Adelaide

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About Adelaide

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, stands as a vibrant urban hub nestled along the picturesque coastline. With a population of approximately 1.3 million residents, it ranks as the fifth most populous city in Australia, offering a dynamic blend of cultural diversity and natural beauty. Boasting unique geographical features, Adelaide is adorned with numerous parks and stunning landscapes that beckon visitors to explore its scenic wonders.

Home to a diverse array of wildlife, including iconic Australian animals like koalas and kangaroos, Adelaide embraces its rich natural heritage. From tranquil parklands to bustling city streets, the city offers an abundance of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're exploring the Adelaide Botanic Garden, sampling gourmet delights at the Central Market, or soaking in the cultural ambiance of North Terrace, Adelaide captivates with its charming allure and myriad of experiences.

For those seeking a city that strikes the perfect balance between urban sophistication and natural splendor, Adelaide offers an ideal retreat. With its laid-back atmosphere, picturesque vistas, and abundant recreational opportunities, Adelaide promises an unforgettable journey filled with exploration, relaxation, and endless discovery.

Top Things to Do in Adelaide

There are many places where you can stop your step and do many activities in Adelaide. Here they are.

1. Relaxing Walking in Botanic Garden

Imagine walking in a vast garden with a beautiful green view and relaxing ambiance, what a nice way to spend the day! During your stroll you will encounter from ancient trees to pretty flowers like water lilies and roses.  You can spend an hour exploring the 50 hectares garden or stay a little longer for a nice picnic. 

2. Having a Tour in Adelaide Oval

Adelaide Oval is recognized as the best arena that has a nice view. It gives the best experience of watching sports, such as football and cricket. It also hosts several concerts and other events. However, visitors to the arena are not limited to sports enthusiasts or concertgoers, those with an interest in history, culture, and culinary delights also find this tour appealing.

3. Meeting New Friends in Adelaide Zoo

If your main goal visiting this city is to meet new friends in the form of kangaroos or koalas, Adelaide Zoo will be the perfect destination for you. This place is a home for 2.500 animals from 250 species from around the world. Besides interacting directly with kangaroos and koalas, you can also meet its famous giant pandas, Wang Wang and Funi.

4. Visiting Art Gallery of South Australia

Visiting galleries during your trip is a must-do activity. A gallery that you can visit in Adelaide is the Art Gallery of South Australia. There are more than 47.000 works of art that are being exhibited from the aboriginal works to modern paintings. In addition to that, this gallery also offers many family friendly activities and events.

5. Learning in State Library of South Australia

You will stop thinking that libraries are boring after visiting this majestic place. The interior makes you feel like stepping into a classic building from a Royal era. As the largest library, it preserves many sources and references, in printed forms such as books and in other forms such as audiovisual. It is the only library that holds the South Australian collection from the past until now.

6. Enjoying Adelaide Fringe Inc.

Adelaide Fringe Inc. is an annual cultural festival held in Adelaide that can be enjoyed by as many people as possible. There are 6.000 artists from around the world brought to this festival with 1.300 events spread in the city, making it the unimaginable festival you have to visit. It is usually held for four weeks during February to March every year so you have to mark your calendar to consider for your next trip.

7. Thrilling Adventure in Adelaide Gaol

Can you guess what this is? The clue is ‘ghost’. 

Adelaide Gaol is a former prison for 147 years. This place has imprisoned how notorious criminals can be, even the walls witnessed how 47 people were executed. It's no surprise that this place is also famous for its ghost stories, to the extent that there is even a dedicated tour for this. They also offer interactive exhibitions, meals, and shops.

8. Tasting Wine in National Wine Centre of Australia

You will find an eye-catching building after taking a walk to the edge of Adelaide’s Botanic Garden. It will be a spectacular experience for wine enthusiasts to enjoy the attraction inside the building. It also displays Australian wine that can be tasted with complementary foods.

9. Strolling Around North Terrace

North Terrace is a city center that has 19th century architecture. You can stroll around this area and find several buildings with a strong historical background; a church built in 1838, state parliament, and state library. Numerous landmarks can be explored and appreciated here.

10. Hiking Mt. Lofty

This destination is for those of you who love hiking and seeing beautiful scenery. It is a part of the Adelaide Hills that is 727 meters high. The track is moderately difficult and it takes around 3 hours to complete. However, the climb will be worth it because you can relax for a moment watching the view across Adelaide while enjoying your coffee at a cafe on its summit.

11. Zoning Out in Waterfall Gully

Here is a place where you can truly relax your mind. Waterfall Gully is a popular hiking spot in Adelaide. There are seven waterfalls you can enjoy while zoning out amidst nature. There is a high possibility you will encounter animals such as koalas and kangaroos.

12. Learning history in Migration Museum

Besides learning about the culture and political history through museums, we can actually learn social history too. The Migration Museum is one of the few museums you can visit. It has nine galleries where visitors can learn about the Aboriginal people, the immigration, and its impacts.

13. Wandering Around while Riding Glenelg Tram

Riding public transportation does not only give you a budget trip, but also a nice experience of wandering around. Glenelg Tram offers a free ride you can try in several routes, such as along  Adelaide Entertainment Centre in Hindmarsh and Jetty Road. It will run every 10-15 minutes.

14. Taking Pictures in The Rundle Mall Pigs

If you are walking in Rundle Mall, do not forget to say hi to four of the residents there. They are Horatio, Oliver, Truffles and Augusta, life-sized pigs made of bronze. This installation is sculpted by  Marguerite Derricourta who wins a national sculpture competition initiated by the City of Adelaide. You can pose near the pigs and take pictures there.

15. Shopping in Harbour Town Premium Outlets

Complete your trip by stopping by a shopping center. Harbour Town Premium Outlets is the only outlet in Adelaide and the biggest in Australia that has over 130 stores with Australian and international brands with retail prices. You can enjoy discounts of up to 70% every day!

Best Restaurants in Adelaide

Eating dishes in Adelaide will give you an exceptional experience, especially in these restaurants.

1. Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant

Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant used to be Arthur Hardy’s summer house. Since he usually hosts meetings for Adelaide’s high society, this place changed into Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant. The restaurant boasts an elegant atmosphere and offers a spectacular menu featuring carefully curated ingredients like kingfish and Wagyu tenderloin.

2. Fish Out of Water Hyde Park

This is the place to eat seafood and burgers in town. You can taste the freshness of seafood that is locally sourced, such as salmon, King George whiting, to any salads and chips. A pair of buns with cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, scallops, prawns,  and your choice of sauce will make your taste buds dance with joy.

3. Coccobello

Craving for some Italian foods during your trip in Adelaide? Coccobello will fulfill it. It is a relaxing restaurant that serves authentic Italian dishes in Frewville. From main course like pizza and pasta to several kinds of dessert, all are available on the selected menu here.

4. The Alchemist Kitchen

Enjoy your moment with a chilly atmosphere in this restaurant covered with black and white nuance. For the best view, visit in the evening to witness the breathtaking sunset over the beach, visible from the restaurant. Enjoy the meals, such as king prawns and lobster butter to make your tummy happy.

5. Windy Point Restaurant

Drive 15 minutes from the city and you will find a great restaurant with an incredible view. The panoramic view can be enjoyed by its 180° windows. You will experience an unforgettable dining experience with their selected menu, such as duck liver parfait, Gilbert River chicken, Coonawarra lamb shoulder, and many others.

Best Hotels Recommendation

Make sure you sleep well during your trip to have the best condition for exploring the city.

1. Majestic M Suite

As majestic as its name, this hotel offers splendid scenery of its surroundings that can be enjoyed from the rooms or balcony. It has 91 suites with numerous facilities, such as a kitchen, a lounge, gym, meeting room, and a laundry. Another complimentary that you can consider is that it has a picnic area outside.

2. Mayfair Hotel

Located in the heart of the city, Mayfair stands glorious in the crowd with its distinctive heritage-listed building. Consisting of 170 rooms, each room has a personal touch with handcrafted furnishings and custom bed. The rooftop bar hosts events and is also a perfect spot to unwind and relax. The restaurant will also give you an unforgettable dining experience.

3. Oval Hotel

There are many perks of staying in this hotel, including stunning views of heritage-listed parkland and a central location in the heart of the city. Another perk is that this hotel offers a Five Region Restaurant that has a rotating menu based on the season. Meanwhile, its interior has a contemporary vibe and premium amenities.

4. The Playford - MGallery by Sofitel

Located on The North Terrace, this hotel is just a walking distance from several recreation centers, such as Rundle Mall, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Central Market, and many others. Meanwhile, its design is mixed between the classical and temporary vibe. It has a spa and sauna, a pool, and a business center.

5. InterContinental Adelaide, an IHG Hotel

Being one of the most renowned luxury hotels, the facilities and experience of staying at this hotel are truly exceptional. From the restaurant to the bar, and from the guest rooms to the captivating city views, the experience offered here is unparalleled. Prepare yourself to stay in the most elegant place in town!

Tips When Visiting Adelaide

If you want to get the best experience during your visit, there are several tips you have to note.

1. If you're looking to make new friends with real people (not kangaroos!), it is beneficial to learn about sports since Australians take sports seriously. This knowledge will not only help you engage in conversations at bars but also assist you in making new connections and friends.
2. Read signs first before swimming at the beach. Australian beaches are known for their whale population, but if you stay in the safe zone, your good time would be guaranteed.
3. Just in case something happened, 000 is the emergency number you might need to save on your phone.
4. Keep everyone comfortable by not eating, drinking, or smoking inside public transportation.

Need a little escape from your mundane life? Adelaide with all of its offerings will be a great destination for you.