A Halal-friendly guide to Adelaide

By Amy Fraser-Bain

Muslim-friendly things to do in Adelaide

The laid-back city of Adelaide is bursting with diverse food, a thriving festival and events calendar and nature experiences. Start with a thrilling RoofClimb adventure, where (with the support of a harness) you’ll walk to the summit of the Adelaide Oval for spectacular 360-degree city vistas.

Take a short tram or taxi ride from the centre of Adelaide and you’ll hit the city’s dazzling 70km (44mi) long coastline, stringing together sun-kissed beaches. The family-friendly Glenelg Beach is the closest to the city. Wander along the jetty, browse Glenelg’s boutique shops and stay for a radiant sunset over the Southern Ocean. For a unique wildlife experience, watch or swim with wild dolphins on an eco-certified Temptation Sailing Wild Dolphin Tour – the only cruise of its kind where the dolphins come to you. 

Back in the city, wildlife experiences aren’t off the table. Visit Adelaide Zoo, home to 2,500 species of animals, to encounter Australian wildlife – from kangaroos to little penguins. Nearby, wander through the tranquil Adelaide Botanic Garden to spot Australian birds, flying foxes and turtles.

Adelaide has a lively events calendar packed with multicultural festivals, including the Halal Food Festival, which celebrates the flavours of Halal-friendly cuisines over an October weekend. Then there’s the ​​Adelaide Fringe; it's not just the city’s biggest event, but also the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere. If you’re visiting over the summer, join in the fun at the festival’s line-up of unique, creative shows. 

While there’s plenty to do in the city, it’s worth considering a getaway to Kangaroo Island, a 30-minute flight from Adelaide. The island is a mecca for wildlife and incredible natural landscapes. Walk among a sea lion colony at Seal Bay and join a wildlife tour to spot Australian animals in the wild. For a thrill ride, try sliding down Little Sahara’s sand dunes on a toboggan.

Halal-friendly restaurants in Adelaide

Adelaide is known for its thriving foodie scene. Across the city is a bounty of Halal-certified restaurants serving various cuisines, from Indonesian to Afghani, Indian and Greek. A crowd favourite is ​Marrakech Moroccan, with its friendly ambience and authentic dishes. Daughter In Law offers inventive Indian dishes and plenty of vegetarian options, while Le Souk is a halal-certified restaurant housed inside the bustling Adelaide Central Markets. Parwana Afghan Kitchen is a must-try.

Mosques in Adelaide

There are five mosques in and around the city of Adelaide, with Adelaide Mosque being the most popular and centrally located. Built in 1888 to 1889 by migrant cameleers, Adelaide Mosque stands as Australia’s oldest surviving mosque. 

The Islamic Arabic Centre and Masjid Al-Khalil is another popular mosque in Adelaide, located in the suburb of Woodville North. Both mosques host prayers five times a day. For travel days, two prayer rooms are located at Adelaide Airport. 

Shopping in Adelaide

Adelaide’s shopping scene revolves around Rundle Mall, a pedestrian-only precinct comprising over 1,000 stores, including heritage-listed arcades and global brands. Upmarket boutiques and Australian labels like Zimmerman line Rundle Street, located in the East End District. 

On the outskirts of the city centre, The Parade, in the leafy green suburb of Norwood, is dotted with a range of shops, from homewares and speciality gift stores to fashion boutiques like Bauhaus. If browsing next to the ocean is more your style, Glenelg’s Jetty Road is the place to shop.

At the historic Adelaide Central Market, the Southern Hemisphere's largest undercover fresh produce market, shopping and food sampling go hand-in-hand. It’s easy to spend an afternoon browsing here.