At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Are you a foodie and a beach lover? Australia's fifth-largest city is a vibrant holiday destination with friendly locals, amazing produce, and a galore of hidden gems. Explore over 20 beaches, world-class vineyards, national parks, hip bars and restaurants, and unique wildlife. South Australia's capital city is filled with many surprises and is waiting to be discovered.
Where should you visit in Adelaide?
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Sample trips
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By choosing TravelEssence, you can travel with security and feel completely at ease.
- Experience exceptional hospitality due to our strong relationships and extensive local network.
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Monique & Jeannette in Australia
My best friend and I had the plan in 2017 to travel to Australia. And because of that, we attended a presentation… read more
Catherine and Lambert in Australia
When we started preparing for our trip, we gathered information from several travel agencies and were given a lot… read more
Fun things to do
There is no shortage of things to do and see in the cosmopolitan coastal city of Adelaide. Enjoy a great assortment of events, local markets, exhibitions, cultural activities, parks, attractions, and beaches. Known as the city of churches, discover many beautiful churches and important landmarks such as the Heritage-listed Port Adelaide building.
Step back in time
The Adelaide Gaol is filled with historical value and is one of the oldest remaining colonial buildings in the city. Featuring unique architecture, the Adelaide Gaol is definitely a fascinating attraction to visit. Over 147 years old, the goal housed some of the state's most dangerous criminals.
Do you seek culture?
Take a wander along the North Terrace, Adelaide's premier cultural boulevard. Here, you can find attractions such as the Government House, the State Library of South Australia, the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, and the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Adelaide Fringe is one of Australia's largest arts events and is held annually.
![](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/blog/Aus-adelaide-fringe-festival-3-credit-Meaghan-Coles.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=17890e14100e5b912692274f4c0e48a1)
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"How lucky are we that we have been able to experience such a beautiful trip with TravelEssence twice. Everything is taken care of down to the last detail and communication is smooth and pleasant."
The Tonen family, TravelEssence clients
Activities
Enjoy authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the locals. Let your travel specialist know your interests and they will advise what are the best activities for you. There are small-group activities available, ranging from easy-going to adventurous, or private tours for a more intimate experience. We can take care of every detail, so you just have to show up and enjoy an experience to look back on for years to come.
Shopping & markets
Adelaide is a great place to go shopping with a large assortment of unique boutique stores, shopping malls, and heritage arcades. Adelaide Central Market started back in 1869 and is still a thriving food and culture mecca. With over 70 traders, Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere.
Shop in the heart of the city
Rundle Mall is the heart of Adelaide's shopping, dining, and entertainment precinct. Adelaide’s famous pedestrian-only shopping hub has a variety of global brands, designer wear, attractions, and is the centrepiece of the CBD.
Experience Adelaide's lifestyle
Rundle Street is located in the East End District and oozes sophistication, style, and historical charm. Here, you can find cutting-edge-fashion stores, wine bars, alfresco dining, homewares, funky gifts, and much more.
![](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/blog/AUs-Shops-Adelaide-SA-credit-Tourism-Australia.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=6b72a873f4bd8ab2ffa5351afcf24df2)
![](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/general/Adelaide.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=6788de67b7679b7bf8ffcde646304745)
![Unique encounter with dolphins | New Zealand wildlife](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/see-and-do/nz-kaikoura-dolphins-family-header.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1400&q=80&w=1400&s=ea29b91a41ff5ed37203cf98ecf14828 1400w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/see-and-do/nz-kaikoura-dolphins-family-header.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&q=80&w=800&s=3be0c1cb12e8e7a10d9008831e594e0d 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/see-and-do/nz-kaikoura-dolphins-family-header.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=500&q=80&w=500&s=fd50befc0f32bc45cb83ebcb4eacd7e1 500w)
Would you like to learn more about Adelaide?
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to Australia in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Register nowFood and wine scene
South Australia is a foodie and wine lovers haven with exquisite fresh local produce and locally grown wine on offer. Take a self-guided tour in and around Adelaide and sample the local flavours. From the fruitful vineyards in Barossa Valley and the wine regions surrounding McLaren Vale, the town of Hahndorf, and Adelaide Hills. There is a culinary delight around every corner that you must try! For the wine connoisseur, be sure to stop by the National Wine Centre. Here, you can find a unique collection of Australian wine.
![](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/blog/Aus-adelaide-west-credit-duy-dash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=181c8f4b054c3c3afb74ed4c7a641c8b)
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Beaches
With over 20 beaches to explore, Adelaide is the perfect place to soak up the Aussie beach lifestyle. For one of the most beautiful beaches near Adelaide, go to Maslin Beach. Glenelg is a must-visit and Henley Beach is a cosmopolitan seaside paradise. Spend your days soaking up the Aussie sunshine at a local beach house. Some other beaches to visit are North Haven Beach, Largs Bay Beach, Semaphore Beach, Tennyson Beach, Grange Beach, and West Beach. If you like to snorkel, go to Port Noarlunga!
![](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/blog/Aus-adelaide-glenelg-beach-credit-ryan-formosa-photography.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1000&q=80&w=750&s=38facbfa4f5daec175b7d643d6cfd823)
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Family-friendly
The city of Adelaide is an ideal destination for families with plenty of exciting things to do and see to keep the kids entertained. The Cleland Conservation Park offers a panoramic view of the city, and you can have a close encounter with emu, koalas, and other native wildlife at the Cleland Wildlife Park. Take a wander around the Adelaide Botanic Garden or hop on board a paddleboat on the River Torrens.
From strawberry picking to encounters with unique wildlife
Located in Adelaide Hills is Beerenberg Strawberry Farm. A popular attraction and an ideal day trip with the kids between November and April. Spend the afternoon picking fresh strawberries and purchasing local goods from the store. Or if you would prefer to have a close encounter with Australian wildlife, visit Australia’s largest open-range zoo, Monarto Zoo. Interact with the variety of animals and birds at the Glen Forest Tourist Park or visit the Adelaide Zoo.
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Parks & nature
With over 300 parks and reserves in South Australia and 29 parks in the city of Adelaide, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the outdoors and enjoy Australian wildlife. Pack a picnic and explore the gardens of Carrick Hill or discover Japanese Gardens, the Himeji Gardens! Morialta Conservation park offers a variety of walking trails.
If you are a sports fan, Adelaide Oval is one of the most spectacular sporting grounds in the world. Here, you can watch a game of cricket or AFL (Australian Football League).
Victoria Square, also known as Tarntanyangga is a public square in the centre of the city. Home to many prestigious buildings and green areas, you can admire the Queen Victoria Statue, the Three Rivers Fountain, and of course meet the friendly locals.
Mount Lofty is located approximately 15 kilometres east of Adelaide. Discover a majestic peak in Cleland National Park and Adelaide Hills. The Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty summit hike is great if you would like to conquer this part of South Australia.
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Where to stay
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in Adelaide and beyond.
A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself
Whether you prefer an apartment with ocean views, a self-contained cabin with the beach at your doorstep or a luxury apartment in the heart of the CBD. Your travel specialist will match you up with accommodation that suits your wants and needs.
![](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/partner/accommodation/4914_Craggy_Range_Vineyard_1529566512_visit-accommodation-cottages-4.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=c1797672549e5f796a38eb8026d12d3e)
![Bathroom with a view](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/friends/stays/auz-mclaren-eye-2-friends-luxury.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=fa9c5d003be2722f9ffc825b96a5947a)
Museums & art galleries
Would you like to uncover the fascinating history of South Australia? Learn about the oldest culture in the world at the Aboriginal-owned and managed multi-arts centre, the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute. Or visit Port Adelaide, which is home to the National Railway Museum and the South Australian Maritime Museum. Discover the latest exhibition at the South Australian Museum or delve into the fascinating Migration Museum.
![](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/blog/Aus-sa-adelaide-art-gallery-of-south-australia-melody-ayres-griffiths-unsplash.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=491ff619c26562da754049c65a7f0c39)
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Surrounding areas
Together with a small group and a local guide, uncover the local treasures that surround Adelaide. From the astounding natural beauty that awaits you on Kangaroo Island to the unique wildlife in Coorong. There are plenty of self-drive day trips to embark on as well. Discover a seafood haven that features pink lakes, Eyre Peninsula, or visit the beaches and wineries of Fleurieu. There are so many beautiful places to visit outside of the city of Adelaide in South Australia, something for every visitor.
![The pink and blue waters of Lake MacDonnell](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/blog/Aus-Eyre-Peninsula-Lake-MacDonnell.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=a898d16b2809453440bfd263625b397e)
![Snorkeling around Kangaroo Island | Australia active holiday](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/family/see-and-do/auz-3087-kangaroo-island-marine-adventures-2-family-active.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=d6af803db9645b998f6e50b0b99404e7)
More information
Discover more
Kangaroo Island
Would you like to see quintessential Australia? Then spend your days on Kangaroo Island. A natural wonderland that… read more
Barossa Valley
In the rolling hills, an hour and a half from Adelaide, a food and wine paradise awaits you. The Barossa Valley is… read more
Sydney
Be enchanted by Australia’s largest city, Sydney. The capital of New South Wales is located along the East Coast… read more
Discover the States and Territories of Australia
Everyone knows that Australia is a vast and diverse country, but what not many people realise is that this… read more
Why book with us?
- A well-designed holiday, just for you
- Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts
- Carefully recommended activities based on your interests
- A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs
- Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday
- 30 years of experience in travel to Australia
Let's design your holiday together
We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.