University of Adelaide

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.