Destination – AMSA 2027 Adelaide
Destination · Adelaide, South Australia

Come for the science. Stay for the sea dragons.

AMSA 2027 brings the marine science community to Adelaide in the middle of winter – which, as it happens, is whale season along South Australia's coast, with leafy seadragons in residence all year round.

6 km
from the airport to the venue on Victoria Square
Free
tram and City Connector buses across the city centre
~1 hr
to whale-watching on the Fleurieu Peninsula
18–23
July 2027 at Amora Hotel Adelaide

Welcome to Adelaide

A city within a park, minutes from the sea

Laid out in 1837 by Colonel William Light, Adelaide is a flat grid of wide streets and five public squares, ringed entirely by parkland. You can walk from one side of the city to the other in about twenty minutes – and the coast, the hills and some of Australia's best-known wine regions are all within easy reach.

Delegates will be based on Victoria Square, the exact centre of Light's grid, with a free tram stop at the door.

Aerial view of Adelaide's city grid surrounded by green Park Lands The River Torrens and Adelaide Oval at dusk
North TerraceArt Gallery, SA Museum, State Library and universities along one cultural boulevard.
Central MarketTrading since 1869 and one block west of the venue. Come hungry.
The CoastThe tram from Victoria Square runs straight to the beach at Glenelg.
Wine CountryThe Adelaide Hills start about twenty minutes out; the Barossa and McLaren Vale follow.

Kaurna Country

The Kaurna people are the Traditional Owners of the Adelaide Plains, with a connection to this Country stretching back tens of thousands of years.

Tarntanya
the Kaurna name for the Adelaide city area
Tarntanyangga
Victoria Square, home of the conference venue
Karrawirra Parri
the River Torrens – river of the red gum forest
Niina marni
a greeting – "are you well?"

Learn more at the South Australian Museum and Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, both a short walk from the venue.

Why July? · Marine encounters & tours

Winter here is peak season – for the locals with fins

The species on our conference logo aren't decoration. In July, South Australian waters host some of the most remarkable marine events in the country. Add a day before or after the conference and see them for yourself.

A humpback whale breaching
June – September

Southern right & humpback whales

Victor Harbor · about 1 hr south

Southern right and humpback whales visit in winter, and Encounter Bay is a recognised southern right breeding and nursery area. Watch from The Bluff, join a whale-watching cruise, or start at the SA Whale Centre.

Whale-watching tours →
A leafy seadragon among seagrass
Year-round

Leafy seadragons

Rapid Bay · about 1.5 hrs south

The old Rapid Bay jetty is internationally known as one of the best places to find South Australia's marine emblem. Pack thermal protection – the water is cold in July.

Guided seadragon dives →
An Australian sea lion resting among coastal vegetation
Year-round

Australian sea lions

Kangaroo Island · day or overnight trip

Walk among an endangered sea lion colony at Seal Bay, plus koalas and the rock formations of Flinders Chase National Park.

Kangaroo Island day tour →
Watch responsibly
Boats must keep at least 100 m from whales and 300 m from whales with calves, with stricter rules in Encounter Bay; drones stay 300 m away. Divers: admire seadragons without touching or following them.
Did you know?
The leafy seadragon is South Australia's marine emblem – found only in southern Australian waters, and so well camouflaged it looks like drifting seaweed.

Top things to do in Adelaide

Cool days, cosy evenings and a city that does winter well. Easy wins between sessions and over the weekend:

Adelaide Oval and the city skyline lit up at night

Catch Illuminate Adelaide

Adelaide's winter festival of light, art and music usually runs from 1 to 19 July – so the conference opens during its final nights, with free light installations across the city. 2027 dates are yet to be announced.

Illuminate Adelaide →
A shopper choosing fresh fruit at an Adelaide Central Market stall

Graze the Central Market

Fresh produce, cheese, coffee and local seafood, one block from the venue. Gouger Street's restaurants and Chinatown are right next door.

Adelaide Central Market →
The d'Arenberg Cube rising above vineyards in McLaren Vale at sunset

Pour a winter red

South Australia is the country's wine capital. McLaren Vale – home of the d'Arenberg Cube – and the Barossa are both about an hour away, and day tours take care of the driving.

Barossa day tours →
Glenelg jetty at sunset

Tram to the beach

Ride the tram from Victoria Square to Glenelg for a jetty walk, fish and chips and a sunset over Gulf St Vincent.

Plan your tram trip →
Visitors outside a heritage pub on Hahndorf's main street

Day trip to Hahndorf

A historic German-settled village in the Adelaide Hills, about 30 minutes from the city – bakeries, cosy pubs and cellar doors along one main street.

Ideas at southaustralia.com →
The ornate heritage facade of Adelaide Arcade

Shop the city

Rundle Mall and the heritage Adelaide Arcade are about ten minutes' walk north of the venue, with laneway bars and cafés all around them.

Experience Adelaide →
New: Michelin Guide South Australia

And for the scientists who also consider themselves foodies…

Australia's very first Michelin stars have all gone to South Australian restaurants – including two-star Magill Estate Restaurant, just outside the city, and Restaurant Botanic in the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Plus 16 Bib Gourmand picks for great food at great value.

See the Michelin picks →

Free & easy

Got an hour between sessions? These are all within walking distance or a free tram ride of the venue.

Adelaide Greeters walking tour
A free orientation walk with a local volunteer, tailored to your interests. Book ahead.
Book a Greeter →
North Terrace museums & gallery
The SA Museum, Art Gallery of South Australia and State Library – free entry, on the free tram line.
What's on →
Adelaide Botanic Garden
A green escape at the eastern end of North Terrace, at the end of the free tram zone.
Explore →
Adelaide Oval & the riverbank
Stroll across the footbridge over Karrawirra Parri, or book a RoofClimb for the best view in town.
Adelaide Oval →
The venue

Amora Hotel Adelaide

233 Victoria Square, Adelaide SA 5000

Right on Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga, at the heart of the city grid – everything on this page starts at the front door.

Free tram stop at the door – ride to North Terrace or all the way to Glenelg
About 15 minutes by taxi or rideshare from Adelaide Airport
One block from the Central Market, Gouger Street and Chinatown
Amora Hotel Adelaide on Victoria Square at dusk

See you in Adelaide

18–23 July 2027 · Amora Hotel Adelaide
Plan your travel →

Tours are run by independent operators and booked directly with them; prices, schedules and availability may change. More inspiration at southaustralia.com and experienceadelaide.com.au.