8 reasons Adelaide is the ULTIMATE summer destination
If you're someone who still calls Adelaide the city of churches, read on.
Not only is January in South Australia home to the biggest cycling race in the southern hemisphere, it is a a state that is bursting with culture, flavours, events and entertainment. So if you’re in town during the Santos Tour Down Under, consider adding these epic activities to your itinerary and eat, drink, ride, shop and swim your way around this great city!
An Array of Bike Tracks
If your preferred mode of transport is on two wheels, why not explore Adelaide’s myriad of bike paths and trails during your visit? With options for the avid, experienced road cyclists through to family friendly fun, we recommend you browse through our plethora of bike trails here to begin your journey!
Stylish and Scrumptious Bars & Restaurants
Adelaide is bursting with an abundance of food and beverage offerings. From boutique to fine dining, we recommend indulging your senses at some of our city’s most popular (and delicious) restaurants. Osteria Oggi, Africola, Restaurant Botanic, Fuggazi, Fino Vino, Golden Boy and Shobosho are just a few of the many options.
Of course, there is an endless list of cool bars in Adelaide too. From cosy cocktail lounges to stylish rooftop bars – start curating your own bar crawl with these popular picks East End Cellars Wine Bar, 2KW, Pink Moon Saloon, Merrymaker, Maybe Mae and Leigh Street Wine Room.
You can thank us later!
Premium Wine Regions
Get ready to indulge in the wines, the atmosphere and the views as the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under ventures through some of our state’s most beautiful and thriving wine regions including the Barossa, the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale. Extend your time in these regions before and after the race and enjoy world-renowned wineries like Seppeltsfield in Barossa, The Lane Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills and d’Arenberg in McLaren Vale – just to name a few.
Awesome Family Adventures
There’s something for everyone in the City of Adelaide. Tackle the challenge that is the TreeClimb or spend hot summer days cooling off at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre. If you’re wanting to venture a short drive out of the city, we recommend checking out Beerenberg for a fun and rewarding strawberry picking experience, Woodhouse Activity Centre to let your kids play and explore to their heart’s content or The Beach House for a fun filled day of games, rides and attractions.
Beautiful Beaches
Visit the picturesque coastline of South Australia without having to head far from the CBD with locations like Henley Beach and Glenelg. Enjoy their expansive blue waters, stunning shores, bustling shopping precincts and plenty of lunch and dinner options. When soaking up the spectacle of Men’s Stage 5 be sure to check out the beautiful beaches of Port Willunga or Aldinga for a picturesque and serene ocean experience.
Furry Friends
Head out into the sunshine and explore the many animal experiences Adelaide has to offer! Exhibited over eight hectares Adelaide Zoo is a great option – it’s home to over 2,500 animals and almost 250 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. If looking for an immersive nature experience venture 20 mins out of the CBD to Cleland Wildlife Park and get up close to some of the state’s most iconic animals. There is also Granite Island where you can see a colony of little penguins or Monarto Safari Park - the largest open-range zoo in the world.
Unmatched Natural Wonder
The City of Adelaide is home to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and the Bicentennial Conservatory (the largest single span glasshouse in the Southern Hemisphere). Rising over 710m above sea level Mount Lofty Summit is only 20 minutes from the CBD and provides spectacular panoramic views across Adelaide’s City skyline.
Support our River Region by heading to the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong where you'll be immersed in the natural beauty and breathtaking scenery of the Murray River which flows more than 2500 kilometres from the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales, through the Riverland and onto the Lakes and Coorong. Spend the night under the stars and see the Milky Way in its true splendour by camping in the International Dark Sky Reserve.
Extend your stay and explore regions more South Australian regions including Kangaroo Island, the Flinders Ranges or Eyre Peninsula for absolutely unbeatable outdoor experiences.
Shop Up A Storm
Boasting global brands and local favourites Rundle Mall is in the heart of the city, with more than 700 retail stores it won’t be hard to find your next bargain to brag about! In the surrounding suburbs discover our luxurious and popular shopping precincts, including King William Road, Norwood Parade and Burnside Village.
