Australia · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Adelaide scores 93/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes — Adelaide is one of Australia's safest cities for visitors. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Australia · Assessed 28 July 2026
93
/ 100
Safer than ~98% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East.”
Updated 2026-04-22T10:55:13Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for Australia: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-07-17T10:28:50.8431983-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
LowArmed or aggravated robbery against visitors is rare; most incidents involve opportunistic theft in poorly lit parklands after midnight
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing is most common in busy shopping precincts such as Rundle Mall and around the Central Market during peak hours
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
88/100
Recent traveler reports on forums and review sites describe feeling safe walking during daylight and using public transport, with only minor concerns about late‑night park areas and occasional petty theft
Yes — Adelaide is one of Australia's safest cities for visitors.
Composite safety scores and governance indicators confirm Adelaide is very safe, with low violent crime, strong rule of law and no active disaster alerts. Recent local news shows only isolated incidents, and travel advisories from Canada and the UK advise normal precautions only.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Adelaide is widely regarded as one of Australia’s safest capital cities, and the latest data reinforces that reputation. The composite safety index of 94 out of 100, together with very low homicide and terrorism scores, shows that violent crime against visitors is rare. Recent government travel advisories from Canada and the UK simply advise “exercise normal security precautions,” reflecting the overall low risk profile.
The most notable recent incidents involve isolated, non‑violent events: a suspected hate‑crime attack on a Jewish family’s home (July 2026), a motor‑vehicle theft reported in a suburb (June 2026), and an alcohol‑related disturbance in the Hindley Street nightlife area (July 2026). None of these suggest a broader trend of danger for tourists, but they do highlight that isolated crimes can occur, especially after dark in less‑lit parklands.
Scams that commonly target visitors include taxi or rideshare overcharging, fraudulent accommodation bookings, and street‑level distraction scams near popular shopping zones such as Rundle Mall and the Central Market. Travelers are advised to use only licensed taxis or reputable rideshare applications, verify accommodation details before payment, and keep personal belongings secure in crowded areas.
For day‑to‑day safety, most visitors feel comfortable walking during daylight and using the reliable tram and bus network. After midnight, the parklands that fringe the city centre can be dimly lit and attract intoxicated patrons, so staying in well‑lit streets, using designated taxi ranks, or opting for rideshare services is prudent. By applying these straightforward precautions, a traveler can enjoy Adelaide’s festivals, beaches and wine regions with confidence.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 8 Adelaide districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Adelaide safety map.
Elizabethavoidhigh crime rates, limited lighting, avoid after dark
Salisburyavoidindustrial zone, sparse foot traffic, elevated petty theft
West Endcautionvibrant nightlife but isolated alleys after midnight
Prospectcautionresidential area with occasional late-night disturbances
Modburycautionsuburban hub with mixed residential/commercial use, watch belongings
City Centresaferwell-lit, frequent police patrols, busy day and night
North Terracesafercultural institutions, university presence, strong security
Glenelgsaferpopular beach suburb, regular patrols, good lighting
07 · After Dark
Armed or aggravated robbery against visitors is rare; most incidents involve opportunistic theft in poorly lit parklands after midnight
After dark, be most careful around Elizabeth, Salisbury, West End, Prospect. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Adelaide's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
09 · Questions
Yes — Adelaide is one of Australia's safest cities for visitors. Composite safety scores and governance indicators confirm Adelaide is very safe, with low violent crime, strong rule of law and no active disaster alerts. Recent local news shows only isolated incidents, and travel advisories from Canada and the UK advise normal precautions only. (Assessed 28 July 2026.)
Field research flags Elizabeth, Salisbury as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
Adelaide ranks #1 of 8 Australia destinations we've assessed, scoring 93/100. See the Australia safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
Browse the Australia safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: adelaide.json (CC BY 4.0).
