What to do & see on Adelaide PT!

[2MSJ]

Hi All,

Thought I'd create a topic so that Interstate Visitors can have a 1 stop shop as to what to do when visiting Adelaide. I've also included BASIC information about which services to catch for these places, I could go into more detail, but wont. Please feel free to add any you can think of.

1. ADELAIDE O-BAHN: The worlds longest, fastest & most unique guided busway. Catch buses G44, J1, J3, J3, 541-546 from Stop F2 in Grenfell St, around 150m east of King William St. Every 5-10mins off peak, every 1-2mins on peak,every 15 night, weekends, public holidays

2. GLENELG TRAMWAY: Adelaide's historic tramline running between the city and beautiful coast. Plenty to see & do down at Glenelg. Also, all trams are FREE when travelling within the CBD boundaries. Trams between North Tce and South Tce every 7-8 mins during weekday, Trams to Glenelg every 15 mins weekdays & weekends, every 20 mins night. Selected H-Type runs on Weekends

3. HAHNDORF & MT. BARKER: The Adelaide Hills have a reputation for being a beautiful part of the world, and Handorf & Mt Barker are 2 excellent places. The scenic trip up there is wonderful, a great way to spend the day. Catch buses 860F, 864 or 864F from Stop G2 in Grenfell St, out the back of Harris Scarfe. Every 30 minutes weekdays & Saturdays, every hour nights, Sundays & Public Holidays

4. BELAIR TRAIN: If you get a railcar where you can actually see out the windows, the Belair train line is a stunning train ride up to the Belair National Park. Possibility of some freight action on the parallel line, with a crossing loop at Belair. Every 30 minutes or so during the day, every hour nights, weekends & public holidays

5. ADELAIDE'S BEACHES: Adelaide's many beaches provide relief from the heat of mid summer for both locals and tourists alike. Popular beaches along the coast line include Largs, Semaphore, Henley, Glenelg, Brighton and Maslin*. All of these beaches are within easy access of Adelaide Metro bus, train or tram services.
For Largs catch bus 157 from stop W1 North Tce (opposite the Railway Station) and alight at stop 47; or the Outer harbor train and alight at Largs. Every 30 mins weekdays; hourly nights, Sundays and Public Holidays.
For Semaphore catch bus 157 from stop W1 North Tce (opposite the Railway Station) and alight at stop 44 or the Outer harbor train and alight at Glanville Interchange and have a gentle walk along Semaphore Rd or catch the 333 bus from the interchange to Semaphore (alighting at stop 44). Every 30 mins weekdays; hourly nights, Sundays and Public Holidays.
For Henley catch bus 136, 137 or 139 from stop U2 in Grenfell St and alight at stop 28 Henley Square. Half hourly 7 days a week.
For Glenelg catch bus 263, 264 or 265 from stop D1 King William St or the Glenelg Tram (details as above). Buses run every 15 mins weekdays; half hourly nights, Sundays and Public Holidays.
For Brighton catch the Noarlunga Centre line train and alight at Brighton or bus 265 from stop D1 King William St. Bus and train Half hourly weekdays; hourly weekends; no bus at night.
For Maslin* catch the Noarlunga Centre line train and alight at Noarlunga Centre and change for bus 741 alighting at the terminus at stop 97.
*Naked bathing at Maslins, a real gunzel opportunity!

Fare & Ticketing Information:
Adelaide uses the Crouzet ticketing system. Buses Trains and Trams all have the same ticketing system There are 3 types of tickets -
SINGLETRIP: A 2 hour ticket. From the time you first validate it, then have 2 hours before you are able to last validate the ticket. Ideal if you're just "going for a ride"
DAYTRIP: Valid from the first time you validate it until 0430 the next morning. Ideal for doing 2, 3, 4 things in a day.
MULTITRIP: A ticket with 10x 2hour trips on it. The most commonly bought ticket, for workers and school students usually

NB: 2 Section fares are for very short journeys, Interpeak tickets are valid between 9:01am & 3pm M-F

ADELAIDE METRO - More Information
For more information, visit -
Web: http://www.adelaidemetro.com.au
Shop: The Adelaide Metro Infocentre on the Corner of King William & Currie Sts, City
Adelaide Metro Infocentre open 0800-1800 M-F, 0900-1700 Sat & 1100-1600 Sun. Closed Public Holidays
Phone: Call the Adelaide Metro Infoline on 8210 1000.
Adelaide Metro Infoline operates between 0700-2000, 7 days a week, 365 days a year


Phonj, Stickyness?

[The Phonj]

Hazards & Dome: Thread stickied.

I'm going to add another:

5. ADELAIDE'S BEACHES. Adelaide's many beaches provide relief from the heat of mid summer for both locals and tourists alike. Popular beaches along the coast line include Largs, Semaphore, Henley, Glenelg, Brighton and Maslin*. All of these beaches are within easy access of Adelaide Metro bus, train or tram services.
For Largs catch bus 157 from stop W1 North Tce (opposite the Railway Station) and alight at stop 47; or the Outer harbor train and alight at Largs. Every 30 mins weekdays; hourly nights, Sundays and Public Holidays.
For Semaphore catch bus 157 from stop W1 North Tce (opposite the Railway Station) and alight at stop 44 or the Outer harbor train and alight at Glanville Interchange and have a gentle walk along Semaphore Rd or catch the 333 bus from the interchange to Semaphore (alighting at stop 44). Every 30 mins weekdays; hourly nights, Sundays and Public Holidays.
For Henley catch bus 136, 137 or 139 from stop U2 in Grenfell St and alight at stop 28 Henley Square. Half hourly 7 days a week.
For Glenelg catch bus 263, 264 or 265 from stop D1 King William St or the Glenelg Tram (details as above). Buses run every 15 mins weekdays; half hourly nights, Sundays and Public Holidays.
For Brighton catch the Noarlunga Centre line train and alight at Brighton or bus 265 from stop D1 King William St. Bus and train Half hourly weekdays; hourly weekends; no bus at night.
For Maslin* catch the Noarlunga Centre line train and alight at Noarlunga Centre and change for bus 741 alighting at the terminus at stop 97.

Also basic fare information may be useful - There are two main types of ticket that one would be interested in - a Singletrip ticket which is good on any Adelaide Metro bus train or tram for two hours from validation OR a Daytrip ticket which is good on any Adelaide Metro bus train or tram until 0430 the following day.

*Unclad bathing is permitted in parts of Maslin Beach.

[2MSJ]

Original Post updated 04/07/08, thanks Phonj

[Norman]

Might add 823 (To Mount Lofty with 40min break) and 866 to the list as well, they have beautiful scenery on those.

[J1 Rasberrycoke (J1R)]

Rasberry's Picks

South
Norlunga Centre train represents the best views of the ocean and various coves, a recommended travel idea is to take the train to Norlunga Centre and view the buses at the interchange, with some rare odd buses servicing the interchange regularly including Mercs with pink interiors, 1 door MAN 18-280s and a trial artic fitted with headrests, tvs and badges just to name a few. One of Adelaide's main shopping precincts lies here with 3 department stores, JB hifi, 2 supermarkets and tons of specialty stores.

A trip to Norlunga centre is well complimented on the return journey by traveling to Marion shopping centre by once again boarding the train and alighting at Hallet cove beach station in which lies a mini bus interchange. Whilst a ride on service 683 is recommended for a round trip before making the journey others may just wanna get on their way, from Hallet cove beach station take a 681to marion centre, this route will take you through some nice roads and give great views as it zig zags along the side of the cove.

Marion shopping centre is Adelaides major shopping destination with many buses servicing this spop, enthusiasts will have a great time taking one of the many and varied routes to get there, though for those who live in the quick way of getting around the M44 offers the fastest route to and from the city and Marion. Being the major shopping centre in SA Marion offers 6 department stores, 2 supermarkets, a bunnings, JB hifi, Megaplex cinemas and hundreds of specialty stores. And for those interested on the outside is South Australia's only All you can eat pizza hut.

East
A nice way to compliment a train ride on the Belair line is to return via bus. on your return from Belair station alight at Blackwood station and board a city bound series 19X bus, this bus shall take you down Adelaide's steepest road served by buses and Belair road at windy point. Windy point has one of the best views of the city and the road winds around the hill side through 3 hairpin bends meeting the train line again at Torrens Park and Mitcham for those wanting to go up again! 19X buses only run on weekdays.

West
Fancy a day at the port? To visit one of Adelaide's top tourist destinations board an outer Harbour train and head to Port Adelaide station which it's self is an amazing station located on a bridge above the main road in Port Adelaide. The port offers much to do including a collection of museums, the weekend markets and the warfs where some ships pull in and river cruises are avaliable, on a rare occasion dolphins may be seen.

For all rail Fans a must is to visit the Rail museum, showcasing South Australia's rail heritage, including steam engines, bluebirds and redhens just to mention a few the museum is open everyday except Christmas day.

[Flexity110]

GRANGE TRAIN: I think this is the best rail line in the metro area, taking you through some leafy back-streets of suburban Adelaide, bang through the centre of a Golf Course and on to the white beach of Grange. The beach itself is a sight to behold, on a blue day you'll get vivid seaside colours against a backdrop which isnt as commercialised to its heritage as Glenelg can be.

TINDO: Adelaide's electric bus which buzzes whisper-quietly around the CBD and North Adelaide in a loop. Beware of the horn, its *BOMP* -er than a scania and louder than a Merc Artic taking off up the OBahn.

STEAMRANGER, MT BARKER: One for the transport historians: Steam trains and RedHens and whatever else you may happen to see running on selected weekends from the train station, conveniently located at Mount Barker's new interchange. To get there try...

ROUTE 864: Easily the most picturesque bus route in the metro area, you'll go from the city, to suburbia, to the freeway, to the wilds of the hills through little villages, valleys and creeks. Passing through authentic Stirling, Aldgate - home of TransitPlus, and iconic Hahndorf before popping back up beside the freeway at Mount Barker, the throbbing heart of the Adelaide Hills. You could spend a whole day out on the 864 if you got out to explore the various sights along the way, even the direct route is one the nicest hours you'll spend on a bus.

Note on the Trams: You may want to get your H-type tram rides in while you can, they may soon be a thing of the past

[baytram366]

Good to know i live right along side one of the most best looking railway lines in Adelaide. Personally, once you hit the golf course that is when the fun begins but the part after that, Adelaide bound is pretty ordinary until you reach Bowden and the parklands of adelaide.

[Douglas]

If I may...

M44 Route If you have a wife or a teenage daughter with you on a trip to Adelaide, chances are you Gunzelling time will be non-existant. Well, fear not! This bus route takes you to three of Adelaide's shopping centres: Westfield Marion (the largest in the city), Westfield Tea tree Plaza and Golden Grove Village. Also stops in the city as well. Your credit card bills might not thank you, but your gunzel friends will: while the wife\girlfriend\duaghter\whatever shops, you have the time of your life gunzelling!

[Member1100]

Great Idea, H&D.

I will be aiming to try a couple of these next time Im in Adelaide, which all going well, will be sometime in the next 3-4 months.

Wouldnt mind taking the trip up to Mt Barker, and going for a trip on one of your trains. And Ill probably ride on the Glenelg Tram by default anyway as Im most likely going to be staying in Glenelg.

Thanks for a great read.

[Volvo B12BLEA]

For the rail fans.......National Rail Museum at Port Adelaide. Outer Harbour train to Port Adelaide then a 5 min walk.
For the aviation fans.....there is an Aviation Museum next door to the Rail Museum. About a 10 - 15 min walk from the front gate of the Rail Museum.

[B7RLE92]

i was on admet's site yesterday and they have released a booklet that you can download about places where people (tourists) can go to see, like the old gaol and hahndorf. it also has the bus routes to get there.

[MPM]

if you catch a J1 there is a nice view of the city along the Golden Way, then the bus goes to the lovely suburb of Elizabeth or if you catch it to Glenelg there is a good view of the Patawollunga plus you could catch the tram back to town, just mind the sewage farm at west beach

Bus route 559 has a nice view of Hope Valley Resivour

the 100 circle line is good if you want to see different areas of adelaide metropolitain area

[User 5795]

Adelaide Airport - J1 or J2 depart the Adelaide Airport every 15 minutes during the day Monday-Friday they will link you to the City, the O-Bahn, Harbour Town Shops at West Beach and Glenelg.

[jibb]

From Monday 28th September the J2 terminates at Harbour Town Mon-Fri off peak.Only the J1 travels to Glenelg every 30 mins off peak.

[howlerbus]

and nights and Weekends as well....

[Onthe178]

Today a friend and I decided to see just how much we could pack into a day using the Adelaide Metro. We started by meeting in the city at about 630am and from there continued to see a large portion of the outer southern suburbs including: Noarlunga, Aldinga, Moana, Willunga and McLaren Vale. From Noarlunga we took the scenice route back to the city via Hallett Cove, Old Reynella, Aberfoyle Park, Blackwood Station and Flinders Uni. We then got in a quickish tour of Mt Barker and Nairne, before heading back to the city and home, arriving back at about 8pm.

I posted this just to reiterate the point that there is so much you can do on Public Transport and people don't realise it!

[Eagle Eye]

I have a personal connection with this, and I'm surprised I haven't posted it sooner!

The Glenelg Tourist Tram is a service that operates on weekends and public holidays (except Christmas Day and Good Friday) from Moseley Square to Morphett Road and return, until April 5 2010. It's a free shuttle service funded by the City of Holdfast Bay and runs express both ways. The service is operated by the only operational H-class tram Adelaide has in service, #367. There are volunteer tour guides on board (of which I am one), providing commentary on history of the places along the trip, and history of the City-Bay tram service as well. It runs every half hour, with the first service departing Moseley Square at 10.05am, and the last departing at 3.36pm on Saturdays and 3.21pm on Sundays and public holidays.

The H-class trams won't ever service the City again, and likely won't be seen east of the racecourse, so this is your only chance to get on board one of these historic trams. This is currently a trial service, so if the service is discontinued next summer/school holidays, you've only got yourself to blame if you don't get 'one last trip' on a H-class tram.

If you're lucky, you may even spot a Citadis on a test run or being used for driver training. (I've seen both 203 and 204 out.) If not, you will usually see at least one Citadis inside the depot, plus an assortment of other trams.

The return trip is only 25 minutes, so next time you're at Glenelg, come on down and invite your friends to come on board A Moving Piece of History down at the Bay!

[The Phonj]

And let us hope that it continues well into the future; particularly if the 'H' type are destined not to see the City again. I caught it on Saturday and was impressed with the tram and the young gentleman acting as a guide. He certainly knew his facts and figures about the Glenelg line.

About the only thing I was disappointed with was the lack of patronage (myself and one other couple)

Only thing that confused me was if the 'H' type trams are not to see regular passenger traffic again; why is the ticketing equipment still fitted?

[jibb]

With only 2 serviceable H's left(367/370) 2 have been removed off site,and 351 will go soon-- there won't be much room left for the H's soon with another Citadis(205)arriving in the early hours of this morning space will be very tight at Glengowrie, plus the maintenance staff will have their hands full with 17 new trams(by the end of February) can't see them going past Morphettville racecourse in service again.May be the ticketing equipment on 367/370 will be used on the new Citadis trams.
With the major expansion and upgrade of Glengowrie ($23.4 million) about to begin things could get hectic there which sadly could see the end of H's there.

[Eagle Eye]

I caught it on Saturday and was impressed with the tram and the young gentleman acting as a guide. He certainly knew his facts and figures about the Glenelg line.

That was me!!

About the only thing I was disappointed with was the lack of patronage (myself and one other couple)

Only thing that confused me was if the 'H' type trams are not to see regular passenger traffic again; why is the ticketing equipment still fitted?

Some trams run almost empty, while one trip I did my half of the tram was completely full, not one spare seat.

Too much effort to remove the validators maybe? If you look closely, the concession cards poster thingy is outdated, and I'm not sure if the fares are up to date either. I know there is a general shortage of Crouzet equipment, but I'd say they will remain fitted as long as they are 'in service', even if not in regular timetabled trips.

[DanC]

Thankyou for all these great ideas!! My sister is coming over from England in two months time and I shall certainly give her some of these trips as she cannot drive because she is sight impaired. I cant wait to show her the Obahn as well!

I have a personal connection with this, and I'm surprised I haven't posted it sooner!

The Glenelg Tourist Tram is a service that operates on weekends and public holidays (except Christmas Day and Good Friday) from Moseley Square to Morphett Road and return, until April 5 2010. It's a free shuttle service funded by the City of Holdfast Bay and runs express both ways. The service is operated by the only operational H-class tram Adelaide has in service, #367. There are volunteer tour guides on board (of which I am one), providing commentary on history of the places along the trip, and history of the City-Bay tram service as well. It runs every half hour, with the first service departing Moseley Square at 10.05am, and the last departing at 3.36pm on Saturdays and 3.21pm on Sundays and public holidays.

The H-class trams won't ever service the City again, and likely won't be seen east of the racecourse, so this is your only chance to get on board one of these historic trams. This is currently a trial service, so if the service is discontinued next summer/school holidays, you've only got yourself to blame if you don't get 'one last trip' on a H-class tram.

If you're lucky, you may even spot a Citadis on a test run or being used for driver training. (I've seen both 203 and 204 out.) If not, you will usually see at least one Citadis inside the depot, plus an assortment of other trams.

The return trip is only 25 minutes, so next time you're at Glenelg, come on down and invite your friends to come on board A Moving Piece of History down at the Bay!

Hello Eagle Eye.

How did the Heritage Tram trial runs go? Will they be returning next year. I hope so.

Dan.

[Eagle Eye]

G'day Dan,

Overall it wasn't a spectacular success, with passenger numbers well below the maximum 64 per trip. Anything above 25-30 was a big crowd which was disappointing. I think those that used the service enjoyed it, and will cherish the memories for years to come, because it won't be back in that format again next year. At this stage there are no other planned runs of H-class trams on the Glenelg line, so it's a waiting game now for someone to announce a special service or until they are sold for good. I really enjoyed it and will miss the charm of the H-class tram on the weekends.

I took some photos from the final day you might be interested in: viewtopic.php?f=45&t=50757

Cheers!

[DanC]

I took some photos from the final day you might be interested in: viewtopic.php?f=45&t=50757

Cheers!

What great photos! Thank you for that. How many running H class cars are still in serviceable condition at the depot. We should have a petition to keep them for future trials (During the Tour down under and the fringe would be great!) I regret very much that I was too late in the current trials to somewhat lend my support. Please keep us updated Eagle Eye!

Dan.

[jrobbo]

Random question that is vaguely related to this thread, that those familiar with Adelaide's bus network may be able to answer for me.

I'm thinking of doing the Waterfall Gully-Mount Lofty walk later in the year (I'm not from SA) and have been having a look at trying to get there by public transport. Mount Lofty at the end is easy (823 to Crafers Park and Ride and then a bus back to the city, though I see there are a very limited number of services per day) but it looks like I may have to do a very long walk to get anywhere near a bus route.

What is the best way to get to the Waterfall Gully walk by bus? Do I have to walk the 3km up Waterfall Gully Road or is there a better way?

[Eagle Eye]

I just recently went to Waterfall Gully for the first time, so I have seen first hand what you need to do.

The closest route to Waterfall Gully is the 142 (City to Burnside). You will need to alight at stop 19, Glynburn Road (adjacent Waterfall Terrace), then walk the remaining 4km to the bottom of First Falls (the start of the main trail to Mt Lofty). Waterfall Gully Road is a No Through Road from other bus routes such as the 820 on Greenhill Road, meaning the 142 is your closest option. And remember the 823 only runs from Mt Lofty back to the City (connecting at Crafers Interchange) 3 times a day, so make sure you allow enough time to get your planned trip back!

When I was there the other day, there was a mini-bus at the car park there (probably for a private group). There may or may not be any companies like Buses R Us that run up Waterfall Gully Road, but I highly doubt there would be regular runs.

Waterfall Gully Road is a very narrow road, but many pedestrians use the route and start/finish from a cafe right next to bus stop 19 I mentioned earlier, so you definitely wouldn't be alone if you did decide to walk this distance.

And by the way, don't take any notice of my avatar, the area is well signposted!!