Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is often known as the city of churches. Why? Because there are a lot of churches! haha It's also home to great food, beautiful walks, amazing wineries and of course Haighs!
For anyone who loves chocolate and / or wine, Haighs and Barossa Valley are probably some familiar names when we mention South Australia. However, the mention of Adelaide may not necessarily inspire a trip down south. It is a sleepy "town" compared to other larger cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, but I can tell you, if you are looking for a well balanced weekend away that will leave your tastebuds happy and satisfied, put Adelaide on the list.
To give you an idea of how much you could experience over a weekend in Adelaide, here are some of the things that I did with a group of friends just a few weeks ago.
1. Adelaide Central Market
There is a wonderful little market (also a night market on Friday nights) that has a combination of fresh market food to take home but some even choose to eat there, and it's Adelaide Central Market. Food is fresh and cheap. I'm normally not a turkish delight fan but had some really delicious turkish delight which I brought home.
2. Hike along Wheal Watkins track
There are lots of gorgeous tracks (different levels and lengths) in Adelaide and around Adelaide. We did one of the Wheal Watkins tracks which gave some amazing views overlooking Adelaide city. It was an easy (relatively) flat walk.
3. Hahndorf
Hahndorf is the oldest German town in Australia about 20 min drive south-east of Adelaide, in Adelaide Hills. There are buildings that date back to early 1800s, which is when German Lutherans escaped to South Australia for safety. Prior to Germans settling here this area was enjoyed by the Peramangk Aboriginal people. You can enjoy a variety of German food (including schnitzel) and even imported German snacks. I picked up some chocolates but there are lots of treats you can find. It's easy to explore as it's just one long street, so I recommend parking at Beerenberg and making your way up one side and then back down the other.
4. Beerenberg
Beerenberg is a strawberry farm but there are lots of other amazing condiments you can pick up here. During November to April the strawberry patch is open for you to actually pick strawberries to take with you. Unfortunately we were here in August so didn't get to do the strawberry picking but enjoyed some of the produce. Of the shelves fully of condiments, one that comes highly recommended by locals is the hot chips sauce. It's spicy but a life changer!
5. Art Gallery of South Australia
There is a bit of an art culture in Adelaide. I was particularly surprised by the amount of Indigenous art that is easily available and displayed in Adelaide. While we were there, the Frida and Diego exhibition was on at the Art Gallery of South Australia. I didn't really know much about Frida Kahlo, other than her monobrow. I discovered how much of an inspirational woman she is, through the exhibition and her art. Through her art, she expresses her deep thoughts around pain and death / life. At 6 years old she contracted polio, causing one leg to be thinner and shorter than the other, which made it difficult for her to walk normally. Then at the age of 18, she was in a bus accident, suffering major injuries to her legs, back and shoulders. She was effectively bound to a wheelchair and suffered a lot of pain and illness for the rest of her lift. Despite all of this, she was determined to show that a disability will get the way of your life, only if you let it.
6. Food and coffee
Last but not least, I was surprised by the quality of food and coffee in Adelaide. On the way to Hahndorf we stopped off a Grunthal Brew, where they brew their own beer. I didn't know there are so many different versions of pale ales! This was actually my first meal and I broke my fast that morning with a pale ale.... beer never tasted so good! We also had brunch there. This is a great menu list there, and they are known for their pizza. We tried the duck pizza, arancini balls and burrata. They were all soooooo delicious. The fermented chilli oil goes perfectly thing to add to the pizza and arancini balls. The duck pizza has kimchi on it was well, which I initially raised my eyebrow at, but to my surprise was reeeeeeally delicious!
It's probably a good idea to make a reservation, depending on time you plan on coming. During warmer days you can sit outside, which is gorgeous!
We also had dinner at Africola, an African restaurant. This was the first time I had tried African (inspired) food and it was amazing! I loved the BBQ chicken the best but the other food was incredible too. It's done in a set menu style and you can ask for vegetarian alternatives if needed. I recommend booking early as they get booked out very quickly!
You won't always get great coffee in Adelaide (like Sydney) but if you know where to go, there are some great options. We found Peter Rabbit, which is a cute (and hipster) garden themed cafe. We went here both days and coffee here is good!
So that's a wrap on my very packed weekend away in Adelaide. This was all thanks to my wonderful high school friend who lives down in Adelaide. I can't wait to head back down and try some other great restaurants and hikes!
#adelaide #radelaide #tripssouthaustralia #travelsouthaustralia #thingstodoadelaide #goodfood #goodcoffee #hikes #adelaidehills #weekendaway #weekendgetaway
I used to live in Adelaide when I was very young and have fond memories of the city. My great grandmother passed away a few years ago, having lived in the same house for about 40 years. I was privileged to have been one of the last family members to see her alive.
Looks great. I like reading about all of the foodie / coffee ☕️ places you went. I hope to travel to Adelaide 1 day :)
Oh now I Have To go to Adelaide 😂