9 Things To Add To Your Adelaide Itinerary

Don’t be fooled by Adelaide’s smaller size – the vibrant South Australian capital city certainly packs an exciting punch with beautiful coastlines and world-class wines, foodie delights and far-out festivals, not to mention the footy fever.

Adelaide is a veritable treasure trove of things to do, see, eat and drink, so choose an epic local event and venture south to this creative city where there’s always something fun going on.

Here are nine things to do on your next trip to Adelaide. 

1. Savour a local drop (or two)

Any self-respecting wine lover knows you can’t visit Adelaide and not spend (at least) a day sampling the local vino. Located just 30 minutes from the CBD, McLaren Vale deserves a top spot on your Adelaide itinerary. 

There are more than 70 cellar doors to explore, but some of our favourites include Samuel’s Gorge (a red lover’s heaven), d’Arenberg Cube (like Willy Wonka but with wine), Mollydooker (one of the most generous and delicious wine tastings), Alpha Box & Dice (great wines, quirky vibes) and Down The Rabbit Hole (the most Insta-worthy).

For lunch, PizzaTeca has the best pizza you will ever eat in your life (not even joking, book well ahead) and Swell Brewery is a great palate cleanser to break up the vino.

2. Eat your way through the Adelaide Central Market

Three words: bring your appetite. Located in the heart of Adelaide CBD, the Adelaide Central Market is a South Australian institution and must-stop. This undercover market is home to more than 70 traders peddling everything including cheeses, baked goods, fresh produce, seafood, meat and poultry, small goods, coffee, sweets, health foods and so much more. There are also a number of cafes and small restaurants open for dine-in.

3. Watch the sunset over the ocean

Golden sunset. Glittering ocean. Drink in hand. Sounds like bliss, right? Now, for West coasters this may not be such a special sight, but for East coasters, watching the setting sun as it dips into the ocean is pretty awesome – even more so when you’re at Adelaide’s only beach bar, The Moseley Beach Club, with your feet in the sand.

Open during the warmer months, from late November to early March, the beach club is undoubtedly the city’s best spot for sunset drinks. If it’s not open when you’re here, no stress. In Glenelg, the Surf Club or The Grand Bar offer the next best thing, or you could head to Henley Beach and take in the ocean views from SeaSalt or Seamores.

4. Catch an AFL game

Name a more quintessential Adelaide experience than feeling the electricity of the mighty Adelaide Crows or Port Adelaide Power as they hit the Adelaide Oval. If you’re from interstate, you might even be able to cheer on your home team.

Be sure to have a pre-game drink at the Adelaide Casino beforehand and then join the flood of avid fans as you cross the bridge over the River Torrens to the stadium. Adelaide folk are crazy about their footy, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.

5. Visit historic Victor Harbor

Located about an hour’s drive from the CBD, Victor Harbor makes for a great day trip from Adelaide. This charming seaside town is home to rich history, cute cafes, boutique shops and the beautiful Horseshoe Bay. 

During the warmer months, this sandy beach offers the perfect spot for swimming and sunbaking. Be sure to head up to Freeman Lookout and continue on around the headland cliff walk – you may even catch a glimpse of the migrating Southern Right Whales if you’re visiting between May and October.

6. Take a hike to Morialta Falls

Swap the big smoke for a slice of nature at Morialta Conservation Park. Located just 20 minutes from the CBD, Morialta boasts an extensive network of walking trails, sweeping gullies, rugged quartzite cliffs and three seasonal waterfalls. 

If you want to see those cascading falls at their very best, visit the park during spring or winter. 

7. Enjoy a taste of Europe in charming Hahndorf

Say hallo to Hahndorf – a picturesque traditional European village just a 30-minute drive from Adelaide CBD. Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, and here you can stroll the quaint main street, browse quirky shops and sample local artisanal delights. 

Enjoy lunch at a traditional German brauhaus, where bratwurst and apple strudel are always on the menu alongside steins of tasty beers. On your way back to Adelaide, stop in at Beerenberg Farm for strawberry picking between November and April.

8. Sample some local brews

Beer lovers will be happy to know Adelaide is not just all about great wine. The South Australian capital is very fond of a crafty brew. Head to Port Adelaide and check out local favourites Pirate Life Brewery and Big Shed Brewing Co to taste what’s on tap. 

After a long afternoon of beer tasting and brewery hopping, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite. Fortunately, the nearby Low ‘n’ Slow American BBQ has some finger-lickin’-good slow cooked barbecue and Southern-style fare to cure what ails ya. This place is extremely popular so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

9. Have a laugh at the Adelaide Fringe

Over four epic weeks in February and March, Adelaide City explodes with laughter and fun during the Adelaide Fringe. Expect a roaring line-up of international and local comedians, cabaret acts, live music, pop-up bars and insanely good food. 

Fringe is spread across two sprawling main areas, the Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony, plus dozens of small locations throughout the city. If you’re travelling to Adelaide during the Fringe season, you are in for one hell of a treat!

Thinking about heading to South Australia on your next holiday? Check out our range of hotels conveniently located in Adelaide CBD and beachside Glenelg.