ADELAIDE CURATED
From modern art to artisan cheese, Adelaide is invitingly laid-back, full of creativity, and culturally rich. And we haven’t even mentioned the wine yet.
WORDS Lucy E Cousins
Despite its laid-back reputation, Adelaide (Tarntanya) is a city of bold firsts. It was Australia’s first state capital founded as a free settlement, the first state to allow women to vote and stand for parliament, and the country’s first (and currently only) UNESCO City of Music. But those are only part of what makes South Australia’s capital the perfect city stay. Here’s how to enjoy three days in this surprising, cosmopolitan city beforeor after a Journey Beyond Rail journey. Or anytime.
DAY 1: EXPLORE THE CITY
Morning: Ease into your stay with a visit to Adelaide Central Market in the late morning. It’s one of the oldest (and largest) undercover markets in Australia, and its bustling avenues are packed with tasty produce. Grab a takeaway coffee at the entrance and wander through the market stalls sampling gourmet cheeses, cured meats and freshly baked breads, croissants, pies, and pasties. You could even pick up some grass-fed beef or South Australian seafood for an evening BBQ.
Afternoon: Walk off some of the goodies you’ve eaten with a stroll through nearby Victoria Square (also known as Tarntanyangga in the local Kaurna language) to admire the 19th-century heritage architecture. Then spend the afternoon exploring the boutique shops and enjoying the talented street musicians in Adelaide Arcade and Rundle Mall.
Evening: Order a glass of local wine and dinner at one of the small bars or laneway restaurants on Leigh Street, Peel Street or the East End (Rundle Street).
DAY 2: EXPERIENCE WINE COUNTRY
Morning: Spend the day exploring one of the 18 award-winning wine regions within easy reach of Adelaide by joining a hosted day trip. One of the most well-known is the Barossa Valley, which is an hour north of the city. Famous for its rolling vineyards, established cellar doors (some dating to the 1840s) and heritage towns, your guide will curate the stops based on the day.
Afternoon: After a long lunch at a winery restaurant, visit the region’s farm shops, artisan cheesemakers and chocolatiers. Then enjoy a relaxed tasting or two before your guide returns you to the city.
Evening: Continue to enjoy the region’s best vintages in the neighbourhoods of Norwood Parade, King William Road (Hyde Park) or beachy Glenelg’s Jetty Road, where you’ll find relaxed restaurants and a chilled local vibe.
FESTIVALS NOT TO MISS WHEN IN TOWN
Adelaide hosts some of the most popular festivals in Australia. Starting the year off, Adelaide Fringe is the world’s second-largest fringe festival, with well-known musicians and artists playing alongside underground and up and coming performers in over 500 venues.
Taking place in March is WOMADelaide (World of Music, Arts and Dance) with four days of workshops, talks, roving performances, and art installations. Come winter, Adelaide Cabaret Festival brings singing, theatre, drag, and burlesque to the Adelaide Festival Centre.
If sport is more your style, mark LIV Golf Adelaide in your diaries for February – an award-winning golf event offering up elite competition, live entertainment and family fun. In April, visit the ‘festival of footy’, AFL Gather Round week, where all AFL teams play matches in South Australia. Think parties, fan zones and street events.
DAY 3: GET A CULTURE FIX
Morning: Choose one of the slick cafes along the North Terrace Precinct for breakfast, before exploring some of the nearly 47,000 works owned by the Art Gallery of South Australia. Known for holding one of the most important collections of Indigenous art, the gallery also has one of Australia’s only dedicated Islamic art spaces. Finish with lunch in their cafe, stunningly located in the atrium overlooking a sunny courtyard.
Afternoon: For more cultural learnings, head to the South Australian Museum to see Sir Douglas Mawson’s actual balaclava (as printed on the Australian $100 note), as well as its extensive Indigenous cultural collection. Or visit the Palm House, an extant German-built Victorian-era glasshouse at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens.
Evening: Time a walk to Elder Park on the Riverbank for golden hour and cross the River Torrens (Karrawirra Parri) via the footbridge as the city lights come on. If you want a big finish, book the RoofClimb Twilight at Adelaide Oval for sunset colours and skyline views before dinner along the waterfront.
WHAT THE LOCALS SAY
Three locals share their best picks for spending time in Adelaide.
“I love ending the day watching the sunset on the sand at beautiful Henley Beach.”
– Grace Harper from Finding Adelaide
(@findingadelaide)
“There are so many great spots to see live music, so check out the local music guides online, but Gilbert Street Hotel, Grace Emily Hotel, Crown & Anchor and Wheatsheaf Hotel are some of our favourites to visit.”
– Peter and Chelsea from Him and Her Music
(@himandhermusic)
“Sundays at Gilles at the Grounds (a local design market) is great for food and has a variety of clothing and jewellery designers.”
– MD & Wynter from Adelaide Food Fam
(@adelaidefoodfam)