Things to Buy in Adelaide: Your Ultimate Shopping Guide 2025

I'll never forget wandering through Adelaide Arcade's heritage corridors on a Saturday morning, surrounded by century-old architecture while sampling Haigh's Chocolates – a brand that's been perfecting its craft since 1915. That moment perfectly captured Adelaide's shopping essence: a city where old-world charm meets contemporary quality, where family-owned businesses thrive alongside international brands, and where every purchase tells a story. If you're wondering about the best things to buy in Adelaide, you're about to discover treasures ranging from world-class Barossa wines to quirky frog cakes, from Aboriginal art to artisan chocolates that have made this South Australian capital a shopper's hidden gem.

Why Adelaide Shopping Deserves Your Attention

Adelaide often surprises visitors. While Sydney and Melbourne grab headlines, this elegant festival city quietly cultivates one of Australia's most authentic shopping scenes. Adelaide punches well above its weight when it comes to style and design, with local fashion flavor stealing the scene. The city's compact layout means you can explore historic arcades, modern malls, vibrant markets, and bohemian boutiques all within walking distance – and the friendly South Australian service makes every shopping experience feel personal rather than transactional.

Things to Buy in Adelaide

The Best Things to Buy in Adelaide

1. Haigh's Chocolates – Australia's Chocolate Heritage

When exploring things to buy in Adelaide, Haigh's Chocolates deserves pole position. What started as a tiny sweets shop in 1915 has grown into one of Australia’s most respected family-owned premium chocolate brands, with boutiques in major cities across the country. You absolutely cannot leave Adelaide without purchasing from this legendary chocolatier.

What makes Haigh's special:

Haigh's Chocolates is a must-try because of its high-quality, artisan-made chocolate products that only use premium cocoa beans and meticulous chocolate-making techniques. The spectacular creaminess, bitterness, and sweetness of first-rate desserts shine through in products like chocolate frogs and scorched chocolate almonds.

The factory tour experience:

This family-owned company was established in 1915 and has blossomed with more than 250 products according to their website. It gives a free guided tour in its Parkside factory just a few minutes drive from downtown Adelaide. For committed chocaholics, the chocolate tour provides behind-the-scenes access to where the magic happens.

Where to buy:

• The original Haigh's store at Beehive Corner (iconic!)
• Adelaide Arcade location
• Rundle Mall store
• Various stockists throughout Adelaide

What to purchase:

• Milk chocolate speckles
• Dark chocolate pastilles
• Chocolate frogs
• Scorched chocolate almonds
• Gift boxes and hampers

Price range: Individual chocolates start around AUD $3-5, with gift boxes ranging from AUD $20-150+ depending on size and selection.

Pro tip: Visit the Beehive Corner original store for the full heritage experience, complete with vintage décor and knowledgeable staff who can recommend perfect gifts.

2. Frog Cakes – Adelaide's Quirky Icon

Among the most uniquely Adelaide things to buy are the famous Frog Cakes. These adorable apricot-flavored balls first appeared on the local confections scene in 1948, and they have continued to delight with their sweetness and fruitiness up until today.

What are Frog Cakes?

These aren't actual frogs (thankfully!). They're dome-shaped sponge cakes covered in icing and decorated to look like little frogs, traditionally filled with cream and available in pink, green, or brown varieties. The Frog Cake's quirky and funny looks add to its overall appeal as a souvenir.

Where to buy:

• Balfours bakery locations throughout Adelaide
• Major supermarkets (Woolworths, Coles)
• Adelaide Central Market
• Some convenience stores

Price: Approximately AUD $3-5 per cake, or multipacks for better value.

3. Barossa Valley Wine – World-Class Vintages

South Australia's world-famous Barossa Valley is just an hour by car north-east of the centre of Adelaide, making Barossa wine one of the most accessible and prestigious things to buy in Adelaide. There are about 150 wineries in the area, and you can taste wine and eat local, seasonal produce at more than 80 cellar doors.

Why Barossa wine matters:

Located approximately 60–70 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, the compact Barossa Valley is one of the world's greatest regions for the best wineries. The region produces big, beefy red wines, with shiraz as the local hero and mighty fine rieslings emerging from the Eden Valley sub-region.

Top wineries to look for:

Recent wine rankings and critic reviews continue to highlight South Australian producers among Australia’s elite, with historic names like Yalumba, Penfolds, and Henschke consistently earning top scores, with its 2022 JC Block Shiraz named Halliday's Shiraz of the Year with 99 points.

Other notable names include:

• Penfolds – Global icon producing legendary Grange
• Henschke – Eden Valley's finest, famous for Hill of Grace Shiraz
• Seppeltsfield – Historic estate with 100-year-old tawny port
• Jacob's Creek – One of Australia's most successful wine companies since 1847
• Torbreck Vintners – Renowned for exceptional shiraz

Where to buy in Adelaide:

• National Wine Centre of Australia
• Specialist bottle shops throughout Adelaide
• Dan Murphy's and First Choice Liquor stores
• Many restaurants and wine bars in Adelaide CBD
• Adelaide Central Market wine vendors

Price range: Quality Barossa wines start around AUD $20-40 for excellent everyday drinking, with premium and collector bottles ranging from AUD $60-500+.

4. Coopers Pale Ale – South Australia's Brewing Legend

This naturally conditioned pale ale is known for its cloudy appearance, refreshing bitterness, and easy-drinking character. Coopers Pale Ale is also very affordable. You can purchase multiple packs for yourself and your loved ones without breaking the bank.

Coopers Brewery, Australia's largest Australian-owned brewery, has been crafting beer in Adelaide since 1862. Their naturally conditioned ales represent authentic Australian brewing traditions.

Where to buy:

• Dan Murphy's locations throughout Adelaide
• Major supermarkets
• Bottle shops and liquor stores
• Adelaide Central Market

Price: Typically AUD $50-65 for a 24-pack case, making it excellent value.

5. Aboriginal Art and Crafts – Cultural Treasures

Essence of Australia and Gallery 33 have higher-end Australian souvenirs and Indigenous artwork available in Adelaide Arcade. Aboriginal art represents some of the most meaningful things to buy in Adelaide, connecting you to one of the world's oldest continuous cultures.

What's available:

• Original paintings on canvas
• Didgeridoos (traditional musical instruments)
• Boomerangs (functional and decorative)
• Dot paintings and contemporary Aboriginal art
• Jewelry incorporating traditional designs
• Woven baskets and textiles

Where to buy:

• Essence of Australia (Adelaide Arcade)
• Gallery 33 (Adelaide Arcade)
• Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute
• Various galleries throughout Adelaide

Price range:

• Small authentic items: AUD $30-100
• Quality artworks: AUD $200-10,000+
• Always request certificates of authenticity

Cultural note: Purchase only from reputable galleries that ensure fair compensation for Indigenous artists and adhere to the Indigenous Art Code.

6. Australian Opals – Nature's Colorful Gems

Definitely a must visit in Adelaide! Like a little museum of opal with beautiful jewelry and friendly staff. Australian opals rank among the most coveted Adelaide things to buy, with specialized jewelers offering expertise and authentic gemstones.

Adelaide Arcade features a number of jewellers (including a Rolex shop) as well as a range of clothing and homeware shops, making it ideal for opal shopping.

Types of Australian opals:

• Black opals (most valuable)
• Boulder opals (featuring ironstone backing)
• White opals (classic with rainbow flashes)
• Crystal opals (transparent with vibrant colors)

Where to buy:

• Specialized opal jewelers in Adelaide Arcade
• Rundle Mall jewelry stores
• Glenelg beachfront shops

Investment guide: Quality opals start around AUD $200-500, with exceptional pieces reaching thousands. Always request certificates of authenticity.

7. Products from Maggie Beer's Farm Shop – Gourmet Delights

Located in Nuriootpa in the Barossa Valley, Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop is a popular gourmet destination, with its products widely available throughout Adelaide. While technically in the Barossa, Maggie Beer products are widely available throughout Adelaide.

What to buy:

• Verjuice (unfermented grape juice for cooking)
• Quince paste
• Pheasant pâté
• Ice cream
• Preserves and chutneys
• Gourmet condiments

Where to buy in Adelaide:

• Adelaide Central Market
• Specialty food stores
• David Jones Food Hall
• Various gourmet retailers

8. South Australian Produce and Gourmet Foods

After a generous tasting of quite a few of their tasty products, settlers settled on the double smoked chipotle jam, with the shiraz jam being another favorite. Adelaide's food scene produces exceptional gourmet products perfect as gifts or personal indulgences.

What to look for:

• Adelaide Hills cheese
• Beerenberg jams and condiments
• Lyndoch Lavender Farm products
• Maine Beach skincare
• Shiraz jam and wine-infused products
• South Australian honey

Where to buy:

• Adelaide Central Market (best selection)
• Adelaide Showground Farmers' Market (Sundays)
• Essence of Australia stocks many well-known brands including Maine Beach, Lyndoch Lavender Farm, and Beerenberg

The Best Things to Buy in Adelaide

Where to Shop: Adelaide's Best Shopping Districts

Rundle Mall – The Shopping Heart

Rundle Mall is a pedestrian-only strip of more than 1,000 outlets, from well-known department stores such as Myer and David Jones to chain stores and independent boutiques. This is Adelaide's premier shopping destination.

What you'll find:

• Department stores (Myer, David Jones)
• International fashion chains
• Australian brands
• The famous Rundle Mall Pigs (Instagram opportunity!)
• Multiple entrances to historic arcades

Adelaide Arcade – Heritage Shopping Experience

Adelaide Arcade is a heritage shopping arcade in the centre of Adelaide, South Australia. This beautiful Victorian-era arcade, built in the 1880s, offers an elegant shopping experience.

Highlights:

• Haigh's Chocolates
• Essence of Australia (souvenirs and gifts)
• Specialized jewelry stores
• Fashion boutiques
• Beautiful mosaic floors and heritage architecture

The Parade, Norwood – Sophisticated Suburban Shopping

The Parade is best known for its section in the leafy neighbourhood of Norwood, a 10-minute drive east of the city centre. The shopping here is at once suburban, but very sophisticated.

Notable stores:

• Couture + Love + Madness (local designer)
• Bauhaus (homewares and gifts)
• International and Australian fashion brands
• Specialty food stores
• Cafés and restaurants

Glenelg – Beachside Shopping

Adelaide's beach suburb offers relaxed shopping near the sea, perfect for combining retail therapy with coastal atmosphere.

What to find:

• Beachwear and swimsuit boutiques
• Souvenir shops
• Jetty Road's boutiques and stores
• Seaside cafés and restaurants

Adelaide Central Market – Foodie Paradise

Operating since 1869, Adelaide Central Market is the one of the largest and most vibrant undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere, offering incredible food shopping experiences.

What to buy:

• Fresh South Australian produce
• Artisan cheeses
• Gourmet foods and delicacies
• International ingredients
• Fresh flowers
• Coffee and tea

Adelaide Showground Farmers' Market – Sunday Ritual

Adelaide Showground Farmers' Market features as Australia's largest farmers' market, with not only outdoor shopping but also indoor eatery stores available.

Operating hours: Sunday 8:30am - 12:30pm

What makes it special:

• Outdoor vendors are mainly farmers who provide fresh local produce including vegetables, fruits, honey, and teas
• Live music bands
• Book corner with free books to read and borrow
• Over 80 stalls of fresh produce and cooked food

Where to Shop: Adelaide's Best Shopping Districts

Planning Your Adelaide Shopping Experience

Before you start hunting for all these wonderful things to buy in Adelaide, make sure your travel documentation is properly arranged. Australian Immigration Services specializes exclusively in eVisa processing, providing a streamlined and efficient system to help international travelers secure their Australian visa quickly and hassle-free. Their dedicated online platform simplifies the entire visa application process, allowing you to focus on planning your South Australian shopping adventure.

Ready to explore Adelaide's treasures? Apply for an Australia eVisa and begin planning your Adelaide journey today!

Best Times to Shop in Adelaide

Weekday mornings (10am-12pm) – Quietest time with best service at specialty stores

Thursday night – Late night shopping until 9pm in Rundle Mall and major shopping centers

Saturday – Best day for markets and arcades, but expect crowds

Sunday – Adelaide Showground Farmers' Market is the highlight

Avoid: Saturday afternoons in Rundle Mall during peak tourist season

Budget Planning for Things to Buy in Adelaide

Budget-Conscious Shoppers (Under $100 AUD)

• Frog Cakes (AUD $3-5)
• Coopers Pale Ale case (AUD $50-65)
• Haigh's chocolate gift box (AUD $20-50)
• South Australian produce (AUD $20-60)
• Adelaide-themed souvenirs (AUD $10-40)

Mid-Range Shoppers ($100-300 AUD)

• Quality Barossa Valley wine selection (AUD $100-200)
• Maggie Beer product hamper (AUD $80-150)
• Aboriginal art prints (AUD $100-300)
• Gourmet food hampers (AUD $120-250)
• Australian opal jewelry (starting AUD $200+)

Luxury Shoppers ($300+ AUD)

• Premium Barossa wine collections (AUD $300-2,000+)
• Original Aboriginal paintings (AUD $500-50,000+)
• High-end opal jewelry (AUD $500-20,000+)
• Exclusive wine tour experiences with purchases (AUD $400-1,000)

Planning Your Adelaide Shopping Experience

Essential Shopping Tips for Adelaide

1. Start with the Markets

Adelaide Central Market and the Showground Farmers' Market offer the best value and most authentic South Australian products. Visit early for the freshest selection.

2. Explore the Historic Arcades

The precinct comprises a number of historic arcades (including the heritage-listed Adelaide Arcade), which often attract smaller designers and artists. Don't rush through – these arcades hide treasures worth discovering.

3. Sample Before Purchasing

At Haigh's, Adelaide Central Market, and wine retailers, take advantage of tasting opportunities. South Australians are proud of their products and eager to share them.

4. Combine Shopping with Wine Tours

At just $179pp, Taste the Barossa offers great value for money 7 days a week. Wine tours often include shopping opportunities at cellar doors, allowing you to purchase directly from producers.

5. Check Opening Hours

Many Adelaide stores close by 5:30pm on weekdays (except Thursday late night shopping). Plan accordingly, especially for specialty stores and markets.

6. Take Advantage of Compact Layout

Adelaide's city center is walkable, making it easy to compare prices across stores. Don't buy at the first place you visit – explore options.

Essential Shopping Tips for Adelaide

Seasonal Shopping Highlights

Summer (December-February)

• Fresh stone fruits at markets
• Beach-related items in Glenelg
• Summer wine releases
• Outdoor market season

Autumn (March-May)

• Wine harvest season – best time for Barossa visits
• Autumn produce at markets
• Pleasant weather for shopping
• Fewer tourists, better deals

Winter (June-August)

• Winter wines and comfort foods
• Reduced crowds in shopping districts
• Indoor shopping in arcades most comfortable
• Winter sales

Spring (September-November)

• Fresh spring produce
• Wildflower products
• New wine vintages
• Festival season shopping opportunities

Seasonal Shopping Highlights

What Makes These the Best Things to Buy in Adelaide?

The things to buy in Adelaide share common characteristics: authenticity, quality, and deep connections to South Australia's culture and landscape. Whether you're savoring Haigh's chocolates that have delighted generations since 1915, laughing at the quirky charm of Frog Cakes, investing in world-class Barossa shiraz, or bringing home Aboriginal art with 65,000 years of cultural heritage, each purchase connects you to Adelaide's soul.

Adelaide's shopping scene reflects the city itself – unpretentious yet sophisticated, accessible yet exceptional, historic yet innovative. The friendly service, the passion of local producers, and the genuine pride South Australians take in their products make shopping here feel less like transactions and more like conversations with people who care deeply about what they create.

Final Thoughts on Shopping in Adelaide

After countless visits to Adelaide's markets, arcades, and boutiques, I've learned that the best Adelaide things to buy aren't always the most expensive or obvious choices. Sometimes it's the conversation with the fourth-generation chocolatier at Haigh's explaining their tempering process, the farmer at the Showground Market passionate about her honey production, or the gallery owner sharing the Dreamtime story behind an Aboriginal artwork that transforms shopping into something meaningful.

Adelaide offers shopping experiences that combine accessibility with excellence. The compact city layout means you can explore diverse shopping districts in a single day. The lack of pretension means salespeople genuinely want to help rather than just make sales. The commitment to quality means even affordable purchases exceed expectations.

Whether you're filling your suitcase with Frog Cakes and Coopers Pale Ale, carefully wrapping Haigh's chocolate gift boxes for loved ones, investing in cases of Barossa shiraz that will age beautifully for decades, or arranging shipping for Aboriginal artworks, you're not just shopping – you're collecting pieces of South Australia's heritage, flavors, and creativity.

So embrace Adelaide's relaxed pace, explore beyond Rundle Mall, chat with market vendors about their passions, taste before you buy, and discover why the things to buy in Adelaide have earned their reputation among savvy travelers. Your perfect South Australian treasure is waiting somewhere between heritage arcades and contemporary boutiques, between world-class wineries and quirky local traditions.

Welcome to Adelaide – where shopping is friendly, authentic, and distinctly South Australian.