The State Library of South Australia, located on North Terrace in Adelaide, is the largest public library in the state and one of South Australia’s most significant cultural landmarks. It’s especially famous for The Mortlock Wing reading room, often hailed as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Today, let's explore the State Library of South Australia through my photos, along with some fascinating facts about this stunning destination.
The State Library of South Australia Address: Google Map
The State Library of South Australia sits on North Terrace, a street lined with many of Adelaide’s top attractions , including the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, the University of Adelaide, and the Botanic Garden. You can easily visit all of these in a single day to save travel time.
State Library of South Australia opening hours :
Monday–Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Tuesdays until 7:00 pm)
Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
If you’d like to start your day in a relaxed way before exploring the library, stop by The Library Cafe on the first floor. This charming spot offers a beautiful setting and a varied menu, making it the perfect place to enjoy the fresh morning air.
I arrived at the library quite early and took the opportunity to wander around and snap a few photos before it opened. When I visited in April 2025, the first floor was hosting The Holden Collection showcasing historical artifacts and documents about Holden – a car brand that was born in Adelaide in the 1850s and later became an Australian automotive icon.
At 10 a.m., I headed to The Mortlock Wing - one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, hoping to capture its peaceful atmosphere before visitors arrived.
And I was really overwhelmed from the moment I stepped into The Mortlock Wing, everything here captivated me, from the quiet space, soft lighting to the warm colors of the ancient wooden bookshelves.
The first floor of The Mortlock Wing houses a wide range of historical documents and modern artifacts, focusing on significant themes related to South Australia’s history and culture.
The second floor is designed as a quiet study area, where you can read, research, or work in a space filled with natural light and steeped in an old-world atmosphere.
Stepping into The Mortlock Wing felt like walking straight into The Hogwarts Library from the Harry Potter series, where towering dark wooden shelves stretching up to the ceiling, sunlight streaming through the glass roof, and an atmosphere that was both historic and a little magical.
Inside the Mortlock Wing, it’s easy to spend the entire day reading or working in complete focus. The atmosphere is incredibly serene, with only the occasional sound of a book closing, the delicate turn of a page, or footsteps softly resonating on the wooden floor – making it one of the most peaceful spots in the State Library of South Australia.
For the best photography experience at the State Library of South Australia, visit right at opening time. This is when you can capture stunning, crowd-free images of the Mortlock Wing in its most peaceful state.
In addition to the iconic Mortlock Wing, the State Library of South Australia features free study and research areas for all visitors. Complete with desks, seating, and internet-connected computers, these facilities make it a convenient and comfortable place to read, study, or work during your visit.
You can also book a private room free of charge for studying or group meetings – perfect for anyone who needs a quiet space to work. Simply reserve a Meeting Room HERE, or scan the QR code in the image below.
After an hour of exploring and photographing the State Library of South Australia, my next stops are the Art Gallery of South Australia and the University of Adelaide. Don’t miss my upcoming blog posts, where I’ll share photos, tips, and highlights from these two must-visit attractions in Adelaide.
Whether you’re a book lover, a history enthusiast, an architecture admirer, or simply on the hunt for a gorgeous “Instagram-worthy” spot in Adelaide, the Mortlock Wing at the State Library of South Australia is sure to be your number one destination.
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