Adelaide things to do

Adelaide: more than you'd expect from a little city

Adelaide was the first capital city to be entirely settled by English free settlers, as opposed to the convicts that settled every other city in Australia. For this reason, Adelaide is quaint and pristine, a ‘city of Churches’, perfect for the wayward traveller who needs a spot of comfort and respite. There is no peak hour traffic in Adelaide.

Bill Bryson of the In a Sunburnt Country fame wrote in his narrative of Adelaide, ‘a dash of classiness and respectful venerability that Sydney and Melbourne all too often discarded for the sequined glitter of skyscrapers.’

A beach stroll is a nice afternoon side track down on Glenelg Beach (above). Sometimes a little windy during colder months, but it is a lovely sight, even if you’re in your winter clothes.

And, if  you are looking for somewhere unique to stay in the area, why not stay a while at Chopin Cottage. This quaint art deco home is close to Somerton and Glenelg Beaches and has been beautifully restored, boasting all the modern luxuries.

North Terrace (right) is the epitome of Adelaide culture, old churches and restored historic sites, a lovely stroll on a chilly afternoon. North Terrace is also a great place for a leisurely cycle if you’re up for it.

Dining is Adelaide has an old English sensibility about it. South Australia has cultivated a fine restaurant culture, something to go hand in hand with their fine wine making skills. More than a third of all Australian wines are from the state of South Australia, something that has defined their culture for over one hundred years. Vineyards and wine come so naturally to the people in South Australia, it has been said the average person in Adelaide knows more about wine, vintages, trends and wine regions than the French. And that’s no small feat.

But it is said that Germans have given Adelaide its romantic qualities, from their wine making skills brought over in the 1830’s, to their establishment of traditional wineries in the outskirts of Adelaide.

For this reason, you can’t travel to Adelaide without visiting the surrounding parts that make South Australia so great. Experience the hinterland with a bit of spontaneity, book a hot air balloon tour, or a joy flight over the vineyards. There is no better way to take in so much landscape with a difference.

If you're a history buff, you can even hire a World War II historic warplane out of Fleurieu Peninsula for a morning flight. Check out www.adelaide.com.au for details and prices.

There is so much to do in South Australia, it's worth hiring a car to get yourself around in a flash. Have a look at our great deals for car hire in this region of the country.

By Leah Bradicich