The Rise Of The Side Quest: 8 Of The Best Hobbies To Get Around In Adelaide Right Now
There’s more to life than work, and people are rediscovering the art of hobbies. From cycling meets to cookbook clubs, we’re rekindling old passions and finding new fun, for no other purpose than the sheer joy of it.
The only downside? The cost of hobbies can add up quickly, especially once you start collecting the tools, equipment and extras that come with levelling up your skills. So, we’ve teamed up with Cash Converters to help you chase more side quests in 2026.
Whether you’re trying something new or investing in an existing passion, Cash Converters lets you buy into a hobby more affordably, then sell or trade up as your interests evolve. They also buy goods for on-the-spot cash, so once you move on from your latest obsession, you can get some coin back to fund your next project. From creative crafts to active pursuits, these are the hobbies Adelaide locals are getting into right now.
Get Into Gaming
Whatever mum said when you were a kid, gaming is absolutely a hobby. There’s a simple pleasure to beating your personal high score on the morning commute, mastering a virtual sport or escaping into a fantasy world to wind down. Good gaming takes time and skill, but it doesn’t have to be the newest top-of-the-line device for you to have fun. You never know which portable, VR and console devices you’ll find, or what preloved video games are up for grabs.
Find Your Inner Photographer
Sure, everyone can take photos on their phone. But there’s something special about carrying around your own camera for the pure purpose of capturing something interesting or unexpected. Cashies has every kind of camera across the spectrum, from simple and compact to SLRs and lenses and all. Head to the hills for nature snaps, grab a waterproof to get some underwater pics (with some snorkelling gear) or capture the city in its most perfect light.
But it's really the perfect time to go back to analog and film, to photos you can hold and clicking the button with the risk of a photo gone wrong (blinks, blurs and imperfections are all part of the fun). Whether you want an instant print like a classic Polaroid, vintage ‘brownies’ or just a throwback family point-and-shoot with a physical roll of film, you can start your photographic journey at Cashies. Forget filters, let’s be real.
Pick Up A DIY Project
Itching to get handy around the home? Fix up a few things, make that garden lush or even knock together your own coffee table? There are a ton of groups and classes out there, but the first step in the satisfaction of a DIY well done is getting the equipment. If you're sawing or soldering, digging up the yard or putting up that perfect shelf, from drills to shovels, you'll need the tools to make it happen (the Cashies 90-day warranty protects you if an item becomes faulty—T&Cs and exclusions apply, ask their friendly team for details).
Jump On Your Bike
Thinking of joining a cycling club? Or maybe you just want the freedom of getting around town on a zippy, eco-friendly vehicle? It’s never too late to hop on your bike and get moving. Flick through the Cashies offering to find a bike that’s right for you (fixed gear? Mountain? Just a regular set of wheels to get from A to B?). Then, you’ve got your pumps, locks, lights, repair kits and things you may need to keep it running smoothly and even your specialised cyclewear, all in one place. Tour de Adelaide, here we go.
Follow The Music
Even if you’re not destined for an orchestra, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t play music just for the joy of it. The time has come for you to fiddle with a violin or pluck up the courage to grab the guitar. Pick up a second-hand instrument that you’ve always been curious about: clarinet, flute, bongos, keyboard, sax, electric drum kit or the ultra-low-pressure choice of harmonica and ukulele. Maybe you’ll start a band, maybe it’ll never leave your lounge room, but either way there’s so much joy in a life of song purely for your own happiness.
Sew And Stitch
There are few things more satisfying than wearing fashion you’ve repaired, tailored or spruced up. Not only is it more sustainable than fast fashion, but you can also add your own flair to pre-existing pieces or make off-the-rack pieces fit your body just right. Or, you know, just add pockets to your dress (worth it for that alone).
It doesn’t have to be an expensive machine if you’re picking up the stitch for the first time—you can go for something ultra-light and simple to larger, more complex sewing jobs and even embroidery machines for a little flourish.
Touch Grass
Group hikes and camping trips are growing in popularity, and Adelaide has an abundance of beautiful spots within easy reach for day walks and overnight camps. If you're starting from “city slicker” status, then stocking up with new hiking or camping gear isn’t cheap. But you don’t have to break the bank, just start with second-hand camping gear. Grab a proper pack (you'll be thankful for back support after a few hours on the trail), some walking poles for longer distances, maybe even tents and camping gear if you want to head into the wilds overnight to really clear your head and replenish your soul.
Get Into Birdwatching
It’s not enough to touch grass; we have to identify every bird out there. Birdwatching is taking off everywhere right now with apps like Birda making it super easy to get started. All you need is a bird (they're everywhere), and a decent pair of binoculars. Then join a birdwatching group or just head to your local park or nature strip, identify a few, jot down some notes and start your new, lifelong adventure as a 'twitcher'. Plus, it's a hobby you can take anywhere.
Ready to find your next obsession? Head in-store or online at Cash Converters to kick-start your next side quest with quality pre-loved gear. Find your nearest store here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Cash Converters and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.
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Image credit: Supplied.