You will find here just a few experiences on offer within easy reach of Marion Aquatic Centre.
Arts and Culture
To learn about the history and heritage of the Holdfast Bay area ( just 10 mins away), it’s free to visit the Bay Discovery Centre interpretive museum at Glenelg.
The Glenelg Fine Art Gallery, housed in the heritage listed Old Fire Station, presents a wide range of artistic works encompassing traditional, impressionism, surrealism, abstract and contemporary, as well as a new Outback Artists permanent exhibit.
There are also a number of art galleries and museums, including the South Australian Maritime Museum, in and around Port Adelaide.
Just a short drive away in Adelaide’s city centre, is Tandanya, the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, which offers extensive exhibitions of indigenous art.
Family Fun
Adelaide's newest amusement complex, The Beachouse is packed with options for family fun: there are 3 fully enclosed and heated waterslides, a 5 storey play castle, Formula One dodgem cars, a carousel, and the latest addition: a 25 metre high ferris wheel.
Food and Wine
The seaside suburbs of Glenelg and Henley Beach, just minutes from the State Aquatic Centre, offer a fantastic array of bars, cafes, pubs and restaurants to suit any taste.
Just 15 minutes into the city of Adelaide you can visit the National Wine Centre. The National Wine Centre is an architectural treat but what it holds inside is the real attraction. Situated on the edge of Adelaide's stunning Botanic Gardens it is a combination of eye-catching architecture and smooth functionality. The Centre provides a superb alternative to a standard venue for any event and is an exciting tourism venue which showcases the entire Australian Wine Industry.
Or why not take a day trip to gorgeous McLaren Vale and sample the world-class wines of this region. Many wineries also have restaurants offering superb food and views over the vineyards. A South Australian speciality not to be missed.
Nature and the Outdoors
Enjoy some fresh air and see Adelaide’s gorgeous metropolitan coast by walking or cycling a section of the linear Coast Park
Glenelg Scuba Diving offers beginner courses, adventure programs, dive charters and shipwreck dives.
Join the local dolphins for a cruise with Temptation Sailing, based at Glenelg.
From May to October each year, Southern Right whales visit the sheltered bays along South Australia’s coast to mate and give birth. Do some whale-watching at Encounter Bay at Victor Harbour, 80km south of Adelaide, which is also home to the South Australian Whale Centre
Hold a koala, or feed a kangaroo at Cleland Wildlife Park in the Adelaide Hills.
Explore the old growth mangrove forests, dolphins and ship graveyards of the Port River with Blue Water SeaKayaking.
Shopping
Westfield Marion located next to the State Aquatic Centre is the largest shopping centre in South Australia, located around 20 minutes drive south of the Adelaide CBD. It has more than 300 specialty shops and major retailers including Best & Less, Big W, Bunnings, Coles, Dan Murphy, David Jones, Harris Scarfe, Kmart, Lincraft, Myer, Rebel Sport, Target and Woolworths.
Just 10 minutes from the Aquatic centre is Harbour Town a discount shopping mecca with over 100 clothing, accessories and homewares shops. Twenty new stores, including a supermarket, opened in a new section of the complex in December 2008.