Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth-largest Australian capital. It’s surrounded by more than 70 kilometres of coastline on the west and the Adelaide Hills on the east. The hills, which are a short 30-minute drive from the city center, are home to historic villages, including Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Adelaide is perhaps most famous for being the wine-growing capital of Australia — including the world-class Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale wine regions.

Adelaide’s urban center is relatively compact — it’s known as the 20-minute city because you can walk from one end to the other in a very short amount of time. The town’s lively main street reflects its German heritage, most evident in the shops selling cuckoo clocks and German trinkets, and the restaurants and pubs offering traditional German fare. Adelaide is also known as the City of Churches, for its large number of ornate houses of worship within the city and surrounding suburbs.

Adelaide International Airport (ADL) has flights arriving daily from all over Australia and some international destinations. The airport is a short 20-minute drive from the city centre, with many taxis waiting at the rank to take you there. Alternatively, you could hop aboard the JetExpress bus service which takes regular trips into the city centre every day.

Once in the city, Adelaide is compact enough to explore comfortably on foot. The trams are also a great way to get around, including the free tram between South Terrace and the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, as well as along North Terrace. There is also a tram that will take you from the city to the popular seaside suburb of Glenelg.

Adelaide is most pleasant between the months of September and November and from March to May, when the weather is warm and sunny. The city’s most famous event is the Adelaide Fringe festival which takes place in February and March every year. After Edinburgh, this is the largest fringe festival in the world, and the city comes alive with a month-long celebration of art, live theatre, music, and comedy. The summer months are also a great time to take advantage of the city’s many beaches, including the popular Glenelg beach — just remember to pack a hat and sunscreen. Whenever you decide to visit, you will find a range of holiday homes and rentals in Adelaide available.

Adelaide Central Markets

Visit the city’s hub of food and culture, the Adelaide Central Market, where you’ll discover eateries offering treats from all parts of the globe. Visit local producers selling fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, chocolate, honey, and breads. You can also take a guided tour through the market, learning about its rich history and beloved characters.

Barossa Valley

Take the 60-minute drive north of the city to the Barossa Valley, known as the wine capital of Australia. Here you will find some of the world’s most famous wineries, which offer tastings and stunning locations to enjoy a spot of lunch within charming historical towns.

RoofClimb Adelaide Oval

Take the RoofClimb above the iconic Adelaide Oval cricket ground for 360-degree views of Adelaide and beyond. RoofClimb guides will take you across the rooftop of the Oval’s Western Stand before you head to the Riverbank platform, perched 50 metres over the stadium. Sit in the world’s first rooftop stadium seats and hear about Adelaide’s rich history.