3-Day Itinerary to Explore Adelaide

To start your Adelaide adventure, we recommend a jaunt through the city’s dynamic Central Business District. Take a trip to the iconic Adelaide Central Market for fresh produce, local delicacies, food stalls, and more. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly spot to commence the day with plenty of breakfast and brunch options available.

After fuelling up for the day ahead, pick up a coffee at the nearby Gouger Street Dining Precinct. Known for a wide range of international restaurants and cafes, it’s the perfect spot to sample some Aussie and multicultural cuisine. Depending on the time, consider picking up some lunch or simply making a list of restaurants to return to later in your trip.

In the afternoon, stroll the North Terrace, Adelaide’s boulevard of heritage and culture. Along the terrace are a number of key attractions, all within walking distance, including the State Library, Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, and University of Adelaide. Take in the rich history of the city centre, as well as the vibrant art and stunning architecture.

Finish the day at Rundle Mall – the city’s main shopping precinct filled with retail stores, arcades, public art installations, as well as plenty of dinner and drink options.

After a day spent in the city, you’ll be wanting to venture further afield. Take advantage of Adelaide’s outdoor spaces and coastal lifestyle by taking a walk through Rymill Park. This scenic inner-city park is known for its stunning open lawns, lakeside paths, picnic areas, and nearby parklands. Experience why Adelaide has a reputation as a green city.

From the city, jump aboard the tram and head over to Glenelg Beach. This beach is one of Adelaide’s most popular seaside destinations with gorgeous beaches, calm waters and a vibrant beachfront vibe. We recommend walking the jetty, relaxing by the shore, or even taking a peek inside the shops and cafes that line Jetty Road.

Looking for some entertainment or a family-friendly activity? Glenelg has a variety of popular family attractions including The Beachouse, Moseley Square, coastal walking trails, and beachfront dining options. In the late afternoon, return to the CBD to explore the Riverbank Precinct along the River Torrens. Along this strip are plenty of restaurants, bars and live music hubs to wrap up another successful day.

On your final day, it’s time to venture further afield to the scenic landscapes of Adelaide. A popular day trip is to the Adelaide Hills. Easily accessible by car or guided tour, we recommend starting at Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. This hotspot is known for its heritage buildings, artisan shops, bakeries, cafes and more.

Collect breakfast and a coffee before continuing your adventure through the region to some of Australia’s world-renowned wineries and local produce farms. Many guided tours offer cellar door wine tastings, scenic drives, meetings with local food producers, and intimate visits to boutique wineries.

If you’re interested in Australian wildlife, head to Monarto Safari Park. This open-range zoo allows animals to roam free in large natural habitats. Alternative nature-focused options include Cleland Wildlife Park, Mount Lofty Summit, waterfall walks, and plenty of bushland hiking trails.

Return to Adelaide in the evening to eat at one of your chosen restaurants from day 1, or head to other popular dining precincts like Gouger Street, Hindley Street, or the East End.