[1][2] The southernmost tip of the plain is in the southern seaside suburbs of Adelaide around Brighton at the foot of the O'Halloran Hill escarpment with the south Hummocks Range and Wakefield River roughly approximating the northern boundary.

[citation needed] Traditionally entirely occupied by the Kaurna (indigenous) people, the Adelaide Plains are crossed by a number of rivers and creeks, but several dry up during summer.

The southern area is now covered by the city of Adelaide, the capital of South Australia.

The central area is considered the breadbasket of South Australia with many market gardens and wineries, particularly around the towns of Virginia and Angle Vale.

The northern area is predominantly used for growing cereal grains such as wheat, barley, and canola, and farming sheep.