Adelaide

Framed by rolling hills and sparkling coastline, Adelaide is a city that invites you to slow down, savour the moment, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. 

It’s where elegant heritage meets a vibrant food and wine scene—and where nature is always just around the corner.

With a Mediterranean-style climate, friendly locals, and a relaxed pace of life, Adelaide is a city that’s easy to fall in love with, and with TravelEssence, you are guaranteed to experience South Australia’s capital city to the fullest. 

Things to see and do in Adelaide

Adelaide Central Market

This bustling indoor market has been at the heart of the city since 1869. It’s one of the largest fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere and a true haven for food lovers. 

Wander through more than 70 stalls filled with local cheeses, baked goods, artisan coffee, regional wines, and multicultural flavours from across the globe.

Adelaide Botanic Garden

Right in the heart of the city, the 130-acre Adelaide Botanic Garden is a peaceful green escape. Stroll through rose gardens, tropical greenhouses, and the majestic Palm House, a glasshouse dating back to 1877. It’s a lovely place to unwind beneath the shade of towering trees or learn about Australia’s native plant life.

Glenelg Beach

Just seven miles from the city centre, this seaside suburb offers the perfect beach day. Hop on a tram and head to Glenelg, where you’ll find white sand, gentle waves, boutique shops and buzzing cafés. It’s a great spot for sunset walks, dolphin spotting tours, or simply relaxing by the sea.

Laneways and Street Art

Adelaide’s hidden laneways are full of surprises—quirky bars, live music venues, independent shops and colourful street art. Peel Street and Leigh Street are favourites for grabbing a drink and soaking up the local vibe.

Adelaide Hills

Only 12 miles east of the city lies the beautiful Adelaide Hills region. With winding roads, forested landscapes and cool-climate vineyards, it’s a favourite weekend escape for locals. Explore the historic village of Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German settlement, filled with artisan shops, galleries and cosy cafés.

Adelaide’s culinary scene

Dining in the East End

The city’s East End is a buzzing hub for food and drink. From modern Australian cuisine to Asian fusion and Mediterranean-style eateries, there’s something to suit every taste. Outdoor terraces, lively wine bars and rooftop spots make it a great place to enjoy in the evening.

Food and wine scene

South Australia is a foodie and wine lovers haven with exquisite fresh local produce and locally grown wine on offer. Take a self-guided tour in and around Adelaide and sample the local flavours. From the fruitful vineyards in Barossa Valley and the wine regions surrounding McLaren Vale, the town of Hahndorf, and Adelaide Hills. There is a culinary delight around every corner that you must try! For the wine connoisseur, be sure to stop by the National Wine Centre. Here, you can find a unique collection of Australian wine.

Beaches

With over 20 beaches to explore, Adelaide is the perfect place to soak up the Aussie beach lifestyle. For one of the most beautiful beaches near Adelaide, go to Maslin Beach. Glenelg is a must-visit and Henley Beach is a cosmopolitan seaside paradise. Spend your days soaking up the Aussie sunshine at a local beach house. Some other beaches to visit are North Haven Beach, Largs Bay Beach, Semaphore Beach, Tennyson Beach, Grange Beach, and West Beach. If you like to snorkel, go to Port Noarlunga!

Family-friendly

The city of Adelaide is an ideal destination for families with plenty of exciting things to do and see to keep the kids entertained. The Cleland Conservation Park offers a panoramic view of the city, and you can have a close encounter with emu, koalas, and other native wildlife at the Cleland Wildlife Park. Take a wander around the Adelaide Botanic Garden or hop on board a paddleboat on the River Torrens.

From strawberry picking to encounters with unique wildlife

Located in Adelaide Hills is Beerenberg Strawberry Farm. A popular attraction and an ideal day trip with the kids between November and April. Spend the afternoon picking fresh strawberries and purchasing local goods from the store. Or if you would prefer to have a close encounter with Australian wildlife, visit Australia’s largest open-range zoo, Monarto Zoo. Interact with the variety of animals and birds at the Glen Forest Tourist Park or visit the Adelaide Zoo.

Parks & nature

With over 300 parks and reserves in South Australia and 29 parks in the city of Adelaide, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the outdoors and enjoy Australian wildlife. Pack a picnic and explore the gardens of Carrick Hill or discover Japanese Gardens, the Himeji Gardens! Morialta Conservation park offers a variety of walking trails.

If you are a sports fan, Adelaide Oval is one of the most spectacular sporting grounds in the world. Here, you can watch a game of cricket or AFL (Australian Football League).

Victoria Square, also known as Tarntanyangga is a public square in the centre of the city. Home to many prestigious buildings and green areas, you can admire the Queen Victoria Statue, the Three Rivers Fountain, and of course meet the friendly locals.

Mount Lofty is located approximately 15 kilometres east of Adelaide. Discover a majestic peak in Cleland National Park and Adelaide Hills. The Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty summit hike is great if you would like to conquer this part of South Australia.

Where to stay

Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in Adelaide and beyond.

A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself

Whether you prefer an apartment with ocean views, a self-contained cabin with the beach at your doorstep or a luxury apartment in the heart of the CBD. Your travel specialist will match you up with accommodation that suits your wants and needs.

Museums & art galleries

Would you like to uncover the fascinating history of South Australia? Learn about the oldest culture in the world at the Aboriginal-owned and managed multi-arts centre, the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute. Or visit Port Adelaide, which is home to the National Railway Museum and the South Australian Maritime Museum. Discover the latest exhibition at the South Australian Museum or delve into the fascinating Migration Museum.

Surrounding areas

Together with a small group and a local guide, uncover the local treasures that surround Adelaide. From the astounding natural beauty that awaits you on Kangaroo Island to the unique wildlife in Coorong. There are plenty of self-drive day trips to embark on as well. Discover a seafood haven that features pink lakes, Eyre Peninsula, or visit the beaches and wineries of Fleurieu. There are so many beautiful places to visit outside of the city of Adelaide in South Australia, something for every visitor.

Why book with us?

• A well-designed holiday, just for you

• Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts

• Carefully recommended activities based on your interests

• A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs

• Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday

• 30 years of experience in travel to Australia

Let's design your holiday together

We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.