Best places to see in Adelaide

Adelaide's cultural centre lies between the grand, tree-lined North Terrace and the River Torrens. Along North Terrace is a succession of imposing 19th-century public buildings, including the state library, museum and art gallery and two university campuses. To the west, on the bank of the river, is the Festival Centre. This multi-purpose complex of theatres, including an outdoor amphi theatre, is home to the renowned biennial Adelaide Festival. To the east, also by the river, lie the botanic and zoological gardens. Distinguished Points of Adelaide is listed below.

Parliament House

Ten marble Corinthian columns grace the façade of Parliament

House, which was completed in 1939, more than 50 years after construction first, began.

Botanic Gardens

Begun in 1855, these peaceful gardens cover an area of 20 ha (50 acres). They include artificial lakes and the beautiful Bicentennial Conservatory in which a tropical rainforest environment has been re-created.

Art Gallery of South Australia

Contemporary works, such as Christopher Healey's drinking

Fountains feature here alongside period painting and sculpture.

South Australian Museum

Chiefly a natural history museum, the South Australian Museum has an excellent reputation for its fine Aboriginal collection, including this painting on bark, assembling the Totem, by a Melville Island artist.

The South Australian Police Museum is housed in the old mounted police barracks, built in 1851. It has exhibitions on the history of law and order in the state.

Festival Centre

Completed in 1977, this arts complex enjoys a picturesque riverside setting and is a popular place for a picnic.

The Migration and Settlement Museum tells the stories of the thousands of people from more than 100 nations who left everything behind to start a new life in South Australia.

River Torrens

Visitors can hire paddle boats to travel along this gentle river and see Adelaide from water level.

Population: 1.1 million.
Airport: West Beach, 10 km (6 miles) W of city.
Train Routes: North Terrace (interstate); Richmond Rd, Keswick.
Bus Routes: Central Bus Station, Franklin St.
Sea Port: Glenelg Jetty, Glenelg Beach.
Information Center: 18 King William St (08) 8303 2033.
Festivals: Festival of Arts; Womadelaide.