Travel around Adelaide with Bobby
Day 1Arrival and Adelaide Central Market – A Food Lover's Paradise
I arrived in Adelaide on a sunny morning, excited to explore the city at my own pace. After settling into a cozy boutique hotel near the city center, I set out for my first stop—the iconic Adelaide Central Market. This market, with over 150 years of history, is a treasure trove of local produce, artisan cheeses, freshly baked pastries, and exotic spices. As I strolled through the lively aisles, I was tempted by a South Australian specialty—the “Pie Floater.” It’s a unique dish with a flaky meat pie served atop a pool of thick pea soup. Strange as it sounds, it was delicious and just the energy boost I needed after my flight!
Later in the day, I took a walk along Rundle Mall, Adelaide’s main shopping strip. Lined with boutiques, high-end shops, and lively street performers, the mall was the perfect place to unwind and get a feel for the city’s character. I couldn’t help but stop and take photos of the quirky bronze pig sculptures that have become iconic landmarks here. As evening approached, I enjoyed a casual dinner at a small bistro nearby, trying some local seafood paired with a crisp glass of Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc.
Start your Adelaide adventure at the Central Market—there’s no better place to sample the local flavors. And definitely try the Pie Floater—it’s a bit unusual but surprisingly tasty!
Day 2Art and Heritage at North Terrace – A Walk Through History
The next morning, I kicked off my day with a relaxed breakfast at a trendy café, indulging in smashed avocado toast and freshly brewed coffee. With a full stomach, I made my way to North Terrace, Adelaide’s cultural boulevard. This historic street is home to some of the city’s most important landmarks. My first stop was the Art Gallery of South Australia, where I spent hours admiring a fascinating collection of Indigenous art alongside European paintings and contemporary installations. The blend of cultures and styles gave me a deeper appreciation for Australia’s complex artistic heritage.
Next, I visited the South Australian Museum, just a short walk from the gallery. The museum’s natural history exhibits were impressive, especially the giant squid and extensive Aboriginal culture displays. After soaking in all that history, I took a break in the peaceful Adelaide Botanic Garden, an oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. Strolling among exotic plants and century-old trees was the perfect way to unwind.
For dinner, I headed to Peel Street, known for its vibrant restaurants and bars. I opted for a modern Australian restaurant, savoring kangaroo fillet—an unexpectedly delicious and lean dish—paired with a local Shiraz.
Breakfast was a feast of smashed avocado toast and fresh coffee at a local café. For dinner, I enjoyed a memorable kangaroo fillet at a Peel Street bistro, which was both delicious and adventurous.
Food
I stayed at the same boutique hotel, appreciating the comfortable bed after a day on my feet. Its central location made it easy to get to all the cultural attractions.
Accomodation
The Art Gallery of South Australia and South Australian Museum were highlights, offering a deep dive into art and history. A peaceful afternoon in the Adelaide Botanic Garden made for the perfect end to a culturally enriching day.
Activity
North Terrace is a cultural gem—you can easily spend an entire day exploring the museums and galleries. Don’t miss Peel Street for a great dinner; the atmosphere is unbeatable!
Day 3Glenelg Beach – Sun, Sea, and Relaxation
On my third day, I felt the need to escape the city buzz and headed to Glenelg Beach, just a 25-minute tram ride from the city center. The tram ride was smooth and scenic, giving me a glimpse of the suburban charm of Adelaide. Glenelg welcomed me with golden sands, turquoise waters, and a laid-back seaside vibe. I spent the morning strolling along Jetty Road, a bustling strip lined with shops, cafes, and ice cream parlors. Of course, I couldn’t resist indulging in a scoop of locally made gelato as I wandered by the beach.
The afternoon was spent soaking up the sun and swimming in the calm waters of Holdfast Bay. For lunch, I found a beachside restaurant with stunning ocean views, where I enjoyed a seafood platter filled with fresh oysters, prawns, and grilled fish. As the sun began to set, the beach transformed into a dreamy landscape, perfect for an evening walk along the jetty.
Lunch was a seaside delight, featuring a seafood platter with fresh oysters and prawns. The gelato on Jetty Road was a sweet treat I couldn't resist under the sun.
Food
The hotel’s convenient location continued to be a plus, though I considered staying a night by the beach for the atmosphere.
Accomodation
The tram ride to Glenelg was scenic, and the beach itself was serene and beautiful. A sunset walk along the jetty was the perfect way to unwind.
Activity
Glenelg is a must-visit! Take the tram for a scenic journey, and don’t leave without trying some local seafood by the beach.
Day 4Barossa Valley – A Day of Wine and Scenery
No trip to Adelaide is complete without a visit to the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s most renowned wine regions. I booked a guided wine tour, which picked me up from my hotel in the morning. The hour-long drive to Barossa was picturesque, passing through rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eye could see.
We visited several wineries throughout the day, starting with Penfolds, famous for its iconic Grange wine. Tasting different wines at each stop gave me a real appreciation for the region’s diverse flavors. I even took a bottle of Shiraz back with me—something to enjoy on a special occasion! Lunch was served at a winery restaurant, where I savored locally sourced dishes that paired perfectly with the wines.
By the time we returned to Adelaide in the late afternoon, I was both relaxed and inspired by the beauty of Barossa. In the evening, I kept things simple with a light dinner at my hotel, reflecting on the incredible day I had spent among the vines.
The winery lunch, with its locally sourced ingredients, was one of the best meals of the trip. Every glass of wine I tasted was exceptional, and I even brought back a bottle of Shiraz as a souvenir.
Food
Returning to my boutique hotel after the wine tour, I appreciated the comfortable bed and quiet atmosphere. It was the perfect spot to rest after a long, indulgent day.
Accomodation
The Barossa Valley tour was nothing short of spectacular, with scenic vineyards and expertly guided wine tastings. Every stop offered something unique, and the views alone were worth the trip.
Activity
If you love wine, Barossa is a dream come true. Book a guided tour—it’s the easiest and safest way to experience the region’s best wineries.
Day 5Exploring the Adelaide Hills – A Nature Lover’s Dream
On my fifth day, I left the bustle of the city behind and headed to the Adelaide Hills, a scenic area just 30 minutes from the city. My first stop was the Mount Lofty Summit, which offers sweeping panoramic views of Adelaide, the coastline, and even Kangaroo Island on a clear day. Standing at the summit, I felt like I had the entire world below me—it was a great place to pause, take some photos, and appreciate how close nature is to the city. From there, I continued to the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, an oasis full of colorful flowers and tranquil walking paths. I spent a peaceful morning exploring its trails, surrounded by blooming rhododendrons and tall eucalyptus trees.
By late morning, I made my way to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German village. The moment I arrived, I felt like I’d been transported to a little European town. The village is packed with charming shops selling artisanal crafts, cheeses, and chocolates. For lunch, I sat down at a traditional German tavern and treated myself to a hearty meal of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and soft pretzels, washed down with a local craft beer. It was one of the most satisfying meals of the trip, not just because of the food but also thanks to the cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
In the afternoon, I visited the Cleland Wildlife Park, located nearby. This park offers an up-close experience with Australia’s native animals, and I couldn’t resist the chance to cuddle a koala. I also fed kangaroos roaming freely around the park—an experience that made me feel more connected to Australia’s wildlife. As the day wound down, I took one last walk through Hahndorf’s picturesque streets, stopping by a local bakery to grab some German pastries for the road.
Lunch at a German tavern in Hahndorf was a delightful change of pace. The bratwurst and pretzels were hearty and satisfying, accompanied by a cold craft beer.
Food
I stayed at the same hotel but considered the idea of spending a night in Hahndorf to experience more of its charm.
Accomodation
Exploring Mount Lofty, Hahndorf, and the wildlife park made for a full day of nature and culture. Meeting koalas and kangaroos up close was an unforgettable highlight.
Activity
A trip to the Adelaide Hills is a must! Start early to take in the views from Mount Lofty, and don’t miss Hahndorf for a bit of European charm in Australia. The wildlife park is also a great way to end the day with some unforgettable animal encounters.
Day 6Farewell Adelaide – A Relaxing End to the Journey
For my final day in Adelaide, I wanted to take things slow and revisit some favorite spots to properly soak in the city’s charm before saying goodbye. After a lazy breakfast at a local café, I wandered back to the Adelaide Botanic Garden, one of the most peaceful places I had found on my trip. I strolled among the towering palms and exotic plants, taking time to sit by the lily pond and watch the koi fish swim lazily beneath the surface. The garden’s quiet beauty gave me a moment to reflect on all the incredible experiences I had enjoyed throughout the past few days.
Later in the morning, I walked along Rundle Street one more time, this time focusing on the boutique stores to pick up a few last-minute souvenirs. I found a small shop selling handcrafted jewelry and some local wines, which I thought would make perfect gifts. As I explored, the friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere reminded me of what makes Adelaide so special—it’s a city where life moves at a comfortable pace, making it easy to connect with the people and the culture.
For my final lunch, I headed to a riverside café along the Torrens River, enjoying a light salad and a refreshing iced tea while watching rowboats glide across the water. It was a simple, peaceful way to wrap up my journey. I lingered as long as I could, soaking in the gentle breeze and the relaxed vibe that had become so familiar over the past six days. Eventually, it was time to return to the hotel, gather my things, and head to the airport, feeling both content and a little sad that my adventure in Adelaide had come to an end.
My final meal by the Torrens River was simple but refreshing—a light salad with iced tea as I enjoyed the river views. It was a fitting end to the trip, relaxing and satisfying.
Food
The hotel staff made check-out smooth, and the location continued to prove convenient until the very end. It was a reliable and comfortable base throughout my stay.
Accomodation
A peaceful walk through the Botanic Garden and some last-minute shopping along Rundle Street were the perfect way to end my adventure. It was a quiet yet meaningful conclusion to six wonderful days in Adelaide.
Activity
Take your last day slow—Adelaide is a city best enjoyed without rushing. Revisit the places you loved, pick up some local treasures, and savor the peaceful moments along the Torrens River before you leave.
Summary of My Trip
Adelaide surprised me in the best way possible. It’s not just a city—it feels like a blend of laid-back charm and vibrant energy, where culture, nature, and great food come together seamlessly. I loved how easy it was to explore, with everything just a tram ride or short walk away. The markets were bustling, the beaches were pristine, and the wine tours in Barossa were unforgettable—every glass tasted like the essence of South Australia. What stood out the most, though, was the warmth of the people. Whether I was grabbing coffee at a local café or chatting with shopkeepers in Hahndorf, everyone made me feel welcome. Adelaide’s rhythm isn’t rushed, and that’s part of its beauty—you can slow down, enjoy a good meal, and simply be present in the moment. If you’re looking for an experience that’s both enriching and relaxing, Adelaide is the place to be. I’m leaving with a heart full of good memories, a few bottles of Shiraz, and a definite reason to come back.
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Adelaide left me with a positive impression across almost every aspect of the trip. It offers a little bit of everything—from beautiful beaches and world-class wine regions to lively markets and fascinating cultural experiences. The city’s relaxed pace, friendly locals, and ease of getting around made it an enjoyable and stress-free visit, perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and downtime. Below are my ratings across key categories:
The food experience started strong with the Adelaide Central Market. From fresh produce to the iconic Pie Floater, the variety and quality were exceptional. Dinner featured local seafood that paired perfectly with a glass of regional wine, setting the bar high for the rest of the trip.
Food
My boutique hotel in the city center was both comfortable and stylish, with easy access to major attractions. The room was cozy, with modern amenities, though I did wish for a bit more soundproofing.
Accomodation
Exploring the Central Market and Rundle Mall was the perfect introduction to Adelaide. The market buzzed with life, and the bronze pig statues in the mall added a quirky charm to the experience.
Activity