Seven things to do in Adelaide on high pollen count days

If you have to plan your days in Adelaide around hay fever outbreaks and high pollen counts, then Kleenex’s Pollen Pal Tool will help you stay a step ahead with up-to-date pollen forecasts and pollen count readings. The Pollen Pal Tool will let you know if Adelaide’s forecast pollen count for the next five days is high, help with working out if your activities will be impacted, and give you options for exploring and enjoying the city when you need to be a little more careful.

Luckily, Adelaide has an abundance of indoor activities to enjoy on high pollen days, as well as the beach in the afternoons when counts are generally lower. Remember when you’re outdoors on high pollen days to take your hat and glasses to protect your eyes, consider wearing a mask, avoid freshly mowed grass and lawn, and take your allergy medicine and tissues with you.

Here are seven hay fever-friendly activities to enjoy in Adelaide on high pollen days.

Head to the beach:

Hay fever is generally less impactful at the beach, especially when you’re in the water, and being by the ocean is a great opportunity to get outside while avoiding the impact of high pollen areas. Try to go in the afternoon when pollen counts are lower, and jump right in for some saltwater therapy, especially around your nose. Adelaide has some amazing beaches, and two of the most popular are a stone’s throw from the city. You can easily take the tram to family-friendly Glenelg from the city – jump off at Moseley Square – or drive just 10 minutes to popular Brighton. Remember to take your allergy medication with you.

Visit the Art Gallery of South Australia:

From Japanese sculptural ceramics, iconic textiles and furniture design, to an entire wing of Australian art that explores the flexibility of identity, the Art Gallery of South Australia is welcoming and creative space to explore on high pollen days in Adelaide. Check out ongoing programs and new exhibitions, take the family and enjoy curated activities to spark creativity, explore diverse media in The Studio or drop the teens to Neo for art and ideas in a parent-free zone. General admission is free, and there may be a cost for additional exhibitions.  

https://www.agsa.sa.gov.au

Learn and taste at the National Wine Centre of Australia

South Australia is renowned for its family friendly vineyards, cellar doors and events, and if you’re interested in learning more about wine then the National Wine Centre is a great day out. With one of the largest cellars in the Southern Hemisphere, the centre showcases the best of Australian wine with interactive displays and exhibitions to take you on a wine journey from vine to glass. Guided tours start at 11am each day and cost $15 per person, and you can also join master classes and tastings. Pollen count pending, enjoy a glass of wine - from more than 120 choices - on the outdoor terrace after your tour, or stay indoors in the tasting room or the Wined Bar and its renowned restaurant that uses local, seasonal produce.

https://nationalwinecentre.com.au

Explore the South Australian Museum:

The South Australian Museum is another indoor activity to explore if the Pollen Pal Tool tells you the pollen count is high. The Museum has the largest and most comprehensive collection of Aboriginal cultural material in the world, plus biological galleries with exhibitions about whales, dolphins and giant squid! The earth sciences galleries feature South Australian fossils and minerals. With five levels filled with artefacts, specimens and displays, you will need at least a few hours to enjoy it, and it’s fabulous for a day out with the family. General admission is free, but exhibitions may cost extra.

https://www.samuseum.sa.gov.au

Head to the cinema

The Mercury CX Cinema in Morphett Street is unlike any other in Adelaide, and for film-afficionados and novices alike it provides a movie experience that is worlds away from the blockbuster and popcorn combo. The cinema is an independent, not-for-profit movie hall that showcases independent and cult films from around the world, with a focus on supporting art and diversity. Films are hand-picked from global festivals and brought to the screen to nurture and encourage the unique voices and talent within the film industry.

https://www.mercurycx.org

Try out ice-skating

If you’re keen to exercise but the pollen count means you should stay indoors, then why not try ice skating! Adelaide’s Ice Arena has the city’s biggest ice area, with three rinks and public sessions every day. If you’re up for some evening fun you can try out Frosty Fridays and Saturday late night sessions from 7.30pm with DJs, music, lights and bubbles. Bookings aren’t required, you can just walk in and skate.

https://theicearena.com.au

Pamper yourself with high tea at the Mayfair Hotel

The heritage-listed Mayfair is Adelaide’s premier boutique hotel, and high tea here is a special event that will keep you happy indoors when there is a high pollen count. Held in the hotel’s Mayflower Restaurant, you’ll enjoy champagne, sweet and savory nibbles and tea and coffee. High tea is held every day, and bookings are essential.

https://www.mayfairhotel.com.au