Even if you only have one day in Adelaide, you can relish a taste of the region’s attractions. Go looking for dolphins on the ocean or cruise the Torrens River through the city’s neoclassical center, taste fine wines at one of the area’s internationally known wineries, and discover the rich flavors of indigenous ingredients. Here’s how.
Morning: Wander the Waters
Start the day by exploring Adelaide’s watery landscapes. Head out to the ocean in search of dolphins on a motorized boat or even a kayak, or simply stroll the sands of scenic Glenelg Beach. Alternatively, explore the intriguing city. Opt for a tour that includes a cruise along the little Torrens River, which runs through the city’s pretty parks and historic center, or ride a Segway along the riverbank. Along the way, admire 19th-century architecture such as St. Peter’s Cathedral and the grand homes of North Terrace.
Afternoon: Wine Wisdom
The state of South Australia is home to two of the nation’s most celebrated wine regions—the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale—and no trip to Adelaide is complete without discovering the area’s food and wine. The noted Penfolds winery, with a history dating to 1844, is just a 15-minute drive from Adelaide and offers spectacular lunch experiences, complete with tastings. Alternatively, you can visit a handful of Barossa Valley wineries on an afternoon tour and experience their unique vintages. Shiraz is the signature grape varietal of both regions, but you’ll likely taste other wines too, from rieslings to cabernets.
Night: Indigenous Ingredients
Farm-fresh produce makes Adelaide’s restaurant scene shine, yet one of the most exciting trends in Australian cuisine today is the rediscovery of indigenous ingredients. Over dinner at a modern Australian eatery, savor native and foraged foods—from surprising treats such as green ants to native herbs, including lemon myrtle and mountain pepper—and Australian game such as emu and kangaroo. Wrap up the evening at one of Adelaide’s contemporary cocktail bars, some themed as speakeasies, others as historic pharmacies, and learn how Australia’s 5th-largest city punches above its weight in foodie terms.
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