Adelaide , Australia

Around the Square Adelaide Walking Tour

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About this experience

Join an easy-paced 2 hour small-group walking tours around Victoria Square in the city of Adelaide. The focus of this tour is on history, heritage and culture and covers not only the architecture and history of the varying buildings but also the people who have been associated with them, and the stories about Adelaide's development from colonial times to today. Most of the sites visited are public institutions, statues and monuments and tour participants, whether locals, interstate or from overseas get to experience the essence of what Adelaide is all about.

Available options

Around the Square Adelaide Walking Tour

What's included

Local guide

Detailed itinerary

• Sir Francis Xavier Cathedral - mention its significance, history, architecture, relevance today (10 min)
• Mother Mary Mackillop Statue - Story of Mackillop - her sainthood, order of nuns, charity work (5 min)

• Adelaide Town Hall - Introduction including brief history of Adelaide and its development, route of tour, duration and other housekeeping. Talk about early local government in South Australia and ground-breaking activities occurring in Adelaide Town Hall. Discuss previous use of buildings and current use. (10 min)

Stop 3

• Victoria Square - talk about history of square, indigenous connections, development of square (10 min)
• Queen Victoria Statue - discuss significance of statue (3 min)
• Charles Cameron Kingston Statue - overview of Kingston's career, personality, contribution, legacy ( 10 min)

• Torrens Building - overview of history of building, inhabitants including Sir Richard Torrens, Land title system( 4 min)

• Adina Apartments/Previously Treasury Building - Discuss history of building, tunnels, courtyard, famous people who have visited, role of Cabinet prior to 1968 (10 min)

• John McDouall Stuart Statue - story of Stuart, role he played in exploration, his legacy ( 5 min)
• State Admin Centre - Brief overview of buildings and current use for State Government ministers and staff ( 2 min)

• SA Water Building - Talk about usage of building - educational focus (2 min)
• Dame Roma Mitchell Commonwealth Law Courts - outline usage of building and its inhabitants - types of courts contained in building(3 min)
• Magistrates Court - brief overview and history of court building, usage, stories of noted lawyers attached, subsequent and current use of site (5 min)
• Supreme Court - history of court building, architecture, usage (5 min)

• Sir Samuel Way Court Building - history including its previous life as a department store and legacy of marble staircase, usage (10 min)
• Three Rivers Fountain - story regarding erection of fountain, history, significance (4 min)
• Transport - history of trams, trains in area(5 min)

• Former SGIC Building - history, architecture and associated stories (2 min)
• Former Harbour Board Building - engineering feat, architecture, history (5 min)
• Former MLC Building - significance in our history (3 min)
• GPO Building - history including clock tower and notable citizens connected with building (7 min)

What's not included

Food and drinks

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transportation to/from attractions

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

32 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

18 reviews

5★

4★

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2★

1★

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Wheelchair accessible

Children must be accompanied by an adult

A maximum of 15 people per booking

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Meeting point

Outside of the Adelaide Town Hall

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Dress to weather conditions ie if cool, layered jacket - if wet, umbrella or waterproof jacket - if hot, sunscreen, water and hat and comfortable clothing

About Adelaide

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, excellent food and wine, and stunning natural surroundings. Often referred to as the 'City of Churches,' it offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern urban living.

Top Attractions

Adelaide Central Market

A bustling market offering a wide variety of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and specialty items. It's a food lover's paradise.

Market 1-2 hours Free entry, costs vary by purchase

Adelaide Botanic Garden

A beautiful and serene garden featuring a wide variety of plant species, themed gardens, and the iconic Amazon Waterlily Pavilion.

Nature 1-3 hours Free entry, some attractions may have fees

Art Gallery of South Australia

One of Australia's leading art museums, featuring a diverse collection of Australian, Aboriginal, European, and Asian art.

Museum 1-2 hours Free entry, some exhibitions may have fees

Glenelg Beach

A popular beach suburb just a short tram ride from the city center, offering a relaxed atmosphere, beachfront dining, and water activities.

Beach Half day or full day Free entry, costs vary by activity and dining

Adelaide Zoo

Home to over 250 species of animals, including the famous giant pandas Wang Wang and Fu Ni. The zoo also features beautiful gardens and historic architecture.

Zoo 2-3 hours AUD 35-40 for adults, discounts for children and seniors

Must-Try Local Dishes

Parmigiana

A classic Australian-Italian dish featuring breaded and fried meat (usually chicken or veal) topped with tomato sauce, melted cheese, and sometimes ham or vegetables.

Dinner Contains gluten, dairy, and meat.

Barossa Valley wines

Adelaide is famous for its wine regions, particularly the Barossa Valley, known for its Shiraz and other premium wines.

Drink Alcoholic beverage.

Adelaide Central Market pastries

Delicious pastries made with fresh, local ingredients, including savory pies and sweet treats.

Snack Contains gluten, dairy, and may contain allergens.

Popular Activities

Hiking Cycling Surfing Kayaking Beach activities Spa treatments Wine tasting Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and are ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The city is lively with various events and festivals.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone

Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) (GMT+9:30), Australian Central Daylight Time (ACDT) (GMT+10:30) during daylight saving

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Adelaide is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it's always important to take basic safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use reputable taxi and tour services.

Getting there

By air

Adelaide Airport • 6 km from city center

By train

Adelaide Railway Station

By bus

Adelaide Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The tram system is a convenient and scenic way to get around the city. Free trams operate in the city center.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Rundle Mall North Adelaide Glenelg East End

Day trips

Barossa Valley

70 km from Adelaide • Full day

A renowned wine region known for its Shiraz and other premium wines, as well as its picturesque landscapes and historic towns.

McLaren Vale

45 km from Adelaide • Full day

A beautiful wine region known for its Mediterranean climate, diverse wildlife, and excellent wines, particularly Shiraz and Grenache.

Kangaroo Island

112 km from Adelaide (via ferry from Cape Jervis) • Overnight

A stunning island known for its diverse wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and seals, as well as its beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes.

Festivals

Adelaide Festival • February to March Adelaide Fringe • February to March Tour Down Under • January

Pro tips

Visit the Adelaide Central Market for a taste of the city's diverse food scene and to purchase unique souvenirs.
Explore the city's vibrant arts and culture scene by visiting museums, galleries, and attending festivals and events.
Take a day trip to the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale to experience the region's renowned wine and scenic landscapes.
Discover the beauty of Kangaroo Island by taking a ferry or flight and exploring its diverse wildlife and natural attractions.
Use public transport, walk, or bike to get around the city and reduce your carbon footprint.