The BEST Things to do on Australia Day in Adelaide With Kids

Australia Day offers the perfect opportunity for families to gather and appreciate the aspects of the country they love most – and luckily for Adelaide, SA families, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do. Ranging from the city’s beloved celebrations to the natural escapes and pristine beaches that surround the city, there’s an endless list of experiences to have. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure on Australia Day, perfect for toddlers, kids, teens and even adults.

At a Glance

Are you looking for some entertaining things to do on Australia Day with kids? Here’s a list of Adelaide’s best Australia Day activities.

Celebrate by the beach: Head to Glenelg Beach for a classic Aussie Australia Day experience. Soak up the sun, build sandcastles, swim in the ocean, and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch. There’s usually live music and entertainment on the foreshore as well.
Join the festivities in the city: The City of Adelaide puts on a huge Australia Day event in Elder Park, with live music, food stalls, family activities, and more. It’s a great way to soak up the atmosphere and celebrate with fellow Australians.
Pay your respects at a Welcome to Country ceremony: Many events around Adelaide will begin with a traditional Welcome to Country ceremony, acknowledging the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of the land. It’s a respectful way to start your Australia Day celebrations.
Learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture: Take some time to learn about the rich culture and history of Australia’s First Nations people. The South Australian Museum has a great exhibition called “Tjilbru,” which tells the story of Aboriginal people in South Australia. You could also visit the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute in Tandanya (previously known as Glenelg).
Support a local community event: There are many smaller, community-run events happening around Adelaide on Australia Day. These are a great way to connect with your local community and celebrate what makes Australia special. Check out your local council website or Facebook page for a list of events in your area.

Here are some additional tips for planning your Australia Day in Adelaide:

Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses if you’re going to be outside.
Be respectful of others and enjoy the celebrations!

In Depth

Here are some more of our favourite Australia Day Adelaide Activities, with a little more detail.

Australia Day Elder Park

Australia Day in Elder Park is a very popular celebration among Adelaide families, with a vast range of impressive elements for everyone to enjoy. Parents and children can look forward to the massive Australia Day Parade, featuring over 4000 people, vintage cars, marching bands, floats, and heaps more.

The parade is followed by a free family concert, along with a dazzling fireworks display to round out the day. For possible announcements or updates regarding a 2024 Australia Day in Elder Park, head to the website.

Address: King William Rd, Adelaide South Australia, 5000

Website: Click here

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Wallis Auchendarroch House

There were plenty of aspects both parents and kids could enjoy on Australia Day at Wallis Auchendarroch House. The event included a sausage sizzle, a travelling farm, airbrush tattoos, face painting, cookie making, mini golf, family games, and a massive inflatable obstacle course. The best part? Entry into the event was free of charge. For possible announcements or updates regarding a 2024 Australia Day at Wallis Auchendarroch House, head over to the website.

Address: 17 Adelaide Rd, Mount Barker South Australia, 5251

Website: Wallis Auchendarroch House

Flinders Chase National Park

Though Flinders Chase National Park is located just over 4 hours away from Adelaide, the area is a must-visit with plenty of natural wonders to admire – and what better excuse than an Australia Day trip? Many visitors are often drawn to the Remarkable Rocks – stunning granite boulders that appear to be perfectly balanced.

Otherwise, the Admirals Arch is also a spot worth checking out. Some other popular attractions include the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Cape Du Couedic, and the Rocky River. For more information, visit the National Parks And Wildlife Service website.

Address: S Coast Rd, Flinders Chase South Australia, 5223

Website: Flinders Chase National Park

Glenelg Beach

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to enjoy an oceanside escape on Australia Day, consider a visit to Glenelg Beach. The beach is conveniently located near the city, with plenty of nearby attractions worth checking out – including the Jetty Road, Colley Reserve, Adelaide Zoo, and the Town Hall.

Otherwise, gather some family members, bring along a picnic, and enjoy the pristine beach. Various ceremonies and family-friendly activities have also been hosted at the Glenelg Foreshore in the past, including live music, games, face painting, and more.

Address: Glenelg Foreshore, Glenelg, Adelaide, South Australia

South Australia Museum

A visit to the South Australian Museum can be an entertaining venture, with a collection of natural history displays and exhibits that both parents and children can easily enjoy. There are plenty of programs specifically for the kids, including the Young Explorers – aiming to build the skills and understanding of kids with entertaining stories and activities. For more information on the exhibits available over Australia Day, keep an eye on the South Australia Museum website.

Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000

Website: South Australia Museum

Harbour Town Adelaide

Eager to do some shopping on Australia Day? Harbour Town Adelaide is the perfect spot to do just that. The centre is home to a large range of outlet shops and popular brands, as well as a handful of eateries to grab a bite to eat. For more information on the offering, head over to the Harbour Town Adelaide website.

Address: 727 Tapleys Hill Rd, Adelaide Airport South Australia, 5950

Website: Harbour Town Adelaide

Onkaparinga River Recreation Park

A natural playground on the cusp of Adelaide, located only 40 minutes from the city; the Onkaparinga River Recreation Park is the perfect natural escape for those looking for some adventure on Australia Day.

Upon arrival, visitors have plenty of exciting activities to choose from, including bushwalking, bird watching, fishing, cycling, kayaking, and more. Head over to the National Parks And Wildlife Service website for more information or to plan your visit.

Address: Port Noarlunga South South Australia, 5167

Website: Onkaparinga River Recreation Park

Mount Lofty

Only 23 minutes from Adelaide, Mt Lofty can provide stunning views over the city and surrounding landscapes. One of the easier bushwalking tracks is the Discovery Trail – stretching over 1 km and only taking 40 minutes to complete.

Otherwise, there’s also biking opportunities and a restaurant located nearby for those needing to refresh. For more information or to plan your visit, head over to the National Parks And Wildlife Service website.

Address: Mount Lofty, Cleland, South Australia, 5152

Website: Mount Lofty

Adelaide Botanic Gardens

With 3 vibrant gardens to choose from, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens is the perfect spot to get among nature and enjoy a family picnic. The park stretches over 51 hectares and offers guided walks, workshops, and regular events throughout the year – including some school holiday activities to keep the kids entertained. For more information or to plan your visit, head over to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens website.

Address: North Terrace, Adelaide South Australia, 5000

Website: Adelaide Botanic Gardens

Belair National Park

Located about 20 minutes from Adelaide; the Belair National Park is another popular natural escape worth exploring on Australia Day. It’s a great spot for families eager to enjoy a picnic, with plenty of locations to choose between – including Playford Lake, Karka picnic ground, and Long Gully.

Otherwise, there are a handful of lush natural hikes, with some including flowing waterfalls. Head over to the Natural Parks And Wildlife Service website for more information or to plan your visit.

Address: Upper Sturt Rd, Belair South Australia, 5052

Website: Belair National Park

Innes National Park

The Innes National Park lies about 3.5 hours from Adelaide, with a collection of activities for families to enjoy over the Australia Day holiday. This includes pristine beaches and crystal water – perfect for camping, surfing, fishing, bushwalking, and more.

Some campgrounds of Innes National Park include the Pondalowie Caravan And Trailers Campground, Stenhouse Bay Campground, Browns Beach Campground, Gym Beach Campground, Cable Bay Beach Campground, and Casuarina Campground, just to name a few. To plan your visit or for more information, see the National Parks And Wildlife Service website.

Address: Inneston, South Australia, 5577

Website: Innes National Park

Adelaide Zoo

A visit to the Adelaide Zoo can be an exciting venture for the entire family on Australia Day, with a collection of experiences for families to look forward to. The facility is home to many creatures, including sea lions, alligators, otters, monkeys, emus, bats, pandas, baboons, wolves, kangaroos, and red pandas – and that’s only scratching the surface.

There are also many animal experiences to choose from, such as encounters with koalas, pandas, penguins, meerkats, squirrel monkeys, and more. Head to the website for more information or to plan your visit.

Address: Frome Rd, Adelaide South Australia, 5000

Website: Adelaide Zoo

Henley Beach

Henley Beach is located north of Glenelg and is another popular seaside location for families to relax and celebrate Australia Day. Parents and children can throw down a picnic rug and enjoy the beach with some games, paddle boarding, or fishing.

Otherwise, there are also plenty of unique shops located nearby that are worthy of browsing. Restaurants are also nearby, serving up a delicious assortment of seafood and refreshing ice cream. To plan your visit, head over to the website.

Address: Henley Beach, South Australia,

Website: Henley Beach

Cobbler Creek Recreation Park

The Cobbler Creek Recreation Park in Salisbury has plenty of exciting attractions for both parents and children to look forward to. On Australia Day, head down to the park with a picnic, gather the family and enjoy some delicious food while the kids explore the Kites And Kestrels Playspace.

The area hosts picnic shelters, BBQs and toilets. The Cobbler Creek Recreation Park is also home to plenty of other activities to enjoy, including bushing walking and mountain biking. Head to the National Parks And Wildlife Service website for more information or to plan your visit.

Address: Salisbury East South Australia, 5109

Website: Cobbler Creek Recreation Park

Camping, Flinders Ranges

The Flinders Ranges is a great spot for those eager to do some camping over Australia Day, with plenty of colourful landscapes to admire. This includes the Bunyeroo Gorge, Razorback Lookout, and Mount Caernarvon.

A popular campground is the Wilpena Pound, with a handful of sites to choose from. For more information or to plan your visit, see the Wilpena Pound website.

Address: Wilpena Rd, Via Hawker SA 5434

Website: Camping, Flinders Ranges

Parra Wirra Conservation Park

The Parra Wirra Conservation Park is located in the Mt Lofty Ranges and is the perfect option for families eager to escape the city on Australia Day with a good old fashion camping trip. The campground of the area is the Wirra Campground, including toilets, a kitchen, BBQs, fire pits, and more.

Bushwalking, mountain biking, horse riding, and picnic areas are also available. Head over to the National Parks and Wildlife Service website for more information or to plan your visit.

Address: Yattalunga, South Australia, 5114

Website: Parra Wirra Conservation Park

Host A BBQ

What better way to celebrate Australia Day than with a simple BBQ at home? Rally some family members and friends, fire up the BBQ, lounge by the pool, play some backyard cricket, and celebrate the day off together. It’s a simple venture that’s effortless to appreciate.

Kangaroo Island

Though Kangaroo Island is known as the home of the Flinders Chase National Park, the area also hosts plenty of other entertaining attractions for families to enjoy. This includes the popular Seal Bay Conservation Park, home to a large sea lion colony to admire.

There’s also the Kelly Hill Caves, Little Sahara, Raptor Domain, and Clifford’s Honey Farm. For more information on Kangaroo Island or to plan your visit, head to the South Australia website.

Address: Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Website: Kangaroo Island