Adelaide Guides Attractions Events in South Australia

Adelaide is a city of great visual harmony and classical elegant style, superbly set beside the River Torrens between the Adelaide Hills and waters of Gulf St Vincent, and the ideal gateway to your Australian holiday.

The wine and festival capital of Australia, Adelaide is a place to experience the buzz, culture and convenience of a big city without the frustrations. The city centre, surrounded by parklands, is a charming blend of historic buildings, wide streets, groovy shops, street cafes and restaurants. And because Adelaide is known as the 20-minute city, you can experience it all on a series of easy short walks.

Wine and Dine:
Your food and wine holiday begins right in the city centre with the Adelaide Central Market; the National Wine Centre of Australia; vibrant cafes and restaurants boasting some of Australia’s best chefs; and events such as Tasting Australia.

You'll find a mix of restaurant strips dotted right across the city - Rundle Street East for alfresco dining. The Parade at Norwood for great Italian food. Gouger Street for seafood and Asian fare. And anything goes on O'Connell and Melbourne Streets in North Adelaide. Visit Restaurant & Catering Australia's website for a comprehensive list of great Adelaide restaurants.

Heart of the Arts:
The Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts is one of the most innovative arts festivals in the world, while the Adelaide Fringe is now the second biggest in the world after Edinburgh. The Adelaide Festival Centre on the banks of the River Torrens was the first multi-purpose arts centre built in Australia and maintains its status as the creative heart of South Australia.

A hub for events:
Festivals and events occur with remarkable frequency for a city of Adelaide's size. The Clipsal 500 Adelaide V8 race annually attracts more than 200,000 people and has been named Australia's best major event. Adelaide's international music festival WOMADelaide has the Adelaide Botanic Garden as its backdrop. And the Tour Down Under is the biggest road cycling event in the land, and now part of the world pro-cycling calendar.

Take a Dip with Dolphins:
Swim with dolphins just 20 minutes from the city centre on a Temptation Sailing cruise. The 17-metre catamaran, based at Holdfast Shores Marina in Glenelg, is perfect for cruising beside Adelaide's endless sandy shoreline. Afterwards, stick around to explore Holdfast Shores and its many great restaurants, pubs, luxury boats and apartments.

Swing the Bat with Bradman:
Pay homage to Australia's cricketing icon, Sir Donald Bradman, at the State Library of South Australia. The Bradman Collection features more than 140 items, from trophies and bats to oral recordings and 52 scrapbooks on The Don's brilliant career. Then take a tour of Adelaide Oval, widely regarded as the most picturesque cricket ground in the world.

Taste the Adelaide Central Market:
Join thousands of people buying, selling and tasting the best of South Australia at the Adelaide Central Market, established in 1869 and now the largest undercover market in the southern hemisphere. Nearby Chinatown is also great for fresh local produce and authentic Chinese food.

Haigh's, Chocoholic Heaven:
Visit Haigh's Chocolates Visitor Centre, home of Australia's oldest surviving chocolate-making company and one of only a handful worldwide still making chocolate directly from cocoa beans. Take a free, 20-minute tour of the factory and check out the heritage displays before getting down to business in the tasting room.

Tram it to Glenelg:
Ride Adelaide’s tram from the city centre to beachside Glenelg. You'll find a great beach, jetty and lively shops, cafes and restaurants along Jetty Road. Discover South Australia's settlement history at the Bay Discovery Centre and see where the colony's first government was proclaimed under the Old Gum Tree.

Port Adelaide and Semaphore:
Head to historic Port Adelaide for a look at the hands-on South Australian Maritime Museum and a short cruise to see the divine dolphins of the Port River. Then delight in the seaside village atmosphere of Semaphore, with its majestic Palais right on the water and a long boulevard of antique shops, cafes, bakeries and pubs.

Botany Bounty, the Adelaide Botanic Garden:
Marvel at native and exotic flora displays and 5000 roses at the International Rose Garden. Stroll through a lush tropical rainforest in the Bicentennial Conservatory (it's the biggest glasshouse in the southern hemisphere). Established in 1857, the 16-hectare Adelaide Botanic Garden is right on North Terrace and still South Australia's most popular attraction.

Aboriginal Culture - South Australian Museum:
Explore the world's largest collection of indigenous artefacts in the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, an award-winning exhibition in the South Australian Museum. Delve into the life of Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson, or examine the opalised skeleton of a six-metre-long plesiosaur. Free tours run weekdays at 11am and weekends and public holidays at 2pm and 3pm. And for contemporary Aboriginal culture, head a few blocks away to Tandanya, the National Aboriginal Cultural Institute.

Picture Perfect - Art Gallery of South Australia:
See one of the best Australian colonial art collections in the world, renowned dot paintings of the Western Desert, landscapes by Sir Hans Heysen and the works of Australia's much-loved impressionists including Tom Roberts and Frederick McCubbin. The Art Gallery of South Australia is housed in one of Adelaide's most beautiful buildings – and you can't leave without coffee and cake in the café out back.

The Home of Australian Wine:
Test your skill at virtual wine making; meet the winemakers on the interactive Wine Discovery Journey; and delight in great Australian architecture at the National Wine Centre of Australia. Part of the University of Adelaide, the National Wine Centre showcases the national wine industry and is a great place to start your journey through South Australia's wine country.

As the oldest wine region in South Australia, the Adelaide Hills has had time to get things right.

The first vines were planted here in 1839, just three years after settlement.

Drive Adelaide Hills's many scenic routes and you'll find picture-postcard views at every turn; some of the best cool-climate wines in Australia; koalas, kangaroos and enough cute native animals to melt even the most world-weary heart; and gorgeous places to rest your head at the end of gentle days of discovery.

And this little pocket of paradise is so close to Adelaide. Just a few minutes' drive down the South Eastern Freeway and you're away from the rat race and surrounded by manicured vineyards and market gardens, natural Australian bushland and lush green pastures. Each season offers its own appeal: leafy landscapes ablaze with changing colours in autumn; warm fires and historic cottages in winter; blooms and berries in spring; and cool cellar door retreats in summer.

Village Charms

Rolling hills and leafy valleys provide a spectacular backdrop for pretty towns across the Adelaide Hills. You're unlikely to pass through any village without being enticed by a roadside stall, nursery, intriguing shop, aromatic bakery or historic pub. Visit Hahndorf for its German heritage; Woodside for its antiques; Stirling for its organic market and excellent shops; Gumeracha for its giant rocking horse (voted best big thing in Australia); Bridgewater for the award-winning cellar door and restaurant at Bridgewater Mill; Birdwood for the National Motor Museum; Macclesfield for its Sunday market; and Norton Summit for the Scenic Hotel.

Festivals & Events

Experience the best of the Hills at one of many great regional events. There's everything from the Adelaide Hills Harvest Festival for food and wine lovers in February; to the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival in March; the Heysen Festival for arts lovers in September/October; and the spectacular Lobethal Lights Christmas extravaganza in December. Check out the full range on our events listing.

Wine Country

The cool-climate wines of the Adelaide Hills are among the most prestigious in Australia. Discover them at more than 20 cellar doors from Macclesfield in the south to Kersbrook in the north. The region is home to more than 200 grape growers and 50 wine labels: look out for famous names like Petaluma, Nepenthe, Shaw & Smith, Ashton Hills and Chain of Ponds at Gumeracha.

Warrawong

Only in South Australia could a sanctuary for native plants, rare and endangered animals and Aboriginal culture be so close to the city centre. At Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, you can enjoy a self-guided walk between 9am and sunset all year round, or take a guided nocturnal tour to see bilbies, brush-tailed bettongs, Tamar wallabies and the elusive platypus. The sanctuary is just near Mylor (less than 30 minutes from Adelaide) and features convention facilities, a family picnic area, Bilby Cafe and accomodation. A visit to Warrawong is definitely worthwhile.

Food Trail worth Following

Hills producers and chefs show off their skills on the Taste the Adelaide Hills trail. At venues including restaurants, wineries, pubs and cafés, at least one special dish comprises over three-quarters local produce. You’ll also find local specialties at farmers markets through out the region. Grab a trail brochure at Visitor Information Centres throughout the Adelaide Hills.

National Motor Museum

Pick your dream vehicle at the National Motor Museum: the Australian FJ, the Monaro, an Italian beauty, a Norton or Triumph. The museum is much more than a fantastic collection of vehicles – it tells the stories about Australia’s love of cars, and how motoring changed who we are and where we went. Located in Birdwood, the museum costs $9 for adults.

Hans Heysen's The Cedars

Walk in the steps of world famous artist Hans Heysen. The Cedars, his historic property, home, gardens and studio remain much the same as when the great artist died in 1969. It’s just outside the much-loved heritage town of Hahndorf. Tours of The Cedars cost $8 for adults.

Stunning Scenery around Every Bend

Follow the landscape on a scenic drive in the Hills. The valleys, gorges and ridges, and the bush, orchards and vineyards make every route a reward. There are historic villages on the way, national parks and reserves for walks and picnics, and gardens, cellar doors and galleries to visit.

Mount Lofty Summit

Check out spectacular views of Adelaide and Gulf St Vincent at Mount Lofty Summit, a great tourist attraction in its own right but also home to an excellent restaurant offering modern Australian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. The refurbished Visitor Information Centre features hands-on displays of attractions and conservation activities throughout South Australia.

Cuddle a Koala at Cleland

Cuddle a koala and see kangaroos and 120 other native species at Cleland Wildlife Park, just 12 kilometres from the heart of Adelaide in the Adelaide Hills. You'll also see the world's biggest bird aviary, plus there's feed runs at 10am to 3pm daily and great night walks for a look at the world of native nocturnal animals.

Aldgate has retained a historic feel, with the town's buildings now home to a selection of art and craft shops and restaurants. This Adelaide Hills village grew following the construction of the Aldgate Inn in 1864, now the Aldgate Pump.

Stangate House, built in 1840, features an extensive camelia garden and the town's deciduous trees are a delight in both spring and autumn.

And there's more to discover in the Adelaide Hills.

It's the home of boutique wineries, country markets, art galleries and charming villages. It's also the place for romantic weekends away, cosy pub meals, scenic drives and nature walks.

Children love the Adelaide Hills's giant rocking horse, National Motor Museum and wildlife parks.

Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide's central business district, the Adelaide Hills provide a wonderfully refreshing change from the pace of the city.

Aldinga is a seaside town near fabulous Aldinga Beach.

Aldinga Beach itself is one of the few in Australia where cars are permitted to drove on parts of the broad sand, making it easier for you to reach the water and surf. This is also a great spot for scuba diving and snorkelling, with the beach overlooking an aquatic reserve established to protect a rare reef formation.

An underwater trail includes a spectacular drop-off, or underwater cliff. A boat ramp provides easy access to the water.

See more of the Fleurieu Peninsula – a coastal playground famed for its laidback lifestyle, beach breaks for surfers of all levels of experience, and top fishing spots.

It's a paradise for divers and snorkellers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Seadragon.

Enjoy some of the best produce and vineyards in Australia. The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to some prestigious winemaking regions, including McLaren Vale. The history of winemaking in this region goes all the way back to 1842, and it consistently produces some of the best drops you'll ever taste.

There's also national parks, golf courses, top quality cuisine and more.

Aldinga Beach is one of the few in Australia where cars are permitted to drive on parts of its broad, sandy beach, making access to its safe swimming and surf especially easy.

Aldinga Beach is a top spot for scuba diving and snorkelling, with the beach overlooking a unique aquatic reserve established to protect a rare reef formation.

An underwater trail includes a spectacular drop-off, or underwater cliff. A boat ramp provides easy access to the water.

See more of the Fleurieu Peninsula – a coastal playground famed for its laidback lifestyle, beach breaks for surfers of all levels of experience, and top fishing spots.

It's a paradise for divers and snorkellers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Seadragon.

Enjoy some of the best produce and vineyards in Australia. The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to some prestigious winemaking regions, including McLaren Vale. The history of winemaking in this region goes all the way back to 1842, and it consistently produces some of the best drops you'll ever taste.

There's also national parks, golf courses, top quality cuisine and more.

Ashton is a small village in the Adelaide Hills, central to the wonderful attractions of this picturesque region.

Make it your base for a romantic holiday or relaxing retreat. It's only a short drive to renowned restaurants and eateries including the Bridgewater Mill at Bridgewater, Mt Lofty House at Crafers and Maximilians at Verdun. The Scenic Hotel at Norton Summit is only minutes away, offering restaurant meals by a roaring log fire in winter, as well as breathtaking views. And nearby Uraidla Hotel has a split-level restaurant overlooking the beautiful Piccadilly Valley.

Ashton is home to Ashton Hills Vineyard, which offers wine tastings and sales on weekends and public holidays. There's also a charming bed and breakfast. Enjoy the many antique stores, arts, crafts and cafes in the region.

And there's more to discover in the Adelaide Hills.

It's the home of boutique wineries, country markets, art galleries and charming villages. It's also the place for romantic weekends away, cosy pub meals, scenic drives and nature walks.

Children love the Adelaide Hills's giant rocking horse, National Motor Museum and wildlife parks.

Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide's central business district, the Adelaide Hills provide a wonderfully refreshing change from the pace of the city.

Balhannah is a pleasant Adelaide Hills village, popular for its roadside stalls such as the Olde Apple Shed.

Balhannah boasts has a renowned chocolate shop for pure indulgence. If wine tasting is your thing, be sure to visit Nepenthe Wines and Shaw and Smith just out of town. The Balhannah Hotel is popular with locals and the Stanley Bridge Hotel and Maximilian’s Restaurant can be found nearby at Verdun.

Balhannah was founded by a Scottish immigrant named James Turnbull Thomas. There has long been controversy about the name he gave the village, since it may have been known at one time as Belhannah. His mother’s name was Belle and his sister was Hannah, and Bel is Gaelic for village.

And there's more to discover in the Adelaide Hills.

It's the home of boutique wineries, country markets, art galleries and charming villages. It's also the place for romantic weekends away, cosy pub meals, scenic drives and nature walks.

Children love the Adelaide Hills's giant rocking horse, National Motor Museum and wildlife parks.

Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide's central business district, the Adelaide Hills provide a wonderfully refreshing change from the pace of the city.

Birdwood is an attractive Adelaide Hills village that's home to the popular National Motor Museum.

This museum tells the history of motoring in Australia and has an excellent collection of vintage cars - more than 300 in fact. It’s set in a beautiful complex by the River Torrens. The museum hosts special events each year including the Bay to Birdwood Run, held in September on even years. This is one of the world's great historic motoring events, with a spectacular list of more than 1800 vintage vehicles, complete with passengers in period dress.

And the Bay to Birdwood Classic is held in September on odd years. More than 2,000 classic motor vehicles follow the route from Glenelg to Birdwood, followed by a day of pure classic entertainment at the museum.

Birdwood is the major town in the eastern Adelaide Hills. You'll find a traditional Australian pub and gallery that displays work by local artists, plus several cafes you can stop in. There are some good bushwalking and cycling trails in the area, including the Mawson Trail.

Birdwood was initially named Blumberg by the German settlers who farmed the area in the late 1840s.

Nestled within the Adelaide Hills, Bridgewater provides a pleasant village retreat.

Delight in Bridgewater's European gardens and lines of deciduous trees along the creek. Visit the award winning St Githa's Garden, best seen in spring and summer. This formal English garden features lawns, roses, perennials and outstanding floral displays.

Grab the brochure, "Two Walks in Bridgewater", which covers most of the historic buildings in Bridgewater including the Millers Cottage (1860), the Bridgewater Mill, the Bridgewater Inn, the General Store (1877) and the Old Police Station. Both walks are ideal ways to experience the beauty of the area.

The elegant Bridgewater Mill Restaurant provides exquisite meals and fine wine at this restored flour mill, where the giant waterwheel still turns. The Bridgewater Mill also houses the cellar door for Petaluma's famous wines, and the cellars where the company's sparkling wines are made. Enjoy wine tasting, and sit outside to dine while overlooking the spectacular waterwheel, or inside the renovated historic building.
And there's more to discover in the Adelaide Hills.

It's the home of boutique wineries, country markets, art galleries and charming villages. It's also the place for romantic weekends away, cosy pub meals, scenic drives and nature walks.

Children love the Adelaide Hills's giant rocking horse, National Motor Museum and wildlife parks.

Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide's central business district, the Adelaide Hills provide a wonderfully refreshing change from the pace of the city.

Largely regarded as the gateway to the Adelaide Hills, Crafers is one of the oldest towns in the region.

Adelaide’s highest peak, Mount Lofty Summit (710 metres), is a three minute drive from Crafers, and there is an excellent Visitor Information Centre and cafe at its peak.

Other Crafers attractions include the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens - which has an extensive collection of deciduous trees, rhododendrons and a fern gully - and wonderful Cleland Wildlife Park, where you can see and interact with South Australian wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos.

The nearby market gardens and vineyards of Piccadilly and Summertown provide an ideal backdrop for a scenic drive, and the picturesque Mount Lofty Golf Course is nearby.

Crafer's first building was the Sawyers Hotel, built by David Crafer in 1839 – just three years after South Australia was settled. The gathering place of ‘tiersmen’ (timber cutters) who worked the Stringy Bark forests that covered the hills, the pub was a popular haunt for the colony’s cattle thieves, sly grog merchants and bushrangers, who took refuge in the relative isolation of the Hills.

A village quickly grew around the pub and, in 1840, Crafers built a second inn – the Norfolk Hotel, but this burnt down in 1926. In 1880 the Crafers Inn was built and it has remained a popular watering hole to this day.

Once the most important gold fossicking area in South Australia, today Echunga is a pleasant farming town with historic buildings to admire.

The Jupiter Creek Heritage Trail interprets the mining craze that took place in the mid to late 1800s and includes visits to the 80 metre New Phoenix Tunnel and several old shafts. Don’t forget to take your torch! There’s also a heritage walk available in town, and a treasure market on the first Saturday of each month.

Surrounded by rich farmland and natural bushland, the 18 hole Echunga Golf Club is another attraction.

Echunga Golf Course covers 5,403 metres of well watered fairways in an Australian setting among large gum trees. 18 greens complement the par 70 course that will suit the average golfer, while providing a challenge to the more experienced. The course is available for play everyday with an honesty box available when the clubhouse is closed.

And there's more to discover in the Adelaide Hills.

It's the home of boutique wineries, country markets, art galleries and charming villages. It's also the place for romantic weekends away, cosy pub meals, scenic drives and nature walks.

Children love the Adelaide Hills's giant rocking horse, National Motor Museum and wildlife parks.

Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide's central business district, the Adelaide Hills provide a wonderfully refreshing change from the pace of the city.

Glenelg is Adelaide's most popular beach destination. It's always buzzing with people enjoying the sand and sea, foreshore parks and summer entertainment. Stroll along the jetty. Browse through the hundreds of shops and dining at sidewalk cafes along Jetty Road.

Moseley Square, where Jetty Road meets the beach, is the terminus for the City-to-Bay Tram (trolley), synonymous with Glenelg for 70 years and used and adored by residents, commuters, shoppers and visitors every day.

Nearby Holdfast Shores Marina is the base for Temptation Sailing's dolphin cruises and Hel-A-Va-Jet Boat - an exhilarating fully enclosed jet boat providing thrilling rides along the coast.

The Bay Discovery Centre at Glenelg Town Hall tracks the history of Holdfast Bay and its evolution into today's seaside lifestyle. Stroll along Jetty Road's shops, cafes and restaurants. Visit the Bay Discovery Centre, Holdfast Shores Marina and picnic at Kingston Park Coastal Reserve. Walk the Federation and Proclamation Trails.

Five kilometres south along the Esplanade, is the seaside hamlet of Brighton, also a favourite beach playground, with a delightful village atmosphere along its own Jetty Road.

At Kingston Park, Kingston House is the oldest building in Holdfast Bay, built in 1840 and set on a three-acre reserve with stunning coastal views. On the foreshore, a striking monument by South Australia sculptor John Dowie marks one of the significant spring sites on the Tjilbruke Trail and a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk heads south to Marino Rocks.

Gumeracha in the Adelaide Hills is famed for its 18-metre high Giant Rocking Horse, which visitors can climb to survey the leafy surroundings.

Afterwards, wander through the toy factory featuring a wealth of charming wooden creations. Continue through the toy factory and into the adjoining wilderness park, where you can see (and feed) a variety of birds and animals.

Gumeracha is a town that is proud of its history. See beautifully restored buildings, including two churches. The Gumeracha and District History Centre holds a collection of photographs and paraphernalia.

There are also craft and antique shops, two winery cellar doors with restaurants at nearby Chain of Ponds, and various accommodation options.

And there's more to discover in the Adelaide Hills.

It's the home of boutique wineries, country markets, art galleries and charming villages. It's also the place for romantic weekends away, cosy pub meals, scenic drives and nature walks. Wander through the National Motor Museum and explore the local wildlife parks.

Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide's central business district, the Adelaide Hills provide a wonderfully refreshing change from the pace of the city.

One of the Adelaide Hills's most famous towns, Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement.

There’s still a strong German flavour in Hahndorf, most evident in the smallgood outlets and German bakeries that line the bustling main street.

Visit the former home and studio of artist Sir Hans Heysen - The Cedars. Take a guided tour of this gracious old home, still owned by the Heysen family. It houses a fine collection of paintings and drawings displaying Heysen's remarkable versatility in subject and medium. Also on the grounds, see Heysen's working studio, his painting materials and tools, sketches, notes and more.

Near Hahndorf, you can pick your own strawberries at Beerenberg. And there are several good winery cellar doors in the area.

Hahndorf has plenty of souvenir shops, craft outlets and galleries, including the Hahndorf Academy - a regional centre for the arts and heritage based in a charming 150-year-old building. Walk through its four galleries, migration museum, artist's studios, art classes and retail gallery.

Take the children to the Hahndorf Farm Barn, a combination of a children's farmyard and a nature wildlife park. You can interact with a wide variety of tame and friendly animals.

Dine at Hahndorf's restaurants and cafes, including the Hahndorf Inn Hotel's award-winning restaurant. It offers traditional German fare and a delightful range of local favourites. Faithfully following traditional German recipes and cooking methods, the Hahndorf Inn is a delightful retreat with family and friends.

Henley Beach is a popular beachside suburb of Adelaide, offering white sand, gentle surf, a popular dining square and regular live entertainment in the summer.

Take your family and spread out on the sand, or enjoy a picnic on the grassed areas. Take advantage of the shade beneath Henley Beach's long jetty, or bring along the fishing rod and try your luck. The lapping waters are ideal for families.

Henley Square is here - a popular Adelaide dining spot, offering fine cafes and restaurants including Thai and Greek. Dine outdoors while you watch the sun set over the ocean. The square fills up quickly in the summer months. Enjoy a few drinks at the nearby Ramsgate Hotel or Bacchus Wine Bar. There’s no shortage of indoor dining options, but sometimes the best option is tried and tested fish and chips on the grass.

During the summer months, you can watch bands playing in Henley Square or enjoy a local festival.

Henley Beach Road has a cornucopia of food stores and eateries - Asian, African, Mediterranean and Indian. All this, just 20 minutes from the Adelaide city centre.

Henley Beach is located around 20 minutes west of the Adelaide city centre. Walk north along the beach and after about twenty minutes you’ll reach the Grange Jetty. Here you’ll find the Grange Jetty Kiosk, the perfect spot to kick back with a coffee (or meal) while enjoying amazing ocean views.

An historic and popular Adelaide coastal area, Holdfast Bay encompasses Glenelg, Brighton, Seacliff and Kingston Park.

Holdfast Bay is just 20 minutes from Adelaide's city centre and less than 10 minutes from the domestic and international airports. Its coast offers great opportunities all year for both business travellers and holiday seekers.

Glenelg's well-known 'Old Gum Tree' was the site chosen by Governor Hindmarsh to read the proclamation of South Australia on 28 December 1836. Each year this event is celebrated on Proclamation Day with a re-enactment of this reading on the same site. While visiting, see the HMS Buffalo - an authentic replica of the original ship that brought the state's first Governor to Holdfast Bay - now a floating restaurant.

Experience Glenelg's famous tram from Adelaide (the only operational city tram service), bustling Jetty Road, the new marina and Holdfast Shores development, beautiful white beaches, heritage walks and buildings, as well as a wide variety of accommodation, attractions, activities, festivals, cuisine and shopping.

Brighton, Kingston Park and Seacliff boast a relaxed lifestyle and superb coastal views. They offer a variety of shopping, dining, historical features and seaside activities.

The area has a Mediterranean climate characterised by warm dry summers and cool mild winters, with summer temperatures averaging 27 degrees Celsius and winter months around 15 degrees Celsius.

Experience South Australia's rail heritage in the town of Littlehampton. Begin your journey at Platform 1 Heritage Farm Railway, where the children can learn all about life on the farm and take a ride on the miniature railway.

This area boasts a strong farming and rail heritage and Littlehampton offers a hotel, restaurant, café and other shops.

Lobethal is a favourite Christmas destination, as this whole Adelaide Hills town gets into the Christmas spirit and decorates homes and businesses with a myriad of coloured lights to welcome the thousands of visitors who come to celebrate the festive season.

The Onkaparinga Woollen Mill, for which the town was once well known, is now a small business centre that includes several food producers, artisans and craftspeople. The Mill also hosts the Adelaide Hills Market on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays, and is a favourite with locals and visitors alike.

Families will also enjoy Fairyland Village, which depicts fairy tales in life-sized displays, and the National Costume Museum, which holds an amazing collection of clothing and accessories from the past two centuries.

Macclesfield is a small town in the leafy Adelaide Hills of South Australia.

You can wander the town with its historic buildings and old village feeling and enjoy a meal and a drink at one of the local historic hotels.

It still has wonderful examples of early stone architecture that remain as dwellings to this day and there are an abundance of good walks both in and around the village.

The Macclesfield Weekly Market is operated by the Battunga Country Growers' Market, held every Sunday. Grab fabulous home-grown, handmade, organic and fair trade produce.

You can drive to Macclesfield on the beautiful Angus River Scenic Drive (route B33). It takes about 45 minutes from the city of Adelaide.

And there's more to discover in the Adelaide Hills.

It's the home of boutique wineries, country markets, art galleries and charming villages. It's also the place for romantic weekends away, cosy pub meals, scenic drives and nature walks.

Children love the Adelaide Hills's giant rocking horse, National Motor Museum and wildlife parks.

Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide's central business district, the Adelaide Hills provide a wonderfully refreshing change from the pace of the city.

Maslin Beach in the Fleurieu Peninsula has been called one of the prettiest beaches in South Australia.

Maiintained in almost pristine condition, the southern end of Maslin Beach has the distinction of being South Australia's first legal nudist beach. Its high cliffs provide a great picnic spot or sunset viewing.

Maslin Beach is some 3 kilometres long, and nude sunbathing and swimming is only allowed in part of the beach.

See more of the Fleurieu Peninsula – a coastal playground famed for its laidback lifestyle, beach breaks for surfers of all levels of experience, and top fishing spots.

It's a paradise for divers and snorkellers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Seadragon.

Enjoy some of the best produce and vineyards in Australia. The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to some prestigious winemaking regions, including McLaren Vale. The history of winemaking in this region goes all the way back to 1842, and it consistently produces some of the best drops you'll ever taste.

There's also national parks, golf courses, top quality cuisine and more.

Moana is a popular beachside town on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Norfolk Island Pines dominate its foreshore.

Go to Moana for its summer swimming, year-round fishing, snorkelling and coastal walks. It's not far from Adelaide and a popular seaside destination for the locals. Moana is also one of the few beaches where you can drive onto the sand. The beach's swimming areas are patrolled by Moana's Surf Life Saving Club.

Moana Beach Tourist Park is only 40 minutes drive south of Adelaide, with facilities including two full size tennis courts.

See more of the Fleurieu Peninsula – a coastal playground famed for its laidback lifestyle, beach breaks for surfers of all levels of experience, and top fishing spots.

It's a paradise for divers and snorkellers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Seadragon.

Enjoy some of the best produce and vineyards in Australia. The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to some prestigious winemaking regions, including McLaren Vale. The history of winemaking in this region goes all the way back to 1842, and it consistently produces some of the best drops you'll ever taste.

There's also national parks, golf courses, top quality cuisine and more.

One of the fastest growing regional centres in Australia, Mount Barker is the retail hub of the Adelaide Hills.

Mount Barker is also a town rich in history. The Mount Barker Council Heritage Walk offers an insight into the history of the town, taking in the heritage buildings of Murray Street and Auchendarroch, built in 1878 by prominent South Australian Robert Barr Smith as the family’s summer residence. Restored to its former glory, it is now part of the Wallis entertainment complex.

Looming over the town is Mount Barker Summit, which has excellent views of the surrounding area. The Mount Barker Summit Scenic Drive takes in the Summit Conservation Park as well as the Laratinga Wetlands, where there is a good linear walk. Families will enjoy a visit to Keith Stephenson Park, which has picnic facilities and South Australia’s largest skate park.

Mount Barker is also the home of Steamranger - a vintage steam-powered train that travels to Strathalbyn, Goolwa and Victor Harbor - and a tree-lined 18-hole golf course. And more recently, the town has become known as the home of leading natural skincare company Jurlique. Tours of their herb field, where much of their produce is grown, are available by appointment.

Pubs, restaurants, petrol stations, supermarkets and speciality shops can all be found here, as well as sporting facilities, a hospital and several banks.

Mount Torrens is one of the Adelaide Hills's most well preserved historic towns.

Declared a State Heritage town by the South Australian government, Mount Torrens's main street is lined with picture perfect 19th century buildings including an old inn, flour mill and several private homes. Today small acre farming, dairying and grape growing are the main industries and there is also a Clydesdale Stud near the town.

Mount Torrens is halfway between Adelaide and the Murray River, which saw it become a popular staging point for bullock teams travelling from the river. It was settled in 1853 by George Dunn. In the 1860s gold was discovered and this led to a population boom.

And there's more to discover in the Adelaide Hills.

It's the home of boutique wineries, country markets, art galleries and charming villages. It's also the place for romantic weekends away, cosy pub meals, scenic drives and nature walks.

Children love the Adelaide Hills's giant rocking horse, National Motor Museum and wildlife parks.

Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide's central business district, the Adelaide Hills provide a wonderfully refreshing change from the pace of the city.

Visit Mylor in the Adelaide Hills. Stop for a meal in its fully licenced cafe has opened, boasting international cuisine.

Don't miss the nearby Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary, set on 14 hectares of natural bushland. Take a guided dawn or dusk walk, enjoy the restaurant, or even stay overnight in its bush cabin accommodation. Depending on the time of day, you might see bettongs, potteroos, native birds, wallabies, reptiles and platypus.

Selected as the ideal spot for a town development by former Surveyor-General Sir George Woodroffe Goyder, Mylor was established in 1891. Initially referred to as Warrakilla, the town’s name changed to Mylor after the Acting Governor’s Cornish birthplace. Interestingly, it was perhaps the only town in the Adelaide Hills not to have a pub – its largely Methodist population resisting the temptation.

And there's more to discover in the Adelaide Hills.

It's the home of boutique wineries, country markets, art galleries and charming villages. It's also the place for romantic weekends away, cosy pub meals, scenic drives and nature walks.

Children love the Adelaide Hills's giant rocking horse, National Motor Museum and wildlife parks.

Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide's central business district, the Adelaide Hills provide a wonderfully refreshing change from the pace of the city.

Nairne, in the scenic Adelaide Hills, has historic buildings lining the main street, including the town’s first school which opened in 1851, and the Miller’s Arms Hotel.

There’s a good antique shop and a blacksmith shop selling wrought iron wares in Nairne, along with an excellent nursery, which specialises in roses and hydrangeas on the outskirts of town.

Named after founder Matthew Smillie’s wife, Elizabeth Nairne, this is a rapidly growing town with a rich history. Famous as a wheat growing area, the old Albert Mill is an impressive structure, showcasing historical architecture. In the late 19th century the Chapman’s Smallgoods Factory became a major employer and continued to be until its closure in 2002.

And there's more to discover in the Adelaide Hills.

It's the home of boutique wineries, country markets, art galleries and charming villages. It's also the place for romantic weekends away, cosy pub meals, scenic drives and nature walks.

Children love the Adelaide Hills's giant rocking horse, National Motor Museum and wildlife parks.

Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide's central business district, the Adelaide Hills provide a wonderfully refreshing change from the pace of the city.

A few minutes north of Adelaide's city centre you'll find North Adelaide's tree-lined streets, majestic mansions and a bustling atmosphere.

North Adelaide is home to two of Adelaide's most loved 'eat streets', boasting everything from coffee shops and fast food to cafes, pubs and five-star dining.

Among its historic buildings and boutique gift stores, O'Connell Street offers a diverse selection of some of the city's finest Italian, Asian and Modern Australian cuisine. Just a short walk away is cosmopolitan Melbourne Street, packed with classy cafes, elegant restaurants and hip pubs that just ooze style.

You'll find some fabulous children's playgrounds in North Adelaide, parklands to stroll through, the Adelaide Aquatic Centre, Piccadilly Cinema, and the City of Adelaide Golf Links.

North Adelaide boasts plenty of quality accommodation, including the historic and quirky.

Surrounded by apple and cherry orchards, Norton Summit is home to beautiful 19th century homes and quaint cottages, some of which offer bed and breakfast accommodation.

At the centre of the Norton Summit is the Scenic Hotel. Its balcony offers stunning views over the Hills to Adelaide.

At nearby Aston, Marble Hill, built in 1878, was the former summer residence of South Australian Governors until it was ruined by a bushfire in 1955. Its ruins are open to the public on the second Sunday of every month. You can wander among the many walking trails, have a light lunch in the tea rooms or take a picnic and enjoy panoramic views from the ranges to the sea.

Further afield, bushwalkers will enjoy a visit to the Horsnell Gully Conservation Park, while Morialta Conservation Park is popular with rock climbers. More information on what to see and do in the area can be found at the Adelaide Hills Natural Resource Centre in Norton Summit.

One of the oldest towns in South Australia, Norton Summit was settled in 1837 just months after European settlement by Englishman Robert Norton. The town is also a family home of former South Australian Premier Sir Thomas Playford.

Just five minutes east of the central business district, you’ll find one of Adelaide’s most popular shopping and dining destinations – The Parade, Norwood. Famous for its cosmopolitan café culture and an extensive selection of men’s, women’s and children’s quality shopping outlets, The Parade also offers visitors the choice of gourmet food, books, music, sports and furniture stores amongst a selection of award winning hair and beauty salons.

The locals know the joy of strolling The Parade, deciding which cuisine to choose. Will it be Greek, Thai, Italian or Spanish tonight? Perhaps Nepalese, Indian or a seafood and noodles combination! With more than 30 restaurants and cafés to choose from, The Parade is a regular venue for those who love endless opportunities to eat out.

And during the day, you’ll find plenty of alfresco café spots for a coffee revival before hitting the shops with high street retailers to designer fashion houses and one-of-a-kind exclusive boutiques all within easy reach.

Over 20 hair and beauty salons ensure plenty of opportunity to be pampered before or after shopping… and don’t forget the diversity of ethnic food you’ll find - reflective of the Adelaide's multicultural, cosmopolitan population – it’s a cook’s heaven.

If you’re visiting in late summer, then mark Sunday 25 February on your itinerary as the date to attend the Natuzzi The Parade Food, Wine and Music Festival. This annual event, which starts at 12pm and continues until 8pm attracts an average of 80,000 locals each year. They come back to sample the gourmet dishes of more than 20 restaurateurs and café owners who have made The Parade their home. And there’s wine too, to complement the great food samples on offer from all of South Australia’s vineyards in one easy to reach location. Add six stages of music to suit every age and taste, fashion parades throughout the afternoon and the Parade Piazza, (a quality market presenting locally made goods in a village like atmosphere) and you can see why this festival is considered Adelaide’s premier food and wine event.

Just a stone’s throw away from The Parade is the eclectic ‘Magill Road Treasure Trove’ featuring antique shops, unique home wares and gifts, as well as manufacturer-owned furniture outlets, natural beauty retailers and The Ruby Oracle!

Magill Road is the kind of shopping experience where you are sure to find that rare piece or trinket that will give your home its own unique look. If you’re after a special gift – one that will stand out from the crowd - then Magill Road is a ‘must-do’ afternoon of fascinating browsing – it’s a fossicker’s heaven.

Oakbank is the site of the biggest picnic race meeting in the southern hemisphere, the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival.

Oakbank is an attractive Adelaide Hills town housing two historical breweries – one now selling cordials and soft drinks to the public and the other home to the Oakbank Weaver, where hand woven textiles and tapestries are produced on eight large looms.

Every Easter, the Oakbank racecourse brings thousands to the town to see the Great Eastern Steeplechase.

The Oakbank Heritage Walk takes in all the historic sights, including a 130-year-old oak tree that is listed on the National Trust’s Register of Significant Trees. There’s also a nine-hole golf course, said to be one of the best of its kind in the country.

During the two days of the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival, the racecourse erupts with an explosion of racing, sideshows, fashion, picnics, friends and families. It attracts thousands of people. The centre of the course becomes a "Disneyland", a place of fun and fantasia for the young and not so young.

And there's more to discover in the Adelaide Hills.

It's the home of boutique wineries, country markets, art galleries and charming villages. It's also the place for romantic weekends away, cosy pub meals, scenic drives and nature walks.

Children love the Adelaide Hills's giant rocking horse, National Motor Museum and wildlife parks.

Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide's central business district, the Adelaide Hills provide a wonderfully refreshing change from the pace of the city.

Old Noarlunga is a Fleurieu Peninsula town set on a bend in the Onkaparinga River.

Take the self guided tour of Old Noarlunga to absorb its history, including the landmark Saint Phillip and Saint James Church.

The village of Old Noarlunga became an important focus for local industry after it was founded in 1841. The river that once provided an early trade route for locally milled flour taken to ships at Port Noarlunga is now the centrepiece of a national park, with boardwalk access to the estuary wetlands where birdwatchers can expect to see little egrets, coots, ibis, herons and Yellow-billed spoonbills.

See more of the Fleurieu Peninsula – a coastal playground famed for its laidback lifestyle, beach breaks for surfers of all levels of experience, and top fishing spots.

It's a paradise for divers and snorkellers, with dramatic shipwrecks and stunning marine life, including the famed Leafy Seadragon.

Enjoy some of the best produce and vineyards in Australia. The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to some prestigious winemaking regions, including McLaren Vale. The history of winemaking in this region goes all the way back to 1842, and it consistently produces some of the best drops you'll ever taste.

There's also national parks, golf courses, top quality cuisine and more.

Port Adelaide is a sea port city and the historic maritime heart of South Australia. It's home to fascinating museums, bustling markets, historic buildings and more.

Port Adelaide's ornate former bank and office buildings, humble warehouses and bond stores, and wharves and hotels tell the vivid story of colonial maritime life. You'll find the South Australian Maritime Museum there, celebrating stories from settlement to today in its collections and exhibitions. The Port is also home to the National Railway Museum, South Australian Aviation Museum and the Seahorse Farm.

The mangroves, estuarine waters and wetlands form an aquatic reserve and are richly endowed with birds and marine life, including a substantial colony of much-loved Bottlenose Dolphins. The Ships Graveyards is a rare and unusual heritage collection: more than 40 ships dating from 1850s have been abandoned here over the years, as local waters were generally too shallow for scuttling.

Must See and Do:
. Meet the dolphins on a cruise or kayak tour of the mangroves
. Visit the museums, walk the wharves and see the tall ship One and All, which offers trips into the gulf
. Walk the Port or Semaphore on a self-guided tour or with one of the Port's volunteer guides
. Ride the carousel and the steam train at Semaphore
. Explore the bustling Sunday markets

Port Adelaide is only 14 kilometres, or 20 minutes drive, west of Adelaide.

A short drive from Port Adelaide is the charming seaside suburb of Semaphore, its name reflecting its vital communications role in the 19th century. The tower on the hill was an official signal station where signalmen relayed information to about all ships in the gulf. Semaphore retains a nostalgic beachside holiday atmosphere, with a charming foreshore with an old carousel and a steam train that runs a 2km route along the coast.

Salisbury is a vibrant community offering a wide range of recreation opportunities including beautiful parks, reserves and wetlands for you to enjoy. It takes in the historic seaside town of St Kilda with its award winning adventure playground.

Explore Salisbury's local trails and wetlands including the Little Para Trails, the Wodliparri Trail at Kaurna Park and Dry Creek Linear Park.

Salisbury is a recognised national leader in a range of industries and takes in Technology Park, where companies deal in the many myriad forms of technology, such as computer systems, robotics and space technology. Salisbury is located 25 kilometres north of Adelaide.

The first people associated with the Salisbury area were the Aboriginal people known as the Kaurna. Recent research indicates that far from living a nomadic life style, groups were settled in campsites along the coast and inland plains of the Adelaide region. Many occupational and sacred sites still exist around the Salisbury area, including the Greenfields Wetlands. In 1839, three years after the founding of South Australia, a Scot named John Harvey migrated to South Australia. In 1847 he bought Section 2191 along the Little Para River and decided to develop a township there.

The township allotments went for sale the following year. John chose to name the township 'Salisbury' as his wife came from near Salisbury (on-the-plain) in England. His wife Ann (nee Pitman) was related to Sir Isaac Pitman of shorthand fame. Many of the streets in Salisbury are named after John and his family.

Most of the early settlers were English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh. There were also German settlers and some French.

Since World War Two Salisbury had grown and changed dramatically due to changes in transport, population growth, technology, immigration and its closest proximity to the city of Adelaide.

Beautiful Sellicks Beach offers steep cliffs that give way to a long expanse of white sand.

Sellicks Beach is at the southern most point the City of Onkaparinga, is where the Mount Lofty Ranges meet the sea.

This part of the South Australian coastline is renowned for its plentiful fishing and you'll find good boat launching facilities here. This is also a popular spot for surfers, particularly during the winter.

Cars with beach passes are permitted on the beach below the Esplanade. You can contact the City of Onkaparinga for information on beach passes.

The Victory Hotel restaurant and cellar door are here. Enjoy the view from the restaurant's enclosed verandah, which is heated during the colder months to provide a cosy hideaway. The Victory Hotel is famed for its quality, extensive wine list.

Semaphore’s white sands, family-friendly shallows and colourful foreshore make for a classic Adelaide beach escape.

Semaphore beach is deep and white and backed by low dunes rather than tall buildings, so you get a sense of being miles from anywhere.

Enjoy the expanse of green foreshore – 2 kilometres of public space preserved for what beach holidays are supposed to be all about. Fun! Play mini-golf, slither down the water slide, ride on the vintage carousel or ferris wheel, buy ice creams and fish and chips from a beachside kiosk, cycle on the bike track, and ride on the steam train that puffs along the shoreline.

Semaphore’s maritime history isn’t confined to a museum. Even from the end of the jetty you can see the Timeball Tower, the oldest working carousel in the southern hemisphere, the glorious 1920s Palais bathing pavilion, historical buildings along Semaphore Road and the Ozone Theatre building.

Semaphore Road – one of Adelaide’s widest boulevards – is finding a new sense of style. Funky boutiques have opened their doors alongside famous ‘old salt’ pubs. Contemporary cafes are serving beneath the tin ceilings of century-old buildings. Indulge in high quality food in a beachside atmosphere, where fine dining and great pubs mix with quirky cafes and good old-fashioned fish and chips.




Want to wake in the morning to the sound of waves? Start the day with a swim at any number of B&Bs near the seafront. In the area you’ll find luxury apartments, traditional guesthouses, a caravan park, hotel accommodation in pubs, student accommodation and even a converted church.

Semaphore hosts Australia’s largest kite festival in March. The Semaphore Street Fair in November sees the community get together on Semaphore Road to celebrate everything Semaphore! Other carnivals include the Summer Carnival, New Year’s Eve and Australia Day fireworks, Greek Festival, and Semaphore Music Festival. Check out www.portenf or www.semaphoresa.com for more.

Pretty Stirling, in the Adelaide Hills, is home to some of South Australia’s most beautiful homes.

Stirling became popular with Adelaide’s wealthy residents in the 1800s, who built summer houses to escape the heat of the plains in the late nineteenth century. A walk through Stirling will reveal many of these homes, including some that have been converted to bed and breakfast accommodation.

The tree-lined main street, a riot of colour in both spring and autumn, has a good collection of cafes, restaurants and shops. Many of Stirling's magnificent ‘English’ gardens are accessible to visitors via the Open Garden Scheme.

And there's more to discover in the Adelaide Hills.

It's the home of boutique wineries, country markets, art galleries and charming villages. It's also the place for romantic weekends away, cosy pub meals, scenic drives and nature walks.

Children love the Adelaide Hills's giant rocking horse, National Motor Museum and wildlife parks.

Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide's central business district, the Adelaide Hills provide a wonderfully refreshing change from the pace of the city.

What is now Adelaide's metropolitan coastline plays a significant role in the creation story of the Kaurna (pronounced Gar-Na) people.

The ancestor Tjilbruke carried the body of his slain nephew down the coast from the place that's now Kingston Park to the tip of the (Fleurieu) Peninsula. At each place where the grieving giant stopped to shed tears, a freshwater spring welled from the ground.

Springs and other geological sites at Kingston Park, Hallett Cove, Christies Beach Port Noarlunga, Port Willunga and further south are all linked by this great Dreaming legend.

To discover this ancient story, and learn about Kaurna life in the region, visit the peaceful Warriparinga Reserve (bounded by Sturt, Marion and South roads at Marion). Here the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre sits with the tranquil wetlands.

Surrounded by market gardens, orchards and vineyards, Uraidla’s stunning setting makes it a favourite with many visitors.

Uraidla is known for its Hills Produce Market, open on the first and third Sundays of each month, from 10am to 3pm. The market sells fresh produce, gourmet foods, plants and cut flowers.

The Uraidla Show, held in February, offers all the fun of a traditional country show and the Uraidla Hotel is a good option for meals or a glass of local wine.

While in the area, take a few minutes and divert to Basket Range - arguably one of the prettiest scenic areas of the Adelaide Hills.

Uraidla's origins can be traced back to 1840, but it wasn’t until the 1870s that the area really boomed, with farming the main industry. The valley that surrounds Uraidla was christened Chapel Valley after the wooden chapel built there by the early settlers; however, they replaced it with a stone version in the 1850s. Though its no longer there, a replica model sits in the pioneer cemetery on Swamp Road.

And there's more to discover in the Adelaide Hills.

It's the home of boutique wineries, historic homes, art galleries and charming villages. It's also the place for romantic weekends away, cosy pub meals, scenic drives and nature walks.

Children love the Adelaide Hills's giant rocking horse, National Motor Museum and wildlife parks.

Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide's central business district, the Adelaide Hills provide a wonderfully refreshing change from the pace of the city.

Spend time at West Beach, one of Adelaide's most popular seaside holiday destinations. Swim in its beautiful, safe waters or relax on the sand and watch pelicans fly by.

West Beach offers award-winning caravan park and holiday village accommodation, particularly suited to families. You'll find the Adelaide Shores Holiday Village here, as well as the Adelaide Shores Caravan Resort.

This is also home to Harbour Town shopping complex - outlet shopping with big savings. Harbour Town has more than 90 fashion and home wares outlets all in one location and all selling direct at prices permanently up to 60 per cent below regular retail. But there isn't a factory in sight - just stylish, beautifully presented shops and boutiques.

For family activities, head to the West Lakes Mini Golf, set between Adelaide Shores Caravan Resort and Adelaide Shores Holiday Village. It's an immaculate course, offering fun for all ages. For a larger green, head to Adelaide Shores Golf Park

West Beach is also close to popular Glenelg and Henley Beach precincts, offering restaurants, cafes and live entertainment during warmer months.

Woodside is a popular town with plenty on offer, including several pubs, antique shops, cafes and accommodation; and a country market is held on the third Sunday of each month.

A kilometre or so out of town, Heritage Park houses several interesting attractions, including Melba’s Chocolate Factory, which offers tastings and demonstrations of chocolate and lolly-making, using antique equipment, and Woodside Cheese Wrights.

Details on what to see and do in the area can be found at the Woodside Visitor Information outlet in the main street.