5 Days in Amazing Adelaide, South Australia

Elisabeth Caraballo
Oct 9, 2018
5 min read

Facing west overlooking St Vincent’s Gulf with the Mount Lofty Ranges behind, Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, enjoys outstanding Feng Shui. Literally, wind (Feng) and water (Shui) in Mandarin, Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art form of placement for the best flow of chi.

This is highlighted in Adelaide with the sea breezes off the gulf and the Torrens River flowing through the centre of the city. Perhaps it's the reason why Adelaide’s produce is so scrumptious, wines so divine and festivals so much fun. Or could it be that I grew up in Adelaide and it has a special place in my heart? When visiting Adelaide open your heart and feel the chi’s flow. You’ll need at least 5 days to experience Adelaide’s #eat #drink #explore #shop & #stay offer.

Day 1. Adelaide Central

Let’s begin in the CBD. Adelaide has some of the finest produce right in the centre of the city. Visit Adelaide Central Market for fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruit. Sample some of the delicate and pungent cheese, gourmet small goods and preserved goods.

Baked fresh daily, delicate pastries, bread and cakes can be found and, at Jam Face, you can indulge in Poh Ling Yeow’s out of this world Milly Filly. Discover more lip-smacking options here.

If you’re beginning to feel that flow of Chi, you may be in the mood for Asian cuisine. Next door to Central Market is Adelaide’s Chinatown. Enjoy all that Asia has to offer from AnHui to ZheJiang.

Back on North Terrace, Adelaide’s boulevard of architectural grandeur, stroll from the train station to the Botanic Gardens. Here are 9 reasons to stroll North Terrace but, guaranteed, you’ll find more.

Wander the beautiful Botanic Gardens for the afternoon, visit the Wine Centre or indulge in fabulous fare at Adelaide Botanic Gardens Restaurant. There’s more on the gardens here.

Speaking of fabulous fare, Africola is a must for your Adelaide foodie itinerary. Choose their ‘Feed Me’ menu and they’ll share their best offering. Allergies and preferences are taken care of and you can pair adult beverages with each course. Indulge in more with my Africola review.

Sunset at Adelaide’s famous Glenelg Beach is a must for any visitor. From Victoria Square, hop on the tram and you’ll be there in 30 minutes. Walk the jetty to the end and chat with the local fishermen. Grab a beer at Glenelg Lifesaving Club and listen for the hiss as the sundrops to the sea.

Day 2. Handlebar

What’s that you say, a 16 seat pushbike with a bar in the centre? That’s exactly right! Gather a group, or join one, for this hilarious few hours riding around Adelaide. You’ll get to see backstreets and corner pubs you’d miss without the crew’s local knowledge.

This is a day of much laughter and fun. You can continue after with happy hour prices at the very conveniently located Edinburgh Castle Hotel or make your way to the West End. For all the skinny on where, how and preparation follow this link.

The West End’s Plant 4 Bowden has a night market a few times a week. On the menu find organic produce to take home or enjoy there. The bar keeps up with libations and there’s always entertainment. A great way to relax after riding around the city.

There’s more to the West End than just Plant 4 so see what else this corner has to offer here.

Day 3. McLaren Vale

Less than an hour from central Adelaide, the wine growing region of McLaren Vale invites visitors to sample the extensive variety of its wine makers.

A couple of glasses at the very new d’Arenberg Cube is a must! Inspired by the complexities of wine making, Chester Osborn’s idea for the cube was born in 2003 and realised at the end of 2017. The AU$15 million project includes bars, tasting rooms, an art gallery and, if you’re Masterchef Australia fans you would have seen their 3D food printer in action in the restaurant.

Take a look at some other personally experienced McLaren Vale wineries right here.

Day 4. Langhorne Creek

Another of Adelaide’s wine growing regions around an hour out of town is Langhorne Creek. A lesser known region in the international wine scene, but one that you should keep your eye on. Langhorne Creek’s history, local produce and, of course, wide variety of wines make it an excellent drawcard for a day trip from Adelaide. Use this guide when planning your adventure.

Day 5. Mannum

From the coast to the river, experience more of Adelaide’s flowing Chi on the Mighty Murray.

The Murray River is Australia’s longest with a multitude of beatiful towns and villages set on its banks.

The quaint, picturesque town of Mannum is a stopover for historic paddle steamers, a base for the exploding houseboat industry, and is home to attractive parks and recreation areas promising relaxation with a gentle breeze. Here’s some more info before you plan your trip.

Longer stays!

To be honest, 5 days is not nearly enough to explore this fabulous part of the world. Add some additional days and take advantage of Mannum’s handy houseboat industry and explore the Murray in a laid back fashion. For more check out this review then contact White Houseboats. Having previously experienced their service, I can guarantee you’ll be looked after.

If you’re not keen to be at the helm yourself, then take a few days and join a tour on the MS Murray Princess. This historic paddle-steamer will take you back in time without taking away your mod-cons. My article previously featured in this magazine will tell you more.

When planning your Adelaide adventure, consider the festival season. The internationally acclaimed Adelaide Festival, Festival Fringe and (my favourite) WOMADelaide, a festival of world music held under the canopy of trees in beautiful Botanic Park, are held annually. To get an idea of what to expect from the 4-day WOMADelaide festival, take a look here.

Offering epicurean diversity, a world-class art and entertainment scene and perfect R&R locations an hour from the CBD, discover Adelaide: it’s a place we love….

Shona’s award winning travel blog shares tips and tricks on where to eat, drink, explore & shop in any given destination. At home ordering street food or perusing a fine dining menu, she seeks out venues with a conscience who promote local produce and sustainability. Find her in markets, museums, art galleries and on walking tours as well as wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. Wherever she is, she’s always looking for something a little different to share with her readers. Follow her travels at www.paraphernalia.co or subscribe to her Shenanigans Report http://paraphernalia.co/subscribe-form/ so as not to miss a post. shona@paraphernalia.co.