South Australia’s storied built heritage stretches far beyond the streets of Adelaide. From bluestone mansions set into Colonel Light’s grid-and-garden plan to pug-and-pine cottages in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia’s built environment offers endless opportunities to explore. The History Festival’s Open Doors focus program showcases more than 60 events that unlock the portals and stories of our state’s diverse structures.

Constructed for practical purposes during early settlement, many buildings take on heritage status for historic, aesthetic, scientific or social reasons. Houses of worship, theatres and government buildings are obvious candidates, but links with prominent people often bring humbler structures into the limelight. Along with the most renowned ‘hero’ structures, History Festival visitors can explore such key sites as mine works, boat houses, train stations, hotels plus an entire heritage-listed village. A great range of talks, tours, exhibitions and open days awaits you.

Join an architect for a unique, self-guided tour of the architecture of Adelaide’s historic Botanical Gardens precinct. Encounter fascinating tales of the precinct’s past, featuring local Indigenous history, beloved and reimagined historic structures and iconic examples of South Australia’s future heritage. Explore the historic Bice Building (c.1927) and see how adaptive reuse in the vibrant Lot Fourteen technology hub has led to a new lease on life for this iconic building. Or join a guided tour visiting some of Adelaide’s well-known modernist homes.

Want to explore our regions? Then head for the beautiful Barossa to hear the ring of hammer on iron at a working blacksmith shop or to Clare Valley to learn about underground family life at the Dugouts of Burra, or explore the rolling vineyards of Auburn. Travel south to the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula and join a guided tour of Victor Harbor's Custom and Station Master's House (c.1866), or explore Goolwa’s history of trade and the impacts on post-war Australian life.

Click here to view the full Open Doors program.

Office for Ageing Well and Seniors Card is proud to be the 2022 Open Doors Presenting Partner.

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