University of Adelaide Tours and Activities

University of Adelaide showing modern architecture
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
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.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near University of Adelaide

Mayfair Hotel
Mayfair Hotel
5 out of 5
45 King William Street, Adelaide, SA
Mayfair Hotel
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
5 out of 5
150 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
The Playford Adelaide MGallery
The Playford Adelaide MGallery
5 out of 5
120 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
The Playford Adelaide MGallery
ibis Adelaide
ibis Adelaide
4 out of 5
122 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, SA
ibis Adelaide
Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide
Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide
4.5 out of 5
65 Hindley Street, Adelaide, SA
Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide
Hilton Adelaide
Hilton Adelaide
5 out of 5
233 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA
Hilton Adelaide
Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide
Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide
3.5 out of 5
125 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
Grosvenor Hotel Adelaide
Chancellor on Currie
Chancellor on Currie
4 out of 5
18 Currie Street, Adelaide, SA
Chancellor on Currie
Crowne Plaza Adelaide, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Adelaide, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
27 FROME STREET, Adelaide, SA
Crowne Plaza Adelaide, an IHG 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.