Adelaide Uncovered: Unveiling the City’s Top Hidden Gems
Beyond its well-known attractions and bustling city streets, Adelaide conceals a cornucopia of lesser-known wonders.
From hidden restaurants deserving of praise to shipwrecks covered by mangrove creeks, not all of the city’s best destinations are in the limelight.
But don’t worry about missing out because we’ll lead you to them with this guide!
Cry Baby
Address: 11 Solomon St, Adelaide SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 4 pm to 2 am
- Fri – 3 pm to 2 am
- Sat to Sun – 4 pm to 2 am
Tucked in the quieter side of Solomon St, Cry Baby is one of our team’s go-to pubs when we’re in the mood for a wild weekend.
With posters adorning every wall, flickering neon lights, and pool tables in almost every corner, this one is a classic, rock ‘n roll pub that needs more recognition! And don’t get us started on their strong beer and cocktails—hoppy and bitter party-starting drinks!
Tip: Cry Baby often collaborates with local artists, displaying their work on the walls or letting them rock out on stage. Give Adelaide’s underground art and music scene a chance. You’ll unearth more gems!
Dokeo
Address: 258 Pulteney St, Adelaide SA 5000
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Wed – 7 am to 9:30 pm
- Fri – 3 pm to 2 am
- Thu to Fri – 7 pm to 12 am
Elegance and meticulousness exude in this modern hybrid of a cafe and wine bar. On Pulteney St, Dokeo’s catalog of top-tier, luscious pastries and carefully-curated Shiraz caught our team’s attention.
With an emphasis on unknown traders and producers, Dokeo promises flavors typically absent from more popular wine bars and cafes.
Tips:
If you visit in the morning, try their assortment of sandwiches and beautifully roasted black coffee.
For diners (or shall we say drinkers), popping by after the sun sets, have a sip of their wine collection bought from the excellent “outsiders” of the wine industry.
Want to know our go-to meals here? Well, it’s hard to resist their juicy hibachi-grilled eggplants and beef short rib drizzled with a golden sesame glaze!
Adelaide Himeji Gardens
Address: Cnr South Terrace &, Glen Osmond Rd, Adelaide SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7203
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 5:30 pm
The Adelaide Himeji Garden is a stunning and authentic Japanese garden, designed to replicate the beauty and serenity of the Himeji Castle gardens in Japan. This is one of our favorite escapes whenever the hustle and bustle of our city gets too overwhelming.
This spot captures the essence of traditional Japanese landscaping, incorporating elements such as stone pathways, peaceful water features, carefully pruned plants, and symbolic sculptures.
Tips:
Do your exploration slowly. Stroll along the winding paths, pause at the picturesque spots, and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere.
Also, consider bringing a picnic cloth and some snacks. The garden is a prime and peaceful picnic spot.
Morialta Conservation Park
Address: Morialta Falls Rd, Woodforde SA 5072
Contact Details: (08) 8336 0901
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Website
Morialta National Park is located relatively close to Adelaide, which may result in it being overshadowed by more well-known or easily accessible attractions.
However, its rugged rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation are must-see natural marvels.
Additionally, its steeper bike trails drew our team’s cyclists. The ascent to the top was a challenge, but the price awaiting at the park’s peak was all worth it.
We were rewarded with rare golden whistlers singing on treetops with green plains as the backdrop.
Tip:
While the main trails leading to the waterfalls are considered the park’s main draw, there are additional trails within the area offering unique experiences and stunning scenery.
We highly suggest that you consider venturing off the beaten path to explore trails such as the Fourth Creek Trail or the Deep View Lookout Trail. They’re forested pathways brimming with native plants and echoing with the wild’s calls!
Mount Osmond Reserve
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Mount Osmond Reserve’s hills are green vantage points to the stretching Adelaide plains. As we stood there, we were also treated to the spectacular city skyline and glimpses of the coastline.
Our team’s animal aficionados had a blast venturing through this reserve’s wildlife-filled trails, too. Cuddly koalas seemed to love the area’s thicket of healthy eucalyptus, and curious kangaroos stared at us as we gathered wildflowers and berries.
Tip:
Before your visit, do a quick search to gather information about the reserve’s walking trails and their difficulty levels.
Don’t burden yourself with an insurmountable climb. Pick a trail that suits your hiking experience and ability.
Our suggestion? The Mount Osmond Summit Trail—a moderate hike that leads to the summit.
Alternatively, the longer Valley Loop Trail provides a more leisurely pace, allowing you to meander through the bushland to appreciate the native flora and fauna.
The Bibliotheca Bar & Book Exchange
Address: 1/27 Gresham St, Adelaide SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8212 6979
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue toThu – 5 pm to 12 am
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sun – Closed
Ah, The Bibliotheca Bar And Book Exchange: our beloved bar where spirits, stories, and sensational cocktails converge! With a European-themed interior and an emphasis on literature and the finest liquors, this mysterious drinking spot oozes class and quality.
For a rowdy drinking adventure (and misadventure), we suggest having a glass of the aptly-named Don Quixote, a prune rum with the added kick of tempranillo.
Another team fave here is the one drink to rule them all: the My Precious cocktail. This is a sour and bitter cocktail fusing feijoa vodka, kiwi, lime, and beer!
Tip: Don’t miss out on this bar’s Turkish bread and prawn rolls. They’re sleeper hits that pair well with the finely-crafted cocktails and spirit.
Maybe Mae
Address: 15 Peel St, Adelaide SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8212 6979
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 5 pm to 1 am
- Fri to Sat – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sun – 5 pm to 1 am
We had no idea what awaited us when we first passed through a tunnel to look for Maybe Mae’s award-winning basement bar.
But as we stepped inside, we were welcomed by a posh drinking spot with sleek marble accents, golden-dark color patterns, and dim lamps.
Their best-selling Half Moon cocktail is an absolute banger with its gingery and plumy undertones. We also went to town with Maybe Mae’s citrusy, tangy, and minty Bill Murray drink.
Tips:
Great news for non-alcohol drinkers! Maybe Mae’s zero-alcohol drinks can go toe-to-toe with their stronger counterparts in terms of flavor and creativity.
Where to start? We think the Rooibos tea-flavored Reverie is a safe option.
For those seeking new tasteful horizons, Spaghetti Western’s whimsical smorgasbord of soda, vanilla, orange, and secret liquids might be the new thing you’re looking for!
Garden Island’s Ship Graveyard
Address: Garden Island SA 5960
Contact Details: (08) 8204 1910
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
They say there’s poetry and beauty in ruins, and this spot proves this.
The first time we paid a visit to Garden Island’s Ship Graveyard, we were entranced by its eerie and intriguing atmosphere. Plus, the marine biodiversity it supports overflows with zest.
This decaying shipwreck against the backdrop of calm waters creates a hauntingly beautiful scene that captivated our minds, urging us to dive deeper—literally and figuratively.
Tip: Maximize your experience by venturing into this place on a sun-kissed day. While the temperatures may rise, the tranquil breeze accompanying it will provide a soothing respite from the heat, balancing the conditions.
Newman’s Nursery
Address: 1361 North East Road, Tea Tree Gully SA 5097
Contact Details: (08) 8204 1910
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
Website
The delicate and radiant camellias and roses blooming in Newman’s Nursery will warm your flora-loving heart. Additionally, it’s a picture-perfect site for photo ops, with its well-maintained flowery pathways, vast greenery, and colorful garden displays.
Seize the opportunity to learn from seasoned gardeners. With gardening tips, their expertise can increase your chances of successful cultivation!
Tip: It’s hard to leave Newman Nursery without bringing home a plant or two. The nursery boasts an extensive selection of plants, ranging from exotic species to native varieties. You’ll have a bouquet of choices here!
Folklore Cafe
Address: The Annex via, Mundy St, Port Adelaide SA 5015
Contact Details: (08) 7226 9044
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed to Sun – 8 am to 4 pm
Folklore Cafe’s coastal setting is hard to top: it’s breezy, relaxing, and a great viewing point for dolphin watchers. With glass walls and a navy blue color scheme, this coffee paradise is also easy on the eyes.
Their cappuccino is meticulously crafted. It has velvety steamed milk over a shot of rich espresso, topped with a creamy froth, forming a delicate layer and contrast atop the robust base.
Tips:
If you’re visiting Folklore Café for a hearty brunch, indulge in their Breaky Burger. This mouthwatering creation features a juicy patty, crispy bacon, and a perfectly cooked egg sandwiched between soft buns.
Looking for a healthy and hearty meal? We recommend pairing your drink with their house granola, a combination of crunchy granola, fresh fruits, and creamy yogurt!
