Preparing for South Australia

Flights to Adelaide, South Australia

South Australia’s capital city of Adelaide is easy to access. Several international airlines fly to South Australia including Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia and Jetstar International.

If South Australia is one part of your Australian itinerary, you can fly Qantas, Virgin Australia or Jetstar from most capital cities in Australia. Flight durations start from just 50 minutes from Melbourne.

Getting to and From the Airport

There is a $AUD2 levy on all taxi fares to and from the airport. The average taxi fare from the airport to the city center is around $AUD20.

JetBus and Jet Express provide transport between Adelaide Airport and the city.

They hate to brag, but their Mediterranean climate means perfect holiday weather all year-round.

Their summers are long, hot, and pleasantly dry. Spend an afternoon lazing at one of the city beaches. As evening approaches, dine alfresco in the cool summer breeze.

Even in winter, the weather is mild. Cooler months are perfect for escaping the city and driving through the wine regions. Sip rich reds while enjoying a hearty, warming meal by the fire at any number of cellar doors, country pubs or restaurants.

Emergency

In an emergency or if a crime is in progress, call 000 for fire, police and ambulance assistance (call 112 from cell phones). For non-emergency police attendance call 131 444.

Vaccinations

If you are from a yellow fever infected country or zone or have you visited one within six days before entering Australia, you will need vaccinations. If not, no vaccinations are required.

Insurance

Australia has healthcare agreements with several countries but check this before you leave home. Always have appropriate travel insurance suited to your specific needs.

Public Transport

When you arrive, pick up an Adelaide Metro Visitor Pass. The Pass will give you unlimited travel on trains, buses and trams for three consecutive days for just $AUD25. If you’re staying longer, simply recharge your card. Alternatively, you can purchase individual or day-trip travel passes.

The Glenelg tramline is free to ride from the northern terminal at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, through to the southern end of the CBD on South Terrace. To continue traveling on the tram past this point to Glenelg, you will need to validate your pass.

The 99A (anti-clockwise) and 99C (clockwise) buses are free services that run through the city center seven days a week.

Adelaide Free Bikes

You can also borrow a bike free of charge from a number of locations around the city. All you need is valid photo identification and you can easily explore the city, parks, rivers and surrounds with pedal power. It is a legal requirement in South Australia to wear a helmet when you ride, and you will be provided with one when you pick up your bike.

Car Hire and Cabs

There are car rental companies aplenty in Adelaide, including major global brands such as Budget, Hertz, Avis, Europcar and Thrifty. You can pick up your hire car at the airport, or at any number of locations in and around the city.

All cabs in Adelaide accept major credit cards and Cabcharge. You can also download the app for UberBlack, an app-based cab service which uses only accredited drivers.

Citizens of the United States and Canada need a visa to holiday in South Australia. You'll also need a visa to work, study, or stay for over six months.

South Australia has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters.

Generally speaking, it is hotter to the north in the Flinders Ranges, and cooler further south, on Kangaroo Island.

Four Beautiful Seasons

Summer: December – February

South Australian summers are dry and can get quite hot. The temperature in Adelaide is often above 95°F, however daily temperatures can get as high as 110°F.

The sun can be extremely intense in Australia. To avoid skin burn, seek shade whenever possible, particularly between the hours of 11am and 3pm.

When out in the sun, wear a wide brimmed hat to protect your face, ears and neck. Use a maximum protection, broad based spectrum sun screen of at least SPF 30+, and drink plenty of water.

Fall: March – May

Fall is a great time to visit Adelaide. There’s a lot of sunshine and the weather usually stays in the low to mid 60s.

Winter: June – August

South Australia gets most of its rainfall during the winter months of June, July and August.

Winter temperatures in South Australia hover around 60°F. It gets colder in the Adelaide Hills and the outback, often dipping below 50°F.

Spring: September – November

Spring in South Australia is awash with color.

Trees are a lush, green color and flowers bloom in city parks. The average daily temperature in spring is a pleasant 71°F.