DAY ONE
9.00am
There’s plenty to pack in today so get up early and head to the Riverbank Precinct for a brisk morning stroll or jog along the river Torrens – a great spot for people-watching and home of the retro Festival Centre.
10.00am
Sports fans should add a visit to the iconic Adelaide Oval this morning – just a hop, skip and jump up King William St from the riverside – to explore the home of the hugely popular local AFL footy teams and summer cricket. Want your sports history with a stellar view? Test your fear of heights with one of the city’s latest attractions, RoofClimb at Adelaide Oval – the city’s version of Sydney’s BridgeClimb – for panoramic views across the city to the Adelaide Hills. Travellers with kids might want to hit the nearby Adelaide Zoo instead to check out its most famous residents, Wang Wang and Funi, Australia’s only (very spoilt) giant pandas.
12 noon
The Adelaide Central Market is the next stop on the list, and it will likely take all your willpower to go anywhere else for the rest of the day. An absolute icon of the local foodie scene, it’s the largest covered market in the Southern Hemisphere and the perfect spot to fill a basket with gourmet produce for a lunchtime picnic in the beautiful Adelaide Botanic Gardens, or to stock up on cheese, handmade pastries, chocolate, homemade pasta, crusty bread, nuts and more to enjoy from the comfort or your accommodation at the end of the day.
While you’re in the city, don’t miss the chance to try another Adelaide foodie favourite, a traditional Frog Cake from the Balfours Café in Grenfell Street. Who knew a square sponge cake topped with cream and covered in green icing could taste so good?
2.00pm
This afternoon is all about arts and culture, and there’s plenty to pack in, so fuel up for the afternoon’s adventures with a barista-made coffee or all-day café snack from Edesia Café located on the ground floor of Avani Adelaide Residences in Franklin St. The imposing sandstone buildings along North Terrace in the city house the Art Gallery of South Australia (showcasing 38,000 pieces ranging from indigenous art to modern sculpture), the South Australian Museum, the Migration Museum, and the State Library (recognised as one of the world’s most beautiful libraries and renowned for its Harry Potter vibes).
Other options for culture vultures in the city include the murals, sculptures, street art and boutique shopping in the city’s East End precinct, the West End’s future-focused Museum of Discovery and the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute.
Don’t fancy walking all day? Try an EcoCaddy bamboo pedicab guided tour to take in the highlights of the city and surrounding parklands – using someone else’s leg power – or take your market goodies back to the riverside and hire a BBQ Buoy for a more leisurely spin along the river.
5.30pm
On your way to dinner, check out the four new laneways celebrating Adelaide musicians Sia, Paul Kelly, Cold Chisel and No Fixed Address featuring creative lighting, murals and more.
Dining in Adelaide is serious business, and the sheer number of restaurants in the city can seem overwhelming – but worth the challenge. From classics like Chianti to multicultural dining on Gouger St to award-winning Africola, new French destination Garcon Bleu or home-style Afghan cuisine at Parwana (book ahead, it has a cult-like following!), there’s an option to tickle your tastebuds in Adelaide. It’s worth saving some space for Adelaide’s delectable dessert bars, such as the board games in the library vibes at Astonish Patisserie, pretty pink décor and instagram-worthy cakes at Love, Stephy and candy cocktails, rainbow interiors and child-like treats at Uniqorn Eats.
9.00pm
It’s time to walk off those waffles with a visit to Adelaide’s cool laneway bars in Peel St, Bank St and Leigh St. Local favourites include the Clever Little Tailor, Leigh St Luggage and Nevermind for cocktails with late-night toasties and plenty of banter, the Pink Moon Saloon, wizard-themed cocktails at Sorcerers Bar and retro jukebox tunes and a party crowd at Cry Baby.
STAY
Time for a well-earned rest? Head to one of Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites’ centrally-located properties on North Terrace – a moment’s walk from Adelaide Oval, the city’s cultural attractions, downtown shopping and the SkyCity Casino – and enjoy savings of up to 25%.
Oaks Adelaide Embassy Suites features an indoor lap pool, on-site Coffee Club and a choice of one, two and three-bedroom apartments with full kitchen and laundry facilities, as well as selected apartments with in-room spa baths for a luxurious soak after a day’s exploring.
Oaks Adelaide Horizon Suites also offers an indoor pool, as well as fully-equipped one and two-bedroom apartments, many with balconies and views over historic North Terrace.
DAY TWO
After a big day yesterday, enjoy an early breakfast at one of the city’s many cafes – Crack Kitchen in Franklin St is fantastic – before heading to Glenelg, Adelaide’s beachfront playground.
8.00am
Temptation Sailing’s Dolphin Swim cruise is an experience like no other, where you can actually dip into the water from the catamaran and swim alongside playful dolphins for an unforgettable experience. Reward yourself with a traditional pasty from the famed Orange Spot Bakery on the grass overlooking the jetty.
For those who prefer a slightly less energetic dolphin spotting experience (or a later start), the Port River – about 30 minutes from the Adelaide CBD – is home to 30 resident bottlenose dolphins. Get up close to these friendly creatures on a guided kayak tour through the mangroves.
After your tour, treat yourself to beer and a food truck burger at the enormous Pirate Life Brewing taphouse.
2.00pm
This afternoon is all about Adelaide’s pristine coastline, and there’s nowhere better to enjoy the city’s chilled coastal vibes than the beachside suburb of Glenelg. From water slides and mini golf at The Beach House to a Ferris wheel with ocean views or a Segway tour along the esplanade, there’s plenty to do in this lively part of town while you wait to watch the sun go down. For a spectacular way to close out the day, take a sunset catamaran cruise, complete with cheese platter and bubbles.
5.00pm
Enjoying an absolute waterfront position perfect for snapping the sunset, Coast restaurant and bar ticks all the boxes, while during summer, the Moseley Beach Club on the sand beside the jetty exudes a laidback Greek Islands vibe with DJs and daybeds, while the Oyster Bar is beloved by tourists and locals alike for its freshly shucked oysters and champagne.
7.00pm
Glenelg’s vibrant Jetty Road has everything from pizza and burgers to Thai, fish and chips and more on offer, while Marina Pier is home to upscale dining including Sammy’s, Adelaide’s go-to for seafood for decades. Fancy a post-dinner tipple with a fun crowd? Try The Moseley Bar & Kitchen or the Oyster Bar at Marina Pier.
STAY
Located in the midst of all the action, Oaks’ Glenelg properties provide the perfect base for all the area’s attractions, including the beach, Jetty Rd shopping and dining precinct, family-friendly parks and Moseley Square.
Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites is a beachfront property with a heated indoor lap pool offering a choice of one, two and three-bedroom studios and apartments including kitchen and laundry facilities. Ask for a balcony apartment to make the most of the stunning sunset views.
Perfect for families looking for affordable apartment-style accommodation, Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites overlooks a waterfront park and has an indoor pool and jacuzzi, as well as a choice of one, two and three-bedroom self-contained apartments.
DAY 3
9.00am
Start the day with a walk on the beach, then undo all your healthy steps with a visit to the Haigh’s Chocolate Factory for a tour, a tasting, and a terrific take-home souvenir.
11.00am
No visit to Adelaide would be complete without hitting a winery – or a few – so the rest of the day is devoted to exploring South Australia’s oldest wine region – the Adelaide Hills. Just 25 minutes east of the city, the hills region is home to quaint villages, chic cafes, quirky local craft, fresh local produce stores, including the Beerenberg Strawberry Farm, where you can join in picking strawberries during the summer season.
1.00pm
The options for lunch in the hills are endless, but popular picks worth a look include Lost in a Forest, a pizzeria and wine bar in a converted church, the Crafers Hotel, bakery favourites and great coffee at Brid in Piccadilly or Golding Wines for a casual picnic hamper or weekend lunch at Gingko restaurant.
2.00pm
Some of the area’s most beautiful wineries with welcoming cellar doors include The Lane, Shaw & Smith, Tapanappa, Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard, Pike & Joyce or, if you’d like to break up the wine with a beer, Grunthal Brew.
