Custom Walk in Adelaide, Australia by megm_carey_f3d2c created on 2024-10-13

Guide Location: Australia » Adelaide
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5 Km or 3.1 Miles
Share Key: EYCLK

How It Works


Please retrieve this walk in the GPSmyCity app. Once done, the app will guide you from one tour stop to the next as if you had a personal tour guide. If you created the walk on this website or come to the page via a link, please follow the instructions below to retrieve the walk in the app.

Retrieve This Walk in App


Step 1. Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Step 2. In the GPSmyCity app, download(or launch) the guide "Adelaide Map and Walking Tours".

Step 3. Tap the menu button located at upper right corner of the "Walks" screen and select "Retrieve custom walk". Enter the share key: EYCLK

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Adelaide Railway Station

1) Adelaide Railway Station

Adelaide Railway Station serves as the central terminus for the Adelaide Metro railway system, making it the primary hub for metropolitan rail services in South Australia. Positioned on the north side of North Terrace, just west of Parliament House, the station has a rich history dating back to its original construction between 1926 and 1928. Designed by Daniel Garlick and Herbert Jackman, the station is one of the finest examples of Neoclassical architecture in Australia and has been designated a State Heritage Place.

The station features nine below-ground platforms, all utilizing broad gauge track, and serves as the starting and ending point for nearly all trains on the metropolitan network. Approximately 230,000 commuters pass through the station weekly, amounting to 12 million annually, making it one of the busiest destinations in Adelaide's central business district. Originally, Adelaide Railway Station also handled regional and interstate passenger services. However, since 1984, these services have been relocated to the Adelaide Parklands Terminal, as regular regional train services in South Australia ceased.

In recent years, the station has undergone significant revitalization efforts aimed at transforming it from a mere transit point into a vibrant public space. These refurbishments have included the introduction of various food and beverage options, enhancing the station's appeal to commuters, city workers, tourists, and event-goers alike. The station's revitalization also pays homage to its unique 1920s character, ensuring that its historical and cultural significance is preserved while adapting to modern needs.
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City Bridge Adelaide

2) City Bridge Adelaide

The City Bridge in Adelaide, also known as the Adelaide Bridge, is a vital infrastructure connecting the city with North Adelaide across the Torrens River. This river, notorious for its history of destroying bridges, has seen several attempts at bridging, with the first recorded effort in 1837. The present City Bridge, located on King William Road, was initially constructed to extend this major thoroughfare directly to North Adelaide, bypassing the old Ford that was previously in use.

The journey to the current structure began in 1855 when a more permanent bridge was authorized, leading to the construction of the first substantial city bridge by February 1856. This iron bridge, brought from England, was the first of its kind on this site and was operational for 20 years. However, as traffic increased, especially with the advent of trams, the need for a more robust structure became evident.

On April 25, 1877, a new bridge was officially opened, replacing the previous iron structure. This bridge considered a magnificent piece of engineering at the time, was 110 feet long and 40 feet wide, with two seven-foot-wide footpaths. It served the city for several decades but eventually became a bottleneck due to the increasing volume of traffic.

To address this issue, the City Council decided to construct a new bridge in 1929. Designed by the city engineer, the new bridge featured a three-hinge reinforced concrete arch spanning 120 feet over the river, accompanied by two bow-string arches of 38 feet span over sub-portal footways. Construction was completed by the end of 1930, and the bridge was officially opened on March 5, 1931. This third bridge on the site, and the fifth to cross the Torrens Valley, matched the width of King William Street, thereby eliminating the previous traffic congestion.

Today, the Adelaide Bridge remains a crucial element of the city’s infrastructure, seamlessly integrating into the north-south vista along King William Road and playing a significant role in the landscapes of the Torrens Valley and Elder Park.
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South Australian Museum

3) South Australian Museum (must see)

The South Australian Museum is a natural history museum that was established in 1856. The museum holds an exhibit that has more than 4.5 million objects. It sees more than 1.1 million patrons per year.

The museum has a large number of permanent galleries. Among these are galleries featuring ancient Egypt, Australian Aboriginal cultures, megafauna, opal fossils, South Australian biodiversity and indigenous artefacts. The museum is said to contain the largest number of Aboriginal artefacts in the world with more than 30,000 objects. It also has the largest collection of Erlikilyika carvings in the world.

The Aboriginal art and culture is slated to split from the natural history exhibits in the near future. The new Aboriginal cultural center will be held in the old Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Visitors to the museum will find the exhibits spread across five floors. They will also have access to a cafe, coffee hut and museum shop.
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Rundle Mall

4) Rundle Mall (must see)

Rundle Mall is a street mall located between King William Street and Pulteney Street. The pedestrian mall, in constant operation since 1976, offers a lovely collection of over 1,000 different stores and services. The mall is named after the street that it occupies. In turn, Rundle Street was named after the original director of the South Australia Company, John Randall.

Shops include large Australian retailers, smaller chains and independent boutiques. There are also many places to eat and a large number of services like watch repair, banking and hairstyling. Those looking for entertainment at Rundle Mall can find escape rooms, craft shops and a ballet studio.

Aside from shopping and dining, the mall is known for its public art pieces. The Spheres, also known as "The Mall's Balls," were designed by Bert Flugelman in 1977. A giant cockroach statue was salvaged from a junk yard and placed in the mall in 2013. Similarly, a 6-foot pigeon statue was placed in the mall in 2020. There are also four life-sized pig statues seen digging through garbage.
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The Spheres Sculpture

5) The Spheres Sculpture

The Spheres Sculpture, affectionately known as the “Mall's Balls,” has been a beloved landmark in Adelaide, since its installation in 1977. Situated in Rundle Mall, this iconic piece of public art was donated to the city by the Hindmarsh Building Society to commemorate the opening of the thoroughfare and the society's centenary.

Created by renowned artist Bert Flugelman, the sculpture consists of two large stainless steel spheres, each 2.15 meters (7 feet 1 inch) in diameter, stacked atop one another to reach a height of 4 meters (13 feet). The reflective surfaces of the spheres distort and elongate the reflections of the surrounding streetscape, making it a popular spot for tourist photographs.

Originally titled "On Further Reflection," the sculpture quickly became a well-loved feature of Adelaide's cityscape, so much so that it has seamlessly blended into the public's perception of the space, often overshadowing its identity as an abstract artwork. Locals fondly refer to it as the “Mall's Balls” and frequently use it as a meeting point, with the phrase “I’ll meet you at the Balls” being a common refrain. The image of the spheres has also become a symbol of the city, appearing on various souvenirs, including T-shirts, key rings, and posters.

The construction of The Spheres involved collaboration with the local firm Brister & Company, who crafted the sculpture by welding together the two halves of each sphere and meticulously finishing them through panel beating. Despite some controversy in 2013, when there were discussions about relocating the sculpture during a Rundle Mall upgrade, The Spheres remained in place, continuing to serve as a central gathering spot for Adelaide residents and visitors alike. The Spheres stands as a lasting tribute to Flugelman's artistic legacy and his significant contributions to the cultural fabric of Adelaide.
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Leigh Street

6) Leigh Street

Leigh Street is a small street in the midst of the central business district. The street runs north to south from Hindley Street to Currie Street. The pedestrian-only street is a narrow, cobblestone walk that is flanked by historic buildings, eateries and boutiques.

Visitors to Leigh Street will find themselves in the midst of a hip neighborhood with plenty of traffic during the day and at night. It is a great place to go to see Adelaide locals who know where the hottest trends are in both dining and nightlife. Many tourists visit the street during the day as part of a city tour, and then return at night for a relaxing break from sightseeing.

Visitors will see plenty of unique, locally-owned restaurants that serve everything from sushi to baked goods. Those walking through the street in the morning can choose from a variety of coffee places while those traveling in the evening can stop for a cocktail.

The cobbled street and the canopied buildings show a piece of old Adelaide that is not often detected in the midst of a bustling city. It is a short street, but well worth checking out when you in a Adelaide.
7
Adelaide Central Market

7) Adelaide Central Market (must see)

The Adelaide Central Market, located in Adelaide, is one of the largest and oldest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 70 traders under one roof, it is a vibrant hub for fresh food, multicultural cuisine, and a wide range of specialty products. The market offers an extensive selection of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood, cheeses, baked goods, small goods, and health foods. It is also home to some of Adelaide’s most popular cafes and eateries, making it a premier destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Established in 1869, the market originally began as the City Market, with traders moving from the East End Markets to the new site on Grote Street. The market officially opened in 1870 with 50 to 100 produce carts selling a variety of goods such as vegetables, fruit, hay, fish, and game. Over the years, it expanded and developed into the bustling marketplace it is today, now boasting over 76 stalls in a single undercover area. The market is managed by the Adelaide Central Market Authority, a subsidiary of the City of Adelaide, which is responsible for maintaining its iconic status and ensuring its smooth operation.

In addition to its rich history and wide range of fresh produce, the Adelaide Central Market is surrounded by the Central Market Arcade, Adelaide China Town, and Market Plaza, further enhancing its appeal as a key destination in the city. The market attracts more than 8.5 million visitors annually, cementing its place as a cultural and culinary landmark in Adelaide. Notably, the market's Grote Street exterior features a large Father Christmas statue, a beloved figure that once graced John Martin's and David Jones in Rundle Mall, adding to its unique charm and historical significance.
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Hurtle Square. "The Forest of Dreams"

8) Hurtle Square. "The Forest of Dreams"

Hurtle Square, also known by its Kaurna name Tangkaira, is one of the five public squares situated in Adelaide. Named after James Hurtle Fisher, South Australia's first Resident Commissioner, the square carries significant historical and cultural importance. Fisher played a key role in establishing South Australia's early governance structures, including the organization of the local constitution and the collection of vital records.

The square is located in the southeastern quarter of the city, surrounding the intersection of Halifax and Pulteney Streets, with Carrington Street marking its northern edge. The area around Hurtle Square is predominantly residential, providing a tranquil yet central urban space.

Hurtle Square is also home to a unique art installation called "The Forest of Dreams," created by artist Anton Hart. This installation comprises word statues, with each side of the square featuring one of these statues, creating a reflective and immersive experience for visitors. The work adds a layer of contemporary artistic significance to the square, complementing its historical roots.

Hurtle Square, designed by Colonel William Light as part of his 1837 plan for Adelaide, was renamed "Tangkaira" in 2003 to honor the Kaurna people, the area's original inhabitants. The name, meaning "fungus," was chosen to recognize Tangkaira (Charlotte), a prominent Kaurna woman who played a key role in preserving the Kaurna language and was the wife of King Rodney, a significant figure in early negotiations with colonists.

The dual naming of the square reflects Adelaide's ongoing efforts to acknowledge and incorporate Indigenous history and culture into the city's landscape. Hurtle Square/Tangkaira thus serves as a meaningful site that bridges Adelaide's colonial past with its commitment to recognizing and celebrating its Indigenous heritage.
9
Himeji Garden

9) Himeji Garden (must see)

Himeji Garden in Adelaide is a serene and meticulously crafted Japanese garden, located in Park 18 (Peppermint Park / Wita Wirra), part of the southern Adelaide Park Lands. This traditional Japanese garden was gifted to Adelaide by its sister city, Himeji, in 1982, as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two cities.

Initially designed by Adelaide City Council staff in collaboration with the local Japanese community, the garden faced criticism for some of its design elements, such as the use of a cyclone fence and a perceived lack of detail. Recognizing the need for refinement, in 1986, the council enlisted the expertise of Japanese landscape designer Yoshitaka Kumada to revamp the garden.

Kumada's redesign, which began after a Shinto ground-breaking ceremony in 1987, introduced significant changes, including reshaping the lake, expanding the Sea of Sand, and integrating a selection of trees, shrubs, and stones sourced from Melbourne and the Adelaide region. The centerpiece of the garden, a granite Okunoin lantern, was a gift from the City of Himeji in 1985, further enhancing the garden's authenticity and cultural significance.

By 1989, the garden's redesign was fully implemented, but Kumada's influence continued into the early 1990s as he made annual visits to Adelaide, fine-tuning details and imparting traditional gardening techniques to the council's horticulture team. These techniques are still in use today, ensuring that the garden remains true to its original design principles.

The garden is divided into two distinct areas: the sansui, or "mountain and lake garden," and the kare-sansui, or "dry rock garden," which symbolizes mountains surrounded by water. The Sea of Sand, a key feature of the kare-sansui, is carefully maintained to depict waves lapping against islands, with straight lines representing the ocean, embodying the peaceful and contemplative spirit of Japanese garden design.

Himeji Garden stands as a tranquil retreat in the heart of Adelaide, where visitors can slow down, reflect, and appreciate the timeless beauty and meticulous craftsmanship that went into its creation.
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