Adelaide is often the ‘forgotten’ city of Australia or considered ‘for the old fogies’ because it’s more food and wine country. The capital city of South Australia is simply enchanting, a treasure trove of shopping, fine arts, gastronomy, for wine lovers and outdoor activity. On this post Flight Attendants learn about how to keep themselves occupied for a layover of 24-48h.
What to do in Adelaide for 24h to 48h?
Places to Visit
Take in a game of cricket at Adelaide Oval
Widely considered the best pitch in the world by players and one of the few places where you can still sit ‘on the hill’ and have a picnic.
Explore Mc Laren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula
Fleurieu Peninsula is one of most beautiful and overlooked regions of South Australia. Only 45 minute south of Adelaide Mc Lare Vale offers a wealth of places worth checking out. From the Onkaparinga National Park to the rugged beaches of Maslin and Aldinga, to the inland local producers and wineries.If you are at layover 48h, this place is highly recommended.
Drive up to Mount Lofty for a view over the city
Mount Lofty is on your way to Stirling. You can include it in your day-trip to the Adelaide Hills. You will need to hire a car in Adelaide though, because there is no public transportation. Mount Lofty is of the best vantage point with a spectacular view of Adelaide and its suburbia. On Thursdays Morning there are free Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens guided walks. If bushwhacking is your thing, than this is the place for beautiful walking trails through the Adelaide hills to Cleland and its surroundings.
Mount lofty
Spend an evening at Henley Beach
Henley beach is where the locals hang out on weekends for a morning walk or a bike along the promenade. You can take the tram to Henley beach or hire a bike from the Adelaide CBD and cycle, about 20 km, along the parklands on sealed path down to Henley beach. In the evening the promenade is a good spot for enjoying sunset and chilling out at the many beachfront bars, cafes and trendy dining venues.
The North Terrace – A Cultural Taste of Adelaide
The North Terrace is a pleasant and cultural walk. Starting from the eastern side where the botanical gardens are you walk past the Migration Museum and the South Australian Museum, the South Australian University, the State Library (great place with exhibitions and reading rooms). Further on walk past the Parliament, the and the train station.
Walk the Rundle Mall and Rundle Street
Top thing do to in Adelaide during the day. Sightseeing. Either window shopping or watching people the Rundle Mall is the place to hang out. This is the heart of Adelaide where the city buzz takes place. Visit the Adelaide Arcade and Australia’s most famous chocolaterie: Haigh’s Chocolates. Continue your walk further to the Rundle Street for quirky shops, trendy cafes, evening pubs with live music and good restaurants.
Haigh’s Chocolate Factory
Victor Harbour – Horse drawn carriages, fairy penguins and cute markets are found in this coastal town about two-hours out of Adelaide. Especially popular in summer with locals who own beach-side properties.
Kangaroo Island – Made famous by Oprah, Kangaroo Island is wildlife paradise. Sea-lions, koalas, little penguins and of course a few kangaroos; Kangaroo Island is the perfect place to visit all year round. See a lavender farm, birds of prey display or taste the local produce, there’s plenty to do on this island.
Discover Adelaide’s Best Places to Eat
Adelaide is known for great local food and excellent wines and its great climate makes it to the right place for dining out most of the year. In the city there is a good mix of bars, pubs along with fine restaurants and cafés. The best streets for dining out are Rundle Street, O’Connell Sreet, Gouger Street and Grote Sreet for Asian eateries. Hutt Street further in the Eastern part of the city is great for breakfast. Many don’t know that in Adelaide you can get the freshest oysters and prawns of Australia… they are delicious!
Shopping in Adelaide
You can roam boutiques and King William Road, Hyde Park and Rundle Street East and take the cake for choices. King William Road can be a little higher priced but check out Wild Child for a great range, though sizes do run small.
Rundle Street has big name bands like Australian designer Lisa Ho and Zimmerman to favorite miss gladys sym choon and alternative chain, Dangerfield. There are also some quirky boutiques in the backstreets including Mid-West Traders.
You can also visit Adelaide Central market which is open from Monday to Saturday. The restaurant is home to fresh produce from across the state, an array of boutique stalls, as well as a camera store and second-hand book seller. If you want a quick, cheap, fresh bite then this is the place to go.
Discover Adelaide’s Great Pubs
Adelaide has got some great pubs with excellent atmosphere. Try the Colonist Pub, in Norwood, a great place with beautiful artworks and paintings hanging on the walls. The highlight is the quirky chandellier made of ice (yes it’s a real piece of solid ice) hanging in the main room.
A Guide to Adelaide’s Finest Wine Bars
Adelaide boasts a wonderful selection of wine bars offering the best local drops and international stars alongside tantalising food. Here are few places for Wine lovers.
Mother Vine: Tucked away behind Rundle Street, Mother Vine is the perfect spot to enjoy a local or imported wine along with some delicious tapas style dining amid gorgeous modern design.
Cantina Sociale: is one of Adelaide’s truly special wine bars. There is no other place in the city where one can buy their wine straight from the barrel. This unique spot on Sturt Street possesses a gorgeous stack of barrels containing an ever-changing roster of premium local wines.
Cooper’s Brewery: Located in Mile End, the brewery offers tours of the enormous factory that makes SA’s favourite beer.
