The Adelaide Central Markets is the place to begin your explorations of the city’s evolving food landscape. It’s one of the largest indoor fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 70 traders under one roof, and attracts around 9 million visitors every year. Enjoy food here the Australian way: casually. Aside from the traditional fresh produce market, it is also home to some of Adelaide’s most popular eateries, cafes, distilleries, and of course, wine stalls. Sample locally grown and sourced food as you navigate the avenues and pathways in this historic Adelaide landmark.

Located in Adelaide’s West End, Peel Street and Leigh Street are at the front and centre of the city’s thriving cosmopolitan scene, boasting some of the best bars, restaurants and cafes around. Known for its electric atmosphere after dark, diners and drinkers flock to these streets for their award-winning food and fine cocktails. The district is no less trendy during the day, thanks to the students and suits who enjoy the area too, and it’s no wonder given the quality of coffee shops and brunch spots that can be found here.

The wonderful thing about building a planned city is that everything is considered. In Adelaide’s case, this can be seen in the convenient placement of parks surrounding the city centre, known as the Adelaide Park Lands – which makes Adelaide Australia’s only National Park City. This vast green space – the largest inner urban park system in Australia – provides the perfect escape for those wishing to find respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is no shortage of things to do in Adelaide’s 29 parks that make up this area, which feature botanic parks, sporting facilities, lakes and many trails and walkways. 

An easy 5-hour drive from Adelaide is the start of the outback known as the Flinders Ranges. Admire the raw, rugged and natural beauty of this truly wonderous, 600-million-year-old landscape that covers more than half of South Australia. You’ll see a landscape that changes its colours in every light, gnarled gum trees, stony ruins, red earth and a carpet of wildflowers during spring. Fly over Wilpena Pound and marvel at the vertical rock faces below, hike through Mother Nature’s most beautiful scenery or soak in a sky full of bright stars. 

Adelaide is home to an eclectic range of art galleries and enriching museums. The South Australian Museum is a five-floor natural history museum with endless pieces of history to marvel at, located in the Adelaide Parklands. The Art Gallery of South Australia is another top Adelaide attraction, housing an incredible, ever-growing collection of almost 46,000 works of art, and the national wine centre, nestled in the heart of the city’s Botanic Gardens is another must-visit. This centre showcases the best of Australia’s wine industry and offers visitors the chance to experience the winemaking process from vine to bottle – including tasting, of course.

Adelaide is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests, perfect for hiking, biking and adventuring. The majestic peak of the Mount Lofty Ranges offers explorers spectacular panoramic views of Adelaide’s skyline against the azure blue coastline, while the beautiful bushland of Belair National Park is a great place to get active – with walking and mountain biking trails aplenty. Another great option is Morialta Conservation Park, just 10km east of Adelaide, which boasts thundering waterfalls, charming creeks, and vibrant wildflowers in spring.

Just a short 20-minute drive from the city lies Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary, home to around 30 resident bottlenose dolphins and another 400 or so transient dolphins that visit at various times to feed, play and nurse their calves. The Sanctuary is part of South Australia’s largest port and is home to a 10,000-year-old mangrove forest, making it the perfect habitat for other marine wildlife, too – such as sting rays, long nosed fur seals and endangered Australian sea lions. Another great place to visit in Adelaide is Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the last remaining platypus on mainland South Australia. This fenced off sanctuary offers a glimpse of what Australia would look like if no international animals had been introduced to the country. 

Known as the wine capital of Australia and a Great Wine Capital of the World, Adelaide is surrounded by some of the best and most picturesque wine regions. Less than an hour away from Adelaide is Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s finest wine regions. The Mediterranean climate of this region allows for a diverse wine portfolio, however, it is the powerful red wines that the region is known for, namely Shiraz. With over 200 wineries and cellar doors within an hour of Adelaide, there’s no shortage of tastings to indulge in. Explore on your own for the day or join a locally guided small group tour to unlock local spots and behind the scenes experiences.

When it comes to Adelaide’s beaches, travellers are spoilt for choice. Close to the city centre there’s Glenelg just a short 20-minute tram ride away, popular amongst locals for its wide beach, scenic sunsets and lively food scene. For those who enjoy snorkelling and diving, Port Noarlunga is also just a short drive from the city and is one of the most iconic diving destinations in the state thanks to its enclosed reef. A little further afield, the Fleurieu Peninsula boasts some of the most spectacular coastal experiences in South Australia. With white sand beaches, renowned wetlands, charming coastal towns and rolling vineyards, the region offers an idyllic escape for any kind of traveller.

With its rugged coastline, crystal clear waters and breathtaking wildlife, Kangaroo Island is the perfect island getaway for your Adelaide holiday. It’s just a short 30-minute flight from Adelaide Airport or a 45-minute ferry from the Fleurieu Peninsula. As you step onto the island, you’re immersed in the laid-back island lifestyle. Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park to walk among a colony of rare Australian sea lions and marvel at the natural wonder of the Remarkable Rocks in the Flinders Chase National Park. Spend time enjoying one of the many beaches, most of which you don't have to share, and indulge in the local island produce including honey, gin and wine.