If you fancy yourself as a bit of a bargain hunter and enjoy taking a stroll, then you’ll love this—a free host of unique and fascinating cultural attractions around Adelaide. You heard right, free.
Your first stop in Adelaide should be the free First Steps tour, which takes you through the city centre. The tour departs each weekday at 9.30 am from the Rundle Mall Visitor Information Centre. If you want cultural stimulation, wander down North Terrace for free attractions. You can start at Parliament House, which was built in two sections. The west wing was completed in 1899, but the building remained unfinished due to a lack of funds until 1934, when a wealthy Langdon Bonython donated 100,900 pounds to complete the east wing. The public gallery is open when Parliament sits, and there are free non-sitting days, 10 am – 2 pm.
Another superb free attraction is just down the street at the State Library. For cricket tragics, it’s a must. The Bradman Collection is a world-class collection dedicated to the greatest batsman in cricket history, Sir Donald Bradman. It is full of the sportsman’s cricket memorabilia, which he donated to the library in the late 1960s.
Next door to the Bradman Collection is the South Australian Museum, which features an outstanding range of permanent exhibitions, including the largest Aboriginal display. Other exhibitions include the Footsteps of Mawson exhibition, which pays tribute to one of Adelaide’s most outstanding scientists and explorers, Sir Douglas Mawson.
Then there’s the Art Gallery of South Australia. Home to one of Australia’s finest art collections and housed in one of Adelaide’s most beautiful historic buildings, a programme of special exhibitions features all year round. The art collection is divided into three main areas: European, Australian, and Asian. Admission is free, and there are free tours every day. Behind the Art Gallery is the police museum and barracks. This award-winning museum is housed in what was once the city’s destitute asylum and has been magnificently restored.
The beautiful Adelaide Botanic Gardens is at the very far end of North Terrace. The garden guides conduct free guided walks, leaving from under the plane trees outside the Botanic Garden Restaurant, daily at 10.30 am. The Botanic Gardens also has regular exhibitions at the Museum of Economic Botany. Entry to the gardens and museum is free. If you venture to the city centre, the Adelaide City Council conducts free guided tours of the superb Adelaide Town Hall on King William Street, detailing the fascinating architecture and history of the building. The hour-long tour takes you through the Town Hall’s public spaces and civic rooms, including the Queen Adelaide Room and the Colonel Light Room. These highly informative tours are led by local volunteer guides and are conducted every Monday at 10 am. They are trendy, so you should book early.
Suppose you feel a bit leg-weary at any part of your strolling journey. In that case, you can always hop on one of the free CityFree buses, Bee Line, or City Loop services throughout the city’s shopping and business precincts.
So there you have it: a brilliant collection of cultural landmarks, art, and history, all within walking distance of The Playford. And they’re all free. You really couldn’t ask for more. Contact us today to enquire about reserving a room at The Playford Adelaide and find everything you want right on your doorstep.
