Adelaide Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Adelaide

Adelaide, Australia is the fifth most popular city in the country. It is also the capital of the state of Southern Australia. It was settled by the British in 1836 and named after Queen Adelaide, wife of King William IV.

The settlement of Adelaide was inspired by the need for a city made for free colonists rather than convicts. Edward Gibbon Wakefield led this plan. Settlers were given transport to the city in exchange for the purchase of property. They had to prove that they were healthy and hard working before any land purchases were approved.

The University of Adelaide was founded in 1874. Visitors to the city will see such historic university buildings as Boynthon Hall and the Mitchell Building when they see the city. Much of the university is well preserved even after the massive earthquake of 1954 that caused widespread panic and damage.

More immigrants began moving into the city after World War II. This led to a boom in the population, increased manufacturing and a second university. Cultural awareness also increased during the second half of the 20th century. Museums were expanded once the Adelaide art scene became important to daily life. Many of these museums and galleries are along North Terrace.

Prior to British colonization, the area around Adelaide was inhabited by the Aboriginal Kaurna people. Sadly, Kaurna culture was all but wiped out of the area within only a few decades of British arrival. In order to bring back some Kaurna culture, government officials have renamed many places in Adelaide after their native Kaurna roots. Likewise, Kaurna culture is celebrated at locations like the South Australian Museum, South Australian Art Gallery and even the Adelaide State Library, which features the Kaurna Greeting Stone.

Take this self-guided walking tour to enjoy the beauty and history of Adelaide.