Located just an hour’s drive north of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is a must-visit for any wine lover, or really, just about anyone who deserves a recharging trip away.
South Australia
The ultimate travel guide to Adelaide
Relaxed, cultured and effortlessly charming, Adelaide is often described as Australia's most liveable city - and for good reason.
Adelaide may not always command the same attention as Sydney or Melbourne, but that's part of its appeal. It offers a more relaxed pace, allowing visitors to slow down and truly enjoy their surroundings. Framed by pristine beaches on one side and rolling wine regions on the other, South Australia's capital offers a balanced mix of food, festivals, nature and history.
Whether you're driving from Melbourne to Adelaide for the AFL Gather Round, planning a cultural weekend, or after a more immersive stay, here's what you need to know to get the most out of your Adelaide trip.
More: Ultimate Melbourne to Adelaide road trip
Why visit Adelaide?
Adelaide stands out for its accessibility and lifestyle appeal. Unlike larger capitals, it's easy to navigate, with most major attractions located within or close to the CBD. The city's grid layout, surrounded by parklands, makes it ideal for walking and cycling.
Adelaide is also a gateway to some of Australia's most celebrated wine regions, including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills, all within an hour's drive. Add to that a strong café culture, a thriving arts scene and a packed calendar of events, and you've got a destination that delivers year-round.
When is the best time to visit Adelaide?
Adelaide enjoys a climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Visit in:
- Summer (Dec-Feb) for perfect beach days at Glenelg; temperatures can climb above 35°C
- Autumn (Mar-May) for warm days, cooler evenings and the city buzzing during festival season
- Winter (Jun-Aug) for fewer crowds and lower prices
- Spring (Sep-Nov) for blooming gardens and ideal conditions for exploring nearby wine regions.
Getting to and around Adelaide
Flights arrive at Adelaide Airport, which is just a 15-minute drive from the CBD, making transfers quick and straightforward.
Once in the city, public transport options include buses, trains and trams, with a free tram service running through the CBD and down to Glenelg. Rideshare services and taxis are widely available, but Adelaide's compact size means many attractions are within walking distance.
If you're planning to explore beyond the city, hiring a car is the most convenient option, particularly for wine region day trips.
AFL Gather Round will draws crowds to Adelaide from 9-12 April 2026. Image: South Australian Tourism Commission
Top things to do in Adelaide
Shop til you drop at Rundle Mall
Rundle Mall lies in the heart of the city and offers the most quintessential Adelaide shopping experience. This pedestrian-only strip covers it all, from big name stores to independent boutiques.
The heritage-listed Adelaide Arcade is here too, so make sure you take a wander and you may just discover some hidden gems. Local pop-up shops and art exhibitions are often rotating around this historic arcade, so it’s a great place to pick up a unique little souvenir.
Outside the mall is the East End's Rundle Street: a hub for upmarket shopping. Pop your head around the corner into some of the laneways - you'll find some funky vintage boutiques and cafes.
Explore Adelaide Central Market
A must-visit for food lovers, the Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Here you'll find everything from artisan cheeses and freshly baked bread to multicultural street food. It's a great place to sample local flavours, chat with producers and pick up gourmet souvenirs.
Wander North Terrace
Adelaide’s cultural institutions are among the best in Australia, with many conveniently located along the cultural boulevard North Terrace. The South Australian Museum houses the world's largest collection of Aboriginal cultural artefacts, while the Art Gallery of South Australia boasts an extensive collection spanning Australian, European and Asian artworks.
The nearby Adelaide Botanic Garden is also worth a visit, particularly for its historic glasshouses and peaceful walking trails. The Santos Museum of Economic Botany within showcases fascinating plant-based exhibits, including rare botanical specimens and horticultural curiosities.
Located within leafy parklands adjacent to the Botanic Garden, Adelaide Zoo is home to a wide range of native and exotic animals - perfect for a fun day out with the family.
Visit Glenelg Beach
Just a short tram ride from the city, Glenelg Beach is Adelaide's most popular seaside destination. Expect sandy shores, calm waters and a lively esplanade lined with cafés, restaurants and shops. It's also a great spot for sunset, with views stretching across Gulf St Vincent.
Henley Beach is another gorgeous spot to soak up the sun, as well as dine on some quality seafood and drinks at a beachfront restaurant. Make sure you stick around to catch a stunning South Australian sunset, and if you're lucky, you may just spot a dolphin frolicking in the water.
Discover Adelaide Oval
Sports fans shouldn't miss a visit to Adelaide Oval, widely regarded as one of the most picturesque stadiums in the world. You can catch an AFL or cricket match, or take a guided tour to learn about its history.
For something more adventurous, try the RoofClimb experience, which offers panoramic views of the city skyline.
Discover marine history and animals at Port Adelaide
For something truly unique, consider a kayaking tour around the Garden Island Ships' Graveyard. Located within the Port Adelaide area, this hauntingly atmospheric site features abandoned and sunken ships dating back over a century.
You can also kayak within the broader Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, home to a resident population of wild dolphins.
Try an outdoor adventure
If you're looking to add some adrenaline to your itinerary, Adelaide has several accessible adventure experiences. TreeClimb Adelaide, located within the city parklands, features elevated obstacle courses and zip lines suitable for different skill levels - all within walking distance of the CBD.
By the coast, West Beach Adventure offers high ropes courses, zip lines and giant swings, making it a great option for families or groups.
The South Australian Museum has a plethora of Aboriginal cultural artefacts. Image: South Australian Tourism Commission
Festivals and events in Adelaide
Adelaide is often referred to as Australia's festival capital. The city is home to a wide range of cultural events and festivals, so make sure you check the calendar before you go.
AFL Gather Round
Each April, Adelaide hosts AFL Gather Round, when all 18 teams play across one long weekend, turning the city into a Festival of Footy. With matches at Adelaide Oval and nearby venues - plus fan zones, live entertainment and free events across the CBD - it’s one of the liveliest times to visit the city. It will be held 9-12 April in 2026.
Adelaide Fringe
The annual Adelaide Fringe, held each February and March, is the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring comedy, theatre, music and visual arts. It's been going strong for over 60 years, and brings thousands of independent emerging and established artists far and wide to Adelaide to perform.
Illuminate Adelaide
Illuminate Adelaide lights up the city of churches each winter. Every July, the festival brings a bold mix of art, light, music, and technology to Adelaide, transforming streets and cultural icons into a city-wide spectacle.
Adelaide Festival & Adelaide Writers' Week
For lovers of the arts, the Adelaide Festival has entertained crowds since 1960 and is internationally recognised as Australia's pre-eminent arts festival. The festival brings a real buzz to Adelaide, with world-class theatre, opera, music, dance and visual art events appearing all over the city.
Adelaide Festival includes Adelaide Writers' Week, Australia's largest free literary festival. It sees some of the world's greatest writers in conversation about literature, politics, identity, and much more.
Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Adelaide Cabaret Festival is another annual highlight for culture vultures thanks to its rambunctious and eclectic program. Featuring both classic and contemporary cabaret performances, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival is currently the biggest cabaret festival in the world.
WOMANDelaide
WOMADelaide (the World Of Music Arts & Dance in Adelaide) has brought global music, arts, dance, food and ideas to Adelaide Botanic Park since 1992. Along with artist-led workshops and cooking demonstrations, there are popular discussion forums of thinkers, scientists, activists, writers, environmentalists, journalists, economists, and communicators.
Santos Tour Down Under
The Santos Tour Down Under is an unmissable event for cycling enthusiasts, being the opening event of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) World Tour and the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere. The 10-day event has both male and female professional cycling teams racing on the streets of Adelaide and regional South Australia each January.
Adelaide Fringe is the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere. Image: Razan Fakhouri & Amazonia
Where to eat and drink in Adelaide
Adelaide's food scene punches well above its weight, with a strong focus on fresh, local produce, world-class wine regions and a strong café culture.
In the CBD, Peel Street and neighbouring Leigh Street form one of Adelaide's most vibrant dining precincts. At the heart is Peel St, a long-time favourite known for its bold, seasonal menu and relaxed atmosphere.
Neighbourhoods like the East End and suburbs such as Norwood and Unley are packed with stylish cafés serving specialty coffee, brunch favourites and house-made pastries.
Adelaide also has no shortage of excellent places to enjoy a drink. Intimate wine bars showcase the best of South Australian drops, from Barossa Shiraz to Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir. Outstanding cocktail bars include Clever Little Tailor, Maybe May, Cry Baby, Pink Moon Saloon, and The Sorcerer's Bar.
If you're heading to the coast, Glenelg offers a great mix of casual dining and waterfront restaurants. Here you'll find everything from fish and chips by the jetty to modern Australian restaurants with ocean views: perfect for a relaxed lunch or sunset dinner after a day at the beach. Try Mosely Beach Club for beachside snacks and share boards.
Where to stay in Adelaide
Adelaide offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and travel styles.
Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets is a lovely mid-range hotel near the Central Market, known for its vibrant design and proximity to dining hotspots. Other good mid-range include Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide and Pullman Adelaide.
If you're looking for a premium experience, Adelaide’s CBD has several standout five-star hotels like Mayfair Hotel, Eos by SkyCity, and Adelaide Marriott Hotel.
On the other hand, if you're on a budget, then Majestic Minima Hotel and The Hotel Metropolitan offer reliable comfort at a reasonable price point.
Adelaide's Peel Street is chock-full of great dining destinations. Image: South Australian Tourism Commission
Best day trips and regions from Adelaide
While Adelaide itself has plenty to offer, its surrounding regions are equally worth exploring.
Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island, accessible via ferry or flight, is a haven for wildlife and natural beauty. Here, you can see sea lions, kangaroos and dramatic coastal landscapes.
Adelaide Hills
Closer to the city, the Adelaide Hills region provides a cooler climate, picturesque drives and charming towns like Hahndorf, known for its German heritage.
Barossa Valley
Less than an hour from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is synonymous with world-class wine. Known for its bold Shiraz, the region is home to iconic cellar doors, boutique wineries and gourmet dining experiences.
McLaren Vale
Alternatively, head south to McLaren Vale for coastal views and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Mount Lofty
Right on the city's doorstep is Mount Lofty, worth checking out for spectacular views, wild forests and accessible walking trails. The Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty trail is a popular choice and offers the reward of a cafe at the end.
More: South Australia’s top five road trip destinations
