Adelaide, Australia gets overlooked a lot. It’s the capital of South Australia, and while it has museums and national galleries, a lot of travellers skip it in favour of Melbourne’s colourful alleyways and Sydney’s incredible heritage. I personally think Adelaide has a lot to offer a curious traveller and I know that a lot of other travellers are beginning to think that way. Here’s what you need to know about Adelaide and why it should make your list of Australian cities visit.
Adelaide, Australia
Adelaide lies on the south coast of the state of South Australia. It is about a three day drive from Melbourne, if you do the whole coast. Although, since there is little to interest the casual traveller past the Great Ocean Road and Warnambool/Port Fairy, it’s much easier to fly to Adelaide!
Adelaide, Australia was founded as a free British settlement in the 19th century. It is one of the very few Australian cities to not have a convict history. Instead, the settlers were working class emigrants brought over as labourers, who earned the money to purchase land as settlers. The ideals laid out in the proclamations promised civil liberties and freedom from religious persecution. In fact, because the new citizens believed that a city based on free settlement would have no crime, they didn’t build a jail. (They did, eventually, build one due to convicts coming down from Sydney and Melbourne!)
Adelaide, Australia attractions
Adelaide, like the other state capitals, has a lot of galleries and history museums. The city centre is surrounded by parklands; some of the convention centres and music venues are also here. The Torrens River bisects the city. Adelaide, Australia is a grid city, similar to Melbourne’s city centre and many North American cities. The Art Gallery of South Australia, South Australian Museum, and the State Library are in the city centre. The Art Gallery has over 35,000 pieces in their collection and is the second largest state collection in the country. The Migration Museum is located at the back of the State Library. It is a world first, predating both the Ellis Island (US) museum and the Melbourne (AU) Immigration Museum.
The first settlement was not at the same place as the modern city centre. Founder Edward Wakefield and city designer Colonel William Light founded Adelaide in what is today called Glenelg. This charming south shore suburb is full of original Victorian era buildings as well as miles of golden beaches. In the summer, Glenelg and Brighton beaches are popular with locals and tourists. There are several great hotels in Glenelg and the tram runs right from the city centre to the jetty.
As the temperatures sometimes reach into the 40s (low 100s) in the summer, these beaches are packed well into the evening. Both Brighton and Glenelg have excellent restaurants and fun bars only steps from the beach.
South Australia attractions
South Australia has two of the biggest wine regions in the country: McClaren Vale and Barossa Valley. In general, SA is known for Shiraz. This bold, spicy red wine grows best in the cool Mediterranean climate here. However, the region produces almost every varietal. Wine tours depart daily from the city.
You can also find breweries, cideries, and distilleries in and around Adelaide. Over the last fifteen years, Adelaide has grown into a foodie city. The Central Market, in Adelaide’s city centre, sells locally sourced meats, produce, and more. Further outside the city, Hahndorf attracts visitors seeking authentic German food and beer (bier?), handcrafts, and farm-fresh produce.
One of the highlights of South Australia is Kangaroo Island. Go for the exciting wildlife, the new wineries, and the feeling of being a million miles away from the city. You can fly from Adelaide on Qantas or take the ferry from Cape Jervis. The best part? You can stay in one of the Luxury Lodges of Australia.
Lastly, the south coast is popular with Adelaideans on summer holiday. Port Elliott is a great day trip from the city and there are some great hiking trails, cliff walks, and secluded beaches nearby.
**
Australia is one of my favourite countries! My personal experience combined with my attention to detail, network of luxury hotels across the country, and on location contacts work together to create a tailor made itinerary for you – and only you.
|| Brisbane || Sydney || Canberra || Melbourne || Darwin || Perth || Hobart ||
