South Australia: Five free things to do in Adelaide

The excellent Art Gallery of South Australia, is free to visit. Photo / Richard Robinson

South Australia's picturesque state capital offers plenty to see and do for travellers on a budget, writes Shandelle Battersby.

1. Educate yourself

Along North Terrace (Adelaide's CBD is known as the "square mile" and is bordered by four terraces imaginatively titled North, South, East and West) is the city's cultural boulevard. Here, you'll find the terrific Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum (home to the world's largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts), the state library and the Migration Museum. Admission to each is free.

2. Get on your bike

Adelaide is as flat as a pancake with wide streets and a network of dedicated bike lanes and paths. Dotted around town are 10 sites where you can pick up an Adelaide City Bike for free hire. All you need to do is deposit a current passport or driver's licence. Hire includes a helmet and a lock.

3. Sample local produce

Adelaide's 145-year-old Central Market - the largest undercover market in the Southern Hemisphere with more than 250 stalls - is a foodie institution, and many of the stalls offer samples of their wares. A trip to South Australia would also not be complete without a visit to a winery or two, many of which have free tastings.

4. Get on board

Buses and trams in the square mile are free, so you can go from attraction to attraction, including the Central Market, East and North Terrace areas, Rundle Mall (the main shopping strip), the railway station, squares and gardens easily at zero cost.

5. Surf the web

Auckland, take note - there is free internet everywhere in Adelaide, so you can surf your ass off. It's at the airport, on public transport, in the city centre, in department stores and supermarkets, and in almost every bar and eatery.

CHECKLIST

Further information: Create your perfect South Australia holiday at southaustralia.co.nz.

The writer visited Adelaide courtesy of Tourism Australia.