Adelaide , Australia

Social Justice Tour of Adelaide

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About this experience

Join an easy-paced 2 hour small-group walking tour around parts of the city of Adelaide. The focus of this tour is on Social Justice and its importance in the history of Adelaide and South Australia, and the stories about Adelaide's social 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.

Learn about groundbreaking social justice legislation and its effect on the fabric of our society over the course of our history. These include the introduction of the Secret Ballot, Women's Franchise, Aboriginal rights, Sexual Discrimination Laws, Recycling, Renewable Energy, Religious Freedoms, Police establishment, Education reforms etc.

Available options

Social Justice Tour of Adelaide

What's included

Professional Guiding Services, suggestions for attractions, transport, food and beverage.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Introduction to Wakefield's systematic colonisation scheme. What is Social Justice? Historic Parliamentary reforms as well as the Secret Ballot. Outline of tour.

Discuss the oldest continuously used Government House in Australia. The appointment of Australia's first Indigenous Governor as well as the appointment of Australia's first Female Governor.

Discuss Dame Roma Mitchell's life, her many firsts for a Female within the Judicial system, including First Female QC in Australia, First Female High Court/Supreme Court Judge, First Female Vice-Chancellor of a University in Australia and Australia's First Female Governor.

Discuss the contribution of Mary Lee to Women's Suffrage movement in South Australia as well as Muriel Matters.

Discuss South Australia's progressive Premier, Don Dunstan and his impact on Social Justice and its many reforms during his leadership. Enter the Centre of Democracy to view the exhibits.

Stop 6

Enter the State Library of South Australia and discuss the legacy of Catherine Helen Spence, the first Female Journalist in Australia, the first Female Politician in Australia and her tireless work with Women's Suffrage movement.

Stop 7

The site of the former Destitute Asylum, allowing those with very little financial or social support to enter. Discuss social reforms during the 19th and into the 20th century re homeless, destitute, and unmarried mothers.

Enter the site of the Old Mounted Police Barracks dating from 1850s and discuss the significance of the 3rd oldest, organised, centrally controlled police forces in the world. Also tell the stories regarding the first place in the British Empire to have Women Police in 1915. The abolition of capital punishment is also discussed.

Discuss Education and the University's status as one of the oldest universities in Australia dating from 1874. Of significance is the university's ground-breaking admission of women to degrees - the first in Australia and one of the first places in the world.

Religious freedom was an early feature of South Australia's foundations for settlement and an early separation of State and Religion.

Discuss Laws relating to liquor and alcohol trading hours. Relay our advanced Environmental Policies, our Renewable Energy quotas, our Recycling Policies. Also our adoption of Voice to Parliament for indigenous. Tour ends here.

What's not included

Private transportation

Food and Drink

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We meet on the main steps of Parliament House, near the corner of North Terrace and King William Road in Adelaide's CBD.

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.