Flights from Mackay to Adelaide

A Guide to Adelaide

Know Before You Go

• Buy the Adelaide Metro day trip ticket. For less than AUD 10, you'll get unlimited use of the buses, trams, and trains. This is a great option if you're only in town for a day or two and want to see as much of Adelaide as possible.
• Explore the wine regions. Adelaide is famous for its wine and is a haven for connoisseurs. If you want to taste the best the region has to offer, make your way to McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills or Clare Valley.
• Sign up for the Feast On Foot walking food tours. It's perfect for hungry travellers who don't have a lot of money. There are tours for every type of palette, and it's a great way to explore the city through your stomach.
• Get online. Adelaide has free WiFi in outdoor areas across the CBD. You can also go to Maccas (Mcdonalds) and use their free WiFi.
• Adelaide is full of free things to do. One of the top attractions that won't cost you a cent is the Botanic Gardens.

Getting Around Adelaide

• Explore Adelaide on foot. While most of the top attractions aren't close to the city centre, there are a few within walking distance of one another. Base yourself in the heart of the CBD, and you'll be able to walk to a few museums, the Art Gallery of South Australia and a variety of shops and restaurants.
• For longer trips, take the bus. It's one of the cheapest ways to get around Adelaide. You can use one of the 550 bus routes or the free City Connector buses. If you use one of the fee-based buses, you'll pay around AUD 3.40 per ride.
• Another affordable way to get around is the tram. There is one route that goes between the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Glenelg. It makes a few stops in the CBD and the railway station. The trams run every 15 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. every day and cost AUD 3.40 per ride.
• For trips further away, take the train. Adelaide's Metro runs to suburban areas such as Tonsley and Belair. Fees for a single trip depend on the time of day, but usually, cost around AUD 3.40.
• Hire a car. While it's easy and inexpensive to get around the CBD with public transport, you will need a car for trips outside the city. You'll find car rental desks at the airport, and there are several agencies based in the city centre as well.
• Flag down a taxi. There are metered taxis and Uber's available, but it's not the most affordable way to get around. The base rate starts at AUD 3.50 and goes up by AUD 4 per kilometre.

When is The Best Time to Visit Adelaide?

The best time to visit Adelaide is during the city's spring or fall months.

From March to May, you'll be in time for the fall grape harvesting season and several of the city's main events. Adelaide Festival and WOMADelaide, take place in March driving up prices. Fortunately, airlines and hotels drop their rates for April and May, making it a more affordable time to visit.

September to November is Adelaide's spring. Due to the rise in temperatures and lack of rain, it's one of the best times to visit for sightseeing. The botanic garden will be in full bloom, and you'll be able to pick up hotel deals except for the days surrounding large events.

One of the busiest times for Adelaide is during the summer months. From December to February, local and international tourists flock to the city for the Adelaide Fringe festival. The weather conditions also make it ideal for exploring Waterfall Gully and Kangaroo Island.

June to August ushes in colder temperatures and rainstorms. If you don't mind the less than perfect weather, you'll have the city to yourself and save with cheaper airfare and hotel prices. 

Airports in Adelaide

Adelaide Airport

Adelaide Airport is the fifth busiest airport in Australia. It serves routes to Australia's top domestic destinations as well as locations around the world. The airport is a hub for Alliance Airlines and a focus city for Virgin Australia and Jetstar Airways.

Getting To and From Adelaide Airport

The cheapest way to get into Adelaide is with the Airport City Shuttle. It costs only AUD 10, and you'll be dropped off outside your hotel. The shuttles leave every 30 minutes, and you can book your spot on arrival.

Another affordable option is to take the JetBus or JetExpress service. The buses run daily from the airport to the city and tickets can be purchased from the driver.

If you don't want to use public transport, you'll find the taxi ranks outside the arrivals terminal. Ride-sharing services are also available in the pickup area to the left of the short-term car park.

The car hire desks are on the ground level of the terminal across from the baggage claim area.