Short visit to Adelaide

[MacGyver 1,743]

My partner has been asked to attend Adealide for a training course at the last minute (course is next week and in the CBD), with work providng her flights and accommodaiton. We decided to turn it into the first interstate trip (From Perth) in over a year and will have 4 days in Adelaide. We have already completed the SA cross border travel applicaiton and had this approved. Just wanted to ask a few basic questions:

1. In WA we have the SafeWA app and have to scan QR codes on entry into every shop/building/venue. Is there anything similar in SA at the moment and is there an app I should get for this?

2. Is a travel card required for public transprot in Adelaide or can I tap to pay with my phone on buses, trains, trams etc (Sydney allows tap to pay, in WA you need the actual smartrider travel card)?

3. Any recommendations for things I should see while wandering aimlessly during the day on my own? Equally, any nice restaurants/bars we should explore at night, mid-week?

Surprisingly excited to be going on a city break after a year of only being able to explore WA

thanks

[NicF 911]

6 minutes ago, MacGyver said:

My partner has been asked to attend Adealide for a training course at the last minute (course is next week and in the CBD), with work providng her flights and accommodaiton. We decided to turn it into the first interstate trip (From Perth) in over a year and will have 4 days in Adelaide. We have already completed the SA cross border travel applicaiton and had this approved. Just wanted to ask a few basic questions:

1. In WA we have the SafeWA app and have to scan QR codes on entry into every shop/building/venue. Is there anything similar in SA at the moment and is there an app I should get for this?

2. Is a travel card required for public transprot in Adelaide or can I tap to pay with my phone on buses, trains, trams etc (Sydney allows tap to pay, in WA you need the actual smartrider travel card)?

3. Any recommendations for things I should see while wandering aimlessly during the day on my own? Equally, any nice restaurants/bars we should explore at night, mid-week?

Surprisingly excited to be going on a city break after a year of only being able to explore WA

thanks

1. We use an app called mySA GOV to scan QR codes.  You don't need a mySA GOV account to use it - I only downloaded it myself when they introduced the QR codes thing.  IF you don't want to download the app you can just sign in on paper at most places.

2. You will need a metrocard to travel on public transport.  There are various visitor passes you can get.  Details of the card and where to buy can be found here => https://adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets-Fares/metroCARD

3.  I'm the worst possible person to advise on what to see as I don't really do that much, but the Botanic Gardens, Museum, and Art Gallery on North Terrace are all worth a look.  There is a migration museum on North Terrace as well that I've never been to and apparently the State Library is quite interesting, but again I've never been in.

[MacGyver 1,743]

4 minutes ago, NicF said:

1. We use an app called mySA GOV to scan QR codes.  You don't need a mySA GOV account to use it - I only downloaded it myself when they introduced the QR codes thing.  IF you don't want to download the app you can just sign in on paper at most places.

2. You will need a metrocard to travel on public transport.  There are various visitor passes you can get.  Details of the card and where to buy can be found here => https://adelaidemetro.com.au/Tickets-Fares/metroCARD

3.  I'm the worst possible person to advise on what to see as I don't really do that much, but the Botanic Gardens, Museum, and Art Gallery on North Terrace are all worth a look.  There is a migration museum on North Terrace as well that I've never been to and apparently the State Library is quite interesting, but again I've never been in.

Thanks NicF

[llessur 316]

Just to add to the above - the tram is free within the CBD so if you're not venturing into the suburbs or heading to the beach at Glenelg etc then just jump on. If you head outside of the free zone then there will be an announcement to validate your pass/ticket. Also, it wasn't very widely advertised but tap and pay with a credit/debit card has been active on all trams since last September - I presume it will be rolled out to buses and trains soon too.

As per NicF's post, North Terrace is good for a stroll with most of the museums, galleries etc located there as well as the Botanic Garden etc. However, Adelaide Fringe runs from 19 February - 21 March 2021 so you'll have a huge number of possibilities if you're coming next week - the city should be alive every day and you can head to the Garden of Unearthly Delights, Gluttony, outdoor dining on Rundle Street etc. Maybe check out the Fringe website and book tickets to a couple of shows!

Other than that, the River is always nice for a stroll - especially between the Oval and the Zoo. The Zoo's fun too and if you find yourself on your own it might be a nice escape for a few hours.

As for restaurants and bars etc, there's lots to explore - some info is on this thread I created a while back but I have neglected to maintain it lately.

As for pubs, if you like craft beer etc I'd also highly recommend checking out the Wheaty in Thebarton - only a 5 or 10 minute tram ride from North Terrace (still in the free zone): http://wheatsheafhotel.com.au/. For a drink on the riverfront with views of the Oval you can't beat the Malt Shovel: https://maltshoveltaphouse.com.au/agegate/. Bar-wise, Hains & Co on Gilbert Place is nice: https://www.hainsco.com.au/ as is NOLA on Varden Ave: http://www.nolaadelaide.com/. If you like gin you should head to the Howling Owl: http://www.thehowlingowl.com.au/. For great rooftop views over the city there's 2KW on King William Street (https://2kwbar.com.au/) and also a new rooftop bar on the shiny new casino building behind the railway station (https://skycityadelaide.com.au/eat-and-drink/sol-bar-and-restaurant/). If you like craft breweries and you've got time to go slightly further afield then you can try the new Pirate Life brewery at Port Adelaide or out to Little Bang in Stepney. Both might be easier via an Uber though.

Edited February 18, 2021 by llessur

[llessur 316]

Little Bang: https://www.littlebang.com.au/

Pirate Life: https://www.piratelife.com.au/

Edited February 18, 2021 by llessur

[MacGyver 1,743]

12 hours ago, llessur said:

Just to add to the above - the tram is free within the CBD so if you're not venturing into the suburbs or heading to the beach at Glenelg etc then just jump on. If you head outside of the free zone then there will be an announcement to validate your pass/ticket. Also, it wasn't very widely advertised but tap and pay with a credit/debit card has been active on all trams since last September - I presume it will be rolled out to buses and trains soon too.

As per NicF's post, North Terrace is good for a stroll with most of the museums, galleries etc located there as well as the Botanic Garden etc. However, Adelaide Fringe runs from 19 February - 21 March 2021 so you'll have a huge number of possibilities if you're coming next week - the city should be alive every day and you can head to the Garden of Unearthly Delights, Gluttony, outdoor dining on Rundle Street etc. Maybe check out the Fringe website and book tickets to a couple of shows!

Other than that, the River is always nice for a stroll - especially between the Oval and the Zoo. The Zoo's fun too and if you find yourself on your own it might be a nice escape for a few hours.

As for restaurants and bars etc, there's lots to explore - some info is on this thread I created a while back but I have neglected to maintain it lately.

As for pubs, if you like craft beer etc I'd also highly recommend checking out the Wheaty in Thebarton - only a 5 or 10 minute tram ride from North Terrace (still in the free zone): http://wheatsheafhotel.com.au/. For a drink on the riverfront with views of the Oval you can't beat the Malt Shovel: https://maltshoveltaphouse.com.au/agegate/. Bar-wise, Hains & Co on Gilbert Place is nice: https://www.hainsco.com.au/ as is NOLA on Varden Ave: http://www.nolaadelaide.com/. If you like gin you should head to the Howling Owl: http://www.thehowlingowl.com.au/. For great rooftop views over the city there's 2KW on King William Street (https://2kwbar.com.au/) and also a new rooftop bar on the shiny new casino building behind the railway station (https://skycityadelaide.com.au/eat-and-drink/sol-bar-and-restaurant/). If you like craft breweries and you've got time to go slightly further afield then you can try the new Pirate Life brewery at Port Adelaide or out to Little Bang in Stepney. Both might be easier via an Uber though.

This is amazing and very helpful- thanks for taking the time to respond in so much detail 

[llessur 316]

Hey no worries, glad to help - let us know how you get on

[llessur 316]

@MacGyver How was your trip?

[llessur 316]

Ignore me - I have just seen your other post