Henley Beach is an oceanside suburb of the city of Adelaide, South Australia, exuding a laid-back holiday town vibe right outside of the city centre. The area draws locals to its stretches of sandy beach, popular with swimmers and stand-up paddleboarders, as well as to hip eateries serving up fresh seafood and beloved local ice cream parlours. The Henley Beach Jetty always sees people fishing off the end of the pier, and it’s a scenic place to take in memorable sunsets.

There’s a small mall here, too, with shops and cafes where you can refuel with a cup or two of strong local coffee. This neighbourhood makes you feel like you’re on a beach getaway just 30 minutes away from Adelaide’s buzzing central business district via public transportation. Henley Beach is an excellent launching pad for exploring downtown between beach days.

This part of Australia has a Mediterranean climate. The spring and autumn months are more temperate, with the latter being a great time to head out into wine country to take advantage of the harvest. But most visitors come during the dry, hot summers to enjoy the beaches between December and March. Very little rain falls at this time of year — while some storms can occur, they’re few and far between. Winter is the wet season, but there are not many rainy days between June and September. It can get quite chilly, though, so bring a jacket. This is also a good season to check out the museums and cosy up with a flat white in a cafe.

Adelaide Oval

This open-air sport and events venue is a staple of everyday life in Adelaide. Grab tickets to a cricket match and spend the afternoon in the sunshine among the locals. Make sure to walk the grounds, too, because the Oval is located just north of the river, surrounded by large green spaces — one of the key features of central Adelaide.

Art Gallery of South Australia

Catch the train into the centre and head to this gallery housed in a 19th-century building. Here you’ll find works from Indigenous artists, as well as a diverse collection of installations and travelling international exhibitions.

Barossa Valley Wineries

You’ll need a car for the day to make the one-hour trip to the Barossa Valley, widely known as the region that produces some of the country’s finest cool-weather wines such as thick-skinned Shiraz. There are plenty of vineyards to choose from, and many also have restaurants that showcase local produce.