Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia. Adelaide is known for its festivals, food and wine and its beautiful parks and gardens. It is also known as the city of churches. This title does not relate to the number of churches but to the number of denominations represented in the city.
If you’re visiting for the first time, here’s a suggested 3-day Adelaide itinerary to help you make the most of your stay. If you are a return visitor we may have some new experiences for you to enjoy.
If you only have a weekend or two days to spend in Adelaide you can choose the Adelaide attractions that you would like to do out of our 3 day itinerary for Adelaide.
You can now download our article on GPSMyCity. How it works: Download the app “GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities” from the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. Each walk comes with a detailed tour map as well as photos and background information for the featured attractions. The app’s navigation functions guide you from one attraction to the next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when travelling abroad.
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Day One – Adelaide Itinerary
Spend your first day getting acquainted with the city.
In the morning at 9 am take a 1.5 hour guided city walking tour. Your Welcome to Adelaide Tour includes visiting:
“From major shopping areas to key nightlife and food spots, gain an understanding of the city’s history and culture by a born-and-raised local. Begin at the Mall’s Balls, Adelaide’s most famous sculpture, before continuing through Rundle Mall and Adelaide Arcade to marvel at the varied architecture and public art. Stop by important spots including Parliament House and Town Hall, and enjoy discovering the city’s quirks, before finishing outside the famous Adelaide Central Market – an essential Adelaide experience.” taken from our tour partner Get Your Guide.
If you do not want to take an organised tour here are some suggestions for exploring Adelaide City on your own:
Adelaide Central Market for breakfast. The market is closed Sunday and Monday and open from 7 am on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. The market opens at 9 am on Wednesday and Thursday. Address: 44-60 Gouger St, Adelaide
Head to Rundle Mall after breakfast with over 1000 retail stores for some retail therapy
Close to Rundle Mall is the Art Gallery of South Australia and Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens.
In the afternoon explore the historic Adelaide Oval. One of Adelaide’s popular tours is to take a 90-minute walking tour of behind the scenes of Adelaide’s important sporting venue. Most days there are tours at 11 am or 2 pm.
If you are looking for something a little bit more adventurous how about walking the roofline of the Adelaide Oval? 360-degree views over the city await you but if you’re more adventurous, you can try the lean-out point at 164-feet (50 meters) above the ground. This tour runs throughout the day and including early evening.
In the evening dine at one of Adelaide’s finest establishments.
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Day Two – Adelaide Itinerary
Today enjoy the delights of Adelaide by cruising down the River Torrens.
There are two options available:
Popeye Devonshire Tea Cruise
For 45 minutes you will be cruising down the River Torrens whilst enjoying a Devonshire tea of freshly made local scones (choice of double chocolate, fruit or plain scones) with tea or coffee. There are various morning departures.
Book NowPopeye Sightseeing River Cruise
Your 45-minute cruise down the River Torrens will take you past the Adelaide Festival Centre and Adelaide Gaol. Two departures at 12.00 or 1.00 pm. You can disembark at the end of your cruise at either the Adelaide Zoo or Botanic Gardens.
Book NowVisit Glenelg
In the afternoon head to the beachside suburb of Glenelg easily reached by tram from the city in 20 minutes. Head to Moseley Beach Club for an evening sunset cocktail. Grab a bite to eat along the foreshore or go boutique shopping along Jetty Road.
Day 3 – Adelaide Itinerary
The day to hit one of the wine regions which South Australia is famous for. You can choose the Barossa Valley which is 70 km northeast of Adelaide or the McLaren Vale region which is located 40 km south of Adelaide. If you want an alternative to visiting the wineries we can recommend a visit to Kangaroo Island.
From Adelaide to the Barossa Valley by Luxury Car
Visit the best boutiques and historic and famous wineries.
See the best attractions the Barossa has to offer.
Cruise the best scenic roads in the hills and the valley
Includes lunch at the renowned restaurant Vinters Bistro and Grill with a glass of wine each
All wine and food sampling is included in the tour
There is plenty of storage space in the boot for your purchases
McLaren Vale Full-Day Winery Tour
Highlights of the tour include:
- Return transfers to Adelaide CBD, Glenelg, Southern suburbs – other areas please check
- Full-day tour with 9.15 am -9.30 am pick up (McLaren Vale 10 am approx)
- SHARED USE of our Airconditioned Mercedes Benz luxury transport
- Multi-award-winning wine tour with over 15 years of experience.
- Small group with a maximum of 8 passengers
- Fully accredited tour operators who live in McLaren Vale with local knowledge
- Complimentary chilled water
- Behind-the-scenes winery tour (subject to availability)
- Delicious regional lunch platters included
- We are the McLaren Vale specialists!!!
- Minimum age 18 years
- PLEASE NOTE – Cellar door tasting fees are not included in the price but most are redeemable if you purchase wine.
The third option is to Visit Kangaroo Island – Kangaroo Island Full Day Experience by Ferry Including Lunch
- Travel by return ferry and coach to Kangaroo Island
- See a colony of rare sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park
- Enjoy a delicious 2-course lunch
- Follow the boardwalk down a rugged cliff face for dramatic views of Admirals Arch Walk around spectacular Remarkable Rocks
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed our 3 days in Adelaide itinerary. Which of Adelaide’s top attractions would you like to do?
FAQ’s on Visiting Adelaide South Australia
Is Adelaide worth visiting? Yes, it is. Not only do you have the city highlights but you have the opportunity to visit the wine regions such as the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and the Adelaide Hills. Travelling further afield you can visit Wilpena Pound and the Ikara Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy, Port Lincoln, Victor Harbour and much more.
What to do in Adelaide for 4 days?
Use the 3-day itinerary and add a visit to Victor Harbor or a River Murray Day Trip.
How many days in Adelaide is enough?
We would recommend 3 days minimum to enjoy the ‘must-see’ in Adelaide
Can you stay in the Barossa Valley wineries?
Yes, here are some of our favourite winery accommodations in the Barossa Valley.
Can you book tours if you are already staying in the Barossa Valley?
Yes, we share some examples here of Barossa Valley Tours
When is the best time to visit Adelaide?
The best time to visit Adelaide and South Australia is during the spring and autumn months. You can expect less rainfall and moderate temperatures.
What is public transport like around Adelaide?
For a journey planner for your public transport travels you can find out more information here.
For free transport within the CBD you can find more details here.
Getting to Adelaide
There are flights available from around Australia and overseas.
For the latest airport private transfers:
Car rental is available from airport and city locations.
We always recommend that you take out travel insurance.
Travel insurance offers protection when things go wrong before or during your travels.
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