Adelaide is the capital of the state of South Australia, and is known as the city of churches. Obviously, this is because the city boasts many historic churches – all worth seeing before you leave. Adelaide also boasts the chocolate factory belonging to Haigs, established in the early 1900s and still in the same location today. Tour the factory and sample some of the chocolates that have made Haigs famous. Make sure you stop off at the shop to pick up some more choccies to take with you!
Adelaide Zoo is another must-visit, and you can easily spend an entire day here – even just at one enclosure. You might be able to spot a relative or two at the monkey exhibit. Pick up a few souvenirs and don’t forget some photos!
Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third largest island, and is home to plenty of wildlife and flora (yes, including kangaroos, but also seals). Approximately 90 minutes from the city, you can access it by ferry and stay overnight if you really want a true Aussie experience.
If wine is more your thing, then the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale wine areas are only about an hour from Adelaide, and not to be missed on any visit to the locale. Shiraz is a speciality of the Barossa Valley, but any wine from the region is great. Pick up a case or three – have them shipped home to save you carting them around in your rental car at the risk of damage. The Clare Valley is renowned for its Rieslings, and also worth a visit. Why not stay in one of the B&Bs in the area – or better yet, at one of the wineries themselves? If a bed for the night is out of the question, then at least a dinner is compulsory.
Nestled in the Adelaide Hills is the quaint German town of Hahndorf. Stop in at one of the gorgeous German cafes for some authentic cake and coffee. A honest-to-goodness German town in the heart of the Adelaide country!
Glenelg is accessible by the only tram in Adelaide, so make sure you call in for fish and chips and a walk along the jetty. Just make sure you remember to hang on – you might get blown away!
For the best tourist attraction, you can’t go past the O-bahn, a guided bus (a bus that runs on rails). Rest assured that even though you’re travelling fast (for a packed bus) if there’s a problem, it can stop in two bus lengths if travelling at a speed of 100 kilometres per hour. Stop off at Westfields Tea Tree Plaza for a great day’s shopping, and take in the scenery to and from while passing through the River Torrens Linear Park. At 12 kilometres long, the O-bahn is the longest of its kind in the world.
Of course, Adelaide also boasts museums, beaches, parklands and the Rundle Mall. With so much to choose from, boredom is not an issue!