12 Free Things To Do in Adelaide When You’re On a Budget

Expensive doesn’t always mean the best, and being budget-friendly doesn’t always mean boring! Adelaide is a hub for activities just waiting to be enjoyed, whether you’re saving pennies for a big purchase, your bank balance has had a little too much fun lately, or you’re simply after something enjoyable that doesn’t involve ticket prices.

Think strolls through gorgeous gardens throughout all seasons, day trips to beautiful beaches, farmers markets to attend with friends, and live music at the pub. These are some of the best free activities to do in Adelaide for those on a budget.

1. Hike the Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit

Tie up your hiking shoes and head to Waterfall Gully to do this scenic hike. This is the perfect activity if you're looking for free things to do in Adelaide and also are an active person. The hike from Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit is eight kilometres and takes approximately two and a half hours to do, so schedule in a morning or afternoon to tackle the summit with your friends. 

2. Enjoy a free tipple

Yes, you read that correctly. There are multiple world-class wineries in Adelaide that offer free wine tastings, so you can act bougie on a budget. Bethany Wines and Turkey Flat Vineyards in the Barossa Valley are two wineries that will let you sample their range for free. Or, if you're heading to McLaren Vale, be sure to enjoy a free tasting at Hither & Yon, Sew & Sew Wines, or Nick Hasselgrove Wines (only on Saturdays). 

3. Stroll through the ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk

Pay your respects to the servicemen and servicewomen who have served their time in the war and take a walk down the ANZAC Centenary Memorial Walk. The memorial wall has both images and the names of the South Australians who have served in the war, with the interpretative wall made of Adelaide black granite depicting Australian society through all the times of conflict spanning a century. This is the perfect place to reflect and pay your respects as you immerse yourself in Australian history.

Kintore Street, Adelaide

4. Get lost in the South Australian Museum

Spend hours of your time immersed in fascinating history, culture and natural wonders across the five floors of the South Australian Museum - all without spending a single cent.

Explore the mammal room filled with curious creatures from around the globe, cool down in the polar collection with tens of thousands of artifacts from the historic era of polar exploration, and take your time throughout their many permanent collections across biological sciences, humanities and mineral sciences, among others as one of the most fun and educational free things to do in Adelaide. This museum is so large, it will take you days to get through it all!

Keep an eye out for their special exhibitions, events and programs throughout the year, although you may have to pay an entry fee for certain events.

North Terrace, Adelaide

5. Catch a free gig

Head out to one of Adelaide’s many bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes to discover some of SA’s talented musical acts – absolutely free! Hang out at NOLA for blues and acoustic, Casablabla for their resident DJs and eclectic range of acts, or pubs featuring local artists including The Lion Hotel and The Stag, and Bowden Brewing in Plant 3 Bowden.

We love to keep an eye out for the best regular live music sessions at some of our favourite spots around the city, in particular when we’re seeking free things to do in Adelaide, which you can always find in our monthly guide roundups.

6. Check out the latest festival

South Australia is called the Festival State for an extremely good reason. We have an exciting festival on practically every single month of the year, with many of them having events to enjoy while on a budget and looking for free things to do in Adelaide.

The Adelaide Fringe festival (February-March) takes over the entire city for a month, with ticketed shows across many venues and free shows to catch in bars, on the streets and in larger venue spaces such as the Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony that are free of charge to enter and spend your day in. Cultural festivals such as OzAsia burst out onto the streets of Adelaide and of course, there are the many, many food festivals including Tasting Australia with their Town Square area that is free to enter.

7. Learn something new at an exhibition or gallery

The Art Gallery of South Australia will provide you with hours of entertainment and cost you absolutely nothing! It doesn’t matter if you’re an art connoisseur or more of an art novice, there’s something for everyone in the many rooms spanning every genre imaginable. They have plenty of activities and events on at all times of the year, so there's always something new to do.

Or if you consider yourself to be a STEM enthusiast, then you'll be obsessed with MOD., Adelaide's futuristic museum all about science, discovery, and learning. It's the place to go if you're looking for free things to do in Adelaide that will inspire you through its boundary-pushing research.

8. Tour Haigh’s Chocolates

Did you know that the South Aussie heroes Haigh’s Chocolates offer free guided and self-guided tours of their factory in Parkside? There’s no booking necessary, just pick your time and day, turn up at the visitor centre and take yourself on a journey through the various levels of the factory, all while learning about Australia’s oldest (and most delicious) chocolate manufacturing retailer.

You will get to see the production line and the staff in action, creating the tasty treats that Haigh’s is so well known for, including its chocolate frog, truffles and bars. If you don’t mind spending a couple of dollars in your search for free things to do in Adelaide, some chocolate seconds may also be available during the tour, and of course, in the shop at the end of your visit.

Tours operate Monday-Saturday, except on public holidays. Self-guided tours also available 

154 Greenhill Road, Parkside

9. Meander through one of the many markets in Adelaide

If you're short on free things to do in Adelaide, you can always head to one of the city's many markets and wander around, trying free samples. There's the Adelaide Central Markets which have been running since 1869 and are a must-see icon. Or, wander through Adelaide Showgrounds Farmers Markets, South Australia’s largest farmers’ market and an excellent free activity thanks to there being no entry fee. 

You may find yourself very tempted to pick up a treat or two, but if you're strict on saving your pretty pennies, you can settle for picking up a taster sample of some of the goods available. 

11. Wander through Adelaide's many enchanting gardens 

When the sun is shining and you feel like stepping outdoors, head to one of the many gardens in Adelaide. There’s 50 hectares of lush botanical plants, greenhouses, ponds and open greens to be discovered right in the heart of the city at the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Nature enthusiasts should keep an eye out for some of South Australia’s famous wildlife throughout the Botanic Garden, with birds, bats and other creatures calling the park home.

Neatly tucked away inside Adelaide’s Southern Park Lands with manicured greenery, ponds and beautiful botanicals, Himeji Garden is a little ‘pocket of Japan’ waiting to be discovered. Or, stray not too far from the city and visit Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, a vast stretch of beauty and nature with long walks, a huge lake and amazing wildlife to be discovered. 

12. Lose hours reading in the State Library of South Australia

The State Library of South Australia is a hidden gem and one of the best free things to do in Adelaide, where you can easily lose yourself for hours in its enchanting ambiance. With stunning architecture and a rich collection of books, art, and historical treasures, it's a perfect spot for leisurely exploration. Wander through the tranquil reading rooms, immerse yourself in fascinating exhibitions, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a good book. Best of all, entry is free, making it an ideal outing for all!

North Terrace, Adelaide

It's also worth noting that Adelaide's free City Connector bus service runs on two loops—an inner city loop and an extended loop around North Adelaide—providing a convenient link to popular attractions, shopping, dining, and educational destinations. Now that you've explored the best free activities in Adelaide, discover more budget-friendly experiences! Check out our list of the top happy hour deals in local pubs and where to find delicious cheap eats around town.