Free/Gratis/No Cost - terms you don't hear a lot these days in relation to entry and tour around some of Adelaide's finest buildings and iconic sites. Upon investigation, there are more than you realise and these are but 8 of the choice on offer all either in the CBD or up at North Adelaide.
1. Art Gallery of South Australia
Along the cultural boulevard of Adelaide, North Terrace, the imposing facade of the
Art Gallery, dating from 1936 draws you in immediately and upon free entry, a vast collection of art works awaits, purported to be one of the best in Australia.
To really appreciate the world of fine arts, and particularly if you are an art lover, would highly recommend a free tour, which are available 7 days a week at 11 am and 2 pm. Tours depart from the North Terrace entrance.
Art Gallery Facade
Right next door is the
Museum, with a diverse view of natural history on display. A real favourite for all of the family, particularly kids, free guided tours run at 11 am on weekdays and 2 pm and 3 pm on weekends and public holidays. Tours leave from the main foyer and knowledgeable guides lead visitors on a journey of discovery.
Historic Museum View
The
State Library is often thought of as just a place where they keep books. However venturing within its walls reveals so much more, including a vast collection of the State's treasures including books, art works, photographs, sound recordings, diaries, maps and the list goes on.
Free tours are run Monday to Friday at 11 am and 2 pm and leave from the upper floor adjacent to the Cloakroom/Security wandering through the three buildings of the State Library (SLSA), namely the Spence Wing, the historic Mortlock Chamber dating from 1884 (named as one of the top 20 beautiful libraries in the world) and the Institute Building. The general tour is badged "Make Yourself at Home" and in addition various themed tours are run regularly.
Institute Building
If you fancy a look inside the halls of political power and hear about its history, then a visit to
Parliament House is a must. The impressive building almost sent South Australia bankrupt with its sheer size and quality of materials used, and took 50 years from the time it was commenced to its finish date in 1939.
Momentous decisions have been made within its walls over the years including the move towards Federation in 1901 and granting women the vote in 1894, the first place in the world to do so after New Zealand. Free tours run at 10 am and 2 pm on weekdays subject to whether parliament is sitting or not.
Parliament House Exterior
Further east on North Terrace lies an amazing building built in 1925 and officially opened two years later,
Freemason's Lodge which has always oozed mystery, particularly surrounding the whole concept of Freemasonry, which is an ancient order with many complex rules and disciplines.
A free tour is available each Thursday at 2pm and part of the tour not only gives you the opportunity to see inside the building but also gain a better insight into Freemasonry.
Symbol to Freemasonry
This year is a significant year for
Adelaide Town Hall as it is commemorating its 150th year, with several celebrations planned by Adelaide City Council. Regular free tours through our civic institution tell stories of Queen Adelaide and Colonel William Light, our first Surveyor-General and are available on selected Mondays at 10 am.
General viewing of the building can also be made anytime between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday, where you can see the bronze statue of Queen Adelaide and upstairs excellent art exhibitions and displays.
Albert Tower
For all you green thumbs and those that appreciate stunning gardens, free guided walks are available around
the Botanic Gardens all year round apart from Good Friday, Christmas Day and days forecast over 36 degrees C.
They depart from the Visitor Information Centre at the Schomburgk Pavilion and last for around one and a half hours, departing at 10.30 am.
Display of Nature
The magnificent spires of
St Peter's Cathedral can easily be seen as you look north up King William Road and is the main Anglican cathedral in the City of Adelaide up at North Adelaide. To think it was almost built in Victoria Square but lost out to the Catholics, who won the right to have religious presence in the form of St Francis Xavier Cathedral.
Apart from being open to visitors generally for viewing, free guided tours are also run at the site each Sunday at 12.30 pm and on Wednesdays at 11 am. The tours generally take around 45 minutes focussing on the history and the religious significance as well as the beautiful art works.
Imposing Spires
So much to learn about Adelaide's history and development and it's all free - how spoilt are we?
