Adelaide Itinerary: A Three-Day Escapade for the Ages
Ready for three days of Adelaide awesomeness?
From the buzzing CBD and stunning Adelaide Hills to the sun-soaked beaches and lush reserves, we have the perfect itinerary for a three-day visit to South Australia’s capital.
We’ll explore this city’s charms together. Here are the insider tips you need!
Best Time to Visit
Adelaide is at its charming best in spring (September to November), when you can enjoy perfect weather with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F and 77°F).
Where to Stay
Mayfair Hotel
Address: 45 King William St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: +61 8 8210 8888
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 11 am
The Mayfair Hotel is a slick slice of art deco heaven set in a heritage-listed exterior.
Among their rooms, their deluxe king rooms are total game-changers. They have special locally crafted king-size beds.
Plus, they’ve thrown in all the modern amenities you need, like a media hub and a massive TV, while providing premier city panoramas.
InterContinental Adelaide
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8238 2400
Check-in: 3 pm
Check-out: 11 am
Intercontinental Adelaide is a taste of the high life. All rooms here exude sophistication, but the presidential suites offer the most comfort, pleasure, and stunning city views.
Clocking in at a whopping 156 square meters, these rooms are for guests who love spacious areas.
They also come with king beds, bathrooms with spas, and lounge access that’ll make you feel like a true president.
The Playford Adelaide – MGallery
Address: 120 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8213 8888
Check-in: 3 pm
Check-out: 11 am
The Playford Adelaide – MGallery is where old-school opulence teams up with modern extravagance.
This gem is just a short hop from Adelaide International Airport and boasts 182 Art Nouveau-themed classic guest rooms.
These rooms drip in sophistication, with king-size beds, vast bathrooms, and more luxury amenities that’ll have you feeling like royalty. Plus, if you’re feeling extra fancy, they have all the coffee and minibar goodies your heart desires.
Day 1 – An Urban Escapade in the Adelaide CBD
Morning
Enjoy shopping and breakfast at Rundle Street
The morning hours of Rundle Street provide an opportunity to appreciate the charming architecture, boutique shops, and souvenir stalls lining it.
Morning shopping here is perfect, as early hours don’t suffer from the hustle and bustle of larger crowds.
Rundle Street’s cafes, like Room 19 and Cafe Brunelli, will also energize your mornings with brekkie delights and top-notch tea and coffee.
Additionally, you can relish the fresh and crisp air at spots like Rymill Park and Victoria Square.
Explore Adelaide Central Market
Address: 44/60 Gouger St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7494
A morning visit to Adelaide Central Market, the largest covered market in the Southern Hemisphere, is essential for having a memorable Adelaide getaway.
It’s a treasure trove of epic culinary chow: artisanal cheese, exotic croc meat, freshly picked fruits—you name it. Restaurants like Le Souk, Cumbia Bar Kitchen, and Lucia’s Pizza and Spaghetti Bar (a personal favorite) also bring authentic global flavors.
Additionally, the market is a melting pot of cultures, and visiting provides a sneak peek into Adelaide’s cultural diversity.
Stroll through Adelaide Oval and climb its roof
Address: War Memorial Dr, North Adelaide, SA 5006
Contact Details: (08) 8211 1100
The Adelaide Oval isn’t just a cricket ground; it’s a portion of the city’s sporting history where legends like Bradman, Tendulkar, Hobbs, and Hadlee left their mark.
You may take a morning tour to get an inside scoop on this iconic ground, including off-limit areas. If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, don’t miss the RoofClimb challenge.
You’ll literally be strolling across the rooftop with views of the morning sky, the cityscape, and the lush greenery surrounding the Oval.
Afternoon
See the flora of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens
– From Walk 4k Today
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8222 9311
The Adelaide Botanic Gardens is a green paradise ideal for afternoon relaxation and sightseeing.
You can go to the Bicentennial Conservatory, a botanical world tour under one massive glass roof with plants from all over the planet.
Then, there’s the Palm House—a fancy 19th-century glasshouse that’s like a time machine to the Victorian era. You can also chill at the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion—home to rare lily pads and clean ponds.
Join a ghost tour of the historic Adelaide Gaol
– From Damon_Mounsey
Address: 18 Gaol Rd, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8231 4062
Touring the stunning but haunting Adelaide Gaol in the afternoon is a unique way to experience the CBD.
In this 1841-built tourist attraction that used to be a prison, you’ll dive headfirst into Adelaide’s true crime thrillers and most chilling ghost stories via ghost tours.
The mellow and natural afternoon light also allows you to deeply appreciate this historical site’s architectural details and its somber yet intriguing atmosphere.
Visit the National Wine Center for a tasting
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: +61 8 8313 3355
Afternoons at the National Wine Center provide the perfect setting to sample wines.
You can indulge your palate with the flavors and aromas of Adelaide’s finest wines, from Penfolds’ rich reds to d’Arenberg’s timeless whites.
In addition, this spot offers grub perfect with any kind of wine variety. The braised lamb shoulder and charcuterie boards are top-sellers.
Evening
Dine at the CBD’s top restaurants
- Africola: 4 East Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
- Chianti: 60 Hutt St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Adelaide’s restaurants have the fine dining game on lock.
One spot we always return to is the colorful Africola, dishing out legit South African meals like the fiery peri peri chicken and the salty Goolwa pipis.
Chianti is another must-visit restaurant, especially for die-hards of authentic Italian cuisine. This is the best spot for linguine nero and dolce di parma.
Explore Adelaide’s vibrant nightlife
- HENNESSY Rooftop Bar: 45 King William St, Adelaide, SA 5000
- Maybe Mae: 15 Peel St, Adelaide, SA 5000
Your vacation isn’t complete without hitting up the HENNESSY Rooftop Bar. This chic spot has top cityscape vistas, chill vibes, and top-notch cocktails that’ll level up your night out.
Maybe Mae is another bar exemplifying Adelaide’s premier nightlife. This one is intimate, and its award-winning capulet and pineapple cocktails will blow away your travel fatigue.
Take a twilight cruise along the River Torrens
Address: Elder Park, King William Rd, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8232 7994
Popeye Cruise’s Chalk Hill Wine & Dessert Tasting Cruise explores the majestic River Torrens during dark hours.
Here, you’ll travel along the meandering river, passing by Adelaide’s attractions, such as Elder Park and Adelaide Park Lands.
While enjoying the scenic cruise, you’ll also be served gourmet treats and organic wines from Chalk Hill’s cellars.
Day 2 – See the Beauty of Adelaide Hills
Morning
Enjoy breakfast at a cozy cafe in the hills
- FRED Eatery: 220 Mount Barker Rd, Aldgate, SA 5154
- Sazón Espresso: 1/24 Gawler St, Mount Barker, SA 5251
An Adelaide escapade isn’t complete without feasting on the delectable dishes of Adelaide’s Hills cafes. FRED Eatery, for instance, makes mornings special with their crafted house-blend coffee and granola meals.
Sazón Espresso is another Adelaide Hills cafe you should give a whirl. Their Mexican breakfast menu includes breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros, and horchata.
Visit the charming town of Hahndorf
- Main Street: Hahndorf, SA 5245
- Hahndorf Farm Barn: 2282 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
- Beerenberg Farm: 2106 Mount Barker Rd, Hahndorf, SA 5245
- Hahndorf Academy: 68 Main Street, Hahndorf, SA 5245
Hahndorf is pure morning bliss. You can stroll through Main Street to admire German-style architecture or visit Hahndorf Farm Barn for a taste of Adelaide Hills’ farm life.
You can also head to Beerenberg Farm to pick strawberries or shop for homemade products like jams and sauces.
If you want to witness the region’s art, you can swing by the heritage building of Hahndorf Academy, where workshops and exhibits take place.
Explore Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
– From michellelake
Address: 16 Lampert Rd, Crafers, SA 5152
Contact Details: (08) 8370 8370
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is an amazing spot for a morning hike.
This is a flora wonderland, with areas like the Woodland Garden offering lakeside views and the Fern Gully, where the country’s top fern collection blooms.
Beyond natural wonders, you’ll also spot abstract sculptures by Greg Johns across the garden. There are quite a few in Dwarf Conifer Lawn and Main Lake, so don’t forget to visit these spots.
Afternoon
Have lunch at a winery
- Lane Vineyard: 5 Ravenswood Ln, Hahndorf SA 5245 Ravenswood Ln, Hahndorf SA 5245
- Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard: 166 Harris Rd, Lenswood, SA 5240
Lunch at Lane Vineyard and Mt. Lofty Ranges Vineyard is an absolute must for a top-notch culinary experience with a view. At Lane Vineyard, you’re in for some serious gourmet caviar and steak, with locally sourced ingredients and epic wine pairings.
Meanwhile, at Mt. Lofty Ranges Vineyard, you’ll be treated to delicious beef skewers, pumpkin risotto, and wines.
Plus, the rustic setting is killer, Think Lenswood’s undulating hills and seemingly endless vineyard vistas.
Hike to Mount Barker Summit for panoramic views
– From nikkita_dighe
At an elevation of 513 meters above sea level, Mount Barker Summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding Adelaide Hills landscape.
These include Mount Lofty, Mount Barker township, Cream Bowl, Lakes and Coorong, and the Bremer Valley to the east.
The area also holds historical and cultural significance, with interpretive signage providing insights about the Peramangk people, this area’s traditional custodians.
Evening
Drink and dine at a pub
- The Crafers Hotel: 8 Main St, Crafers, SA 5152
- The Summertown Aristologist: 1097 B26, Summertown, SA 5141
Drinking at a pub in the Adelaide Hills, like The Crafers Hotel, is a no-brainer. The hotel has a range of craft beers and local wines, so you can sip quality brews while enjoying their iconic steak frites.
The Summertown Aristologist, on the other hand, reigns supreme when it comes to artisanal drinks and organic wines. Their ever-evolving menu also showcases health-conscious meals, like hogget with lentils and nomad chicken terrine.
Day 3 – An Odyssey to Beaches and Reserves
Morning
Ride a tram to Glenelg Beach
– From Philip Mallis
It’s your last day in Adelaide, so start strong by boarding a tram and heading to Glenelg Beach.
You can catch the tram at various locations in the city, including the Adelaide Railway Station, King William Street, or North Terrace.
This morning journey offers stunning views along the way. Once you reach Glenelg, you can enjoy beautiful sandy shores, restaurants, and vibrant shops right by the ocean.
Enjoy water-based activities at Glenelg
– From helloglenelg
When you’re at Glenelg Beach, it’s all about making a splash, mate! If you’re feeling adventurous, take a jet ski out for a spin or catch morning waves on your surfboard.
But if you’re more of a chill seeker, go for a swim or simply soak up the sun on the pristine shores.
If luck is on your side, you might catch glimpses of dolphins doing flips, but if you want a greater chance of spotting some, join the Temptation Sailing tour.
Enjoy a seaside breakfast at a beachfront café
- Veloce Glenelg: Marina Pier, shop 23 12Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg, SA 5045
- Bayside Cafe: 9 Nile St, Glenelg, SA 5045
Rolling up for a seaside breakfast at a beachfront café in Glenelg is a slam dunk move. First off, you’re kicking it right by the ocean, so the views are off the charts.
Plus, the food at highly rated spots like Veloce and Bayside Cafe is legit.
Veloce has Italian brekkie chow with bruschetta and antipasto platters headlining, while Bayside Cafe brings hearty Aussie morning combos like bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, and toast.
Afternoon
Hike through the picturesque Waterfall Gully
– zackknowbody
Address: Cleland, SA 5152
Contact Details: (08) 8339 2444
The shaded pathways toward Waterfall Gully are more Instaworthy and less crowded in the afternoon. As you stroll, you’ll be treated to grasslands, creek crossings, and First Falls.
You’ll also cross paths with Waterfall Gully’s furry and feathery residents. You can spot kangaroos and wallabies chilling in the bush, colorful parrots and kookaburras flying around, and even sleepy koalas perched on gum trees.
Enjoy a peaceful walk in Belair National Park
– From the.runaway_girl
Address: Upper Sturt Rd, Belair, SA 5052
Contact Details: (08) 8278 5477
Belair National Park is the best spot to simply zen out after a morning of adrenaline-pumping activities.
Our favorite spot in SA’s oldest national park is the marshy but serene Wood Duck Walk trail, where ducklings often hang out.
You can also unwind by Playford Lake, where Eurasian coots and dusky moorhens swim and feed. Moreover, you can spot flowers like bush peas and hairy pink-bells under the canopy of towering gum trees nearby.
Evening
Take a sunset walk along the beaches
– From nishabano
- Route to Semaphore Beach
- Route to Port Noarlunga Beach
- Route to Moana Beach
- Route to Maslin Beach
- Route to Sellicks Beach
Adelaide’s beach sunsets are the bomb, and you need to experience them before you leave. You have plenty of options, from the family-friendly Semaphore Beach to the snorkeling hotspot Port Noarlunga Beach.
Other famous spots include Moana Beach, an it spot for surfers, and Maslin Beach, popular for its crystal-clear waters and nudist sections.
But if you prefer witnessing the golden hours in a more secluded spot, the cliff-embraced Sellicks Beach is where it’s at.
Fish at Adelaide’s jetties
– From francis_squid_fishing
- Glenelg Jetty: 2 Colley Terrace, Glenelg, SA 5045
- Larg’s Bay Jetty: Esplanade, Largs Bay, SA 5016
- Semaphore Beach Jetty: Esplanade, Semaphore, SA 5019
- Brighton Beach Jetty: 134B Esplanade, Brighton, SA 5048
Fishing at Adelaide’s beach jetties is an absolute blast at night.
With lit-up jetties in Glenelg Beach, Largs Bay, Semaphore Beach, and Brighton Beach, you won’t go home empty-handed or wet from a fall.
The typical catches include Tommy ruffs, garfish, blue crabs, and even some sneaky squid. If you’re a master angler, expect to reel in snappers, mullets, and flatheads too.
Eat dinner at Henley Beach
Estia Restaurant: 255 Seaview Rd, Henley Beach, SA 5022
Secrets by the Sea: 207 Esplanade, Henley Beach, SA 5022
Eating at Henley Beach’s finest restos is the best finale for your Adelaide trip.
Our best picks include the exotic Estia Restaurant and the seafood haven Secrets by the Sea—both serving top-tier food and booze. Estia Restaurant’s pan-fried chicken liver in olive oil is perfect with their loukoumades.
On the other hand, Secrets by the Sea’s beer-battered whiting and grilled prawn skewers work like a charm with their sparkling Aurelia prosseco.
What to Expect of Adelaide’s Climate
- Summer: Prepare for scorching heat with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), often soaring above.
- Autumn: Enjoy pleasant weather with daytime temperatures averaging between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F) and cooler evenings.
- Winter: Experience mild winters with average temperatures between 12°C and 16°C (54°F and 61°F), occasional rain, and a need for warm clothing and hot beverages.
