photo-icon Adelaide Central Market

South West

The South West is the city’s most diverse neighbourhood. Here you’ll find creatives, young families, students and residents who've called the South West home for decades, all living alongside each other.

The streets and laneways exude dynamic energy and are pebbled with small bars, artisans and plenty of character. The jewel in the crown of this area is the famous Adelaide Central Market, a beloved foodie destination which provides the best of local produce to visitors from across the State.

In addition to the Market, the rich multiculturalism and appreciation of dynamic culinary experiences come to life at the Chinatown precinct and the large variety of restaurants and cafes.

Cultural events in the precinct include the annual Lunar New Year Street Party in Moonta Street, which brings together thousands of people in a collective celebration of diversity and prosperity.

Lunar New Year street party in Chinatown
photo-icon Chinatown, Moonta Street

The built architecture illustrates Adelaide’s historic charm through heritage-listed workers’ cottages while also offering a plethora of progressive, modern complexes.

The great outdoors

The pretty European-inspired Veale Gardens on South Terrace is a rose-enthusiast’s dream and a destination of choice for photoshoots, weddings or a scenic picnic.

Gather the family and head to the Princess Elizabeth Playground. The climbing towers and inbuilt trampolines will exhilarate imaginations and bodies!

Nearby, Whitmore Square / Iparrityi boasts a half basketball court and a giant chessboard claiming almost 400 checkmates a year! The Community Garden on the North Western verge is where locals gather to share their love of fresh produce. Rows of herbs and vegetables are lovingly planted and tended to by the community and the public are welcome to help themselves.

community members in whitmore square garden
photo-icon Community Garden, Whitmore Square

Arts & culture

For little ones or those young at heart, the Windmill Theatre presents theatrical works inspired by the creativity and journeys of young people. Keep an eye out for the Eastern wall to spot the colourful art mural by Jonathon Oxlade and Vans the Omega (Joel Moore).

Soak up some sunshine on Sturt Street to explore other public art murals in the area including Ella Simpson’s bold rainbow wall featuring origami at Vietnamese Laundry and Seb Humphreys’ (order55) nature-inspired piece.

Discover the best of emerging and experimental contemporary artists at FELTspace on Compton Street. Snap up a piece of local creativity for your own collection at the annual auction.

Windmill theatre adelaide southwest
photo-icon Windmill Theatre, Light Square

Treat yourself

Whether you like to cook at home or prefer someone else to do the heavy lifting, you’ll find just the thing in this precinct.

Start the day at Café Troppo. A sustainable and eco-friendly ethos is engrained in both the café’s architectural design and menu. The space is constructed from natural and reclaimed materials and the produce is organic and locally sourced.

Gouger Street, Grote Street and Chinatown showcase the flavours of the globe. You’ll find an abundance of authentic dining experiences of cuisines and specialty supermarkets including Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian and Thai.

The Duke of Brunswick on Gilbert Street is South Australia’s only completely gluten-free pub and after dinner, wander down the street for a drink at the tasting room of craft gin distiller Prohibition Liquor Co.

Prohibition liquor bar mixologist
photo-icon Prohibition Liquor Co, Gilbert Street - Meaghan Coles

Find out more 

There are seven precinct groups operating across the city and North Adelaide. Here are the precinct groups in the South West of the city: City South Association, Gouger Street Traders Association, Grote Business Precinct