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A guide to living in Adelaide

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With its parklands and green gardens, Adelaide is not only attractive, it is also easy to get around. The city is one of the few places in Australia planned before it was built. The simple grid of streets makes it easy to wander without getting lost.

Adelaide is a big city, but it's not crazy busy like Melbourne and Sydney can be. Locals welcome you with a friendly and relaxed attitude into their community. With its open and wide streets, trees lining the sides, and large areas of recreational parkland, Adelaide creates a feeling of unique spaciousness.

Things to do in Adelaide

Adelaide Fringe Festival

South Australia calls itself 'Festival State' and has every reason to do so! The Adelaide Fringe Festival is the state's most well-known and popular event of the year. Running every year in March, the city attracts thousands of comedians, artists, musicians, and street performers. You can feel a completely different buzz across the entire city for a month, which both tourists and locals thoroughly enjoy.

Adelaide Hills

Food, wine and friendly locals these are the top three things the Adelaide Hills are known for. If you're looking to experience something different, try some freshly baked goods from one of the many bakeries in Stirling or go for a stroll around Hahndorf, an old German settlement.

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is only a short ferry ride from Cape Jervis and offers stunning nature and wildlife. Expect to get close to echidnas, koalas and even wild kangaroos and make sure you stop at Seal Bay to see some sea lions. Other options include caving, exploring sand dunes or going for a swim at Vivonne Bay.

Average weekly costs

Rent: 135 to 385
Food: 90 to 135
Electricity/gas: 40 to 55
Transport: 20 to 35
Internet: 20 to 40
Other: 50+
Total: 350 to 700

Transport in Adelaide

Train or tram

Adelaide offers six train lines, from the Adelaide railway station to Belair, Gawler, Tonsley, Grange, Seaford and Outer Harbor, plus one tram line.

The tram line runs from the Adelaide Entertainment Centre (AEC) to Glenelg. It's free from the AEC to South Terrace and between Brighton Rd and Moseley Square, Glenelg. Make sure you catch the tram down to Glenelg while you're in Adelaide.

Buses

Buses in Adelaide are often the best option to get around. They run every 15 minutes on routes close to the city and either every half-hour or hour in the outer suburbs. You can buy tickets from the bus driver using your MetroCard. If you're in the city centre and need to go somewhere, there's a free City Connector bus service between the city and North Adelaide.

Taxi

Adelaide offers a few taxi ranks spread across the city where you can line up and get a taxi. Otherwise, you can always try hailing one from the side of the street.

Uber

You can catch a ride anywhere without having to worry about safety due to the app's driver background checks.

Suburbs in Adelaide

City Centre

Apart from outstanding cafes, restaurants and bars, the city centre also offers Southern Australia’s oldest libraries, art galleries and buildings. Make sure to also browse the many shops and markets, as well as the beautiful botanic garden.

North Adelaide

Just across the River Torrens, with its stunning views and bridges, lies North Adelaide. This is the historic part of Adelaide and home to the city’s biggest sporting ground. And if you’re feeling a little hungry, North Adelaide offers a wide range of dining options.

Inner East

Heading out of the city centre for just a few minutes you can check out the Inner East’s hip cafes and pretty hotels. Stroll down the Parade and find some of your new favourite places.

Inner West

Right at the end of the free tram line are the joys of the Inner West. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a diverse community, a whole range of entertainment options and almost unlimited eateries.

Inner South

The Inner South offers the perfect Sunday: Sit down for a delicious brunch, watch a movie in a classic cinema and then enjoy dinner at one of the many dining options.