Travel Info

We’re excited to welcome delegates to Adelaide, South Australia, for the 2026 HNS Models Symposium! Below you’ll find travel information to help you plan a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Arriving by air

Adelaide Airport (ADL) is the main international and domestic gateway, conveniently located just 15 minutes from the city centre.

Airport to City Transport:

  • Taxi or Rideshare (Uber, Ola, DiDi): ~$25–$35 AUD.

  • Airport Shuttle: JetExpress and JetBus services.

  • Car Rental: Available at airport terminals.

Adelaide is one of Australia’s most accessible and walkable capital cities — no need for a car if you're staying near the city centre.

 

Accommodation

Early booking is highly recommended.  Availability will be limited during the conference dates, which coincide with Adelaide’s festival season.

We have partnered with the following local hotels, who have kindly offered participants a discounted rate. 

Hotel recomendations:

Mayfair Hotel

  • 15% off the best available rate at the time of booking for HNS symposium attendees. Contact us for the discount code.

  • 1.5km to SAHMRI, 16 min walk, 11 min public transit.

  • The symposium social event is at the Mayfair on the rooftop.

Marriott Hotel

  • Discount link – special discounted rate

  • 1.8km to SAHMRI, 21 min walk, 15 min public transit.

InterContinental Adelaide

  • Discount link - 20% off the best flexible rate at the time of booking.

  • 800m to SAHMRI, 8 min walk, 9 min public transit.

Pullman Hotel

  • Discount link – special discounted rate.

  • 3.0km to SAHMRI, 26 min walk, 17 min public transit.

ibis Hotel

  • Discount link – special discounted rate.

  • 2.9km to SAHMRI, 24 min walk, 18 min public transit.

Vibe Hotel

  • Discount link – special discounted rate.

  • 2.9km to SAHMRI, 36min walk, 24min public transit.

 

Getting Around Adelaide

Adelaide is compact and walkable, especially around the CBD. Public transport is reliable and includes:

  • Free Tram Zone: Covers key city stops including SAHMRI, Rundle Mall, and Central Market.

  • Adelaide Metro: Buses, trains, and trams across the city.

  • E-Scooters: Beam and Neuron scooters are available throughout the CBD.

 

Travel Tips

  • Visa Requirements: Most international attendees will need a visa to enter Australia. Check the Australian Department of Home Affairs for details.

  • Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD).

  • Weather in March: Early autumn; average highs of 24-26°C, lows of 14-16°C.

  • Power Outlets: Type I, 230V AC. Bring a universal adapter if needed.

  • Emergency Number: 000 (Police, Fire, Ambulance).

SAHMRI

 

The symposium is held in SAHMRI’s auditorium.

On North Terrace, next to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Major festivals and cultural events in March 2026

Adelaide Fringe Festival

  • February 13 – March 15, 2026

  • The largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere. Over 6,000 artists perform across 300+ venues — from cabaret and comedy to circus and immersive installations.

WOMADelaide

  • March 6–9, 2026

  • Held in Botanic Park, this globally renowned World of Music, Arts and Dance festival features international artists, food stalls, workshops, and environmental talks.

Adelaide Festival and Writers’ Week

  • March 1–9, 2026

  • A world-class celebration of performing arts, literature, and visual culture. Expect premium theatre, dance, music, and thought-provoking talks in beautiful venues like the UKARIA Cultural Centre and Adelaide Hills.

 

Popular attractions in Adelaide

  • Adelaide Botanic Garden – A lush oasis perfect for strolling or picnicking.

  • Adelaide Zoo – Home to pandas, lions, and native Australian wildlife.

  • Adelaide Central Market – A foodie paradise with fresh produce, gourmet goods, and live music.

  • Art Gallery of South Australia - Houses one of the country’s finest collections of Indigenous, European, and Asian art. Special exhibitions often coincide with the Adelaide Festival.

  • South Australian Museum - Features the world-renowned Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery. Offers guided tours by Indigenous experts.

Popular regional attractions – day trips

Adelaide is surrounded by stunning landscapes, charming towns, and world-class wine regions — all perfect for day trips. Below is a list of some of the best excursions to take from the city.

Fleurieu Peninsula

  • Highlights: McLaren Vale and Langhome Creek wine regions,  Port Willunga and Aldinga Beach, Deep Creek National Park with spectacular hiking trails with coastal views and abundant wildlife.

  • Travel time: ~1-1.5 hours from Adelaide.

  • Tours available: wine tours of McLaren Vale, wildlife and nature tours, including Deep Creek hikes.

Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf

  • Highlights: Mount Lofty views, The Cedars (home of artist Hans Heysen), German village charm in Hahndorf.

  • Travel time: ~30 minutes from Adelaide.

  • Why go: Rolling hills, cool-climate wines, art galleries, and boutique shopping.

  • Tours available: Food and wine tours, cultural heritage walks, scenic drives.

Kangaroo Island: Nature and Wildlife

  • Highlights: Pristine beaches, Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks, Flinders Chase National Park, local produce.

  • Travel time: ~2 hours (coach + ferry).

  • Why go: Rugged coastlines, abundant wildlife, and pristine beaches.

  • Tours available: One-day “Sip and See” tours, wildlife safaris, multi-day adventures.

 

McLaren Vale: Wine and Coast

  • Highlights: A laid-back wine region with artistic flair and seaside charm, coastal views, the d’Arenberg Cube.

  • Travel time: ~45 minutes from Adelaide.

  • Tours available: Half-day wine tastings, private group tours, Red White and Brew (wine, gin, beer) experiences.

Barossa Valley: Wine and Heritage

  • Highlights: One of Australia’s most famous wine regions, historic estates, century-old vines, wine tastings, gourmet lunch.

  • Travel time: ~1.5 hours from Adelaide.

  • Tours available: Small group wine tours, hop-on-hop-off cellar door experiences.