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Find out what to see and do in Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs and Adelaide

Learn about the history of Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs and Adelaide

Things To Do In Adelaide

Named in honour of Queen Adelaide, King William lV's consort, Adelaide is a well planned city with beautiful public buildings and churches. For easy city touring, the Adelaide City Council provides a free bus service (buses #99b and #99c) that travels around the central heart of the city.

Adelaide Central Market

This wonderful old market is located right in the heart of the city. The market has been operating since 1870 and has been in its current location since 1900. At the market you will find cooking demonstrations, food promotions, and a variety of performers. It is South Australia's most visited tourist attraction with over 80 stalls. It is a food mecca for multi-cultural cuisine and fresh produce. The market is open Tuesday through to Saturday with opening times varying according to the day of the week. The market is centrally located in George Street, Adelaide. Tel: (08) 8203 7203 or visit: www.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au .

Boating On The Torrens River

Popeye Torrens River Cruises - Go for a 35 minute cruise up the Torrens River to the Zoological Gardens and back to the weir. A commentary is given along with the boat ride. The boats are located at a small wharf in Elder Park, King William Road, Adelaide. Tel: (08) 8295 4747.

Venetian Gondola Rides - Try one of the three gondolas that glide along the Torrens River. Each gondola holds up to six people. These are the only authentic gondolas in Australia. Tel: 1300 875 500 or (02) 8755 0000.

Rundle Mall

The Rundle Mall is in the heart of Adelaide's central business district. The area is a haven for shoppers and includes three major department stores, 15 arcades and over 800 retailers.

Haigh's Chocolates

Haigh's original retail store dates back to 1915. They hand-make delicious chocolates at their factory which can be toured at their Visitor Centre which is a five minute drive from the city centre. At the Visitor Centre you can learn about the history of cocoa and the art of chocolate making. Tours last 20 minutes and are free, after which you will receive a complimentary chocolate plus a tea or coffee. The tours are run from Monday to Saturday at 11 am, 1 pm and 2 pm. A phone booking is essential. The Visitor Centre is located at 154 Greenhill Road, Parkside, Adelaide. For tour bookings telephone: (08) 8372 7077. If you can't make the factory tour then visit their original shop at 2 Rundle Mall, Adelaide. Tel: (08) 8231 2844.

Adelaide Zoological Gardens

Established in 1883, the Adelaide Zoological Gardens is the second oldest zoo in Australia. There are over 3,000 exotic mammals, birds, reptiles and fish to be seen. You can watch sea lions and hippos being fed plus there is a pet zoo for the children with farm animals. There are "Keeper Talks" on various species. Eat at the Lyrebird Cafe or bring a picnic lunch. The zoo is located in Frome Road. Tel: (08) 8267 3255 or visit the zoo's web site at www.adelaidezoo.com.au .

Mount Lofty Summit

For stunning views drive (or trek) up to the Mount Lofty Summit. You will discover a magnificent panorama. It is well worth visiting in both daylight hours and also after dark to view the lights of Adelaide. The summit is 710 metres above sea level and a drive of only 15 minutes from the city centre. At the summit there is a restaurant and cafe plus a tourist information centre and a gift shop. The summit can be accessed via Summit Drive, Adelaide. For the tourist information centre telephone (08) 8370 1054 and for the restaurant telephone (08) 8339 2608. For opening times visit: Mount Lofty Summit .

Sturt Gorge Recreation Park

This Recreation Park is located in Adelaide's southern suburbs, about 13 kilometres from the city centre. The park straddles the Sturt River course. You can follow walk trails and observe the bird life. The park is recognised internationally as having great geological significance. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Sturt District office on (8) 8278 5477. The park is in Broadmeadow Drive, Adelaide.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens

These historic gardens are well worth visiting. The botanic gardens are situated in the Adelaide plains with a dry Mediterranean climate and there you will find palms, cycads and bromeliads. The gardens were opened in 1857 and house the largest glasshouse in the southern hemisphere. There are 5,000 different roses to be seen in the Rose Garden. Guided walks are available at 10.30 am each day. The gardens are free to enter but there is a charge to visit the the Bi Centennial Conservatory which is an indoor tropical rain forest. The Bi Centennial Conservatory is open 10 am - 4 pm daily. The main Botanic Garden is open from 7.15 am to sunset from Monday to Friday and from 9 am to sunset on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. The gardens are situated in North Terrace, Adelaide. Telephone: (08) 8222 9311. Visit their web site at Adelaide Botanic Gardens .

South Australian Museum

The South Australian museum houses permanent exhibitions, travelling exhibitions, special exhibitions and a science centre. The permanent exhibition includes the B2L (Back To life), The Cloud Chamber and an fascinating exhibit called In The Footsteps Of Douglas Mawson. The Museum is open 10 am - 5 pm daily except Good Friday and Christmas Day. It is located in North Terrace, Adelaide. Tel: (08) 8207 7500. Their website details current exhibitions and is found at South Australian Museum .

Art Gallery Of South Australia

The Art Gallery has permanent exhibitions, special exhibitions and travelling displays. Of special interest is the exhibition of Asian Art. The Art Gallery is open every day, except Christmas Day from 10 am - 5 pm and is found in North Terrace, Adelaide. Their telephone number is (08) 8207 7000. For details on their latest exhibitions visit them at Art Gallery Of South Australia .

Glenelg

Glenelg is a popular beach suburb. Here you can take part in scuba diving, sailing, surfing and beach volleyball. You can also take a dolphin cruise and swim with the dolphins. Whilst there you can visit the Bay Discovery Centre. It is housed in Glenelg's historic Town Hall. Here you can go on a totally free historical journey. The Centre is appealing to tourists, families and school groups. It can be found on the First Floor, Glenelg Town Hall, Moseley Square, Glenelg at the opposite end of the tram line at the end of Jetty Road. Tel: (08) 8179 9500. Travel there by the historic tram. The tram timetable can be found here Tram Timetable.

Tandanya

Explore and experience contemporary and traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture through performing and visual arts. Watch didgeridoo and dance performances. The centre is accessible by free city loop bus #99c. Hop off at Stop 12. Tandanya is open from 10 am - 5 pm daily except for Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Years Day. Tandanya is located at 253 Grenfell Street, Adelaide. Telephone: (08) 8224 3200. Visit their web site at Tandanya.

National Wine Centre

The National Wine Centre is part of the University of Adelaide. At the centre you can enjoy wine and wine making from the ground up. Their Interactive Wine Discovery Journey and exhibition showcases the complete wine experience. You can find them at the corner of Botanic and Hackney Roads, Adelaide. Their telephone number is (08) 8303 3355. Find out more at their web site National Wine Centre.

And when you have done all that you can travel further out of Adelaide and visit such places as Hahndorf, Kangaroo Island, the Fleurieu Peninsular and Victor Harbor just to name a few interesting tourist areas.

Our trip in the order it all happened:

Preamble - how it all began

Getting organised to go

Gathering travel facts

Packed and ready to go

Up, up and away - Darwin here we come

Sunday afternoon in Darwin

Playing the tourist in Darwin, Part 1

Playing the tourist in Darwin, Part 2

Stressful day In Darwin Part 1

Stressful day in Darwin Part 2

Ghan stops in Katherine for sightseeing