If you aren’t joining in on our Partner Program, or you are spending time in Adelaide before or after the convention, this page has some suggested activities for you.
NOTES
- All the items mentioned here are at your own expense. They are not included in any of the programs that are part of the convention or the partner program.
- Prices were correct at the time this page was made available but may change without notice
- The N Scale Convention is not associated with any of these activities, and we are not responsible for any changes to the listed items.
Within the City of Adelaide
Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Walk east along North Terrace or take the tram along North Terrace to the Botanic Gardens. There are 50 hectares of magnificently maintained gardens and stunning architecture.
Entry is free.
Views from the Adelaide Botanic Gardens:
Right: The Bicentennial Conservatory;
Below Right: a Wisteria Arbour; and
Below: the exquisite, painstakingly restored Victorian glasshouse imported from Bremen, Germany in 1875.
Opening hours:
Monday – Friday 07:15 – 17:30
Weekends 09:00 – 17:30
Free guided walks (1.5 hours) Daily at 10:30 and 12:00. Depart from the Schomburgk Pavilion.
Adelaide Central Market
With over 70 traders under one roof, the Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere, buzzing with life and colour all year round. The Market offers a huge range of fresh food including fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, cheeses, bakery, smallgoods and health foods, along with some of Adelaide’s most popular cafes and eateries. Adelaide’s China Town is also next to the Central Market.
Opening times:
Tuesday 07:00 – 17:30
Wednesday & Thursday 09:00 – 17:30
Friday 07:00 – 21:00
Saturday 07:00 – 15:00
The Market is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Trams to and from Glenelg, that travel along King William Street, stop right next to the Adelaide Central Market precinct, and if your journey is entirely within the Adelaide City area tram travel is free.
Adelaide Oval
Take a stroll North along King William Street or walk across the footbridge over the Torrens River to get to the Adelaide Oval.
While you are there, why not take a 90 minute tour of the iconic Adelaide Oval. You will see inside the heritage Adelaide Oval scoreboard, learn about the cricket and AFL history of the oval and see the cricket museum.
Cost: Adults $28 Concession $23
More information can be found at:
https://www.adelaideoval.com.au/tours/
Adelaide Oval Roof Climb
If you are feeling particularly adventurous, why not join in one of the Adelaide Oval Roof Climb Tours?
After getting fitted into the appropriate safety equipment, you will walk out onto the roof area around the Western and Southern sides of the Adelaide, where you will get great views of the city and surrounding areas.
Adult tickets start at $119, and some height, weight and medical restrictions apply.
Find out more, or book online at:
https://roofclimb.com.au/climbs/
Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Zoo is one of Adelaide’s most iconic attractions. Adelaide Zoo first opened to the public in 1883. It is home to more than 2,400 animals and 200 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish exhibited over eight hectares of magnificent botanic surroundings. It is the second oldest zoo in the nation and represents a significant part of South Australia’s heritage and social history.
While in Adelaide take the opportunity to see the Giant pandas – Xing Qiu and Yi Lan
Adelaide Zoo also offers various Animal Experiences (extra cost) to enable you to get up close and personal to some of the animals in the zoo. These experiences must be booked online at least 24 hours prior to the event.
Adelaide Zoo is just a short 10 minute walk North along Frome Road from the Botanic Gardens tram stop (the tram terminates here, so there is no chance of missing the stop)
An adult ticket costs $48.00, but if you are planning on also visiting Monarto Safari Park, a two visit pass is a good way to save money.
Opening times:
Daily: 09:30 – 17:00
Tickets can be purchased online at:
https://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/
North Terrace
North Terrace is Adelaide’s premier cultural boulevard, running east-west along the northern edge of the city’s central business district. It is a historical and picturesque street lined with cultural institutions, government buildings, universities, and memorials. Attractions include the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, the Adelaide University and the State Library. The SA Museum has the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts in the world.
A ‘must see’ is the Mortlock Library wing of the State Library – voted 2nd most beautiful Library in the world.
Popeye Cruise
Take a cruise on the Popeye along the river Torrens in Adelaide.
Cruises depart from Elder Park, just North of the Festival Theatre, and take about 45 minutes return. If you prefer you can also get off at the Adelaide Zoo and hop back on board later for the return leg.
Cruises start from $18, or $31 if you would like to include a Devonshire tea on board.
Book your tickets online at:
https://thepopeye.com.au/cruises/
Rundle Mall
Walk through Adelaide’s Rundle Mall – go shopping; have something to eat; get a picture of the ‘Mall’s Balls’ or the ‘Mall’s Pigs’; visit the Beehive Corner and grab some delicious Haigh’s Chocolates; wander through the Adelaide Arcade that was built in 1885, and which stands true to its original ambience. The entrance to Adelaide Arcade is near the fountain.
The 4m high stainless steel sculpture created by artist Bert Flugelman is officially called The Spheres, although it is affectionately known as the “Malls Balls” by locals.
The pig sculptures in Rundle Mall are officially known as ‘A Day Out’, and were created by Marguerite Derricourt.
Fun Fact: There are four pig sculptures in Rundle Mall, and their names are Horatio, Oliver, Truffles and Augusta.
Opening hours for most shops in Rundle Mall:
Friday 9.00 a.m. – 9.30 p.m.
Other days 9.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.
Further afield
For those who wish to travel out of the Adelaide CBD here are a few ideas.
Glenelg
Catch the tram to Glenelg.
The tram can be boarded on North Terrace, King Willaim Street or Victoria Square. (Note that while riding on the tram is free within the CBD, you will need a ticket if you are travelling SOuth beyond the limits of the CBD). In just 20 minutes from the city of Adelaide, you will arrive at Glenelg.
Walk along the foreshore, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants dotting Jetty Road and check out the boutique shops.
Check out the wide beach, shops, sidewalk cafes, take a walk on the jetty, or grab some fish and chips to eat by the ocean.
Hahndorf
Adelaide Sightseeing operates half day tours of the Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf.
This half day tour of Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills allows you to explore the delights of Hahndorf and experience the charm of quaint, historic hills villages. Sample the local handmade produce as well as the arts and crafts of this fascinating region.
Adult tickets are $105, and more information is available at:
https://www.adelaidesightseeing.com.au/hahndorf/adelaide-hills-and-hahndorf
If you are driving yourself, having lunch at The Haus in Hahndorf is highly recommended.
Monarto Safari Park
Monarto Safari Park is approximately 1 hour from Adelaide on the South Eastern Freeway.
Monarto Safari Park is now the largest safari experience to exist outside of Africa. Spanning more than 1,500 hectares and home to more than 50 species of exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles, you can fit every major zoo in Australia inside the Park and still have land left over!
We recommend setting aside a minimum of four to five hours to fully enjoy Monarto Safari Park.
Explore the park by hopping on our free Zu-loop bus, included in your entry ticket. The bus will bring you through our large open-range habitats, you will get to see our amazing animals in a natural setting and hear more from our passionate guides!
To make the most of your visit, make sure you hop off at our viewing platforms. Please note that we can only store foldable strollers on our buses.
Tickets for Monarto Safari Park, from $54 for an Adult ticket, must be pre-purchased online at:
https://www.monartosafari.com.au/tickets/
Port Adelaide
Discover the Port of Adelaide. Walk around the wharf area, see the historic buildings, grab a bite to eat at Pirate Life or a side street café.
To get to Port Adelaide, take the Outer Harbor train from Adelaide Railway Station to Port Dock Railway Station.
The Maritime Museum
The maritime Museum is just a short walk from the Port Dock Railway Station and the National Railway Museum.
The museum’s exhibitions tell stories of South Australia’s maritime history – from those who lived at sea and on shore, to the dolphins and maritime ecosystems that make up our natural environment.
The museum is set within the atmospheric eclectic walls of two 1850’s bond stores and offers a rich blend of history and innovation across three floors of immersive exhibits.
The Maritime Museum is at 126 Lipson Street.
Cost: Adult $22.00 (venue is cashless)
Open times:
Daily: 10:00 – 17:00
There are Free guided tours on Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 and 14:00
The National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum is a 3-minute walk from the Port Dock railway station. Free parking on nearby street or in car park (3 hour limit)
The National Railway Museum houses the largest undercover collection of locomotives, passenger carriages, railcars and freight vehicles in Australia. It is located within the heritage precinct of 76 Lipson Street in Port Adelaide.
The Museum features locomotives, railway carriages, a train ride, exhibits and displays housed within two large fully enclosed pavilions and around the extensive Museum grounds.
Please be advised that for safety and security reasons, many of the priceless and irreplaceable carriages and locomotives are not accessible
Cost: Adults $19 Concession / Seniors $12.00
Opening times:
Daily: 10:00 – 16:30