This festival is widely recognised as one of the great international arts festivals, while its accompanying Writers’ Week is the largest literary event of its kind.

The apron was worn by Joan Mallen when she worked at the Cheer Up Hut on the banks of the Torrens, near the present Festival Theatre, during the Second World War. 

Bottle of herbal lotion sold by Mahomet Allum. 

Hand-drawn Christmas card with the message 'Buon Natale'.

This compass is believed to have been used by John William Billiatt on the successful 1861-1862 expedition with John McDouall Stuart across Australia, from Adelaide to Chambers Bay, east of the present site of Darwin.

This cup was presented to the Art Gallery of South Australia by Queen Mary as part of Empire-wide celebrations for the Silver Jubilee of George V in 1935.

Every year between 1938 and 1975 Adelaidians showed pride in their city by beautifying it with mass displays of flowers on National Flower Day.

In 1910 thousands of people lined the Torrens to see the carnival of lavishly decorated boats in the first Henley-on-Torrens Regatta

This sample of jerky came from the successful expedition made by John McDouall Stuart across Australia from south to north in 1861 - 1862. 

Honorary medal awarded to Antonio Giordano by the World Federation of Italian Press Abroad.

This paint box is believed to have belonged to soldier, public servant and explorer, Captain Charles Sturt.

Pannikin used by William Keckwick on expedition with John McDouall Stuart.

The Stanhope press brought to Holdfast Bay in 1836 was used to print the Proclamation of South Australia. 

Survey chain used by Isaac Guley in surveying the City of Adelaide with Colonel Light.

The December 1836 proclamation at Holdfast Bay is South Australia’s best known historical event, despite it often being misunderstood

'A red letter day in the calendar of South Australia': welcoming home heroes

1 September in Australia is Wattle Day, though not widely known, some have argued it should replace Australia Day.