10 things to do in winter

Last updated 31 Jan, 2024

1. Go to a museum

Adelaide city hosts a variety of museums. Spend the afternoon learning about Aboriginal heritage and culture at the South Australian Museum, which houses one of the world’s most comprehensive collection of ethnographic material. Or, discover the history of South Australia’s multicultural beginnings at the Migration Museum. Topics of the past not quite your cup of tea? MOD. along North Terrace is one of the nation’s leading future-focused museum, marrying science, art and technology. Explore the strangely satisfying yet sometimes thought-provoking exhibitions.

2. Or, a gallery

On days that are too cold to enjoy outside, step inside one of the many galleries Adelaide has to offer. APY Gallery Adelaide is one of the newer galleries in Adelaide to open (in 2019), and is a space and platform for emerging indigenous artists to showcase their work across a wide range of mediums. The Art Gallery of South Australia makes for a pretty sweet space to get away from the cold, housing some of the nation’s most treasured art collections.

3. Take a tour

Get the gang together and go on a self-guided walking tour. Put on your walking shoes and head to the Visitor Information Centre to pick up the many self-guided maps. Flamboyance Tours run fun, quirky, and immersive tours in the city, peppered with unique authenticity and knowledge. Want something different while you wander? Try some of these unique food tours available in Adelaide.

4. Play a round of golf (indoors or outdoors)

A little too cold outside? Treat yourself to a round of mini golf at Holey Moley in the city. Prefer to be outside? The North Adelaide Golf Course offers three different courses depending on your skill level. You can also opt to hit a bucket of balls if you’re not up for a full 18 holes. Another option is disk golf in Rodney Park (Park 15), where you'll be throwing a frisbee in a hole instead of hitting a ball.

5. Watch a film

A trip to the cinema in the city is often overlooked. Head over to the Piccadilly cinema on O’Connell Street, North Adelaide for a taste of Art Deco architecture before cozying in on any of the upcoming winter films. Treat yourself to a night out in the East End with a visit to Palace Nova East End, where they screen a mix of new and past favourites.

6. Taste the world

Ever wondered what traditional Moroccan cuisine tasted like? What about dishes from Uyghur culture? Take yourself on a trip around the world, except through food. Adelaide is known for its culinary excellence, with an annual gathering of world-renowned chefs (Tasting Australia) in the city. Don’t know where to embark your journey from? You can borrow our list of favourites here.

7. Drop in to a workshop or class

Make your own hand-bound leather journal or learn how to screen print – there are many creative workshops around town this time of year. Drop-in at any of the sessions at the Adelaide City Library or for graphical and visual design akin to gaming, CDW Studios offers short courses from character development, 2D, 3D, and even animation. Want something a little light-hearted? Sip, paint, and create with Studio Vino - uncork your creativity, paint, and enjoy a glass of wine!

8. Get your groove on

Head out and jam at one of the many live music acts the city offers. As a UNESCO City of Music, Adelaide plays host to wide breadth, depth and vibrancy of the city’s music culture. Find something to match your mood playing every night of the week in one of over 80 live music venues throughout the city.

9. Make it a spa day

Here’s the excuse you need to book some time to treat yourself to a much-deserved break – it’s winter. The city has a variety of spas for anyone to enjoy, from traditional at Siam Retreat Thai Massage & Spa, to the full-service experience at the Spa on Brougham - complete with a steam room and lap pool.

10. Go on our Magical Mystery Scavenger hunt

How about going on a city treasure hunt we devised ourselves? A fun little game to play with family or friends, the treasure hunt will have you traipsing around town as you cross each task off the list. Equipped with only a city map, clues and excellent observational skills and Adelaide knowledge, see which team finds the pot at the end of the rainbow first! Download the Adelaide’s city scavenger hunt kit here. Batteries not included.