Things to do in Adelaide for the perfect weekend away
If you're keen for a quick getaway but not entirely sure where to head next, have a think about taking a trip to Adelaide.
The City of Churches also has a lot more going for it - from cute hidden bars to world-class restaurants, epic beaches, and beautiful hikes. And, of course, the wineries just a short drive away.
Here's a guide on some of the best things to do, eat and drink and where to stay in Adelaide, South Australia for your weekend away.
READ MORE: The New Noosa: Hastings Street isn't the only hotspot in Queensland holiday favourite
The d'Arenberg Cube is an award-winning building on a winery. Supplied
Things to do in Adelaide
The d'Arenberg Cube
Nestled among the rolling green hills of McLaren Vale is the d'Arenberg Cube. Extraordinary, whimsical and quirky, this Rubik's Cube-inspired winery is a must-visit. Even on the gloomy day we find ourselves there, its stunning green-and-white glass architecture is truly a sight to behold.
The d'Arenberg Cube consists of five levels, each carefully designed to excite and delight the senses. Visitors are encouraged to explore each of the levels (we'd recommend taking a guided tour to fully grasp why everything is like it is) with features like the Alternate Realities Museum, Salvador Dali Exhibition, 360 Degree Video Room, Wine Sensory Room and many more tactile and visual experiences to enjoy.
Book ahead for the Blending Bench experience, where you get to play winemaker, as a guide takes you through the process of blending and bottling your very own personal d'Arenberg shiraz — which you then get to take home.
Prices start from $95 for the Blending Bench experience. Entry to the Cube costs $15 per person.
Jurlique farm tour
Definitely stop and smell the roses at Jurlique's Farm Tour. Jurlique International
Ever wondered how some of your favourite skincare products are made? Jurlique's Farm Tour is the experience for you. Whether you're a Jurlique novice or a fan, you'll get something out of it.
Let host Cherie guide you through the entire Jurlique seed-to-skin process, highlighting how seeds and plants are propagated, what types of plants are grown, their role in a perfect skincare routine and how their biodynamic farming process works. It involves constellations, cow horns, manure and quartz (yes, you read that correctly).
With everything made in-house, the farm tour lets visitors immerse themselves in the cult South Australian skincare brand turned global success.
Farm tours start from $30 per person.
READ MORE: Newcastle: The ultimate weekend guide to the New South Wales hotspot
Where to stay in Adelaide
Mayfair Hotel
Located in the heart of Adelaide is the Mayfair Hotel, a beautifully renovated Romanesque-style heritage building, complete with 170 elegant and well-furnished rooms, stunning rooftop bar and in-house restaurant offering delicious breakfast, high tea and dinner options.
Inside the luxe Mayfair Hotel bathrooms. Mayfair Hotel
With its magnificent heritage complete with parapeted facades and gargoyles overlooking Rundle Mall, it's the perfect place to set up base for your Adelaide trip, with everything you need within walking distance.
Oval Hotel
If you're looking for a unique Adelaide experience, then a stay at Oval Hotel, also Australia's first stadium hotel, is a must. Newly opened, the complex wraps around the iconic Adelaide Oval, offering guests unparalleled views of the stadium, Elder Park and St Peter's Cathedral. Each of the 138 rooms offers modern furnishings, in-room technology, indulgent amenities and a mini-bar of local South Australian produce highlights.
Newly opened, the Oval Hotel wraps around the iconic Adelaide Oval, offering guests unparalleled views of the stadium, Elder Park and St Peter's Cathedral. Oval Hotel
The hotel also boasts an in-house restaurant, wine bar and cafe, so you'll always have nearby food choices at hand. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also complement your stay with a thrilling RoofClimb experience of Adelaide Oval, 50m high from the turf.
READ MORE: Best way to get a cheap cruise
Where to eat and drink in Adelaide
Adelaide Central Markets
The Adelaide Central Markets are perfect for cheese lovers too. Nine / Supplied
Don't end your trip without at least making one visit to the historic Adelaide Central Markets. Operating since 1869, they're one of the largest undercover fresh food and produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 70 stalls under the one roof, one of the best ways to experience the market is to take a tour with an experienced food guide.
We recommend the lovely Mark and Cheryl of Food Tours Australia; their experience, customer service and insight into the Central Markets is second to none as they guide you through all the delicious and tasty market goodies (smelly cheese, loaded bagels, tasty falafels and decadent Nutella cannolis — what more could you want?).
Adelaide Central Markets are open Tuesday to Saturday, operating most days from 7am.
Shobosho
Helmed by South Australian restaurateur Simon Kardachi and executive chef Adam Liston, Shobosho takes everything we know about Japanese food and flavour and gives it a modern bent. Blending smoke, steam and fire, guests are guided through a delicious degustation of meals from raw to cooked. Definitely try the wood grilled scallop with yuzu, tapioca, salmon roe and beurre blanc — it's so delicious it had me drinking out of the scallop shell.
At Shobosho, you can expect a delicious degustation of meals from raw to cooked. Dexter Kim
Shobosho is open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday, 6pm to late.
Pink Moon Saloon
As you wander down from your Shobosho dinner in Leigh Street, make a stop at Pink Moon Saloon. This unassuming bar sandwiched between two buildings proves that good things definitely come in small packages, with its unique A-frame design, eclectic log diner/ski lodge vibe and tasty cocktails. Owner Tony is as friendly as they get. You'll want to try his signature Pink Moon Clover Club with raspberry, gin, lillet, citrus, texture, served 'up' in coup. It's heaven.
RELATED: An insider's guide to eating and drinking around McLaren Vale
Pink Moon Saloon is open every day from 4pm.
Lot 100
If you only have time for one winery in South Australia, we'd recommend Lot 100. This 84 acre former cattle pasture turned collective houses five of South Australia's best beverage producers including Hills Cider Co, Mismatch Brewing Co, Vinteloper, Adelaide Hills Distillery and Ashton Valley Fresh. Guests can choose from a wine, beer, gin, juice or cider tasting flight — or if you're feeling adventurous, and are not the designated driver, you could opt for the lot. We loved the Davidson Plum Cider and Vinteloper Chardonnay — definitely not your average woody chardy.
RELATED: A food lover's guide to Adelaide, South Australia
A unique medley of South Australian producers can be found at Lot 100. Daniel Trimboli
This joint is the best of all the beverage worlds, with something to delight craft beer lovers, gin enthusiasts, wine drinkers and cider connoisseurs.
Lot 100 is open Thursday to Sunday.
The writer was a guest of South Australia Tourism Commission and Tourism Australia.
