a matching set of Crumpler’s iconic Vis-à-Vis hard-shell suitcases (cabin and check-in) and a crossbody bag, for a travel bundle like no other, suitable for any and all travelling needs.

Prize value: $2230

Sixth prize: City escape

Have the ultimate accommodation and fine-dining experience with this fantastic prize package.

Experience a world of metropolitan luxury with your stay at the gorgeous heritage-listed art deco hotel  Kimpton Margot Sydney . Enjoy a two-night stay in a superb King Bed Suite, two cocktails upon arrival in the 1940s surrounds of the Wilmot Bar, a delicious breakfast for two people at the one-hat awarded restaurant, Luke’s Kitchen. With added luxuries to inspire your stay, such as a leisurely late check-out, a welcome amenity and Kimpton's social perks, like complimentary Social Wine Hour, Lekker bikes, morning kick-start herbal teas. Oh, and your pets can stay for free with you too! 

Embark on a culinary journey through Middle Eastern and North African flavours at  AALIA restaurant with a $500 dining voucher. Their menu showcases the rich cultural tapestry of this region, from raw dishes and mezze to mains and sides, each representing a particular region, or specific era of Arabian culture.

Cafe Sydney is the quintessential Sydney dining experience, capturing the essence of the harbour city with unparalleled views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House from its rooftop location at Customs House. The restaurant offers an immersive dining experience with a carefully curated menu designed around the best produce of the season, accompanied by an award-winning Australian wine list. Delight in a $350 voucher to spend lunch or dinner, indoor or terrace dining, while taking all that Sydney Harbour has to offer.

Indulge with a $250 voucher to spend at your choice of restaurants at the Art Gallery of New South Wales courtesy of the Fresh Collective . Enjoy lunch or dinner at either Crafted by Matt Moran in the South Building or at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells in the North Building.

Prize value: $2100

Seventh prize: Home

Upgrade your home with beautiful linen, tableware, homewares and books with this wonderful prize package.

Have the sleep of your dreams with a $1000 voucher courtesy of Bed Threads . Choose from their range of luxurious French 100% flax-linen bedding, ultra-comfortable sleepwear, thoughtfully curated homewares, elevated tableware and a luxurious bathroom collection.

Refresh your dinnerware with unique, modern and memorable pieces that will be loved for years (and meals) to come from In the Roundhouse . Receive a $500 voucher to spend on their range of mix-and-match plate prints which add depth and interest to every tabletop. Dinner has never looked so good.

Dinosaur Designs , one of Australia’s leading design stores, creates unique resin pieces by hand in their Sydney studio. Select from an extensive range of resin homewares and accessories with a $300 gift voucher.

There’s something for everyone in Broadsheet ’s collection of beautiful food and travel books. Try recipes from the country’s best restaurants in Broadsheet Italian , Broadsheet Sydney and Broadsheet Melbourne or find out what top chefs, cooks and eateries cook at home with Home Made . And if you need inspiration for your next local getaway, there’s Travels , a stunning guide to Australia’s deserted beaches, scenic day hikes, regional art galleries and so much more.

Prize value: $2055

Eighth prize: Creativity

Feel inspired with our eighth prize package.

Write with elegance with this luxurious Graf von Faber-Castell prize pack. Receive the stylish and high-quality Graf von Faber-Castell Tamitio finewriter pen, leather pen case and bound notebook with linen cover.

Expand your home library with this special book pack from Allen & Unwin which includes 20 titles for the whole family to enjoy. From the latest books by bestselling authors Christos Tsiolkas, Alex Miller and Kirsty Manning, to new favourites for the kids by Jaclyn Moriarty, Reece Carter, Adam Goodes, Ellie Laing and David Hardy.

Receive a wonderful prize pack courtesy of the Gallery Shop which includes a beautiful 100% wool scarf detailing Grace Crowley’s Abstract painting , a copy of Australian abstract: contemporary abstract painting , a jigsaw puzzle featuring Roy De Maistre’s Rhythmic composition and a This Place tote bag.

Prize value: $1412

Terms and conditions

Tickets for the Art Gallery Members Travel and Luxury Draw 2024 are only available to current members of the Art Gallery Society of NSW at the time of the draw. The Prize Draw opens at 5pm AEDT on Monday 13 November 2023 and closes at 5pm AEDT on Friday 29 March 2024. The draw will be performed by a random computer process in accordance with these terms and conditions and managed by the Art Gallery Society’s auditors at 10am AEST on Monday 8 April 2024 at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The winners will be announced on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Winners will be notified by telephone and email, and details published on the Art Gallery of New South Wales website and in  Look  magazine. Permit No. GOCAU/2482 issued subject to the Community Gaming Act 2018 and Community Gaming Regulation 2020. Art Gallery Members Travel and Luxury Draw Art Union is in aid of the Art Gallery Society of NSW. Number of tickets to be sold: 50,000. The promoter is the Art Gallery Society of NSW, ABN 26 000 207 198, Art Gallery Rd, The Domain NSW 2000, phone (02) 9225 1878. Employees and their immediate families of the Art Gallery Society of NSW and their agencies and companies associated with the promotion are ineligible to enter the draw.  Images used in promotional material for the Travel and Luxury Draw are for illustrative purposes only. All prizes, certificates and/or vouchers provided by prize sponsors and donors are subject to individual sponsor and donor terms and conditions and are non-refundable, non-transferable and nor redeemable for cash or other goods or services.

Full terms and conditions

Download Travel and luxury draw 2024 terms and conditions

The art gallery society of nsw thanks our loyal members and the following travel and luxury draw 2024 sponsors for their support., first prize supporter, prize sponsors, prize donors.

Bed Threads  Sydney Symphony Orchestra Crumpler Belvoir Street Theatre Opera Australia Allen & Unwin Faber-Castell Australia AALIA Restaurant Sydney In the Roundhouse Herbert Smith Freehills Cafe Sydney Hendrick’s Gin Dinosaur Designs Gallery Shop Broadsheet Fresh Collective Haigh’s Chocolates