Garden Island, Port Adelaide, South Australia © Michael Waterhouse
6 hidden gems in Adelaide
Uncover something new in the South Australian capital of Adelaide.
By Leah Dobihal
Adelaide is a city of surprises. Mouth-watering street eats, accessible waterfalls and a graveyard of sunken ships are just the beginning.
Check out these hidden gems on your next trip.
Kutchi Deli Parwana
Kutchi Deli Parwana, Adelaide, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission
Where: East End
A little piece of Afghanistan in the East End of Adelaide – that’s exactly what Kutchi Deli Parwana offers. This lunchtime eatery is housed in a narrow, brightly coloured space and serves up delicious Afghan-style street food. The aromas from traditional lentil curries, Afghan naan and leek-stuffed dumplings will meet you at the door, so be sure to come with an appetite.
Morialta Conservation Park
When to go
Though Morialta is beautiful at any time of year, the park’s waterfalls are at their best during spring and winter (June to November).
Where: Woodforde
Drive just 20 minutes from Adelaide’s city centre and you’ll come across a nature escape that feels far from the city. Morialta Conservation Park is home to rugged ridges, misty waterfalls, quiet woodlands and plenty of walking trails. Take the leisurely Morialta Falls Valley Walk (stroller accessible) to the heart of Morialta Gorge; be sure to keep an eye out for koalas along the way.
BBQ Buoys
BBQ Buoys, River Torrens, Adelaide, South Australia © BBQ Buoys
Where: River Torrens
Many Australian cities are built beside the water, and Adelaide is no exception. The River Torrens snakes its way through the city and out into Gulf St Vincent. With BBQ Buoys, you can captain your own donut-shaped boat along the river for a completely unique perspective of Adelaide. Every boat comes complete with a built-in sun umbrella, a barbecue or table and a Bluetooth speaker for an unforgettable day on the water.
Cry Baby
Where: West End
Down the West End laneway of Solomon Street, you’ll find Cry Baby: a lively bar with a no-fuss attitude. The music is loud, the lights are low and the cocktail list is kept to a single page. Order an Australian-brewed beer at the tiled bar, play a game of pool or toss a few coins in the jukebox. Don’t expect this year’s hits; the jukebox is stocked with rock n’ roll from the 1960s through to the 1980s.
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Adelaide Himeji Garden
Travel tip
The Adelaide Himeji Garden welcomes visitors with a range of access needs. Visit the website for more information.
Where: City centre
Right in the centre of Adelaide lies a little pocket of Japan. Designed in two classic Japanese styles, the Adelaide Himeji Garden is the perfect place to unwind, meditate and enjoy the beauty of nature. Within the garden grounds you’ll find a serene lake, ornate gates and stepping stones specifically designed for mindfulness. Enjoy an afternoon of solitude and you’ll soon forget you’re in the middle of a city.
Garden Island Ships’ Graveyard
Where: Port Adelaide
South Australia has a unique maritime history, the evidence of which can be found along the Garden Island Ships’ Graveyard Maritime Heritage Trail. The ‘graveyard’ contains 25 abandoned barges, ferries, sailing ships and steamers, disposed of in the shallow waters of Port Adelaide between 1909 and 1945. The site is both educational and eerily beautiful. Discover the half-scrapped boats, sunken vessels and green mangroves growing from the hulls.
