Adelaide, also known as Tarntanya, is a vibrant coastal capital of South Australia and is one of the country’s most underrated destinations. Most travelers overlook it in favor of Sydney or Melbourne. We recommend adding it to your itinerary for your next trip to Australia. You will get to enjoy a pleasant atmosphere, world-class food, and spectacular beaches and the city’s natural attractions in just a few days. The compact layout of the city makes it easier to explore the surroundings at a leisurely pace. As the city is in proximity to Spencer Gulf and Coffin Bay, you will get to taste fresh seafood at the waterfront restaurants and central market. And for spotting the native wildlife and panoramic view, hike up Mount Lofty for a fun experience. Here’s a complete Adelaide travel guide which will help you explore the city.
What to Do, What to Eat and When to Visit: A Complete Adelaide Travel Guide
Things to Do in Adelaide
1. Adelaide Oval Roof Climb
The Adelaide Oval roof climb is a guided adventure where you can witness panoramic views of the coastal shores and the Adelaide Hills. You are tethered to a safety harness and are guided by experts to walk on the 50-meter stadium turf. There is also a special lean-out point available where you will get to lean backward over the outer edge of the roof for an adrenaline rush.
2. Glenelg Beach
Glenelg Beach is located in the beachside suburb of Glenelg, and to get there, hop on a tram ride to reach it in about 20 minutes. You can either relax on the white sand or explore the pier and nearby restaurants of the area. For an adventurous experience, join a tour with dolphins, and you will get to interact with these curious animals.
3. Hike at Mount Lofty
The best way to explore the wildlife of a new city is by hiking through the mountains. If you are a true nature lover, we recommend reaching the top of Mount Lofty. You can go from Waterfall Gully route to witness frequent sightings of koalas in the stringybark trees. And if you want to go with a secluded trail, go through the lower gullies of the peak from the Chamber’s Hike.
4. Central Market
Adelaide Central Market is a must-visit if you are looking for a place where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Plan your visit in the early morning to beat the heavy crowds. You can visit the Mushroom Man’s shop to buy the hard-to-find fungal delicacies and make sure to get an empty bottle to refill milk from the milk tap at the Fleurieu Milk Company. You can also buy beautiful ceramics and jewelry pieces from the Jam Factory there.
Pro Tip: Visit on Saturday nights to get a massive discount on fresh fruits and vegetables.
What to Eat
1. Pie Floater
Pie floater is a traditional meat pie floating face down, served in a steaming bowl of green pea soup, layered with a tomato sauce. As you take the first bite, your mouth will be met with a pleasant surprise, with a mix of crunch and creaminess. It has a certain sweetness from the peas and tomato sauce and a crunchy contrast at the bottom of the pie. You can try it out from the Bakery on O’ Connell in North Adelaide.
2. Kitchener Bun
A Kitchener bun is a sweet pastry made from a yeasted dough bun, which can be fried or baked, split in between, and filled with strawberry or raspberry jam and cream. You can try out the Kitchener Bun from the Crafers Bakehouse in the Adelaide Hills. If you want something to drink, you can have the bun with a black coffee as the bitter taste cuts right through the sugary dough.
3. Coffin Bay Oysters
Adelaide has an excellent seafood scene due to Spencer Gulf, which offers king prawns and calamari, while the city gets Pacific oysters from Coffin Bay. To taste the premium-quality Pacific oysters, try fresh, raw Coffin Bay oysters, served chilled with lemon wedges and red wine vinegar mignonette. For a wonderful experience, dine in at the waterfront restaurants and enjoy the fresh and flavorful oysters while overlooking the stunning sunset and listening to the gentle sea breeze.
4. Carbonara
Carbonara is a pasta made with eggs, cured pork, black pepper, and hard cheese. If you want to taste the dish in the traditional style, you can try it out at the Adelaide Central Market, where they use ingredients like guanciale and pecorino. And if you dine in at the local bistro, you will get to taste a glossy pasta that is generally naked with whisked whole eggs and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
When to Visit
1. Autumn
The best time to visit the city is during autumn (March to May). You will get to enjoy mild weather and witness the vibrant red foliage along with the grape harvest. You can go for wine tasting after the harvest and enjoy vineyard lunches in this pleasant weather. It’s also the fig season during this time, so you can visit the Adeliade central market to pick out fresh figs and get the premium quality early in the morning.
2. Winter
Winters in Adelaide are from June to August, and as the temperature drops, you will get to enjoy the city’s atmosphere in a different light. From hot chocolates to hot cocktails, you will get to taste the city’s culture in liquid form at the cozy bars and pubs. It is the best time to travel as the flight and hotel rates drop to their lowest, so you can calmly explore the city undisturbed by the crowds.
3. Spring
If you are someone who loves the outdoors, Spring (September to November) is the best time for you to explore this beautiful city. In the mild weather, you will enjoy hiking the popular Mount Lofty trail and witnessing the wildlife there. As the winters finish, the native wildflowers are in full bloom in the hills, and you can also explore the seasonal waterfalls.
4. Summer
For enjoying swimming and other coastal activities during the heat, you can visit Adelaide in summer (December to February). You can visit the Adelaide Central Market and buy locally grown fresh produce at discounted rates in the early morning. To feel refreshed, consider eating Coffin Bay oysters to cool off, and finish off the meal with a Kitchener bun for a sweet dessert.
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Bottom Line
Adelaide is definitely a destination that is worth visiting at least once. It is a nice escape from the crowded cities of Sydney and Melbourne and also doesn’t compromise on providing its visitors with excellent food. From exploring the Adelaide Central Market to swimming at Glenelg Beach, you can easily enjoy spending a few wonderful days here. Reaching all the destinations is quite easy as it is compact and is famously known as the 20-minute city. With quick access to Coffin Bay and the Adelaide Hills, you can relish a variety of cuisines filled with exquisite flavors here. The best time to visit is in autumn if you want to explore the area in pleasant weather, but if you prefer cheaper flights and hotels, visit in summer to relax at the nearby beaches. Hope this Adelaide travel guide makes exploring the city much easier for you.