You may be wondering why a visit to the Adelaide Oval is top of the list of attractions when visiting Adelaide. Well, Adelaide Oval is an iconic destination in Adelaide for many reasons. And now you will find out for yourself by doing one or all the Adelaide Oval Experiences while visiting Adelaide.

Why Visit Adelaide Oval

You may be thinking, why would a sport stadium be an attraction in Adelaide. Well, just like what the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is to Melbourne, the Adelaide Oval is to Adelaide. Established in 1871, It is known for the world class events it hosts which include cricket, football and concerts. But it is also regarded as one of the most picturesque sporting grounds in the world where you will see a Heritage Scoreboard, century old Moreton Bay Fig Trees and grassy Northern Mound. And it is a place for everyone and of all ages to enjoy. 

Where is the Adelaide Oval

The Adelaide Oval sits prominently in Adelaide, on the banks of the Torrens River just north of the city. You can easily reach it by walking or catching a bus.

How Long to Spend at Adelaide Oval

The time spent at Adelaide Oval will depend on your interest in exploring this great structure. An hour may suit you just walking around the outside while others will want to spend a few hours going on a tour or climbing to the top for great views over the city.

Ways to Visit Adelaide Oval

There are a number of ways to experience Adelaide Oval. Here are six suggested Adelaide Oval experiences so you can get your Adelaide Oval fix.

1. View Adelaide Oval from a distance

Adelaide Oval is big and can be seen from my vantage points around Adelaide. My favourite is from Light’s Vision. Light’s Vision is a lookout on Montefiore Hill, North Adelaide. Colonel William Light was responsible for surveying the site of the City of Adelaide. He would stand on the hill looking out over the land to create what has become Adelaide. And it is here, you will find one of my favourite views of Adelaide Oval. I also love seeing it as you walk across the Torrens River from the city heading towards it.

Adelaide Oval from Light’s Vision

2. Walk Around Adelaide Oval’s Perimeter

You can walk around Adelaide Oval. Check out the statues outside and read about the famous sports people who have played on the ground.

Check out the statues of sports people outside Adelaide Oval

3. Go Inside the Adelaide Oval

Go inside the Adelaide Oval through the South Gate and check out the ground. You are limited to what you can see if you decide to ‘just go inside’. There is a small museum – Bradman Collection – you can enter for free.

overlooking the stands

4. Go on a Tour of Adelaide Oval

One of the best ways to experience the Adelaide Oval is to go on a tour of Adelaide Oval. The tour, lasting around 1.5 hours takes you to areas not open to the general public. You can see the change rooms, visit the media centre, walk out on to the ground, spend time on the hill and see the heritage listed scoreboard up close and personal. And you don’t need to be a sports fan to appreciate the Adelaide Oval.

>>>You can book your tour of the Adelaide Oval here.

the heritage listed scoreboard

5. Climb the Adelaide Oval

Unfortunately, I don’t have any images of me climbing the Adelaide Oval because you aren’t allowed to take your phone or camera in case you drop it. There are official photos you can purchase after the climb. The climb is well worth it – as long as you are fine with heights! You get great views over Adelaide as you climb and from the top. I chose an evening climb to see the sun setting. And I wasn’t disappointed as the weather was great and I was treated to lots of beautiful colours as the sun set.

>>>You can book your climb of the Adelaide Oval here.

I did get a photo of people climbing on another climb before mine – they look so small!

6. Attend an Event

Adelaide Oval hosts many events throughout the year. There are plenty of cricket matches during the summer and AFL (Australian Football League) matches during the winter. I was lucky enough to attend an AFL semi-final match. We had driven all day from Melbourne just for this match. You will need to plan ahead if you want to attend an event. You can get a ticket through Ticketmaster or Ticketek.

I was lucky enough to see a game of AFL at the Adelaide Oval – Hawthorn v Port Adelaide

Are You Ready to Visit Adelaide Oval?

A visit to the Adelaide Oval should definitely be on your list when you visit Adelaide, whether that be for a day, weekend, 7 day Adelaide holiday or longer such as on a big lap. So definitely include it in your list of best things to do in Adelaide on your Adelaide holiday.