Despite boasting pristine sandy beaches, beautiful wineries, local-produce markets, rugged coastlines and a bustling restaurant scene, Adelaide is often overlooked by holidaymakers in favour of Australia’s more popular cities of Melbourne and Sydney.
Yet this year has been the most eventful summer in Adelaide.
Robbie Williams, Ed Sheeran and even Take That have held headline shows here.
The city’s Fringe and WOMAD (World Of Music, Arts And Dance) festivals provide the biggest draws – with comedians, musicians, artists, filmmakers and everyone in between, flying in from all over the world to experience Adelaide’s cultural highlights.
Here are seven more reasons to visit the South Australian capital.
Glenelg Marina
Buzzing Glenelg is a long-time favourite among locals and tourists alike – mostly thanks to its seemingly endless beach with Baywatch-style lifeguards on duty.
These days, however, it’s the Marina in the spotlight.
Relax with a coffee (or wine) at Boards on the Pier – a licensed cafe-come-surf boutique specialising in casualwear and board games.
Then, treat yourself to a serving of oysters (the chilli cheese topping is surprisingly delicious) and classic cocktails at the appropriately named Oyster Bar.
South Australia’s indigenous history
British surveyor Colonel William Light founded Adelaide in 1826.
However, indigenous Australians occupied the area for thousands of years before then.
Sadly, much of their culture has been wiped out, but the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, Tandanya, offers presentations on the traditional culture of the region’s Kaurna tribe.
Find your idea of foodie heaven
The mix of Asian fusion restaurants along Gouger Street will leave you spoiled for choice at meal times.
Sushi Train is perfect for a quick lunch and takeaway boxes are available on request.
Save space for desert in the form of a local cheeseboard with jam at Adelaide Central Market.
Concubine’s fancy Peking duck pancakes gets the vote for dinner (AUD $13.90, £7.60).
Souvenir shop while supporting local up-and-coming artists
Over on Morphett Street, the Jam Factory showcases the work of post-graduate art and design students in a traditional warehouse setting.
Watch creations come to life and, of course, there is an opportunity to order or buy products at each stall. Everyone’s a winner.
Experience a traditional Aussie beach cafe
An hour south of the city is the rugged coastline of Port Willunga, a small town with an often-deserted, pristine beach.
Take a walk along the golden sand and dip a toe in the sea if you’re feeling brave enough – the water tends to vary between 18C and 24C degrees.
Then retire to the cliff-top Star of Greece cafe, for the ultimate local seafood sampling with a view. Opt for the blue swimmer crab fettuccini entree (AUD $20, £11) with a classic Aussie fish (King George whiting) and chips main (AUD $35, £19).
Indulge in wine and chocolate
South Australia is known for its wine, so a cellar-door experience at the state’s main wine regions – McLaren Vale, the Barossa and Clare Valley – is a must.
For an extra-special wine tasting, book into the ChocoVino experience at the Hahndorf Hill Winery.
Here, your chosen tipple will be carefully paired with locally made chocolate – all for a tidy sum of AUD $25 (£14) per person.
Swim with dolphins
Spend the morning swimming with bottlenose and common dolphins with the crew at Temptation Sailing.
The sheltered coastline around Adelaide means the experience is enjoyable regardless of how many times you see the wildlife.
Wetsuits and snorkel gear are provided for the three-and-a-half-hour experience (AUD $98pp, £54). Non-swimmers can join the boat tour for AUD $68pp (£37).
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