Explore Adelaide and its Surroundings

Adelaide is a destination for the senses. Expect world class wineries in the Barossa Valley, shopping hotspots at Rundle Mall and Adelaide Central Market, natural wonders found on Kangaroo Island, and so much more. Whether you’re in town for a festival, sporting match, or any other reason, check out these recommendations for the perfect Adelaide adventure.

 

The City of Adelaide

 

Adelaide Gaol

The Adelaide Gaol housed infamous criminals for 147 years and features unique architecture and history. Enjoy a self-guided tour or learn about its sinister side on a history or ghost tour.

 

Adelaide Oval

The iconic Adelaide Oval has been around since 1871, and since then has gone through a number of makeovers to make this a truly state of the art stadium. From sporting matches to international musicians, there’s always something exciting happening. 

Check out their guided tours, museum and for more excitement, the popular RoofClimb, to really see this stadium from all angles.

 

Glenelg

Catch the tram from the city to visit Glenelg, the beachside town with a charming atmosphere. Enjoy the many restaurants dotting the shorefront, ride the observation wheel for a beautiful seaside view, go swimming in the ocean and finish off with a cocktail on the sand. Soak up the sunset on the promenade or on a sailing boat. Glenelg is a must see when in Adelaide.

 

Central Market

Adelaide Central Market offers a variety of fresh produce with 70+ stalls under one roof. Taste and choose from seafood, meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables, bakeries, smallgoods, health foods, cafes and eateries.

 

Botanic Gardens

Retreat to the heart of the city for a surprising oasis. The Adelaide Botanic Garden spans over 50 hectares of manicured gardens and impressive architecture. Enjoy a huge variety of botany, from rose gardens to ancient native flora. For a bit of shopping visit the cafe or the garden centre.

 

The River Torrens / Karrawirra Parri

The “river of the Red Gum forest” as called by the Kaurna people, is considered the most significant river of the Adelaide Plains, extending 85 km across the city centre and far beyond. It’s a fantastic place to unwind along the river banks, or get active and explore with some kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating. 

 

Dolphin Sanctuary

Just 20 minutes outside of Adelaide is the Dolphin Sanctuary, a marine park home to 30 bottlenose dolphins and visited by over 400 more dolphins from time to time. View their habitat of a 10,000 year-old mangrove forest with seagrass, tidal flats and saltmarsh. The sanctuary is also a great place for birdwatching, and spotting other wildlife such as seals, sea lions and stingrays. 

For a bit of variety in how you explore, take up some kayaking  or paddle boarding as well.

 

Adelaide Hills

 

Hahndorf

Set 25 minutes from the city in the Adelaide Hills, Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, and the charming village is packed to the brim with cultural delights. Enjoy German dishes and drinks at its many restaurants, bakeries, pubs, wineries and cafes. Browse arts and crafts, from candle makers where you can DIY, to woodwork stalls for a traditional German Cuckoo Clock.  

 

Mount Lofty

The Mount Lofty Ranges in the Adelaide Hills is a great nature escape just outside the city. The Summit provides fantastic sweeping views of the coastline and across the Adelaide city skyline. There are multiple walking trails, such as Waterfall Gully and through Cleland Wildlife Park. Stop by the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden for sculptures, artworks and even more flora.

 

Wine Country

 

Barossa 

The Barossa Valley region, located 50 minutes northeast of Adelaide, is home to Penfolds Grange, one of the best wine labels. The area boasts over 80 cellar doors offering award-winning liquor sourced from some of the world’s oldest Shiraz vines, along with delicious local produce. Enjoy a wine tour or hot air balloon ride to witness the locals’ fruits of labor and learn the region’s history.

 

McLaren Vale

Taking the opposite direction and going 45 minutes south of Adelaide, will place you in McLaren Vale. Boasting high quality and sustainable winegrowing, McLaren Vale is a slice of paradise complimented by its gorgeous coast. Expect more award winning wine, farm to plate meals and a warm climate that suits the beach lifestyle just fine,

For a unique experience, visit the d’Arenberg winery, home of the d’Arenberg Cube, and marvel at its five levels of enticing installations. A wine sensory room and Alternate Reality Museum are just the beginning.

 

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is a picturesque destination with a rugged coastline, clear beaches, and abundant scenic views. It offers various activities like quad-biking, bushwalks, coastal cruise, and wine tasting. Don’t miss the chance to see the local wildlife, including seals and kangaroos

Visit the island yourself or take a day tour from Adelaide to see the highlights.