South Australia Activities

Easily accessible from the city center by tram, Glenelg is the perfect destination for beach bums, offering surfing, swimming with dolphins, scuba diving, and more. Those looking for a bit more action should visit the outdoor goods stores on Rundle St., most of which can point you toward the city’s best purveyors of outdoor activities and fully outfit you for them. Try Scout Outdoor (192 Rundle), Columbia Sportswear (208 Rundle), Super Elliotts Cycles (200 Rundle), or Anna Purna (210 Rundle).

Biking. Adelaide is a cyclist’s paradise, with ample bike tracks and paths throughout the city. The world-famous Tour Down Under cycling race is held here every January. With the Adelaide hills on one doorstep and a coastal bike track between Glenelg and Henley on the other, the area provides the best cycling opportunities around. The 40km Linear Park Biking and Walking Track offers safe paths along the River Torrens, running the full distance between ocean and hills. For bike rentals, see By Bicycle. For self-guided cycling tours running from Glenelg to coastal destinations farther south in the Fleurieu Peninsula, check out www.cyclingtoursaustralia.com.au.

Earth And Sky. Rock Solid Adventure offers abseiling, rock climbing, and a two-day hiking trip to the Coorong . They also run various outdoor trips, including kayaking tours throughout southeastern Australia. Check their website for a list of upcoming trips. (☎08 8270 4244; www.rock-solid-adventure.com. Full day of rock-climbing or abseiling $119. Ask about the Let’s Go discount.) SA Skydiving is pleased to assist in fulfilling your free-fall fantasies. With such an amazing view of Australia’s southern coastline from above, you’ll be too distracted to realize that you’ve just jumped out of a plane. (☎08 8272 7888; www.skydiving.com.au. 8000 ft. tandem from $299, 10,000 ft. tandem from $449, video and stills $110-160. Ask about the Let’s Go discount.) Adelaide Ballooning offers 1hr. hot air balloon rides with a champagne breakfast for $250-280. (☎1800 730 330; www.adelaideballooning.com.au. 10% discount with student ID, children 20% discount.)