Itineraries for Your Trip to Adelaide
3 Days in Adelaide for First Timers
Compared to the show-stopping sights of Sydney or Melbourne, Adelaide is relatively unknown—and, to my mind, one of Australia’s most underrated cities. After I got a job as a fruit picker in the Adelaide Hills (a rite of passage for British backpackers traveling Aussie), this relaxed southern town became my go-to urban escape.
Adelaide quickly won me over with its small-town atmosphere, surprising food scene, and easy proximity to both the coast and countryside. With three days to visit, there’s time to enjoy the city, spend time exploring the coast, and even take a tasting tour through the surrounding vineyards. Follow this itinerary and you, too, will likely fall for the region’s charms.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a day trip to Adelaide’s coastal suburbs.
Summer temperatures are typically in the low 80°Fs (high 20°Cs), so Adelaide is a great spot to escape the unbearable heat of the northern states.
Adelaide’s compact center is easy to explore in a day, and you can get to most sights on foot. Start your visit with a tasting tour and brunch at the Central Market, where the stalls are brimming with local produce and artisanal specialties—the perfect spot to fuel up for a day of sightseeing.
Take in the city’s highlights on a walking tour, starting with a stroll around the Victorian shopping arcades at Rundle Mall. Check out some of the street art along the way, then continue to landmarks such as Victoria Square, the Adelaide Oval, and the South Australian Museum. The views along the River Torrens are best at sunset.
The vine-clad slopes of the Adelaide Hills fringe the eastern border of the city and are an easy destination for a day trip. Rent a car or join a guided tour and enjoy tasting at local wineries, admire the view from the summit of Mt. Lofty, and taste regional delicacies such as cheese and chocolate.
The German town of Hahndorf is one of the most unique spots in South Australia. Here, you’ll find half-timbered buildings lining the high street, pubs serving Bavarian food and beer, and shops selling handmade cuckoo clocks. Devote an afternoon to wandering the town's picturesque streets on a walking tour, with afternoon tea or beer included.
On your final day, head west to the coast, where the shores of Gulf Saint Vincent are dotted with lively seaside towns and sandy beaches. Your first stop of the day is Port Adelaide for a kayaking excursion along the Port River; as you paddle through the tranquil waterways, you’ll pass sights like the unique Ships Graveyard. Then visit the Dolphin Sanctuary to see the bottlenose dolphins.
Nearby Henley Beach is a great spot for lunch, and afterwards you can stroll along the seafront, admire the views from the jetty, or walk part of the [River Torrens Linear Park Trail][(https://www.viator.com/Adelaide-attractions/River-Torrens-Linear-Park-Trail/d376-a12172). Continue south to Glenelg, and you can ride the scenic Glenelg Tram, then watch the sunset on a twilight boat cruise.
