University of Adelaide Tours and Activities

University of Adelaide which includes a church or cathedral, a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture
University of Adelaide featuring modern architecture
University of Adelaide which includes a city and heritage architecture
University of Adelaide showing modern architecture
University of Adelaide which includes heritage architecture and a city


Wander the halls, gardens and boulevards of one of Australia’s oldest universities and find plenty of fascinating stories on your educational visit.

Explore the University of Adelaide and its main campus, which contains many of Adelaide’s most beloved historic buildings. Stretching from North Terrace up to the River Torrens, the spacious university grounds are an interesting place to visit for historical landmarks and the buzz of the institution’s research and learning.

The University of Adelaide is among the prestigious universities in Australia known as the “sandstone universities”, owing to the institutions’ long establishment and classic architecture.

Take a tour of the heritage buildings of the university at your own pace, with the help of the self-guided tour brochure. These can be obtained online or at the head office. Stroll along wide paths that lead through gardens of native flowers between stately castle-like buildings. The Barr Smith Library’s neoclassical architecture features red brick, tall columns and large windows, and has a serene reading room inside. Students gather to study and sunbathe on the adjacent lawns. The gothic Elder Hall resembles a cathedral and hosts over 40 concerts a year, including regular lunchtime shows on Fridays. Look for the archways of the University Cloisters crossing the lawns or check out the historic Mitchell Building and Bonython Hall.

Learn about the institution, which was established in 1874. The University of Adelaide was a pioneering institution in the fledgling Australian nation. It was the first university in Australia to grant science degrees and admit female students. It has produced many notable graduates, including Howard Florey, who is known for developing penicillin as a medicine.

Find bars and cafés with affordably priced menus scattered throughout the University of Adelaide. Car parks, bus stops and bicycle racks are conveniently placed throughout the campus. You can go online and download a map ahead of your visit. The Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, the National War Memorial (South Australia) and the State Library are all clustered here, too.

Plan a trip to see University of Adelaide

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The Soho Hotel
The Palms Apartments
Majestic Old Lion Apartments

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Top University of Adelaide Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Mayfair Hotel

Mayfair Hotel

5 out of 5
45 King William Street, Adelaide, SA
Mayfair Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
30 Blyth Street, Adelaide, SA
Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG
Stamford Plaza Adelaide

Stamford Plaza Adelaide

5 out of 5
150 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide

Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide

4.5 out of 5
65 Hindley Street, Adelaide, SA
Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide
Adelaide Rockford

Adelaide Rockford

4 out of 5
164 Hindley Street, Adelaide, SA
Adelaide Rockford
Mantra Hindmarsh Square Adelaide

Mantra Hindmarsh Square Adelaide

4 out of 5
55 - 67 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide, SA
Mantra Hindmarsh Square Adelaide
Adelaide Riviera Hotel

Adelaide Riviera Hotel

4 out of 5
31 34 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
Adelaide Riviera Hotel
ibis Adelaide

ibis Adelaide

4 out of 5
122 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, SA
ibis Adelaide
Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

4.5 out of 5
55 Frome Street, Adelaide, SA
Majestic Roof Garden Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near University of Adelaide

At the University of Adelaide, immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with shopping, leisurely walks, and exciting festivals. Don't miss the chance to catch live performances that showcase local talent and creativity, making your visit truly memorable. Explore the campus and its surroundings to discover the rich culture and community spirit that Adelaide has to offer.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Rundle Mall, only 483m from the University of Adelaide, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. Adelaide Central Market, 1.3km away, is perfect for fresh produce and local delicacies. If you're up for a drive, check out Gilles Street Market, 1.6km away, for unique finds.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Adelaide Oval, where you can catch a game or enjoy outdoor events. For a refreshing swim, head to the Adelaide Aquatic Centre, perfect for family fun. You can also tee off at North Adelaide Golf Course, offering a relaxing day on the greens.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at KartMania & Laser Force Skirmish Centre, located 8.0km from the University of Adelaide, perfect for karting enthusiasts. For hiking, explore the scenic River Torrens Linear Park Trailhead, 9.7km away, or the Crafers to Mt Lofty Trail, 11.3km away, both offering stunning outdoor views.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the University of Adelaide is vibrant and diverse. The Adelaide Festival Centre offers stunning performances just 483m away, while Her Majesty's Theater, located 1.3km away, showcases captivating shows. For family fun, The Beachhouse Arcade AdventureZone, 11.3km away, provides thrilling entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near University of Adelaide

During your visit to the University of Adelaide, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to your interests. Explore the vibrant urban parks, attend events at the conference venues, or enjoy entertainment at local arenas. North Adelaide and the university itself offer rich cultural and family-friendly experiences, making it a perfect destination for travellers seeking a blend of history and modernity.

  • Adelaide Convention Centre: Located only 805m from the University of Adelaide, this vibrant venue buzzes with business energy, making it perfect for conferences and events. Its modern facilities and scenic views of the River Torrens add to the appeal.
  • Adelaide Entertainment Centre: Situated 3.2km away, this lively arena is a hub for entertainment and family fun. With a diverse range of shows and concerts, it promises a fantastic night out for visitors of all ages.
  • Adelaide Botanic Gardens: Just 805m from the university, these stunning gardens offer a serene escape. Perfect for a romantic stroll or a family picnic, the lush surroundings and exotic plant displays create a peaceful atmosphere.

Best time to go to University of Adelaide

The best time to visit University of Adelaide is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January71.4°F (21.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
February70.5°F (21.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
March67.5°F (19.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
April63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
August52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October59.5°F (15.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November63.9°F (17.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
December67.8°F (19.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for University of Adelaide

To save money on your visit to the University of Adelaide, plan your trip between June and August for lower accommodation prices, especially on Mondays, which are the cheapest days to stay. Consider using Expedia to find budget-friendly options by sorting prices from lowest to highest and filtering for eco-certified hotels. Additionally, combining your accommodation with flights and activities through a package deal can lead to further savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities around the university, and consider walking or using public transport for affordable travel around Adelaide.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around University of Adelaide are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around University of Adelaide is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around University of Adelaide is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your travel preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you a range of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your accommodation at the University of Adelaide with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.