Me, Myself, and Adelaide: Top Things to Do Alone in Adelaide
- In Adelaide
- Shop ‘til you drop in Rundle Mall
- Do some reading in the elegant State Library of South Australia
- Take a chill walk at the Adelaide Botanic Garden
- Chug booze at one of the city pubs
- Taste the flavors of the Adelaide Central Market
- Unleash your artsy side at the Art Gallery of South Australia
- Find your zen at the Adelaide Himeji Garden
- Walk, run, or cycle your way through the Adelaide Park Lands Trail
- Near Adelaide
- Do a wine tour of the Barossa Valley
- Swim, sip cocktails, and see the sunset at Glenelg Beach
- Experience the German culture of Hahndorf
- Have high tea at The Summit Cafe and Function Center
- Get up close with wildlife at Cleland Wildlife Park
Adelaide is a dream for lone wolves. Our solo-flight-friendly city never runs out of spots and experiences to enjoy on your own.
If you want to relish serenity paired with natural beauty, there’s the Adelaide Botanic Garden or Glenelg Beach. You can also dive into our invigorating pubs and towns, where you can embrace being alone minus the sting of loneliness.
We’ll even make things breezy for you. This guide has all the essentials: the top activities to do alone in Adelaide, their locations, insider tips, and more!
In Adelaide
Shop ‘til you drop in Rundle Mall
Address: Rundle Mall, 100, Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu- 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 9 am to 9 pm
- Sat to Sun – 9 am to 5 pm
Nothing embodies a warm Adelaide welcome quite like a good old shopping spree in Rundle Mall.
Quirky stalls, top-notch restos, and trendy fashion stores all line up in the mall, giving you a chance to score wants and needs, whether it’s new kicks from Vans or Nike or a freshly-baked Abbots and Kinney almond croissant.
Outside, musicians deliver toe-tapping tunes and jolly beats, adding life and music to the already buzzing locale. Checking the mall’s zany and historic structure also gives the visit a hint of whimsy, even for those rolling without a crew or mate.
| Tip: If possible, plan your visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend rush. Weekdays generally see fewer shoppers, making it easier to explore the stores without the hustle and bustle. |
Do some reading in the elegant State Library of South Australia
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8207 7250
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 10 am to 5 pm
- Tue – 10 am to 7 pm
- Wed to Fri – 10 am to 5 pm
- Sat to Sun – 12 am to 5 pm
The 1834-built State Library of South Australia’s exquisite blend of classical and modern design, displayed through its captivating colonnade and intricate wood carvings, is an irresistible invitation to explore the world of books.
Readers are in for free pages of captivating fiction, historical essays, and even cutting-edge research materials that would typically cost a fortune. Borrowing books is a no-go, though, so all literary treasures must stay within the historic library.
| Tip: You can bring your laptop when planning an extended visit to the State Library of South Australia, as it has spacious and cozy charging stations. |
Take a chill walk at the Adelaide Botanic Garden
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8222 9311
Operating Hours: Daily – 7:15 am to 8 pm
With ever-changing and vibrant blossoms, a Victorian glasshouse, exotic lilies adrift on ponds, and a picturesque lake enveloped by trees, what’s not to adore about the Adelaide Botanic Garden?
Soloists can see and smell all the garden’s offerings for free. A walking tour kicks off at 10:30 am, but if you’re not really in the mood to mingle, going for a self-guided tour isn’t a crime here—go for it.
| Tip: Once the hunger pangs hit, head to The Garden right in the heart of this spot. Dips, crudites, brownies, and cookies are some of their top offerings. |
Chug booze at one of the city pubs
– From exeterhotel_adl
- Duke of the Brunswick Hotel: 207 Gilbert St, Adelaide, SA 5000
- Exeter Hotel: 246 Rundle St, Adelaide, SA 5000
- The Original Coopers Alehouse: 316 Pulteney St, Adelaide, SA 5000
You can’t leave Adelaide without hitting its legendary pubs, like the Duke of Brunswick Hotel, Gilbert Street Hotel, and The Original Coopers Alehouse.
All these watering holes display classic pub decor and vibes, like dark wood furniture, brass or copper accents, and low lights cast on leather seats. In terms of drinks, they all have beer, whisky, gin, wine, and other spirits like mezcal and tequila.
As for the food specialties, the Duke of Brunswick Hotel whips up exceptional gluten-free bites, while the Exeter Hotel is best for steak and pasta enjoyers.
But if you pair booze with pizza or schnitzels, The Original Coopers Alehouse is where you should be.
| Tip: Check if the pub has any events, live music, or themed nights. |
Taste the flavors of the Adelaide Central Market
Address: 44/60 Gouger St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7494
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
- Sun – Closed
Adelaide Central Market cooks up the world’s flavors, from authentic laksa and refreshing kingfish ceviche to velvety chocolate yule logs and gluten-free doughnuts.
Farm-fresh fruits and seasonal veggies are also huge here. In addition, if you need native cuts, there are tons of meat shops, some even selling game like croc, kangaroo, and buffalo.
| Tip: Many vendors offer free samples, especially on Saturdays. Take advantage of this to taste and discover local cheeses, fruits, and other products. |
Unleash your artsy side at the Art Gallery of South Australia
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8207 7000
Operating Hours: Daily – 10 am to 5 pm
The Art Gallery of South Australia has one of the most massive art collections Down Under, with nearly 47,000 masterpieces that range from classic paintings to mind-bending sculptures.
Guests can also visit exhibits of captivating photographs, well-preserved textiles, historic ceramics, and exquisite jewelry.
A self-guided tour of the displays is a no-brainer, particularly if you want to ball on a budget. But if you want an in-depth exploration of the museum and its artwork, dropping a few bucks ($100 for a group of 15 people) has its upsides.
| Tip: Before your visit, check the Art Gallery of South Australia’s official website to see the current exhibitions. This allows you to plan your visit based on what interests you the most. |
Find your zen at the Adelaide Himeji Garden
Address: Cnr South Terrace & Glen Osmond Rd, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7203
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 5:30 pm
Even the hottest heads can chill at the Adelaide Himeji Garden, a soloist’s sanctuary where Japanese culture teems in every nook and cranny.
From the peaceful garden lake with ducklings, fish, and turtles to the soothing clack of Japanese bamboo tubes (shishi-odoshi)—every corner of this spot is designed to sweep away those mental cobwebs.
There’s even a karesansui, a dry-landscape Japanese garden with rocks, sand, and gravel masterfully arranged to mimic mountains and seascapes. Most visitors use this as a meditation hub, so ensure you don’t do anything that breaks the tranquility.
| Tip: Bring a cozy blanket and indulge in simple finger foods to fully enjoy the tranquil ambiance. |
Walk, run, or cycle your way through the Adelaide Park Lands Trail
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7203
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
With an 18-km flat setup, the Adelaide Park Lands Trail is a breezy, peaceful, and long path connecting Adelaide’s premier public parks.
Where you’ll start depends on your preference, but if you want to go with the flow, hitting the trail on War Memorial Drive near the River Torrens is the way to go. The scenery and shade are a bonus, plus you’ll see a bunch of ducks and black swans.
But, of course, the main perks of tackling this journey are the fitness benefits and the chance to stop by scenic and serene locations like Rymill Park, Veale Gardens, and the ever-charming Glover North Playground.
| Tip: Check the weather forecast before setting out, and dress accordingly. Adelaide’s weather can vary, so bring layers and sunscreen to stay comfortable during your walk, run, or cycle. |
Near Adelaide
Do a wine tour of the Barossa Valley
Address: 14 Dixon St, Clarence Park, SA 5034
Contact Details: (08) 8357 1594
Operating Hours: Daily – 7 am to 11 pm
Barossa Valley’s Distance from the CBD: 74.8 km
For wine enthusiasts with a penchant for picturesque vineyard landscapes, booking a tour with Taste the Barossa in the Barossa Valley is an unmissable experience.
They will provide a tailor-made tasting tour that visits the crème de la crème of Barossa wineries. These include heavy hitters like Peter Lehmann’s Wines, Lambert Estate, Chateau Yaldara, Saltram Wines, and Wolf Blass Wines.
| Tip: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you’ll be walking through vineyards or exploring winery facilities. |
Swim, sip cocktails, and see the sunset at Glenelg Beach
How to Get Here: Route
Distance from the CBD: 11.4 km
You don’t need a squad to have the time of your life at Glenelg Beach unless you’re a rookie swimmer who needs to be supervised.
The beach’s crystal-clear and calm shallows are perfect for a quick dip or an entire day of cooling off. But if you ever get bored or tired of frolicking in the water, drop by the Mosely Beach Club for a coconut-infused cocktail or a plate of fish and chips.
You can then kick back on the club’s day beds and watch the sunset in its full golden glory. But those searching for a more Instaworthy site should head to the Glenelg Jetty, where the golden hours look more postcard-like.
| Tip: After your beach time, take a stroll along Jetty Road. It’s a vibrant street with shops, restaurants, and cafes. |
Experience the German culture of Hahndorf
How To Get Here: Route
Distance from the CBD: 25.8 km
Solo travelers don’t have to board jets for a slice of Germany; Hahndorf is just a quick 27-minute drive from Adelaide.
Oozing with history and character, Hahndorf is a German heritage town that goes beyond just schnitzels and bratwurst. Its Main Street is a piece of art, flaunting German-inspired buildings and shops that will make you forget you’re in Oz.
Additionally, you can drop by wineries, distilleries, farms, and German specialty shops. A few of our must-see locations here include the rustic resto German Inn, the strawberry-filled Beerenberg Farm, and the boozy Hahndorf Brewing Co.
| Tip: Check if any local events or festivals are happening during your visit. They can add an extra layer of excitement to your experience. |
Have high tea at The Summit Cafe and Function Center
Address: 266 Mount Lofty Summit Rd, Crafers, SA 5152
Contact Details: (08) 8339 2600
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 4 pm
Distance from the CBD: 17.6 km
The Summit Cafe and Function Center, set on Adelaide’s tallest summit, serves a literal high tea session. What sets it apart is the jaw-dropping views of coastlines, national parks, and even the city skyline you’ll gaze upon while sipping chamomile or long black.
Their menu dishes out a lip-smacking selection of daily-made pastries—think panna cotta, lemon meringue pies, cakes, and chocolate fudge. When it comes to drinks, the cafe keeps cups full with their bottomless pink lemonade, coffee, and tea.
| Tip: Once finished with your solo trip, you might want to consider booking this unique cafe for a party or corporate event. |
Get up close with wildlife at Cleland Wildlife Park
Address: 365 Mount Lofty Summit Rd, Crafers, SA 5152
Contact Details: (08) 8339 2444
Operating Hours: Daily – 9:30 am to 5 pm
Distance from the CBD: 20 km
From cuddly koalas to energized kangaroos, Cleland Wildlife Park is a hard-to-top playground for lone wolves on the hunt for an Aussie wildlife adventure just a stone’s throw from Adelaide.
With daily feeding times, koala-holding sessions, self-guided trails, and free-roaming critters like emus and echidnas up for impromptu photo ops, every visit here is a wild getaway.
| Tip: If you get hungry, swing by the park’s licensed café for your caffeine and foodie fix. Moreover, don’t forget the souvenir shop to snag koala-themed keepsakes! |
