Photo: Sovereign Acts, one of the free Adelaide Fringe acts this year
Summer is here, and there’s no better time to explore Adelaide and its stunning surrounds without spending a cent. From beach days to art trails, we’ve rounded up 50 fabulous free activities, sorted by region so you can easily plan your next adventure.
Adelaide CBD & Inner Suburbs
- Adelaide Botanic Garden Wander through lush gardens, spot heritage glasshouses, and visit the cool fern gully. Until April 26th you can also enjoy the incredible Chihuly exhibition for free during the day, and witness some breathtaking glass sculptures from the world’s best glass artist. Visit the Botanic Garden
- South Australian Museum Explore fascinating exhibits, including the world’s largest Aboriginal cultural collection. Visit SA Museum
- Art Gallery of South Australia Feast your eyes on an impressive collection of Australian and international art. Visit AGSA
- River Torrens Linear Park Trail Enjoy a scenic walk or cycle along the river’s edge.
- Rundle Mall Performances & Library Catch buskers and live performers as you shop or wander. While you’re in Rundle Mall you can also head to the City Library, which has plenty of comfortable spaces for you to enjoy. On sunny days you can relax in the Outdoor Reading room which has ramp access, and the library also offers a range of programs designed to create, connect and inspire such as the Digital Hub, Media Lab, Innovation Lab, History Hub. It’s also home to several reading groups where new members are always welcome. Kids love their school holiday activity program too.
- Adelaide Central Market Arcade Mural Walk Stroll past colourful street art installations surrounding the Central Market precinct.
- Migration Museum Learn the stories of those who made Adelaide their home. Visit the Migration Museum
- Adelaide Himeji Garden Relax in this tranquil Japanese-style garden featuring koi ponds and stone bridges.
- State Library of South Australia Marvel at the historic Mortlock Wing and browse exhibitions. Visit the State Library
- Victoria Square Events From pop-up summer installations to free outdoor movies, there’s always something happening. In January you’ll find it’s the home of the Santos Tour Down Under Village from January 11th to 25th from 11am each day. Free entry, bars with daily knock-off hours, ample shade and music make it a perfect summer destination. Relax and catch up with friends, or check out the latest in cycling tech. It’s all here.
Western Suburbs & Beaches
- Summer Festival For six weeks over summer, the festival offers somewhere to relax with the smooth tunes of local musicians or enjoy the free entertainment on offer, Summer Festival has something for everyone in the family. This year you can expect live music, giant inflatable slides, outdoor movies, finger-licking food and more. Find out more here.
- Henley Square Take in the seaside vibes, and keep an eye out for live music events like the Blessing of the Waters with Greek food, music and culture on January 12th. The Henley markets are also back on January 19th with free entry.
- Semaphore Carousel and Foreshore Walk Walk past vintage rides, heritage buildings, and shady parks. Visit the Semaphore Summer Festival daily from 11am- 10pm (weather permitting) during the summer school holidays to watch the carnival rides in action, or enjoy a free balloon animal from the roaming balloon artist.
- West Beach Adventure Reserve Check out the free adventure playground and coastal nature walks.
- Port Adelaide Street Art Trail Download the map and discover impressive street murals. View the Street Art Trail. While you’re in Port Adelaide, why not go and play with the Lego at the Port Admiral.
Eastern Suburbs & Hills
- Morialta Conservation Park & Mount Lofty Botanic Garden Follow the Three Falls Hike to discover stunning waterfalls and koalas in Morialta Conservation Park or take a refreshing walk around the Botanic Gardens gardens with views of Piccadilly Valley. Visit Morialta Visit Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
- Cleland Wildlife Park Hiking Trails Skip the entry fee and hike around Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit.
- Hills Sculpture Trail Discover world class sculptures on this journey of discovery that winds through the rolling landscape of the stunning Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula, linking towns and regions, art and people, nature and beauty. The sculptures were crafted by master sculptors from all corners of the world during the Adelaide Hills International Sculpture Symposiums in 2012, 2014 and 2016.
- Tusmore Wading Pool The Tusmore Wading Pool is now open for the 2024/25 season every day from 8am to 8pm. It’s located in a gorgeous leafy park with playground and BBQ facilities.
- Beaumont House Gardens Stroll through historical gardens for a dose of history and tranquillity.
Southern Suburbs & Fleurieu Peninsula
- Port Noarlunga Reef Walk Stroll the jetty to view coral and marine life through crystal-clear waters.
- Christies Beach Esplanade Trail A scenic coastal walk with incredible sea views.
- Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park Wander through unique bushland and spot native wildlife.
- Willunga Farmers Market Live Music (Saturdays) Enjoy free tunes while browsing the stalls.
- Moana Beach Off-Leash Dog Walking Bring your furry friend along for a beach adventure.
Northern Suburbs & Barossa
- Cobbler Creek Recreation Park & Para Wirra Conservation Park The Cobbler Creek Recreation Park is perfect for a family walk or picnic with scenic cycling trails. Alternatively you can check out the Para Wirra Conservation Park and wander through open woodlands and discover hidden trails. Visit Cobbler Creek
- St Kilda Adventure Playground An epic play area with slides, pirate ships, and a maze.
- Gawler Heritage Walk Follow the self-guided walking tour of historic buildings.
- Whispering Wall Built between 1899 and 1903 the Whispering Wall is part of the dam wall located in the Barossa Reservoir Reserve and is known for its unique acoustic effects. Words whispered at one side can be clearly heard at the other, more than 100 metres away.
- Barossa Sculpture Park Explore quirky outdoor sculptures with panoramic vineyard views.
- Monthly Yarnarama Crafternoons Enjoy a free afternoon of crafting and social connection. Crafternoon is a FREE 3-hour session where you can bring your own craft project and work on it in a relaxed and friendly social environment. The Yarnarama shop will be open for your convenience, but there is no pressure to buy. More details here.
Yorke Peninsula
- Port Victoria Heritage Walk Discover old maritime treasures along this historical walking path.
- Innes National Park Lookouts Visit the park’s edge for stunning sea cliff views (entry applies for driving, but hiking in can be free).
- Stansbury Seaside Markets Browse free seaside markets with craft and entertainment.
- Moonta Mines Museum Free Outdoor Areas Explore the mining site’s free areas, including heritage ruins.
Kangaroo Island
- Kingscote Pelican Feeding Show Enjoy the sight of pelicans gathering near the wharf at sunset.
- Pennington Bay Lookout Snap photos of dramatic coastal cliffs and turquoise waters.
- Emu Bay Beach This long, pristine stretch of beach is perfect for a peaceful swim or beach day.
- Little Sahara Sand Dunes While sandboarding isn’t free, you can explore the rolling dunes at no cost.
Eyre Peninsula
- Port Lincoln Foreshore Dip your toes in the water and relax by the bay.
- Coffin Bay Oyster Walk A scenic coastal trail perfect for spotting marine life. More details here.
- Tumby Bay Street Art Trail Admire stunning large-scale murals painted by global artists. View Tumby Bay Art Map
- Talia Caves Discover otherworldly rock formations and hidden beach caves.
Clare Valley
- Riesling Trail Ride or walk this stunning trail, surrounded by vineyards and countryside views.
- Mintaro Maze Garden (outdoor viewing area) While the maze has a fee, wandering the garden surrounds is free.
- Burra Heritage Passport Sites (exterior) Check out the beautiful architecture of this historic copper town.
Flinders Ranges & Outback
- Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre Walk Take a short walk from the visitor centre to scenic lookouts. There’s also a new Wilpena Pound Harold Cazneux photography walk to enjoy!
- Quorn Railway Station Visit the charming old station and admire vintage locomotives.
- Alligator Gorge Hike through dramatic red cliffs and cool gorges.
- Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre Viewing Points If full of water, this vast salt lake is an unforgettable sight.
- Blinman Heritage Walk Learn about South Australia’s outback history as you stroll through this charming town.
Also Worth a Mention
Adelaide Fringe!
While it’s still several weeks away, when the Adelaide Fringe pops up again from February 21st to March 23rd, there’s 106 FREE Fringe shows to check out! You can find them all here.
During Fringe, Fool’s Paradise in Victoria Square will also offer FREE mini golf, a giant trapeze, and a free music programme with a focus on multicultural friendly music, making it one of the most interactive, family and wallet-friendly precincts at Adelaide Fringe 2025 by day and a little naughty but still fun and affordable at night.
Parkrun
Why not lean into Parkrun in 2025, with free community-oriented runs happening across Adelaide on a regular basis. Catering to all fitness levels, it’s a great way to get out and enjoy our beautiful city and coastal areas, and make some new friends. With stacks of locations including Mount Barker, West Beach, Seacliff, Mawson Lakes, Goolwa and more, there will be a group near you. Find out more via the unofficial Facebook group here.
Silo Trail
Looking to venture further afield? South Australia has an incredible Silo Trail that winds through all our different regions. Check out some of the incredible destinations in our guide here.
With so many free things to do across Adelaide and beyond, your summer can be packed with adventure without breaking the bank. Pack your water bottle, slap on some sunscreen, and start exploring!
If you have feedback on outdated details (we do our best to keep this list updated), or have suggestions of things to add, please get in touch with [email protected]
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