We’ve got your next weekend getaway sorted!
Adelaide is highly underrepresented in our humble opinion. We think the state capital of South Australia has more to offer than what most people think. From coastal experiences, lavish inland habitats, wineries and vibrant cultures. They even have a unique German town! So what are the top places to visit in Adelaide? Let us show you:
Glenelg
The town of Glenelg sits luxuriously on the edge of St Vincent Gulf featuring one of the most spectacular jetty’s we have ever seen. It stretches 150-metres out into the open ocean and makes for a wonderful backdrop for photos. But before you reach the end of the jetty, be sure to take a stroll down Jetty Road, featuring all sorts of eateries to satisfy those aching taste buds. We highly recommend catching a tram from Adelaide city centre to this spectacular coastal town.
Hahndorf
Thirty minutes outside Adelaide’s CBD sits the German-inspired town of Hahndorf. The contemporary village proudly shares it’s unique German heritage that dates back to 1837 when Prussian settlers founded the town. The tree-lined main strip features all sorts of German-inspired goodies including a cheese maker, leathersmith, jeweller, candle makers, a craft brewery, winery cellar doors, gin distillery, chocolatier and various other shops and restaurants.
Barossa Valley
Wine aficionados must not pass up a visit to Barossa Valley, Australia’s most notable wine regions. While vino is the most important aspect of this area, it’s certainly not the only thing they have to offer. The Barossa Valley has German roots with an amazing backdrop of scenery and history. To gain some deep understanding of the local lore, make a trip along Krondorf Road, which was originally settled in the 1800s by a tight-knit group of Lutheran families.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is literally named, but kangaroos are not what makes this island so amazing. It’s filled with a diversity of flora and fauna and offers plenty of tours for you to see them all. It’s also pretty big for an island, with 4416 square kilometres to explore. Home to approximately 4600 residents, Kangaroo Island offers a wonderful range of local produce and trinkets. Whether you feel like an adventure in the water or on the land, you’ll find something to perk your senses on Kangaroo Island.
Fleurieu Peninsula
Welcome to the most pristine wilderness ever seen in South Australia. Fleurieu Peninsula brings to mind a scenic coastal oasis, filled with all sorts of activities to take your fancy. Think beach-spotting along the coast at some famous beaches including Rapid Bay Beach. Think tours of McLaren Vale, a region famous for sustainable wine and quirky gastronomic experiences (3D printed food anyone?). Or perhaps a helicopter flight of the area is more up your alley?
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Botanic Gardens are special oases for city living people. Every state around Australia features its own take on lavish gardens, but there’s just something special about Adelaide Botanic Garden. Think gorgeous wetlands, gardens comprising of 2500 plants used for healing and wellbeing, or even an expansive view of the world’s best and largest collection of roses – 5000 to be precise. There are a handful of gardens here, stretched out over 50 hectares near Adelaide’s city centre.
Adelaide Central Market
The greatest pleasure when it comes to travelling is shopping, which is why we cannot pass up mentioning the Adelaide Central Market. This bumbling bazaar serves up plenty of hits from farm produce like milk, meat and eggs, to the cool quirky stuff like nuts, mushrooms and even lollies. When you’re tuckered out from all the shopping, find one of their popular eateries or cafes for a much-needed refuel. We recommend Lucia’s Pizza and Spaghetti Bar.
Cleland Conservation Park
The expansive Cleland Conservation Park houses plenty of outdoor experiences, the most prominent being Mount Lofty. At the peak of the summit, reward yourself with a sprawling view of Adelaide and surrounds. But mountain peaks are the tip of the iceberg. Along the western edge is Waterfall Gully, home to the largest of seven waterfalls that exist in the park. This includes the beginning of a strenuous walking track that takes you all the way to the top of Mount Lofty. There’s also the Cleland Wildlife Park to the northwest of Mount Lofty, where you can get up close and personal with some quirky animals.
Adelaide Oval
When it comes to sport, especially cricket and rugby, true fans will have surely heard of the majestic Adelaide Oval. Matches and events occur here year-round, so we recommend checking out what’s on before you visit. And if you can’t make it to a game, why not book yourself a tour instead? Go behind the scenes to see what makes Adelaide Oval so great and if you’re up for it, book yourself a roof climbing experience. See the stadium from up high, as well as the surrounding city.
Adelaide Zoo
Welcome to Adelaide Zoo – the second oldest zoo in Australia. Found next to the Adelaide Botanic Garden, this not for profit wildlife sanctuary is home to 2500 animals along with 250 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. As well as strolling through the lush parkland and seeing all the wonderful creatures that call this place home, there are a few other activities to do. Enjoy animal encounters, night tours, meet the zookeepers and help feed some of their cute animals.
Feature image credit: amophoto_au via Shutterstock. // Other images sourced from Shutterstock, their credits in order: amophoto_au, amophoto_au, kwest, Alberto Zornetta, amophoto_au, Michael Waterhouse, Olga Kashubin, THPStock, Sean Heatley and jeep2499
