Known for its vast array of world-class wine regions, stunning natural beauty, deliciously fresh produce and gourmet delights, some of the best beaches in Australia and cultural festivals to rival those around the country – South Australia is brimming with wonders.
The city of Adelaide is continually surprising both tourists and locals alike with a local explosion of new bars, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and various accommodations popping up around the city. Explore the small side streets and laneways in the West of the CBD, including Peel Street and Leigh Street, and you’re bound to stumble across a vibrant cocktail lounge or underground bar. Just ten minutes from the city lies the world class Penfold’s Magill Estate for the ultimate city wine experience complete with cellar door, a fine dining restaurant and serene vineyard views.
Wander along North Terrace and marvel at the historic architecture of the Art Gallery of South Australia, University of Adelaide and South Australian Museum before heading to lively Rundle Street for a bite to eat. Grab a coffee and people-watch in bustling Rundle Mall or head to the stunning Adelaide Botanic Gardens for an afternoon city sanctuary amongst calming nature. If you’re feeling adventurous consider the roof climb at historic Adelaide Oval for spectacular views of the city, the sunset climb being the most popular, and even perhaps a birdseye view of a game being played if you are lucky. If you prefer to stay closer to the ground, the Adelaide Oval tour is magnificent with behind the scenes access to change rooms, the heritage listed scoreboard and a wealth of intriguing history and inside stories.
Why not take in a festival or two? Also known as the ‘Festival State’ thanks to the famous Adelaide Fringe, international productions of the Adelaide Festival, Oz Asia and the Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Food and wine aficionados will feel at home at events like Tasting Australia, Cellar Door Fest and Winter Reds in the Adelaide Hills. Also on the world stage for sporting events, thousands of tourists descend on the city each year for the start to the UCI World Tour, the Santos Tour Down Under, Australia’s largest domestic motorsport event, the Superloop Adelaide 500 and one of the most popular horse races on the calendar, the Adelaide Cup.
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Stay a little longer and venture further to the largest
open-range zoo in the world, Monarto Safari Park, with a first-of-its-kind
luxury resort, glamping facilities and a range of safari experiences on the way.
The world-renowned Barossa Valley sits 60 kilometeres north east of Adelaide
with a myriad of day tours available to high-profile and boutique cellar doors for
tastings of world-class wines including the local specialty, Shiraz.
For an extended stay, explore the stunningly rugged Kangaroo Island. An intriguing ferry ride or short flight from the South Australian mainland begins the journey to this island sanctuary with over a third of the island consisting of protected nature reserves and the remainder, a perfect blend of unspoilt coastline, gourmet local artisan produce, world class wineries, abundant roaming wildlife, spectacular raw scenery at every turn and that unmistakable country air and hospitality. Our Kangaroo Island Must See and Do blog is a must read if you are considering a visit.
This is just a sample of what the city of churches has to offer, you’ll just have to come and discover it for yourself!
Image credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
