Itineraries · Adelaide & South Australia

North Terrace: the Oval, the museums and the Botanic Garden

Walk · Adelaide & South Australia. About 3 km on foot, half a day, 5 stops.

Whole route in Google Maps ↗Open on the interactive map
North Terrace: the Oval, the museums and the Botanic Garden
Duration
about 3 km on foot, half a day (≈ 5 h 17 min: moving and stop time only)
Who it suits
Everyone
Transport
walk
Start
Adelaide Oval
Finish
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Pace
relaxed pace
Best time
a weekday morning; the museums open at 10:00
Budget per adult
museums and garden free; stadium tour from A$17Prices as of: October 2026

Getting there

Central Adelaide is flat and compact, so everything here is walkable. The tram between South Terrace and the Entertainment Centre is free. Everything else is Tap and Pay or metroCARD: A$4.75 at peak and A$2.70 off-peak, valid for 2 hours.

Stops in order

The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.

  1. 1. Adelaide Oval~1 h at the stop

    The city's cricket and Aussie rules ground, across the Torrens from the centre. Guided stadium tours run daily at 11:00 and 14:00, from A$17.

    Worth knowing: The western stand's roof carries RoofClimb seats 50 metres above the turf.

    Tip: Book the tour ahead. A steep staircase leads up to the 100-year-old heritage scoreboard: it isn't accessible for wheelchairs or prams, and stiletto heels aren't allowed.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 15 min · 1.1 km

  2. 2. State Library of South Australia~30 min at the stop

    The state library on North Terrace. Come for the Mortlock Wing: a 19th-century reading room with two tiers of wrought-iron galleries.

    Tip: Entry is free; keep your voice down, and photos without flash are fine.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 3 min · 0.2 km

  3. 3. South Australian Museum~1 h at the stop

    Natural history and one of the largest Aboriginal cultures collections. The permanent galleries are free, open daily 10:00 to 17:00.

    Worth knowing: Founded in 1856, the museum holds the world's largest collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural material.

    Tip: With kids, head to the Discovery Centre: open Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends, 10:30 to 14:30.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 2 min · 0.1 km

  4. 4. Art Gallery of South Australia~1 h 15 min at the stop

    The state gallery, strong on Australian and Aboriginal painting. General entry is free, daily 10:00 to 17:00.

    Worth knowing: The gallery was founded in 1881. Today it holds one of the country's largest art collections, and the permanent galleries are still free.

    Tip: Only some temporary shows charge; the permanent collection fills an hour on its own.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 12 min · 0.9 km

  5. 5. Adelaide Botanic Garden~1 h at the stop

    The botanic garden, main gate on North Terrace, free to enter. Inside are the Bicentennial Conservatory and the Museum of Economic Botany.

    Worth knowing: The garden dates from 1855; the glass Bicentennial Conservatory opened in 1989 for Australia's bicentenary.

    Tip: October to March it stays open until 18:30; weekends start at 9:00.

    Open on the map ↗

Before you go

  • Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
  • Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
  • On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.