A budget-friendly guide for things to do
Ah winter, the natural enemy of warm hands and feet. You might think it’s generally a time for sipping hot chocolate and curling up under a blanket with a good book, but when you have a city as awesome as Adelaide, it’s a different story.
Adelaide during winter is great – it’s also not THAT cold. So why not get out of the house and explore the many cool things on offer in this great city? Even if you’re on a shoestring budget – or just want to save your coppers for another day – there’s plenty to see and do.
Explore the South Australian Museum
The South Australian Museum is Alive with Wonder, so a trip there is a fantastic way to spend the day. The Museum has put together a free self-guided trail that will take you to the must-see objects, the best-kept secrets and some of the wonders that can be found in their permanent galleries across the Museum. Open daily 10am – 5pm.
PS: Did you know the museum can only show four per cent of its collection at any one time? It has around 5.5 million pieces in total. That’s… a lot.
Ride around the city and Park Lands
It might be winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a ride around town. Dust off your bike and enjoy the beautiful Park Lands and architecture the city has to offer.
Cycle through Veale Gardens, then take a break in the Japanese inspired Himeji Garden. If you’re feeling adventurous you could grab an e-bike or e-scooter and zoom around the streets! Thankfully the Adelaide CBD is very flat, so whichever way you decide, you’ll be able to enjoy the experience with ease.
Check out the Adelaide Park Lands Trail for some inspiration on an itinerary, or make up your own, visiting the many city squares and gardens around town.
Adelaide Central Markets
Did you say 'fresh produce'? If you did, the Adelaide Central Markets is your cup of tea and the place to be. Also great for:
- coffee (hot / freshly ground / iced)
- vegetarian and vegan treats
- sustainable, organic and ecofriendly produce
- out-of-this-world falafels
- heaps of yummy lollies
- cheese, cheese, cheese!
- nuts and more nuts
- incredible sourdough and bakery goods
- and so much more!
Bring your veggie trolley (or rent one for free), take a walk around and soak up the atmosphere! Browsing is free, but you will have to pay for the goods (sorry).
EcoCaddy tours
These three-wheeled pedal powered bikes provide authentic tours of the city with knowledgeable, local guides. Feel good about your chauffeured ride too – this is a carbon neutral activity and the bike bodies are made from bamboo! You just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Choose from a few options, like the 1.5 hour city sights and history tour or the 2.5 hour city and vines experience.
They also make an appearance during festivals and other events as a passenger service, so keep an eye out!
Winter Weekends
If you’re looking for some free entertainment on a Friday and Saturday night, head to Winter Weekends. At many different locations across the city and North Adelaide, there is free live music, fire pits and at times, fire twirlers, so cosy up to the fire, grab a drink from a nearby business and enjoy the tunes.
That’s just a short list, but thankfully finding other great, budget-friendly things to do during the Adelaide winter isn’t hard! And don’t forget to use #MyAdelaide and #ADL on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to share what activities you’re enjoying this winter in Adelaide.