
Sun-Kissed Escapades: Things to Do in Adelaide on Summer
Summer activities are always sizzling in Adelaide, whether you’re paddling with dolphins, sipping ice-cold margaritas during the golden hour, or chilling off-grid in a luxe woodland cabin.
If you’re craving more of the hottest summer extravaganzas Adelaide offers, we have you covered. This article has all the details you need, from summer hotspots to the most sensational things you can do to beat the heat!
In the Adelaide CBD
Photograph summer blooms at the Adelaide Botanic Garden
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8222 9311
Operating Hours: Daily – 7:15 am to 8 pm
The Adelaide Botanic Garden dazzles with vibrant summer blooms. When the mercury rises, sacred lotus blossoms in the garden’s Nelumbo Pond, adding a pop of light pink to the calm greenery.
The Dahlia Garden also peaks during summer, flaunting crowd-stopping decorative dahlias, which look like a colorful mandala.
Then there’s the Economy Garden, a patch brimming with essential plants that can be turned into fibers, oils, herbs, and spices. This area turns more alluring when the hotter months take over.
Tip: Take advantage of guided tours offered by the Botanic Garden. Knowledgeable guides can provide insights into the unique plant collections and the history of the gardens. |
Channel your inner Tarzan at TreeClimb
Address: Cnr Greenhill Road & Unley Rd, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 7089 4490
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri: 10 am to 4 pm
- Sat – 10 am to 5 pm
- Sun – 10 am to 3 pm
If your idea of a summer escapade is a heart-pounding, obstacle-filled adventure in a cool and clean forest, TreeClimb Adelaide is where you should be swinging.
Adrenaline junkies with a height of 135 cm and taller will have a riot at their Grand Course.
This adult-only section is packed from branch to branch with nets, zip lines, hanging bridges, and over 100 breathtaking (not literally) challenges set amid towering trees.
For the tiny daredevils, the Kid’s Course awaits, a pint-sized section with 45 obstacles, like zip lines, short climbing platforms, and balancing logs that might be a cakewalk for you but really challenging for kiddos. The minimum height requirement here is 100 cm.
Tip: You can bring your canine companions. However, you must keep them on a leash (not exceeding 2 m) and ensure they’re accompanied by a responsible person at all times. |
Taste the flavors of the world at the Adelaide Central Market
Address: 44/60 Gouger St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7494
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Closed
- Tue to Thu – 7 am to 5:30 pm
- Fri – 7 am to 9 pm
- Sat – 7 am to 3 pm
- Sun – Closed
When the temperature sizzles, our cravings for comfort food kick in, and that’s something the Adelaide Central Market delivers without fail.
The market has flavors of the world that can help you forget about the heat, from Aromalay’s Malaysian noodles and desserts to Lucia’s authentic Italian nosh.
Those looking for French pastries can stop by Les Deux Coqs, while visitors on a plant-based diet can head to Let Them Eat for their much-loved vegan dishes.
Tip: Start your visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and explore the market at its freshest. |
Hop on carnival rides at the Garden of Unearthly Delights
Address: Rundle Park – Kadlitpina, East Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8121 5122
Tourists and locals on the prowl for summer festivities and entertaining shows shouldn’t miss the Garden of Unearthly Delights, typically running from February to March.
The bright lights never dim in this garden, especially when the event’s exceptionally curated programs that range from musicals, puppet shows, and comedy gigs are live. Additionally, there are glimmering carnival rides for kids and kids at heart!
Some 2024 acts and personalities you shouldn’t pass on are the death-defying Cirque Alfonse, the ever-hilarious Dave Hughes, and the fam-friendly Mario the Maker Magician show.
Tip: Be sure to keep an eye on the event calendar. Knowing the schedule will help you catch captivating performances, exclusive shows, and unique experiences. |
Near the Adelaide CBD
Swim with dolphins at the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
Address: Garden Island Rd, Garden Island, SA 5015
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Distance from the CBD: 24 km
Sometimes, all you need for a summer outing is a secluded beach with dolphins and shorebirds—a majestic spot like the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary.
Summer brings the dolphin calving season, turning the waters of Garden Island into a maternity ward for the flippers. You’ll also spot over 27,000 migratory shorebirds flying and feasting here, including oystercatchers, spoonbills, and plovers.
If that’s not enough, visitors with paddleboards or kayaks may navigate through mangroves, creeks, and ship graveyards.
Tip: For a seamless experience, consider joining a guided tour of the sanctuary. Your main two options are Adelaide Kayaking SA and Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak Tours. |
Go off-grid and sleep in a cutting-edge cabin
How To Get Here: Route
Contact Details: 0482 849 000
Check-in: 3 pm
Check-out: 11 am
Distance from the CBD: 49.6 minutes
If someone tells you off-grid crash pads lack luxury, show them to CABN Matilda deep within Kuitpo Forest.
The accommodation looks rustic but is backed up with modern amenities like two snug queen-sized beds, a fully-equipped kitchenette, an indoor gas heater, a cozy fire pit, and a private shower bathroom.
Koalas and kangaroos roam the area, adding a wilder side to the escape. And in the morning, you’ll wake up to the songs of magpies and kookaburras, a dreamy dawn that’s hard to experience elsewhere.
Tip: You should budget $75 for the remote service fee. This one-time charge per booking covers cleaning and servicing of the off-grid CABN. |
Mix your signature wine at d’Arenberg
Address: Osborn Rd, McLaren Vale, SA 5171
Contact Details: (08) 8329 4888
Operating Hours: Daily – 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Distance from the CBD: 42 km
If the surreal Cube or the magical McLaren Vale vineyard vistas don’t draw you to d’Arenberg, their engaging winemaking sesh might.
The winery’s pros will provide three-barrel samples of single-vineyard wine at your fingertips, each bursting with distinct aromas and flavor profiles. You’ll use the samples in blending your very own 750-ml wine, which you get to strut home with!
Tip: If you know someone interested in winemaking, surprise them with a gift voucher for a day of blending, mixing, and pairing at d’Arenberg. |
Sip cocktails at Moseley Beach Club
Address: Glenelg Beach, Glenelg, SA 5045
Operating Hours: Daily – 11 am to 11:30 pm
Distance from the CBD: 11.7 km
With Moseley Beach Club open in the summer paradise that’s Glenelg, you don’t have to deal with head-scratching airport shenanigans just for a slice of tropical bliss.
A medley of cocktails, a bunch of burgers, invigorating live music, and a sandy stretch of day beds and sun lounges are on standby here for visitors seeking a laid-back beach club experience.
Oh, and you don’t need to drop a single buck just to enter. You might want to prep at least $20 if you want their best mixes, though.
Tip: Stay in the know by checking the club’s schedule regularly. With themes and events changing daily, keeping an eye on the current happenings ensures you won’t miss out on the hottest shindigs. |
Board a helicopter for a bird’s-eye view of McLaren Vale
Address: 281 Main Rd, McLaren Vale SA, 5171
Contact Details: 0427 583 027
Operating Hours: Daily – 10 am to 5 pm
Distance from the CBD: 43.8 km
There’s nothing wrong with a classic McLaren Vale road trip, but jumping aboard a Helivista helicopter offers a whole new level of enjoyment (or bragging rights).
Departing from the Penny’s Hill Winery, the 30-minute tour will kick off with a joyride over the Fleurieu Peninsula and McLaren Vale.
It will showcase wonders like Insta-worthy beaches, the clear waters of Gulf St Vincent, and vineyards that stretch to infinity.
Tip: Helivista has standard tours catering to all sorts of preferences. However, you can ditch their traditional offerings and plan your own tour by giving them a call. |
Ride a heritage train and enjoy seaside and coastal cliff vistas
Address: 5 Railway Terrace, Victor Harbor, SA 5211
Contact Details: 1300 655 991
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – Closed
- Wed – 9:30 am to 4 pm
- Thu to Fri – Closed
- Sat to Sun – 9:30 am to 4 pm
Distance from the CBD: 83.6 km
Hopping on the Cockle Train, Australia’s oldest steel-railed time machine, is a getaway combining history with top-tier views.
Passengers will be treated to coastal scenery, the Fleurieu Peninsula’s coastal cliffs, and the Victor Harbor Station, surrounded by iconic pine trees.
As the historic train chugs, its guides will share interesting facts about its history and mechanisms, and they’ll also answer your queries!
Tip: Monitor the weather conditions. If the morning temperature surges above 35°C, the Cockle Train won’t be in operation for the entire day. |
Have a boozy cruise on a 58-foot catamaran
Address:10 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg, SA 5045
Contact Details: 0412 811 838
Operating Hours: Daily 9 am to 5 pm
Distance from the CBD: 11.1 km
Summer cruises are a tale as old as time, but Temptation Sailing keeps things fresh with the diverse deals they offer.
One of their sought-after packages is the Private Charters, a boozy afternoon or night of pure bliss and pleasure on the Adelaide coastline. For wildlife enthusiasts, their Wild Dolphin Tour is a better pick, letting you swim with dolphins in their natural home.
If you’re all about yoga and finding your zen, the Wellness at Sea Tour is where it’s at. There’s also the fancy Afternoon Tea Cruise, where you’ll sip on premium leaves paired with fresh paninis.
Tip: If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking anti-nauseants before your trip, as they don’t provide rebookings or refunds for seasickness experienced on board. |
Pluck strawberries at Beerenberg Farm
Address: 2106 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
Contact Details: (08) 8388 7272
Operating Hours: Daily 9 am to 5 pm
Distance from the CBD: 27.6 km
When summer takes center stage, the family-owned Beerenber Farm transforms into a fruity and scenic wonderland where you can pluck and taste juicy strawberries straight from the source.
Their quaint shop is also a treasure trove of 100% Aussie-made treats filled with exceptional jams, chutneys, and gourmet relishes that exemplify the meaning of farm-to-table goodness.
Tip: For fresh and free recipes, head to Beerenberg Farm’s website. |
Have a sky-high picnic at West Beach Adventure
Address: 4 Hamra Ave, West Beach, SA 5024
Contact Details: (08) 8355 1480
Operating Hours: Daily 10 am to 6 pm
Distance from the CBD: 11.5 km
West Beach Adventure is a summer playground for hardcore thrill-seekers.
The spot has MegaClimb, boasting over 70 obstacles that’ll turn your chill summer day into an action-packed escapade. In this zone, you can play tennis, row a boat, and even have a picnic while suspended in mid-air.
GIANTSWING is also too good to skip. As the name implies, this is a giant swing that’ll hoist you 18 meters high, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking views of the ocean and Adelaide’s gorgeous coastline before taking the high-octane plunge!
Tip: Remember to check West Beach Adventure’s height, weight, and clothing requirements. |