One thing that surprised me most about Adelaide as a first-time visitor

Over the years, I’ve heard nothing but good things about Adelaide and South Australia.

But I must admit, as a Sydneysider, I’ve never once made the journey across the border − until now. And there’s one thing I never realised about Adelaide.

What stood out for me, the most, was just how much of a strong, vibrant and buzzing food scene Adelaide has.

Of course, I’ve heard about the Barossa Valley, but the city of Adelaide and the CBD itself has some incredible restaurants and eateries that put some of Sydney’s best to shame.

As a self-professed foodie, I love a good dining experience and meal with family and friends. And some of the best food I’ve ever eaten is in Adelaide.

Think artsy laneways filled with cool graffiti and shops, stacked with a mix of restaurants to suit your taste and every culinary desire, and of course, the popular Rundle Street eateries.

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Rundle Street’s Paper Tiger has friendly staff, cool decor (think a lucky cat light on the walls), a buzzing atmosphere, and delicious food with large portion sizes.

The char grilled wagyu beef was a 10/10.

Peel St Restaurant, known for its banana blossom salad, has some of the most flavoursome food I’ve ever eaten.

2KW Bar & Restaurant has a solid menu − and some of the best views over Adelaide, particularly handy at night as when I went to South Australia, Illuminate Adelaide was on.

One spot I would definitely recommend and even go to again when I’m next in town is Part Time Lover.

I found this place a little tricky to find, but if you’re looking for decently priced food and are wanting to be FED, this is the spot to be. The meal servings are huge, so fair warning.

Now this one isn’t a restaurant, but a local tourist attraction and food hall that is a must-see while you’re in town.

Adelaide is said to be one of the most walkable cities, and it’s quite easy to get around with trains and free tram routes around the central CBD.

The Adelaide Central Market is right near a tram stop, and if I lived in Adelaide, I’d shop here once a week.

It features rows and rows of market stalls and fresh produce, much cheaper than supermarkets, and spots for coffee and cake, or lunch if you feel like it.

Think deli’s, bread shops, all the cheese you can imagine, fresh seafood, flowers, and artisan food and wine.

If I had more time to explore here, I would pick up things for a cheese plate if I went back for a weekend.

Illuminate Adelaide

Thankfully, I had plenty to do to walk off all the food I ate on this culinary trip.

I stayed at Monarto Safari Resort before heading to the CBD for a stay at Eos By SkyCity, which was in walking distance of Illuminate Adelaide and Adelaide Botanic Garden’s Night Visions display.

It’s Adelaide’s version of Vivid Sydney and was seriously impressive. I particularly loved walking past Adelaide University when it was all lit up.

Adventures just outside the city

But another special experience − one for adventure lovers and fans of the great outdoors − is a visit to Morialta Conservation Park, a short drive from the city centre, for a hike to see a cave and waterfall.

When I visited Adelaide, it had heavy rainfall, so the waterfalls in the park were overflowing, which made my pictures and experience even better.

I did the Morialta Wilderness and Wildlife Hike with pure SA, and a guide from the company, who offered expert knowledge of all things to see and do in South Australia.

Pro tip: look up! There are plenty of koalas to see sleeping and eating leaves in the gum trees.

My guide told me that they have visitors from all around the world stopping in at Morialta for a hike, and they have different adventures that cater to all fitness levels.

The writer travelled as a guest of the South Australian Tourism Commission and Journey Beyond.