apktoget — Let's go

Feeling like you need another getaway but have already used up your limited four (or so) weeks of annual leave this year? A weekend escape to the often overlooked city of Adelaide might just be the perfect solution to refresh you.

Adelaide is an ideal spot for a fun-filled weekend, allowing you to return to the office by Monday, ready to tackle those work meetings that could've been an email.

With numerous flights to Adelaide available daily, you can maximize your weekend to the fullest extent.

Explore Adelaide Central Market

Be quick or Lucia’s paninis might sell out on ya! Image: Supplied.

Can you really visit Adelaide without stopping by the market? Definitely not. It’s a source of pride for the city, offering everything from food and drinks to books and flowers, and even the chance to make your own peanut butter. It truly has it all.

Conveniently located near Hotel Indigo Adelaide Market (a place I highly recommend if your budget allows), Adelaide Central Market is a favorite among both locals and tourists, with nine million visitors annually. If you plan to dine at a popular spot like Lucia’s, be prepared for long lines (but they’re worth it!).

For those who love food, history, and community, a market tour with Food Tours Australia is a great option, led by enthusiastic guides. Alternatively, there’s an audio tour with Adam Liaw and Katie Spain if that’s more your style.

Note that Adelaide Central Market is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so it's best to visit earlier in your trip to avoid disappointment.

Where: 44/60 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000
When: Saturday 7am-3pm, Tuesday 7am-5.30pm, Wednesday (optional trading) and Thursday 9am-5.30pm, Friday 7am-9pm
Website: adelaidecentralmarket.com.au

Head Off On A McLaren Vale Wine Tour

You’ve probably seen a McLaren Vale winery on Instagram, thanks to their unique and visually stunning settings.

Maxwell Wines

Now that’s what I call good lighting. Image: Supplied.

Just a 45-minute drive from Adelaide’s center, Maxwell Wines features floor-to-ceiling glass windows that overlook the vineyards, offering a spectacular setting for dining or wine tasting.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, consider dining in the winery’s lime cave for $350 per person. If only the $3,500 minimum spend didn’t exist, I’d suggest proposing there.

Where: Olivers Rd McLaren Vale, South Australia 5171
When: Daily 10-5pm
Website: maxwellwines.com.au

Down The Rabbit Hole

BRB, going to stock up on an entire wardrobe of Spell & The Gypsy Collective and/or Auguste The Label. Image: Supplied.

Just under 10 minutes from Maxwell Wines, you’ll find Down The Rabbit Hole, which feels like stepping into a private Byron Bay venue.

The crowd is stylishly dressed in bohemian fashion, and I promise you, it was the most beautiful and delicious lunch I had throughout my Adelaide weekend. Be sure to make a lunch reservation!

Where: 233 Binney Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171
When: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 11am-5pm, Friday 11am-9.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 11-5.30pm
Website: downtherabbitholewines.com.au

d’Arenberg Cube

Trust me when I say: do not judge a book by its cover… Image: Supplied.

Another 10 minutes away is the famous d’Arenberg Cube, the same venue where Sam Smith performed in early 2023. Trust me, nothing can prepare you for what’s inside. I won’t set any expectations, but I’ll mention this: men have the opportunity to use mouth-shaped urinals.

If your budget allows, consider taking a wine-making class at The Blending Bench while at D’Arenberg. You might create the worst wine you’ve ever tasted, but it’s a unique experience and a fun way to end the day.

For this part of your trip, it’s best to hire a driver — Door to Door Chauffers is one option for wine tours in McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, and beyond.

Where: 233 Binney Rd, McLaren Vale SA 5171
When: Open daily 10:30am-4:30pm
Website: darenberg.com.au

Check Out What’s On In Adelaide

I’m scared already. Image: Supplied

Let’s be honest: Adelaide is sometimes overlooked as a travel destination. If you’re not an avid drinker or food enthusiast, it might not seem appealing, and you may not be easily persuaded by a food-loving friend to visit.

However, Adelaide is constantly hosting events that draw tourists to the area.

Adelaide Fringe: The largest arts festival in Australia takes place from February 16 to March 17, 2024. With offerings ranging from comedy by Nat’s What I Reckon to a burlesque tribute to the 90s and cocktail-making classes, there’s something for everyone during this month-long event.

This year, it will feature DARKFIELD (February 15 – March 17), an immersive and spine-chilling sensory-deprivation experience set in four separate shipping containers. This follows its Sydney run, which continues until January 21, 2024.

WOMADelaide: WOMADelaide brings over 500 artists to perform across eight stages in Adelaide’s Botanic Park (details below) during the March long weekend.

Illuminate Adelaide: Similar to Sydney’s Vivid, Illuminate combines art, music, technology, and innovation — but with presumably smaller crowds. It’s both free and ticketed in July 2024 (exact dates yet to be announced).

Tuck Into Dinner At Kiin

Kin is designed for sharing, meaning you get to try plenty more than just one dish. We love! Image: Supplied.

My top dining experience in Adelaide was at Kiin, a place you should reserve for a Friday or Saturday night (it’s closed Sundays).

This modern Asian dining concept, created by Ben Bertei and David Wickwar, serves Thai-inspired dishes on printed dinnerware with doilies, evoking a homey, secret-recipe vibe.

Order a variety of plates to share, allowing you to sample a wide range of the menu, and don’t miss the prawn and lychee popsticks or the red curry cheeseburgers. Absolutely phenomenal!

Where: 73 Angas St, Adelaide SA 5000
When: Wednesday-Saturday 12-10pm, Tuesday 5-10pm
Website: kiinrestaurant.com.au

Grab Breakfast at Bloom

All day brekky with earthy aesthetics? Pls and thank you. Image: Supplied.

Open from 8am to 4pm on weekends, Bloom is the ideal spot for breakfast or coffee. The café is situated in a converted horse tram barn over a century old, right by Adelaide’s River Torrens.

The all-day breakfast menu includes macadamia and dark-chocolate granola, bap rolls, and leek & mushroom okonomiyaki. There’s also a lunch menu and an option to add alcohol if you wish.

Where: 38 Winwood St, Thebarton SA 5031
When: Monday-Friday 7-4pm. Saturday & Sunday 8-4pm.
Website: 38bloom.com.au

Explore Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens

I didn’t plan on matching the painted glass but here I am. Image: Supplied.

On my first and only (so far) trip to Adelaide, I discovered that the Victorian Glasshouse I’d seen in countless wedding photos is actually located in this South Australian city. Known as The Palmhouse, it’s situated within the 50 hectares of gardens and architecture at Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens.

Another perk? It’s free and centrally located, making it an easy addition to your itinerary if you have some extra time.

If you’re in need of some downtime, it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy a picnic without feeling like you’re wasting a day in Adelaide.

Where: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
When: Open daily 7:15am-8pm
Website: botanicgardens.sa.gov.au

Carb Load at Osteria Oggi

Featuring long tables and cave-like booths, Osteria Oggi’s midcentury design delivers Italian dishes that will leave you craving more, even after you’ve filled up.

Open daily from 11.30am until late, it’s an excellent choice for a pre-flight lunch or a final-night dinner.

Where: 76 Pirie Street, Adelaide, SA 5000
When: Open daily 11:30am-late
Website: www.osteriaoggi.com.au

This writer traveled as a guest of Virgin Australia and South Australia Tourism Commission. Check out their flights to Adelaide, from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Gold Coast to Adelaide daily.