Marvellous weather, picturesque locales, a hearty dose of adventure, intoxicating wine, mouth-watering food or an exciting line-up of events – No matter what you're looking for, Adelaide has got it all (and more)!
This city might not be as large as some of the other Australian destinations popular among Singaporeans (Melbourne and Sydney come to mind), but it still has a lot to offer every traveller. If you haven't checked it off your list yet, here are 5 reasons why you should change that immediately.
With a smorgasbord of sights and activities on offer, Adelaide is a testament to the glory of Mother Nature.
At the Adelaide Zoo, guests can be a part of the panda conservation program, while also getting a chance to hand-feed penguins, lions, giraffes and giant tortoises. Meanwhile, the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary has the perfect blend of adventure and wildlife, allowing visitors to kayak with dolphins!
You can make your way to the Cleland Wildlife Park (a 20 minute drive from downtown Adelaide) if you feel like cuddling a koala, and there’s an even greater incentive for those willing to take a short road trip to the South Australian Whale Centre (a 90 minute drive from downtown Adelaide), where if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the giant southern right whale, which returns to breed every winter!
Those looking to explore lush greenery can head to Himeji Gardens, which provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This classical Japanese garden was a gift from Adelaide’s sister city, Himeji in Japan, and its beauty is rivalled only by that of the Botanic Gardens of South Australia, where you can enjoy a guided walk in the park, free meditation sessions, outdoor concerts and movie screenings! What more could one ask for?
Adelaide is also the perfect place to soak up the sun. Whether you want to lie back and relax, surf, go fishing, or engage in adventure sports, Adelaide has just the beach for you. While there are a number of enticing restaurants and pubs on and around Henley Beach, Aldinga Beach and Sellicks Beach have safe swimming areas and activities like snorkeling and scuba diving. Meanwhile, those seeking serenity can head to Grange Beach, and every inch of the Semaphore Foreshore is drenched in history- from the iconic Time Ball Tower to the 1920s carousel!
It's only natural to miss the food back home when you're travelling. But don't fret. It's likely that Adelaide has just the dish you're craving. The city is a melting pot of cultures, a fact that is reflected in the local cuisine. Adelaide houses a growing number of restaurants serving different types of fares, from French and South African to Vietnamese and Indian!
Head to the International Food Plaza on Moonta Street to sample a variety of Asian delicacies from teriyaki chicken and miso soup to yum cha and pork buns, or get adventurous with restaurants like Babanusa and Abyssinian to feast on traditional Sudanese and Ethiopian dishes respectively. Additionally, Adelaide is peppered with restaurants, food stalls and cafes serving a myriad of delicacies that ensures you never go hungry (or bored of eating the same food).
For those looking to try authentic Australian cuisine, the options are endless. A visit to the city is incomplete without feasting on an AB - chips and yiros meat topped with tomato, barbecue and garlic sauce - and the famous Kitchener Bun - a sinful combination of a doughnut, jam, cream and powdered sugar! And for those who find themselves craving a late-night eat, there's nothing better than the pie floater, a unique local favourite made out of an Aussie meat pie seated in thick pea soup.
A hotspot for culinary aficionados is the Adelaide Central Market, where visitors can watch cheese being made, buy and relish local produce, visit one of over 80 cafes and restaurants, or go on a food tour of the market!
Adelaide has a seemingly endless number of events to ensure that there's no such thing as a dull day in the city. The South Australian Living Artists Festival presents a dazzling display of visual arts every August; while WOMADelaide livens up the long weekend in March with a plethora of world music and dance.
Cinephiles can head to the Adelaide Film Festival, which Variety magazine named one of the ‘50 Unmissable Film Festivals’ in the world. And no event reflects the unity in Adelaide’s diversity as beautifully as Feast Festival, the fortnight-long celebration of diversity through various forms of art.
And that's not all. Adelaide also hosts the International Guitar Festival, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, the OzAsia Festival, Adelaide Fringe and the dreamBig Children's Festival, to name but a few!
As Singaporeans, no vacation is complete until we can take home at least one souvenir. And the only reason you might find that difficult in Adelaide is having to pick just one!
One of Australia's most famous shopping destinations, Rundle Mall is the one-stop shop for all your needs - from gadgets and groceries to fashion and jewellery. Another popular spot is Adelaide Street, which brings together two things that most people love – food and fashion.
However, those looking to go beyond the big brands also have a plethora of options in Adelaide. The boutiques on King William Road sell locally made clothing and accessories. Magill Road and Unley Road, meanwhile, offer antiques, art and furniture par excellence. Other hidden gems like Glenelg and the Burnside Village Shopping Centre will leave you spoiled for choice. And for those who find themselves in this magnificent city between October and May, the Gilles Street Market is the go-to for designer samples, vintage clothing, clearance apparel, accessories and much more!
