Welcome to Adelaide – the capital of South Australia and one of the coolest cities Down Under. If you’re looking for sun, surfing, and exciting experiences, Adelaide is definitely worth a closer look.
Top location between the beach and the outback
Adelaide is located on the south coast of Australia, right on the Gulf of St. Vincent. This means that the city has many beaches nearby – some are just a few minutes away by tram. At the same time, Adelaide is the gateway to the outback, Australia’s vast, almost deserted interior. On weekends, you can lie on the beach in the morning and take a tour of the hinterland in the afternoon.
Sunny but not too hot
Adelaide has a Mediterranean climate, similar to southern Europe. Summers (December to February) are warm but not usually too hot – ideal for swimming or outdoor sports. Winters are mild, and even then the sun often shines. In short: perfect weather for outdoor activities!
Creative, relaxed, truly Australian
Adelaide is known for its relaxed atmosphere. With 1.5 million inhabitants, known as “Adelaideans,” the city is not as big as Sydney or Melbourne, but that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. Everything is a little more leisurely, friendlier, and more personal. Nevertheless, there’s plenty going on! Every year, major festivals take place here, such as the Adelaide Fringe, the second largest arts festival in the world with thousands of events, concerts, and crazy shows. If you like music, theater, or street art, you’ll love Adelaide.
Culture meets nature
Culture meets nature
In the city center, you’ll find cool museums, free galleries, and historic buildings – often right next to modern cafés or street food markets. The Central Market is particularly well known, where you can get everything from fresh mangoes to Asian specialties. And right next door is the Parkring, a huge green belt with meadows, sports fields, and bike paths. Perfect for meeting up, picnicking, or just relaxing.
Animals, wine, and underground vibes
There are plenty of places to visit around Adelaide. You can see koalas and kangaroos in the wild, for example at Cleland Wildlife Park or on Kangaroo Island (a nature island just around the corner). The hills around Adelaide are famous for their beautifully situated wineries.
The landscape is beautiful, and many farms offer much more than wine, such as alpaca treks or tractor rides.
What’s more, Adelaide has a small but creative underground scene with second-hand shops, vintage markets, and graffiti walls that make great photo spots.
Sports galore – especially surfing!
Adelaide is a dream for sports fans. You can surf in Glenelg, Henley, or a little further south on the Fleurieu Peninsula. There are spots for beginners and pros, so just give it a try! There are also many skate parks, beach volleyball courts, swimming pools, soccer clubs, and mountain bike trails in the hills around the city.
Adelaide also boasts world-class training facilities, such as the Australian Athletics Centre, the South Australian Sports Institute, and the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre.
Conclusion:
Adelaide is not a city that screams for attention – it’s more of an insider tip. But if you’re into sunshine, nature, culture and a relaxed lifestyle, you’ll feel right at home here. It’s the perfect place for a school year in Australia and an unforgettable adventure.
- The Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA), the South Australian Museum, the Migration Museum, the Adelaide Botanic Garden, and the Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary are all worth seeing.
- North Terrace with various museums and the University of Adelaide
- The Adelaide Central Market with colorful stalls where farmers and traders from all over the country offer their delicious produce
- The Adelaide Street Art Trail with outstanding graffiti and murals
- The Adelaide Fringe, a world-renowned annual arts festival celebrating culture, venues, and artists from around the world; always from mid-February to mid-March
- Kayak tours on the Torrens River
- Glenelg Beach: a typical coastal town with many charming hotels, shops, and street cafes, as well as summer entertainment.
- Adelaide city center is 20 minutes away by tram.
- Henley Beach: north of Glenelg with a maritime flair and excellent seafood restaurants
- The Adelaide Hills are a must-see, with Mount Lofty, the highest point in the city, offering magnificent views of the city and the sea. There is also Cleland Wildlife Park, home to a wide variety of Australian wildlife in their natural environment.
- Hahndorf, the oldest German settlement in the heart of the Adelaide Hills. The picturesque village is also only 20 minutes from Adelaide.
- Excursion to Kangaroo Island: an animal paradise with kangaroos, koalas, seals, pelicans, and sea lions. If you like it there, we also have a high school there.
Red: State Schools; White: Private Schools; Green: Regional Schools (For details see The Australian Education System; Prices see under Prices and Services)
