How to see the best of Australia on a short vacation to Adelaide.
Today we continue our Things to Do in Australia blog series. In this series we outline how you can see all the major Australia Highlights in a short vacation, staying in just one or two Australian cities. We’ve shown how you can see Beaches & Aquatic Life, Wildlife, Rainforest, Outback, Food & Wine, Modern City Culture & Art and Indigenous Culture in the cities of Sydney and Melbourne. Today we take a look a the little capital city with a big heart in South Australia, Adelaide.
Adelaide is a safe, clean, compact and well planned city with a vibrant food and art scene. Outside of Adelaide, you’ll find the best Australian wine region and a most amazing wildlife sanctuary – Kangaroo Island.
Here are things you can do in Adelaide to see all the major Australian highlights.
Beaches & Aquatic Life
Situated on Gulf St. Vincent, Adelaide provides access to a number of excellent swimming beaches.
Glenelg is a short (free) tram ride from the city’s center.
Still close to the city, but often a bit quieter is Brighton Beach with its old fashioned jetty, cafes and restaurants. Get away from it all for a few hours.
#Australia A photo posted by Arie Partouche (@arie1partouche) on
Henley is another option, close to Adelaide and child friendly.
For a little surfing and/or adventure head to Southport Beach.
SA is alright ☀️ A photo posted by Eden Harper (@edenharper) on
Beach visits offer opportunities to see a variety of aquatic life.
Head to Kangaroo Island to see even more! Like this little sea lion pup.
Or these guys…
Or even dolphins!
Visit Port Noarlunga reef aquatic reserve, just 45 minutes from Adelaide.
Just keep swimming … towards Port Noarlunga jetty at one of Adelaide’s most popular southern beaches. Under the surface of the water, and not far from shore, this is what you might see…a natural reef which is home to more than 60 fish species, including these little beauties. Grab your snorkel, flippers or scuba-diving gear and go for a swim – you won’t be disappointed. Pic: @freediveraustralia [Location: 35 minutes drive from #Adelaide in #SouthAustralia ] A photo posted by South Australia (@southaustralia) on
Wildlife
Adelaide wins the wildlife category in this series. Adelaide is your gateway to Kangaroo Island, one the world’s great nature-based destinations with sea lions basking on unsoiled white beaches, koalas dozing in lofty trees, pelicans gliding across shimmering lagoons and kangaroos wandering on rolling hill. It’s a zoo without fences that any nature lover will enjoy. Stay on the island or take a day trip.
That’s what we call bright eyed and bushy tailed! . Image courtesy: @rudidownunder . #StokesBay #KangarooIsland #SouthAustralia #Australia #authenticKI A photo posted by Authentic Kangaroo Island (@authentickangarooisland) on
Echidnas are quite active on the island at the moment – so keep your eyes peeled when you take a stroll . This cheeky one is named Snorkel and you can visit him at the @kiwildlifepark . #KangarooIsland #SouthAustralia #Australia A photo posted by Authentic Kangaroo Island (@authentickangarooisland) on
Morning already? Maybe just hit the snooze button for an extra five minutes sleep. . . Image courtesy: @nikkiki73 of @kangarooislandodysseys . #KangarooIsland #SouthAustralia #Australia #seeAustralia #insideSouthAustralia #authenticKI A photo posted by Authentic Kangaroo Island (@authentickangarooisland) on
The Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is one of the best places on the island to get up close and personal with a wide range of native Australian fauna, reptiles and birdlife. Cuddle a koala, feed a kangaroo or hold a snake! . Located in the heartland of Kangaroo Island near Parndana . Open 9am to 5pm every day of the year (including Christmas Day) . Image courtesy: @kiwildlifepark . #Parndana #KangarooIsland #SouthAustralia #Australia #seeAustralia #insideSouthAustralia #authenticKI A photo posted by Authentic Kangaroo Island (@authentickangarooisland) on
“Yay, Mum. It’s warm enough to play outside!” . In late Spring and early Summer – see our gorgeous joeys getting out into the big wide spaces for the first time under the tentative, careful watch of Mum. So cute! . Image courtesy: @nikkiki73 of @kangarooislandodysseys . #KangarooIsland #SouthAustralia #Australia #seeAustralia #insideAustralia #authenticKI A photo posted by Authentic Kangaroo Island (@authentickangarooisland) on
Vibrant colours captured at Cape Willoughby by talented local photographer, Quentin Chester . Image courtesy: @quentinchester . …………………………. . #CapeWilloughby #KangarooIsland #SouthAustralia #Australia #seeAustralia #authenticKI #travel #holiday #vacation #adventure #getaway #instatravel #travelgram #wanderlust #igtravel #tour #travelphotography #nature #naturelover #naturephotography #naturetour #wildlife #wilderness #coastline #birdingAustralia #birds #birdsofinstagram #glamadelaide #aussiephotos A photo posted by Authentic Kangaroo Island (@authentickangarooisland) on
Rainforest
South Australia is one of the few Australian states without natural rainforest. If you are really keen on exploring the rainforest, be sure to couple a South Australian vacation with a visit to Tropical North Queensland or Tasmania. For an amazing and educational rainforest experience, visit the Rainforest Conservatory in Adelaide Botanic Garden. It’s FREE!
Bicentennial Conservatory. #rainforest #glasshouse #botanical #garden #architecture A photo posted by Richard Lee (@richyfancy) on
Rainforest exhibit #mist A photo posted by Michelle Craig (@roxyvinnie) on
If you’re walking south towards #Adelaide Botanic Garden’s Eremophila Garden and National Wine Centre, keep an eye out for the big and vibrant umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla) currently in flower. Native to tropical rainforests in Australia, New Guinea and Java, the #flowers – bursting with nectar – attract birds that spread the seeds, while the fruits are eaten by a host of birds and animals in the wild including spectacled flying foexes and Bennett’s tree-kangaroos. A photo posted by Botanic Gardens of SA (@botanicgardenssa) on
Outback
The Outback of South Australia, just outside of Adelaide is amazing! Drive out to Flinders Ranges for a glorious outback experience. . Kangaroos, emus and wedge-tail eagles and more abound in this unexpected landscape. Aboriginal Dreamings tell the story of serpents and giants that shaped the lands. You’ll be left in awe as you explore the largest mountain range in South Australia.
#flindersranges #outback #wildflowers #holidays A photo posted by Dianne Golding (@diannemae1955) on
Let’s go. A photo posted by L✖️K | H✖️H (@krispradw) on
The Gawler Ranges
Great way to spend Easter Hiking at the Gawler Ranges enjoying this amazing SA landscape #TheAdelaideSet #SAYouth #SAOutback #SALocal #SAGreat credit @joelypro A photo posted by The Adelaide Set (@the_adelaide_set) on
The Gawler Ranges on Eyre Peninsula in outback South Australia. This gourge is known as The Organ Pipes. Formed 1.5 billion years ago #gawlerrangesnationalpark #southaustralia #eyrepeninsula #outback #organpipes #outsidemybackdoor #worththetrip #worthalook #gorge #australia #getoutthereanddoit #doitnowtimeisticking A photo posted by doitnow_timeisticking (@doitnow_timeisticking) on
Coober Pedy This amazing outback town is the world’s opal capital. When you visit you will descend through the earth into a maze of underground houses, churches and restaurants. You’ll even stay underground if you choose to spend the night.
After 7 days and 489 km on dirt roads through the outback, we’re finally in “civilization” again! Having not died of thirst, starvation, or snakebite, I’m going to go ahead and call that portion of this journey a resounding success. #straya #Oz #cycletouring #cycletour A photo posted by Brian Naiman (@brianpnaiman) on
Take a scenic drive through the outback to Parachilna and enjoy real bush tucker at the Prairie Hotel.
C’est l’automne en Australie du Sud (mais ça lui va bien) (et en tout petit sur la piste, c’est le génial @vutheara) #southaustralia #explorersway #seeaustralia #ontheroad #teamexplorers A photo posted by Juliette (@juliette_jnspc) on
Food & Wine
Foodies and Wine Lovers rejoice in South Australia. Just take a look at any list of Australia’s best restaurants and you’ll notice that many are in Adelaide, a city deeply passionate about all things culinary. Just outside of Adelaide you’ll fine 18 distinct wine regions. South Australia is home to some of the world’s most famous wine labels. In Adelaide find wonderful restaurants, food trucks and wine bars.
Visit the Adelaide Central Market to get a little taste of everything! Since 1869, the Central Market has been the jewel in the crown of South Australian experiences, a haven of premium food and wine products, and 2nd home to chefs and food lovers. Take a tour to get the most well-rounded experience.
@gourmettogoadelaide has been trading at the Central Market for over 24 years; with a range of quality breads, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free products, pastries, pies and pasties. We recommend trying their home made soup during Winter! Visit Irene and Paul at Stall 42! #adelaidefood #adelaidecentralmarket #southaustralia #market A photo posted by Adelaide Central Market (@adelcentralmarket) on
Take a tour or drive yourself out to the many surrounding wine regions.
Nice day out in the Barossa Valley #redredwine #scrumptious #nottooshabby A photo posted by C A R L A (@carla.gow) on
Winter wandering. There are some beautiful views in and around the village. Hard to believe we are so close to the wonderful city of Adelaide! @flossie_create.talk #Hahndorf #AdelaideHills A photo posted by Hahndorf (@hahndorf_southaustralia) on
Winemaking is about longevity #sg #sgdaily #sgdaily #ig #igdaily #igsg #potd #lots #melbourneggs #barossavalley #Penfolds A photo posted by Rach (@rachchew) on
The food, wine and animal lover might like a trip out to the Fleurieu Peninsula and McLaren Vale.
Green and lush at @fox_creek_wines – winter time beauty in #mclarenvale #repost from @jobrougham A photo posted by McLaren Vale (@mclaren_vale) on
Somewhere over the rainbow at @hugowines #mclarenvale #fleurieupeninsula #rainbow #wineregion A photo posted by McLaren Vale (@mclaren_vale) on
Spend your Australia Day somewhere on the Fleurieu! #southaustralia #fleurieupeninsula #australiaday #SeeAustralia A photo posted by Fleurieu Peninsula (@officialfleurieupeninsula) on
Come and play in our big backyard. We’re the kind of place that has tyre swings. And creeks. #adelaidehills Image credit: @ahillsdweller #adelaide #southaustralia A photo posted by Visit Adelaide Hills (@visitadelaidehills) on
Exploring the beautiful Adelaide Hills. Pretty as a picture @artserieshotelgroup #AdelaideHills #SouthAustralia A photo posted by Rachel Bale (@departmentofwandering) on
#autumn #vines A photo posted by Shelley (@goodenoughs) on
Modern City Culture & Art
Adelaide is a small city, rich in culture. You’ll find historic buildings, amazing churches, small bars catering to just about every type of urban subculture, museums, street art and tons of festivals and events.
Adelaide Festival of Arts (Feb-March)
#AdlFest + #AdlWW: 17 days and nights 889 artists and writers from over 20 countries 150 performances of 42 events 22 Australian premieres 26 exclusive to Adelaide Seven specially commissioned by #AdlFest Four co-commissioned with #AdlFest THANK YOU FOR COMING! Image: Submergence, Squidsoup (UK/NZ) taken by Tony Lewis A photo posted by Adelaide Festival of Arts (@adelaidefestival) on
Adelaide Fringe (March)
Regram from @missemma_jane – Illumunations shine till 1am each night. Swing past and have a look after your show. A photo posted by Adelaide Fringe (@adlfringe) on
Street Art
#love #streetart #tophammall #adelaide #southaustralia #hiddengemsadl #instagramadl @adelaidewestend @ladyburrabrew A photo posted by Hidden Gems Adelaide (@hiddengemsadelaide) on
Waymouth Street
The State Library of South Australia – Just beautiful!
Found the Harry Potter room! A photo posted by Jovin Chan (@jovin26) on
Adelaide is also known as the City of Churches for the many beautiful churches throughout the city.
St Francis Xavier Cathedral
#adelaide #australia #church #victoriasq #cathedral #stfrancisxavier A photo posted by Oliver Cotta (@oliver.cotta) on
Indigenous Culture
South Australia is home to a number of Aboriginal groups such as the Kaurna (Adelaide Plains), Adnyamathanha (Flinders Ranges) and Ngarrindjeri (Lower Lakes of the Murray River) people. You can find quite a few ways to experience aboriginal culture in and just outside of Adelaide.
The South Australian Museum (free) is home to the world’s finest collections of indigenous artifacts.
Tandanya National Cultural Aboriginal Institute is an art, performance and meeting space in Adelaide. Meet Aboriginal people, enjoy cultural performances of the didjeridu and shop for authentic art and craft.
Are you ready for your Australian Adventure? Let us help you plan a trip of your lifetime!
Get-A-Trip-Quote or Phone us Toll Free on 1-888-359-2877 (CT USA, M-F 8.30am – 5pm).Also See:
Things to do in Australia | A Sydney Vacation with All the Australian Highlights
Things to do in Australia | A Melbourne Vacation with All the Australian Highlights
Coming Soon:
Things to do in Australia | A Brisbane Vacation with All the Australian Highlights
Things to do in Australia | A Cairns Vacation with All The Australian Highlights
Things to do in Australia | A Perth Vacation with All the Australian Highlights.