Itineraries for Your Trip to Adelaide
2 Days in Adelaide for First Timers
My first trip to Adelaide was out of necessity rather than choice—I’d secured a job fruit picking in the nearby vineyards and stopped for a day in the city before catching the bus. But there was something about the laid-back southern city that drew me back time and time again, and each time I stayed a little longer.
Small, compact, and well-connected by public transport, Adelaide is the perfect destination for a city break. You can visit the coast, take a tasting tour of the vineyards, and see the city sights all in a weekend. Designed for first-time visitors, this 2-day itinerary includes a bit of everything.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a wine-tasting tour.
Fall is Adelaide’s most magical season and the best time to explore the surrounding vineyards.
Start the day at Adelaide’s foodie hub, the Central Market, where a guided tour will introduce you to the city’s best coffee and artisan producers. Sample local specialties from around the market, then tuck into a delicious breakfast—the perfect way to kick off the weekend.
It’s time for some city sightseeing, so join a walking tour to take in Adelaide’s central sights. Visit the North Terrace and Riverbank precincts, admire the quirky street art installations at Rundle Mall, and see historic landmarks, including Victoria Square, Parliament House, the State Library, and 19th-century Adelaide Arcade.
Adelaide’s version of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Adelaide Oval might not be world-famous, but it does offer the best view in the city. Buckle up for a thrilling roof climb, secured in your safety harness, as you walk right across the roof of the cricket stadium and gaze out across the city. For the most magical views, time your tour for sunset.
Adelaide has both coast and countryside within easy reach, so escape the city on Day 2 and head first to the coastal suburb of Port Adelaide (about a 30-minute tram ride). Set sail along the Port River for a wildlife-watching boat cruise. Pass the fascinating Ship’s Graveyard with its abandoned vessels, then continue to the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary National Park.
In the afternoon, explore South Australia’s famous McLaren Vale wine region, one of several award-winning wine-growing areas within a short drive of the city. Stop at one or two wineries to stroll through the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy a guided wine tasting—the region is most celebrated for its shiraz.
Back in Adelaide, there’s time for one more tour, this time to uncover the city’s dark side during a nighttime visit to the city’s most haunted location. Adelaide Gaol is one of the oldest buildings in the state and harbors a grim history, along with—if you believe the rumors—more than ten different ghosts.
