3 days in Adelaide
From bustling laneway bars to charming white sand beaches, you’ll find good vibes, exciting experiences and exquisite cuisine are never out of reach in Adelaide.
The must-do experiences
- Experience Adelaide’s vibrant food and drink scene
- Swim with playful pods of dolphins
- Climb the Adelaide Oval for epic city views
Day 1 : Central Adelaide
Culture, wildlife and colourful cuisine are on the agenda for your first day in Adelaide. Here’s how to explore the best of Australia’s ‘Festival City.’
Browse Adelaide Central Market
Almost every day of the week you’ll find over 70 market stalls lined with the region’s best fresh produce at Adelaide Central Market, the city’s food and drink hub. This is the perfect place to pick up Aussie chocolate, produce, cheese and more.
Go where culture meets creativity
Take a break from the sunshine at some of Adelaide’s best museums and art galleries. Discover South Australia’s natural history, explore walls adorned with thousands of artworks and let your mind wander at futuristic exhibitions.
Visit Rundle Mall
Feel the buzz of Rundle Mall, Adelaide’s premier shopping destination. It’s home to quirky landmarks, historic arcades, independent pop-up shops and everything in between. Browse the many shops to find the perfect souvenir to take home with you.
Walk through the Botanic Garden
In Adelaide, you don’t have to go far to escape into nature. On a free guided walking tour of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, you’ll walk through vibrant flower gardens, thriving forests and some of Australia’s most celebrated plant collections.
Meet Aussie wildlife
Hang out with the residents of Adelaide Zoo, home to over 2,500 animals including the rare yellow-footed rock wallaby and adorable koalas. There are free keeper talks daily, so you can learn more about these animals from those who care for them.
Join the locals at a rooftop bar
To reach some of Adelaide’s best cocktails, you’ll have to head to the rooftops. See the city from above at one of the city’s lively rooftop bars, where fairy lights twinkle against the setting sun. Expect casual eats, tasty tipples and good vibes.
Day 2 : Glenelg and Henley Beach
Today, breathe in Adelaide’s fresh ocean air at the charming Glenelg and Henley beaches. Here are a few ways to spend your day on the coast.
Swim with wild dolphins
Hop aboard a catamaran cruise with Temptation Sailing for the ultimate in marine wildlife experiences. Hop in the water and look beneath the surface to watch pods of friendly dolphins jump and play in their natural habitat.
Hit the cycle paths
Explore the city on two wheels to discover hidden gems and the azure coastline. Your tour starts in the city centre before stopping at a local’s favourite café. End your ride at the beach for the perfect mix of city and coast.
Hang out at Glenelg Beach
Glenelg Beach has everything you need for a perfect beach day. Wander along the foreshore, sit down for lunch with a view and take a dip in calm waters. When the sun starts to sink low, sip cocktails at Moseley Beach Club.
Walk to Henley Beach
Follow the sculpture-studded 8km (5mi) coastal path from Glenelg to Henley Beach. This easy walk serves up beautiful views of beaches lined with sand dunes and charming cafés where you can grab a bite to eat.
Explore the Fleurieu Peninsula
Though located just 40 minutes from Glenelg, the Fleurieu Peninsula feels like a destination all its own. You’ll find white-sand beaches, coastal hikes and rolling vineyards for a day full of both adventure and indulgence.
Did you know?
Temptation Sailing is eco-certified and carbon neutral, so you can swim with the playful dolphins guilt-free.
Day 3 : North Adelaide and beyond
Spend your last day enjoying Adelaide’s natural attractions, epic cityscapes and world-class wines.
Chase waterfalls
Pay a visit to Morialta Conservation Park to marvel at cascading waterfalls and spot wildlife among woodlands. There are plenty of walking trails for all abilities. It’s a two-hour drive from the city centre, but the views are well worth it.
Go kayaking on the river
Glide past Adelaide’s iconic landmarks while learning about the city’s rich history on a kayaking tour along the winding River Torrens. You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will share the significance of this special river.
Climb to the top of the oval
The Adelaide Oval puts on world-class shows – and not just from the ground. Climb along its roof on a RoofClimb experience and be rewarded with an incredible view of Adelaide and beyond. You’ll even sit in the world’s first rooftop stadium seats.
Go wine tasting
Beautiful wine flows all year round in Adelaide. The Adelaide Hills are home to more than 40 cellar doors where you can sample brilliant cool-climate whites and reds with a backdrop of rolling vineyards and verdant hills.
