At one time Adelaide was best known for its large number of churches. Today, houses of worship are outnumbered by pubs and clubs, but there are several historical sites and lovely city gardens that attract many visitors. In addition, the Adelaide Casino brings millions of tourists to the city annually.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens
First opened in 1855, these gardens located just off North Terrace have developed over the years to comprise sweeping manicured lawns, displays of rare sub-tropical plants and flowering shrubbery. A highlight is the oldest glasshouse in a botanic garden in Australia. Adjacent to the gardens is the Rainforest Conservatory. Phone: +61 8 8228 2311.

Adelaide Casino
The railway terminal at North Terrace dating from the 1920s has been restored and reconfigured as a casino. This is Australia’s most elegant gambling establishment. Millions of visitors come to Adelaide each year to try their luck here. The casino boasts several gaming rooms, and a selection of bars and fine restaurants. Games featured include baccarat, black jack, craps, roulette and two-up.

Carrick Hill Estate
Set amid manicured gardens and bush-land at the edge of the city, you’ll find the impressive estate known as Carrick Hill. The manor house was originally built during the 1930s for Sir Edward Hayward, but today houses a permanent collection of important works of art, and special exhibitions. An interesting selection of sculptural works can be found throughout the grounds. Phone: +61 8 8379 3886.

Central Market
This major city market is well-known for its unique offerings of foods and produce that derives from four dozen cultures. It’s so popular that, at times, it seems that almost everyone in Adelaide must be shopping and eating here. Gouger street borders the southern edge of the market and features a number of international dining spots that are favoured by locals offering up cuisines from Argentinean to Malaysian.

Mortlock Library
Located in the carefully restored Jervois Wing, this library is a part of South Australia’s State Library and contains a wealth of historical materials. There are collections of documents, photographs and newspapers that date from Adelaide’s early days, with the oldest materials available on microfilm. Researchers are welcome at the library.

Old Adelaide Gaol
Opened in 1841, the gaol was in active use until it was decommissioned in 1988. The building was designed by colonial architect George Strickland Kingston. Graffiti on the interior walls shows evidence of the prisoners who were incarcerated here and displays in various areas document daily gaol activities. Phone: +61 8 8231 4062.

Parliament House
Located at the corner of King William street and North Terrace, opposite Government House, this imposing structure was built in two stages of Kapunda marble atop granite. Visitors are welcome in the public galleries, which are open when the House of Assembly is in session. Phone: +61 8 8237 9100.

St Githa's Garden
St Githa’s is a formal garden designed in the English style around an Edwardian country house. The garden features exotic trees that are more than a century old towering over the clipped hedges, colourful borders of flowering shrubs, and beds of hydrangea, lavender, rhododendron and roses. A fish pond and orchard are also part of the extensive grounds.

Feed kangaroos at Humbug Scrub. This wildlife sanctuary is a great place to take the kids, as you can see free-range emus and kangaroos here, which can be fed by hand. There are also guinea fowl, peacocks, possums, wallabies and water birds, along with colourful parrots and cockatoos. Humbug Scrub is located in the Adelaide Hills, just past One Tree Hill.

Go whale watching in Victoria Harbour. Just an hour’s drive by car from Adelaide or an interesting ride on the tourist train that departs from Adelaide Hills, Victoria Harbour is one of the best places to spot these gentle giants. From June to October, you might see a southern right whale near the causeway, passing through on its annual migration route. The South Australian Whale Centre operates an information network here, documenting sightings along the coast of South Australia.

Hit the valleys for some serious wine tasting. Although Barossa Valley is the most well-known wine region in South Australia, McLaren Vale is a lot closer to Adelaide. Approximately two dozen wineries can be found in the area, with the first having opened in 1838. In late October, the McLaren Vale Wine Bushing Festival is held, along with tastings and tours. A shuttle bus runs from winery to winery during festival time, so you can taste all you like and not have to drive your back to you hotel.

See native wildlife in a conservation and wildlife park. A visit to the Cleland Conservation and Wildlife Park will introduce you to the Australian bush, in a hilly area that’s only six miles from the centre of Adelaide. You’ll likely spot koalas here as well as enjoying the fantastic views from the viewing platform on Mount Lofty or the scenic Waterfall Gully.

Take a ferry to Kangaroo Island. A ferry ride to Kangaroo Island can easily be organised along with a visit to the wine estates on the Fleurieu peninsula. The peninsula extends south from Adelaide to Cape Jervis, which is the starting point for the Kangaroo Island ferry. The wine country that you’ll pas through on the way produces some of the region’s finest wines, with over 60 of the wineries open for tastings and sales.

Visit an art gallery. At least one visit to the Art Gallery of South Australia should be on every visitor’s itinerary. It boasts an impressive collection of works of art by Australians that includes landscapes, historical paintings, drawings and works in a variety of media depicting the Australian lifestyle and social values.