First opened in 1841, the Old Adelaide Gaol closed its doors to prisoners in 1988 and has since welcomed only curious visitors. The site's highlights include a grim hanging tower, cell blocks, gravesite, and artifact displays alongside colonial architecture complete with decorative gargoyles. Visitors can explore the prison grounds at their leisure or opt for a regularly-scheduled guided tour. While the site's location in the western Adelaide Parklands near the River Torrens makes it an interesting attraction for nature enthusiasts, rumors of paranormal occurrences draw in fans of the supernatural. Visits to the old prison make for an afternoon of history and heritage while exploring South Australia's capital. Bookings are essential for tours of the Gaol.
Perfect for a day out, the Adelaide Botanic Garden is a wonderful place for both a recreational and educational outing. The place is used by many organizations to host local events and private functions too. Inside the gardens are water sculptures, secluded garden spaces and plant conservatories. A great spot for family outings, learn about exotic species of plants and flowers.
A brewery which aims to produce the country's best brews, Coopers Brewery Adelaide is famous for its fine ales. A venture started by Thomas Cooper who used to deliver his products by horse and cart, the brewery is now run by his sons. Special tours of the brewery are also available from Tuesday to Friday where one can discover the entire process of producing beer.
The striking Adelaide Town Hall stands tall on King William Street in the capital city's bustling center. Construction on the structure began in 1863 based on designs by Edmund Wright and Edward Wood. Upon its completion in 1866, the landmark was hailed as one of the "most important edifices" to be built in the city. The Adelaide Town Hall has been carefully preserved in the following years, and today, it retains its architectural glory. Modern modifications have only been applied to make the building more environmentally sound. A truly significant landmark, the town hall also serves as a premier event venue, offering several rooms and spaces to accommodate a variety of events.
Operating within the heritage-listed Cleland Conservation Park, this wildlife habitat is filled with creatures that call the surrounding eucalyptus forests home. Guests are welcome to wander freely with waterfowl, hand feed hungry kangaroos, and cuddle cozy koalas. Visitors can also book guided night walks to enjoy the best of the park's nocturnal marsupials. Cleland Wildlife Park has a bistro on-site that caters conferences, weddings, functions, and private events. Otherwise, bring a picnic lunch and take advantage of the site's free gas barbecues as you enjoy unforgettable nature and wildlife.
Clearly suggestive of French Gothic architecture, St. Peter's Cathedral spires tower above the surrounding parklands. Famous for its romantic, English cathedral organ, Saint Peter's is equally renowned for its bells and wonderful examples of stained glass window. This is a must see for any reason be it art, design or a majestic praying environment. Regular guided tours are available. The cathedral shop is open daily for gifts, books, postcards and memorabilia.
Edmund Wright House holds a long history in South Australia. For instance, it was first completed in 1878 as a bank. Today, it is a landmark and a local history museum for those to enjoy and learn about its long history. Be sure to call their phone number if you would like to know more information on tours and hours available, since it can vary.
Overlooking verdant gardens peppered with rainbow colored flowers, Stangate House and Garden appears to have manifested out of a fairy tale. A heritage setting that has been preserved to perfection, this property along with its garden is open for tours. The idyllic location also makes the place a preferred venue for weddings, and a number of other private events are also organized here.
All true wine connoisseurs know about McLaren Vale. This quaint little region is known world-wide for the wines it produces, especially suited to produce the Vitis Vinifera variety of Shiraz. Among other varieties of wine that are made here include Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Verdot, and Chardonnay. The reason why McLaren Vale has become synonymous with great wine lies in the soil, which here varies in kind, from red-brown to clay, thus giving the wines a unique taste. Call to know more.
Taking pride to be the first fort of the colonial times in the state and the nation's finest preserved specimen of its kind, Fort Glanville Conservation Park has to be in your itinerary if you love fortifications and history. Built in the 19th Century, it still has its artillery and barracks intact, giving a glimpse of colonial defences and strategy. Open Days are held on the third Sunday of the month and the charges differ during thus day.
One of the earliest wineries in the McLaren Vale district, the Kay Brothers Amery Vineyards is still in the hands of the family that founded it, perched on the side of a hill overlooking the beautiful Southern Vales. A relatively small vineyard by modern standards, the wines remain strictly regional and of a consistently high quality. It is quite likely that you may go to taste the wines and find the current winemaker Colin Kay grandson of one of the original Kay Brothers, behind the counter.
SteamRanger Heritage Railway is a revered train society allowing locals and travelers to enjoy a train ride aboard archaic steam locomotives. They have ten trains plying passengers to various towns in South Australia while delighting them with sweeping views of the Great Australian Bight, verdant landscapes, and rolling hills during their journey. Some of the most popular trains operated by SteamRanger Heritage Railway are The Bugle Ranger, The Southern Encounter and The Cockle Train.