Adelaide
One of the best-planned cities in the world, Adelaide remains testament to the work of its first surveyor, Colonel William Light, whose statue stands on Montefiore Hill, overlooking Adelaide Oval.
Settled in 1836, Adelaide was Australia’s first free settlement. Like other well-planned cities around the world, Adelaide has few skyscrapers and its architecture blends both heritage and contemporary styles, retaining a ‘human scale’. Since the 1970s Adelaide has been famous for food and wine. The state is the powerhouse of the booming Australian wine industry, producing almost 60 per cent of the total output, while Adelaide Central Market is possibly the finest fresh-produce market in Australia. The city is renowned for its restaurants – from the fish cafes of Gouger Street to the many gourmet eateries dotted around the CBD, and tucked away in quiet corners. Adelaide also knows how to throw a party, and with a population of 1,203,186 the city is compact enough to generate a feeling of all-over revelry. First on the calendar is the Adelaide Festival of Arts, one of the world’s great arts festivals. During February and March every second year, the festival and the now annual Adelaide Fringe take over the city. (www.adelaidefringe.com.au)
Visitor information
South Australian Visitor and Travel Centre
South Australian Visitor and Travel Centre, 18-20 Grenfell St, Adelaide
1300 764 227
www.southaustralia.comGetting Around
Adelaide has a wide range of public transport. First there is the city’s tram service, which runs from Glenelg, all the way to the city, through Victoria Square and City West, to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Port Road, Hindmarsh. Then there is the Adelaide O-Bahn – the longest and fastest guided bus service in the world. It travels along Currie and Grenfell streets in the city, then heads out to Westfi eld Tea Tree Plaza in Modbury.
The City Loop Bus and the Terrace to Terrace Tram are two free services that operate around the city centre. The City Loop bus runs every 15 minutes and takes in North Terrace and Light, Hindmarsh and Victoria squares; the Terrace to Terrace Tram runs every ten minutes and includes Victoria Square, King William Street and the railway station. Board either the Glenelg or South Terrace tram anywhere between South Terrace and North Terrace during shopping hours.
The Adelaide Metroticket JetBus is a daily service linking the airport to the city, Glenelg, West Beach and the north-eastern suburbs.
Four train routes operate from the CBD to Adelaide’s suburbs: to Gawler in the north, Outer Harbour in the north-west, Noarlunga in the south and Belair in the Adelaide Hills. There are also plenty of bus services operating around the suburbs. All public transport in Adelaide is covered by one ticketing system, and tickets can be purchased at train stations and on buses and trams, as well as newsagents and convenience stores displaying the Metroticket signage, and the Adelaide Metro InfoCentre, corner King William and Currie streets in the City centre.
Public transport
Passenger Transport InfoLine (08) 8210 1000 or 1800 182 160
Airport shuttle bus
Skylink Airport Shuttle (08) 8413 6196
Motoring organisation
RAA (08) 8202 4600, roadside assistance 13 1111
Car rental
Avis 13 6333; Budget 13 2727; Europcar 13 1390; Hertz 13 3039; Thrifty 1300 367 227.
Taxis
Independent Taxis 13 2211; Suburban Taxis 13 1008; Yellow Cabs 13 2227.
Tourist bus
Adelaide Explorer (replica tram) (08) 8293 2966
Bicycle hire
Contact Bicycle SA for operators (08) 8168 9999
Experience
Adelaide Central Market
Coffee at Lucia’s in Adelaide Central Market
The River Torrens
A Popeye cruise along the River Torrens
Glenelg
A tram trip to Glenelg
South Australian Museum
A visit to the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at the South Australian Museum
Rundle Mall
Shopping at Adelaide's historic Rundle Mall
Henley Beach to Semaphore
Henley Square on a Sunday afternoon, for lunch and a walk by the sea
East End
A night out in East End
JamFactory – Contemporary Craft and Design
A stroll around the JamFactory craft and design gallery
City precincts
Grand Old Buildings
Built in 1855, these magnificent examples of colonial architecture were the local Australian Army headquarters from 1857 to 1870. Behind South Australian Museum.
Built in 1856, the main feature is the Great Hall, with marble floors, Corinthian columns and a domed ceiling. SKYCITY Adelaide casino now occupies much of the station’s upper floors. North Tce.
Wright was the architect of some of Adelaide’s grandest buildings, including Parliament House, the GPO and the Adelaide and Glenelg town halls. This elaborate Italianate creation was completed in 1878 and used as a banking chamber. 59 King William St.
Opened in 1866, this building is much admired for its magnificent tower and classic portico, and its equally grand interior. Free tours run on Monday at 10am; bookings essential (08) 8203 7590. Regular classical music concerts and recitals. 128 King William St.
Part of the University of Adelaide, the hall has an unusual sloping floor. This was insisted upon by benefactor Langdon Bonython, a strict Methodist, to prevent dancing. North Tce.
This church-like building in the grounds of the University of Adelaide is in fact a concert venue with a spectacular pipe organ. Next to Bonython Hall.
As well as St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral near Victoria Square, there’s St Peter’s Cathedral in North Adelaide and the Holy Trinity Church on North Terrace.
Old Adelaide Fruit and Produce Exchange
The charming facade of this old wholesale market still stands on East Terrace. The rear has been converted into apartments.
For a theatre, this is a surprisingly humble affair – perhaps because it is the oldest theatre on the mainland, built in 1840. Cnr Gilles Arcade and Playhouse La.
The home of Charles Sturt, the man who sailed into South Australia on a whaleboat down the Murray, which led to the settlement of the state. Many original furnishings remain. Jetty St, Grange; open Fri–Sun and public holidays.
Parks & Gardens
The centrepiece is Rymill Lake, with rowboats for hire, but there is also a large rose garden. City.
Created in conjunction with Himeji, Adelaide’s sister city, this garden blends classic Japanese styles. City.
For some years the green belt around Adelaide was more paddock than parkland, but a town clerk named William Veale started beautifying the gardens in the mid-1900s. Veale Gardens were his pièce de résistance. City.
A park with native style. The river attracts birdlife, and there is also a children’s playground and a popular picnic area. Thebarton.
This park follows the curves of the Torrens all the way from West Beach to Paradise, and is great for bike riding. The sections near the city offer fantastic views, while further out the track runs through a thick corridor of bushland.
Shopping
The CBD’s main shopping area, with major department stores as well as individual offerings of clothing, chocolates and much more.
Melbourne Street, North Adelaide
Adelaide’s most exclusive shopping strip, with designer fashion boutiques.
Very cosmopolitan, with an array of stores and plenty of places to stop for a coffee, a meal or a drink.
Hip fashion outlets sprinkled among cafes, and furniture and homewares stores.
A great mix of stores, and food and drink outlets.
This complex offers seconds and discount stores.
For antiques and second-hand treasures.
Walks & Tours
Get an up-close view of this Adelaide icon as well as access to the Adelaide Oval Museum. Weekdays at 10am, departing from the southern gate (no bookings required). (08) 8300 3800.
Follow the experts through Adelaide’s famous Central Market. The same company also runs a ‘Grazing on Gouger’ tour, giving people the chance to eat five courses at five of Gouger Street’s best restaurants. Bookings (08) 8336 8333.
Visit McLaren Vale, one of Australia’s greatest wine regions, just 40 minutes from Adelaide. Enjoy the local tasty foods too. Check out www.mclarenvale.info
City of Adelaide Historical Walking Trails
Pick up a brochure from the City of Adelaide office or the SATC tourist centre on Grenfell St and head out on themed walks covering everything from the grand buildings of North Adelaide to the places of interest around Rundle Mall and Adelaide’s historic cinemas and theatres.
Take a walk through historic Port Adelaide. Contact the Port Adelaide Visitor Centre for details. 66 Commercial Rd; (08) 8405 6560.
Take in the magnificent bushland on Adelaide’s doorstep on this 52-kilometre trail that links Black Hill and Morialta conservation parks in the north with Belair National Park in the south. The scenery includes unsurpassed views of the city. Walkers can try smaller sections of the hike. Contact the visitor centre for details or visit the website (www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/sanpr/yurrebilla).
Sport
Adelaide has been passionate about cricket from its earliest beginnings. Until his death in 2001, Adelaide was the proud home of Australia’s greatest cricketer, Sir Donald Bradman. The city is also home to the Adelaide Oval, regarded as one of the most beautiful sporting arenas in the world. Adelaide’s cricket test is a great event. The oval is due for major renovation during 2013-14 so the famed Bradman Collection may not be open for visitors.
With two local AFL (Australian Football League) teams, Adelaide and Port Adelaide, football is the city’s other sporting passion. Showdown is the twice-yearly match between the two teams, and the whole city stops to watch what is considered Adelaide’s own grand final. AAMI Stadium at West Lakes is the city’s home of AFL.
Also on the calendar is the AAPT Championships, the international tennis tournament held at Memorial Drive near the Adelaide Oval in early January. The Santos Tour Down Under pro-tour cycling race, in Jaunary, finishes off a great summer of sport in Adelaide.
In March there is a motor race that literally takes over the city. Sections of the Clipsal 500 Adelaide track, centring on Victoria Park Racecourse, are run on Wakefield Road and East Terrace in the southeast of the city. This V8 event was created after Adelaide lost the Australian Formula One Grand Prix to Melbourne and, interestingly, is more popular than Formula One ever was.
Adelaide’s United soccer team matches are held at Hindmarsh Stadium, and the NBL 36ers play basketball on their home court at Beverley.
Each Year, on a public holiday Monday early in March, Adelaide comes alive with horseracing fever for the SKYCITY Adelaide Cup at Allan Scott Park, Morphettville.Staged annually on the last Sunday in September, the Bay to Birdwood vintage car rally takes place. More than 1500 vehicles drive the 70-kilometre route from Adelaide Shores, West Lakes to the National Motor Museum Birdwood, watched by over 100 000 spectators.
Entertainment
Those who want an atmospheric cinema-going experience should head for the Wallis Piccadilly Cinema in North Adelaide, which screens mainstream and arthouse films. A similar line-up is available at the Palace Nova cinemas in Rundle Street’s East End. Adelaide’s main alternative cinema is the Mercury at the Lion Arts Centre – it shows cult classics, foreign language and arthouse movies, and holds short film festivals. The Capri Theatre, in Goodwood, is notable for the live organ recitals that introduce film screenings on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Check the Adelaide Advertiser for daily listings.
Day Tours
The hills directly east of Adelaide have long been a retreat for citysiders including, most famously, 19th-century governors. Today the attractions of this beautiful semi-rural area include cool-climate wineries, gourmet produce, forests and lookouts over the city.
Australia’s best-known winegrowing region is a landscape of rolling yellow hills carpeted with vines. It boasts around 50 wineries, including some of the top names in the business. The district owes much to its strong German heritage, which is also expressed in the local food, architecture and many cultural events.
Boutique wineries, attractive 19th-century buildings and magnificent food and accommodation make the scenic Clare Valley a favourite weekend retreat. Just east of Clare is another world altogether – the old mining region of Burra, with landmarks that recall the immense copper boom.
The small seaside villages along Gulf St Vincent and the historic maritime town of Victor Harbor are irresistible seaside destinations close to the capital. En route to the peninsula, visitors can stop in at one of the cellar doors around McLaren Vale, one of the country’s top wine regions.
Before ending its long journey at Lake Alexandrina and onto the rich wetlands of the Coorong, the Murray River passes through diverse landscapes of rugged cliffs, mallee scrub, river red gum forests and pastoral lands. Visitors can relive the river’s rich history as a bustling trade route and take a relaxing cruise from one of the ports of yesteryear.
Eco-friendly activities
The Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at the South Australian Museum holds the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts in the world. Some 3000 are on display at any one time.
With its catchphrase ‘We exist to save animals from extinction’, this is another of Australia’s excellent zoos. The sea-lion display and walkthrough rainforest aviary are particularly recommended. Behind the scenes this establishment does a lot of conservation work.
South Australia’s oldest national park has rich birdlife, a lake, walking and cycling tracks, free barbecues and an adventure playground. The best walk is the 6.5-kilometre Waterfall Hike.
A superb scheme allows you free use of bikes anywhere within Adelaide’s city limits as long as you return them within the day. All you need is a driver’s licence or passport. It is first come first served and you can pick up bikes from the Rundle Street Market on Sundays, Bicycle South Australia in Franklin Street or Adelaide Travellers Inn in Hutt Street. One of the best routes is the 33 kilometres of sealed track along the River Torrens, finishing at the coast. At Port Adelaide Visitor Centre you can also get free bikes, and cycle along the beautiful coastal path from Semaphore to North Haven.
Diving and snorkelling around Adelaide
Most of the best diving around Adelaide is boat-based. However, there is excellent snorkelling and some shore dives around Port Noarlunga, including the very popular Port Noarlunga Reef, and Onkaparinga Estuary Aquatic Reserve, which has an underwater trail on which you will see sponges and myriad fish species. Adventure Blue at Port Noarlunga will set you up and get you in the water. Divers Service in Welland is the longest-running dive shop in Australia and provides a friendly service. Another alternative is to combine a day out diving with sailing on a 16-metre, two-masted ketch with Blue Ice Charters.
Experience the best of the Adelaide Hills on the 54-kilometre Yurrebilla Trail, which starts at Belair National Park and goes to Black Hill Conservation Park, taking in Cleland and Morialta conservation parks, great views, wineries and historic townships. You can walk it in three days, staying in B&Bs, or make a series of day walks. Ecotrek runs guided and supported two-night walking tours on the Yurrebilla, staying in quality accommodation and with a focus on local food and wine.
Another recommended hike is the Bridgewater Mill to Mount Lofty Summit section of the Heysen Trail. It is 10 kilometres each way, so makes for a solid day walk. A shorter option is the 3.5-kilometre-return walk to the summit from Waterfall Gully.
Around 40 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, the steep 2.2-kilometre-return Devils Nose walk in Para Wirra Recreation Park has great views.
Kayaking in Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
Kayak around a ship’s graveyard, mangroves and prime dolphin habitat in the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, leaving from the Garden Island boat ramp at Gillman. Adventure Kayaking runs fully guided and self-guided tours, with a 99 per cent chance of seeing the dolphins. To see dolphins from land, there are vantage points along the Port River Dolphin Trail.
One of the most stunning parks in the region and located only 10 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, this has waterfalls and deep gorges, woodlands, koalas, echidnas and southern brown bandicoots. The pick of the walks is the 7-kilometre Three Falls Grand Hike, but there are shorter walks, free barbecues and a playground.
Eagle Mountain, 12 kilometres south-east of the CBD, is well set up for mountain-bikers, with around 21 kilometres of cross-country tracks, a skills development park and a jumps area. You can hire mountain bikes for the day from Bicycle South Australia in Adelaide. For more fun off the bitumen, hop onto a section of the 900-kilometre Mawson Trail, Australia’s premier off-road cycling trail. It takes in the Barossa and Clare valleys, the Adelaide Hills and the southern Flinders. You need about two weeks to do the whole thing, with accommodation options including country pubs and campsites, or just ride a section in a day, such as the trail through the picturesque Torrens Gorge and Chain of Ponds near Athelstone in Adelaide’s north.
Pretty Adelaide and its surrounds offer no shortage of great picnic spots. For a seaside outing, try the copious grass or sand along the Semaphore shoreline. There is also a 7.5-kilometre bike and pedestrian path. In the Adelaide Hills, the 97-hectare Mount Lofty Botanic Garden has several great walking trails, quiet spots and views. About 30 per cent of the garden is still native bushland.
Adventurous kids will love the award-winning adventure playground at St Kilda, 20 kilometres north of the CBD, with giant slides, flying foxes, climbing structures, a pirate ship and a maze of tunnels. There are coin-operated barbecues.
Platypus tour at Cumbungi Sanctuary
Join a maximum of ten people on a sunset tour to a 10-hectare feral-proof private bush sanctuary that was once a market garden and introduced pine grove. Platypus Eco Tours at Cumbungi Sanctuary takes you around an underwater observatory and guarantees sightings of platypus, but you are also likely to see other local endangered animals, such as southern brown bandicoots, woylies, potoroos, quolls and koalas.
Just 20 kilometres north of the CBD, a raised 2-kilometre boardwalk winds through the mangrove forest of the Barker Inlet Aquatic Reserve, where 200 species of bird have been recorded. The trail complex includes a lookout tower and interpretive centre.
Hop aboard Tindo, the free green bus that claims to be the world’s first community, solar-powered electric bus. It has no noisy engine, is recharged using solar panels, and travels a useful route around North Adelaide and the city centre.
Swimming with dolphins off Glenelg
Since 2002, the eco-accredited Temptation Sailing has offered a ‘swim with the dolphins sail’ on a 17-metre catamaran out of Glenelg, in which the bottlenose and common dolphins reputedly come to the vessel – it does not have to go looking for them. The three-and-a-halfhour tour includes snorkels, masks, wetsuits and a ‘shark shield’ in the water that emits an electronic signal to keep great whites at bay, or you can pay less and stay dry on board.
Cafes & restaurants around town
Chianti Classico 1 km
Whether indoors or out, and be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, this homely yet very polished trattoria delivers the goods. The kitchen turns out sturdy Italian dishes that uphold the long tradition of earthy, flavoursome... Find out moreThe fine-dining showpiece for Adelaide’s Italian Club, the focus at Enoteca is on classic flavours based on superb ingredients, handled with consummate skill. The menu gives the game away, listing only four options... Find out more
Taking pride of place on Henley Square, this well-known Greek restaurant comes into its own throughout the warmer months when tables are set outdoors. The traditional spread of flavour-rich dips and pita bread, grilled... Find out more
Gaucho’s is synonymous with the aromas of grilled steak wafting from this restaurant’s massive chargrill. For confirmed carnivores, it looks and smells like paradise. There’s seafood on the menu, along... Find out more
Jasmin 1 km
For more than a generation this basement dining room has quietly set the standard for Indian cuisine in South Australia. Even familiar dishes – lamb korma, butter chicken, beef vindaloo – are brought to life... Find out moreJolleys Boathouse 1 km
Though just a brief stroll from busy North Terrace, the dining deck’s water views and dappled shade are instantly relaxing. The bistro-style menu is intriguing and confidently brief. Alongside simple, handsome... Find out moreLucia’s Fine Foods Adelaide Central Markets
Tucked inside the bustling Central Market enclave, this cosy cafe has been a family-owned Adelaide institution since 1957. It remains a vivid expression of southern Italian home cooking as pioneered here by Lucia... Find out moreDark timbers and dramatic lighting create the mood in this lively Spanish-themed restaurant. More-formal à la carte dishes are doled out on the long table but it’s the glittering bar area and tapas menu that... Find out more
Nu Thai is a bright, modern venue, and the pace setter among Adelaide’s Thai restaurants. Many of the dishes served here are grounded in tradition, like their basil chicken and curried choo chee prawns. There is... Find out more
An enduring haven of fresh, unfussy food, Sarah’s is an all-vegetarian establishment. The dining concept is based on the kitchen turning out a selection of dishes in three or four courses or degustation style.... Find out more
T Chow 1 km
This much-loved Adelaide institution has inducted thousands of patrons into the distinctive delights of southern Chinese cuisine. The space might be big and built for a crowd but the drawcard is an expansive menu of... Find out moreThis bright, glassy space has a north-facing room; opening onto an outdoor colonnade and a patch of lawn dotted with modern sculptures. It’s stylish, yet warm and inviting, and the food strikes the same balance.... Find out more
Located in the Hilton Adelaide, The Brasserie is a bright and airy place with a casual ambience accentuated by the timber floors, and wooden tables and chairs. During the day a buffet-style breakfast and lunch... Find out more
Owner Simon Kardachi has transformed this slender suburban nook, formerly The Melting Pot, from a serious foodie destination offering a degustation menu to a more casual experience. Patrons can graze on the shared... Find out more
This is a tale of two venues. At street level there’s a buzzing bar serving smart snacks and bistro fare, like seared hunks of Atlantic salmon and an up-market wagyu steak sandwich. Downstairs, there’s a more... Find out more
With big windows overlooking the east parklands, this is a debonair eatery just on the fringe of town. The kitchen is celebrated for seductive breakfast treats like blue swimmer crab omelette and French toast brioche... Find out more
This cheerful Greek-inspired eatery is one of the shining lights at the Holdfast Shores Marina. The Mezze menu of plates to share is extensive, with everything from spicy grilled lamb and dolmades to eggplant roulades,... Find out more
Magill Estate Restaurant 7 km
This glass pavilion restaurant was purpose built to complement the hallowed birthplace of Grange and other iconic Penfolds wines. Vine and city vistas foster an air of occasion that befits the artful cuisine on offer.... Find out moreNearby breweries
South Australian Brewing Company 3 km
Established in 1888, the South Australian Brewing Company became the state’s dominant beer-maker by steadily acquiring competitors like the Kent Town Brewery, West End Brewery and the Walkerville Co-operative... Find out moreBrewboys 6 km
One of the country’s newest craft beermaking enterprises, Brewboys is a partnership between Stephen Nelsen and Simon Sellick, who also operate the contract brewing company Fresh Cellars. At present they utilise a... Find out moreCoopers Brewery 6 km
More than any other Australian brewery, Coopers has grown significant market share over the past two decades on the back of increased demand for alternative beer styles. It was established in 1862 by Yorkshireman Thomas... Find out moreAdelaide Hills Craft Brewing 25 km
Located in the former Onkaparinga woollen mill complex at Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills, this brewery/bar is run by Alistair Turnbull and Phil Jones. The pair turned their backs on careers in banking to study brewing in... Find out moreThe Steam Exchange Company 66 km
South Australia seems to have more than its fair share of craft breweries in significant historical locations, and The Steam Exchange Brewery is no exception. It’s housed in a heritage-listed former railway goods... Find out moreKnappstein Enterprise Brewery 122 km
History has turned full circle for the Clare Valley’s Enterprise Brewery, which ceased beer-making operations in 1916, but was revived for its original purpose in 2006. In between time, this gorgeous sandstone... Find out morePort Dock Brewery Hotel 12 km
This landmark brew-pub is Adelaide’s longest-running and has been knocking out house beers since 1986. The 1883 building has enjoyed a colourful history – the original hotel was closed down in 1909 by local... Find out moreBarossa Valley Brewing 46 km
Located within the historic Chateau Yaldara wine estate in the heart of the Barossa Valley, this microbrewery came on-line in late 2005 with a single brand – Bee Sting. Brewed with a touch of wheat and orange... Find out moreBarossa Brewing Company 60 km
There are all manner of Australian craft-beermakers and then there’s Darryl Trinne, who runs a unique cellardoor ‘beer maturation’ operation from an historic 1860s former wheat store at Greenock, in the... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Adelaide City Fringe Apartments
These straightforward single- and double-bedroom apartments are well placed near the main freeway route into Adelaide from Melbourne. Updated with full kitchens, laundry appliances and ensuite bathrooms, the... Find out moreAdelaide Luxury Beach House 10 km
This knockout beachfront residence brings the appeal of Adelaide’s gulf coast vividly to life. Spread over three levels – each with tremendous verandah vistas – this sleek and chic home is blessed with... Find out moreThis stunning example of Adelaide’s time-honored bluestone terrace houses is in an area of such significance that the whole street is heritage-listed. In the peaceful southeastern corner of town, close to parklands... Find out more
Adelaide Shores Holiday Village 9 km
One of Adelaide’s best kept secrets, the village is part of a sprawling 135-hectare coastal reserve that includes a golf course, caravan resort and boat haven. There’s a collection of two- and three-bedroom... Find out moreThis extensive apartment complex is within walking distance of the city centre, South Parklands and Hutt Street’s popular cafes. A vast array of two- and three-bedroom apartments are available – all outfitted... Find out more
The multi-balcony facade of Adelaide’s grand dame of beachfront hotels is a sight to behold from land or sea. A recent internal makeover has instilled new life and luxury into this heritage accommodation, and the... Find out more
A mere 5 kilometres from the city centre, this secluded caravan park looks and feels like a country retreat. It’s nestled in leafy well-grassed grounds on the banks of the River Torrens overlooking Linear Park. As... Find out more
Majestic Old Lion Apartments 2 km
With its paved courtyards, manicured hedges and upstairs balconies, this popular accommodation complex has a cultivated, European air. All up there are 57 serviced, smartly presented apartments, with the alternative of... Find out moreA well-received addition to Adelaide’s bustling ‘East End’, where you’re just a few strides from lively shops, eateries and entertainment options. This fully serviced 120-room hotel features sleek... Find out more
Inner-Adelaide locations don’t get any better than Mantra’s: just around the corner from Rundle Mall and a brief walk to North Terrace’s cultural attractions. Mantra has a wide selection of studio-style... Find out more
Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury
Housed in the heritage-listed former Treasury building, this apartment-style hotel has a distinguished presence and a landmark site overlooking Victoria Square. There’s 80 one- and two-bedroom apartments to select... Find out moreOverlooking all the beach action, this substantial complex bestrides the Glenelg seafront next to Holdfast Marina. The accommodation options include luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments with balconies and sparkling... Find out more
Towering above its downtown location, this hotel’s 201 luxurious guestrooms offer the pinnacle of polished, contemporary style. The executive spa suites feature superb furnishings, a business desk, plush lounge... Find out more
In one of North Adelaide’s most endearing and historic thoroughfares, this snug two-storey cottage is also close to Melbourne Street’s renowned shopping and dining strip. Dating from 1873, the cottage has... Find out more
Housed in one of North Adelaide’s esteemed, historic villas, this three-bedroom apartment has many strings to its bow – a highly desirable location, the best modern luxury appointments, expertly chosen... Find out more
The Sebel Playford Adelaide 1 km
Here’s a hotel that’s boutique in scale yet delivers grand style and service. Multi-awarding winning, it’s become a treasured local establishment. The atmosphere is elegant but never stilted, thanks to... Find out moreThis jaunty seaside cottage for two is close to the beach and Semaphore Road’s enticing boutiques and cafes. The apartment’s smart street appeal is echoed in the modern open-plan living quarters. A fully... Find out more
Water Bay Villa Bed and Breakfast
In a classic stone-fronted villa in the heart of cosmopolitan Glenelg, this self-contained four-room suite occupies the upper storey of the residence and has a private entrance. A tasteful heritage theme unfolds here,... Find out moreThese three elevated pavilions have the aura of smart alpine chalets, perched among stringybarks in the Adelaide Hills. For all that, they’re only half an hour down the freeway from the CBD. Displaying the finest... Find out more
Set within 24 hectares of bush, vineyards and farmland, this private retreat is barely 20 minutes from town, yet it feels a world away. The fully restored stone barn incorporates two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a... Find out more
Popular events around town
Bike riders descend on Adelaide for this race into the hills. January.... Find out more
The city’s defining event, and one of the world’s highest regarded arts festivals. February–March (even-numbered years).... Find out more
Alongside the Festival of Arts, the edgy performances of this world-renowned annual festival are great entertainment. February–March.... Find out more
A huge festival of world music and dance in Botanic Park. March.... Find out more
V8 supercars race on city streets in what is said to be Australia’s best motor event. March.... Find out more
Greek culture, food, song and dance in Ellis Park, West Terrace. March.... Find out more
International event celebrating food, wine and beer as well as chefs and writers. October (odd-numbered years).... Find out more
One of the country’s top gay and lesbian events, with theatre, film, dance and more. November.... Find out more
Credit Union Christmas Pageant
An Adelaide institution since 1933 welcomes Father Christmas to the city streets. November.... Find out moreItalian culture, food, song and dance in Rymill Park. February. ... Find out more
