The Coolest Boutique Capital itinerary
Adelaide is bursting with culture, flavours, events and entertainment. Taste the world-famous wine regions only minutes from the city or indulge in award-winning restaurants in the heart of Adelaide as you uncover the city’s culinary heart. You’ll be rewarded with unimaginable tastes from every corner of the earth as you sample homegrown gin at Pink Moon Saloon, taste a classic European cocktail at Hains & Co and even try African delights at Africola – you won’t want your trip to end.
Day 1
Start the day at the vibrant Adelaide Central Market. There are cafes, cheese shops, bakeries, meat and seafood outlets, fruit and vegetable stalls and plenty of artisan food producers all under the one roof. Popular foodie streets of Chinatown and Gouger Street run adjacent to the market.
15 minutes east of the CBD is Penfolds Magill Estate Winery, which is the home of Grange, arguably Australia’s most famous wine. Take a tour of the historic grounds, taste their range of wines in the cellar door or dine in the restaurant overlooking the vines below.
On North Terrace visit the Art Gallery of South Australia that houses an excellent art collection and exceptional exhibitions: such as the upcoming ‘Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution’ from 24 June 2023. For Aboriginal culture visit the South Australian Museum, home to the most comprehensive collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural material in the world. Last stop on your North Terrace stroll is the National Wine Centre of Australia, next to the Botanic Gardens, showcasing Australia’s wine industry.
Adelaide’s restaurants are among the best in the country; while a new breed of renovated pubs, small bars and pop-up eateries have added a new dimension to the city’s food and wine scene. Laneways such as Leigh Street and Peel Street, where locals congregate day and night, feature coffee shops, restaurants and wine bars. This evening follow your nose to a nearby restaurant (Africola, Fugazzi, Restaurant Botanic, 2KW, Osteria Oggi – the list is seemingly endless!) and then a bar or two!
Day 2
Adelaide Oval invites visitors to see one of the best sports stadiums from a different view, and in a different light. The RoofClimb will take visitors on an exciting walk, complemented with information about the Oval and Adelaide. Both daytime and twilight climbs are on offer.
The nearby Adelaide Zoo is a lush oasis in the heart of the city. There are more than 250 different animal species to visit – including Wang Wang and Funi, the only pair of Giant Pandas in the Southern Hemisphere.
Head to Adelaide’s Rundle Mall for some retail therapy. This pedestrian-only shopping strip has over 700 retail outlets including department stores and several arcades as well as the odd busker adding to the festive feel of the city. Discover Haigh’s Chocolates and select from an extensive range of fresh chocolates and confectionery.
The strong arts scene means there is always something on. Adelaide Festival Centre hosts regular theatre, dance, classical music and opera performances. The calendar is also dotted with scores of festivals including Adelaide Cabaret Festival (9 – 24 June 2023) and Illuminate Adelaide (28 June – 30 July 2023)
Day 3
This morning take the tram to the seaside suburb of Glenelg, only a 30-minute ride from the centre of the city. Take a cruise to swim with dolphins with Temptation Dolphin Swim or stroll along the Esplanade, explore the shops of Jetty Road, and stop for a coffee break at the beachside hotels or Holdfast Shores Marina complex, with its variety of cafés and restaurants.
Return to the city this afternoon to collect a hire car for the scenic drive to the Adelaide Hills. The region is dotted with hotels, cute B&Bs and cottages. Charming towns are interspersed with sweeping vineyard views and enchanting forests. Roadside stalls dot laneways and sell local produce such as fresh fruit, jams, eggs and flowers to those who pass by.
Adelaide to Stirling: 30 minute drive, 16km/10miles
Day 4
Today, continue to explore the beautiful Adelaide Hills. Hahndorf is where German heritage mixes with modern cafés and fresh, local food. It’s also the location for The Cedars, the home and studio of renowned painter Hans Heysen. You could also pick strawberries at Beerenberg Farm.
With over 60 cellar doors in the region, you’d be pressed for time to try them all however some notable ones include Shaw + Smith, Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard, Pike & Joyce and The Lane Vineyard. Spirit-lovers should stop at Ambleside Distillery or Unico Zelo.
For a close encounter with koalas and other Australian wildlife, stop at Cleland Wildlife Park or Gorge Wildlife Park on your return to Adelaide.
Stirling to Lobethal: 35km/22miles, 40 minute drive
Lobethal to Adelaide: 36km/22miles, 40 minute drive
