A Guide to Exploring Adelaide
It’s 50 days out and you’re counting down until you hop on the plane to come to the most magical event of the year - the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant in South Australia. As the excitement builds and the date draws near it’s time to start planning your weekend trip.
From adventurous experiences to world-class dining Adelaide is bursting with things to do, see and enjoy, so to help you prepare and learn more about what the wonderful city of Adelaide has to offer we have put together a guide to exploring our great city.
Everything from where to stay, what to do, and where to eat - we have you covered.
Where to stay
Eos by SkyCity
Looking for luxury? Look no further than the 5-Star Eos at Skycity – from signature restaurants to sweeping views across the city and beyond – Eos has it all! Perfectly positioned, it is not only close to the Pageant route but also a great spot to explore the city; with Rundle Mall, the South Australia Museum and Art Gallery of South Australia all within walking distance – the only downfall will be the kids nagging you to do everything in one day.
Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets
Hotel Indigo is a fun boutique hotel in the heart of the Market precinct. It’s one for the foodies, surrounded by a plethora of restaurants and just a short stroll to the iconic Adelaide Central Markets. Art lovers will be equally as impressed as it celebrates the many flavours, colours and milestones of the neighbourhood through eye-catching art works. Only a hop, skip and a jump to Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, Hotel Indigo is the perfect spot to easily access the pageant route as well as enjoy the many cultural experiences Adelaide has to offer.
Mayfair Hotel
Location, location, location! If you want to be in the heart of the city and on the pageant route you can’t look past this 5-star hotel. Right on the doorstep of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant you only need to step outside to be amongst the action and the magic. After a fun filled morning you can hit the shops with Adelaide’s top shopping precinct Rundle Mall directly opposite the hotel. The Mayfair makes it easy to make the most of your time in Adelaide with Adelaide's Riverbank and entertainment precincts all within walking distance. Don’t forget to grab a jar of the Mayfair's own honey, produced from the hotel's rooftop hives.
Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury
Positioned right at the end of the Pageant route, and next door to the Adelaide Town Hall (where Father Christmas takes up position on the Balcony to deliver his Christmas message)– this family friendly heritage listed hotel is the perfect base to enjoy the Pageant and explore the city. Minutes from Rundle Mall and the Adelaide Central Markets the Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury also offers an indoor pool and sauna as well as family friendly suites complete with fully-equipped kitchens. A stay here wouldn’t be complete without exploring the old tunnels that sit beneath the hotel – the kids will love it.
Hilton Adelaide
Overlooking Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga the Hilton is not only in a prime position right on the route of the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, it is also in the heart of Adelaide’s entertainment and shopping district. An added bonus is the tram stop right outside, taking you directly to the seaside suburb of Glenelg or down to Rundle Mall and North Terrace – making it easy to enjoy a day of shopping or entertainment. You will be excited to return after an action-packed day with the Hilton boasting extensive leisure facilities including a state-of-the-art gym, outdoor heated swimming pool and tennis court with a jogging track.
Where to eat
Mexican Society
Offering a South American food experience the whole family will love – Mexican Society provides fresh and authentic Mexican with a twist. Bringing a little piece of Mexico to Adelaide’s Chinatown district – this one is full of fun and flavour.
Peter Rabbit
Located in the West end of Adelaide’s CBD, Peter Rabbit is a quirky garden café with a homely feel. The food options are delicious and varied plus the kids will love the open-air courtyard, lawn games and the two resident rabbits Flopsy and Mopsy.
Africola
Pull up a seat at Africola and you won’t be disappointed. One of Adelaide’s top restaurants this is a must visit. African-inspired dishes dominate and flavour is the hero.
iTL Italian Kitchen
Offering uncomplicated and contemporary Italian dining – hand-made pizza and pasta is their speciality. Located on the ground floor of SkyCity – ItL Kitchen is open from 5pm for dinner and is a great option if you have young children needing an early dinner. It’s kids menu has those ‘always a winner’ options and parents will be equally impressed with dishes jam packed with flavour.
Hello Harry – The Burger Joint
A funky burger bar on the corner of King William Street and Hindley Street in the city – Hello Harry is the perfect place to take a break and refuel after hitting the shops. The vibe is American fast food with an Australian twist – and almost everything is made in house. There is something for everyone with all the usual's on the menu plus vegan options and unique options for the adventurous too.
Ding Hao Restaurant
This Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Chinatown on Gouger street is an Adelaide institution and a favourite for Yum Cha. A family friendly restaurant – the food is authentic and there is something for everyone with over 50 choices on the menu.
Uniqorn Eats
Prepare for your kids to be blown away as they enter the fun bright and fantastical world of this colourful café. Offering an impressive array of sweet treats and colorful snacks – your kids will be blown away. Rainbow coloured cheese toasties and incredibly decorated milkshakes are just a hint of what’s on offer.
The Parkside Hotel
If you are happy to venture out of the CBD – and looking for a family friendly pub with great food The Parkside ticks the boxes. Perfectly set up for families, it has an enclosed kids play area filled with toys and activities – a game changer for parents! The menu is on point with high-quality pub classics that hero South Australian produce.
What to do
Adelaide Central Market
A visit to Adelaide wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Adelaide Central Markets. Buzzing with life, colour and culture the Adelaide Central Markets is undoubtably Adelaide's premier food destination for multicultural cuisine and fresh produce. One of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere it boasts a huge range of fresh food along with some of Adelaide’s most popular and authentic cafes and eateries. Book into the Market’s Highlights Tour to take you on an interactive experience that will excite the senses and take you through the market’s rich 150 year history.
Adelaide Zoo
Step into another world at the Adelaide Zoo! This iconic Adelaide attraction is home to more than 2,500 animals and 250 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish including the only pair of Giant Pandas in the Southern Hemisphere, Wang Wang and Fu Ni. Exhibited over eight hectares of beautiful botanic surroundings the Adelaide Zoo offers a range of extra things to do, from keeper tours and talks to exclusive behind the scenes animal experiences. Plus the kids will love the nature playground – best of luck when it’s time to leave!
TreeClimb
Adventure your thing? Adelaide’s nature-based aerial adventure park TreeClimb will have your thrill seeking side activated. Built within the natural environment of the Adelaide City Park Lands, TreeClimb offers 70 obstacles over 8 elevated tree-top courses. All ages are welcome – just as long as the kids are over 100cm tall and can fit into the harness – they are good to go. Catering to all levels of confidence and skill it is a fun experience for the whole family, but for those non-climbers who want to sit back and watch the adventure from below, there is a cafe serving Grab'n'Go food and a selection of hot and cold drinks.
Cleland Wildlife Park
Located in a beautiful natural bushland setting only 20 minutes from the CBD, Cleland is a must-see attraction when visiting Adelaide. Strolling around the park you will meet native species like koalas, kangaroos, quokkas, emus and wombats, so be sure to grab some animal treats on arrival and befriend some of South Australia's most captivating wildlife. It’s also one of only a few places in the world where visitors can hold a koala.
Adelaide Oval RoofClimb
An experience like no other – you will feel on top of the world participating in this exhilarating adventure as you make your way across Adelaide Oval’s iconic roofline. Suitable for anyone 8 years and over and prepared for a thrill, the RoofClimb experience offers unparalleled 360 degree views of Adelaide and beyond. Test your nerve with a lean out point 50 metres above the ground or take a seat in the world’s first rooftop stadium seats and marvel at our stunning coastline and picturesque foothills. Undoubtedly one of the best ways to see and learn about Adelaide, you will hear of the secrets and stories that shaped our city’s rich history.
What to see
Beaches
A trip to Adelaide wouldn’t be complete without a visit to at least one of our many beautiful beaches. Easily accessible you can hop on a tram and within 20 minutes have your feet in the sand at Glenelg. One of Adelaide’s most popular beaches – family friendly Glenelg boasts a bustling mix of quality cafes, clothing boutiques and restaurants as well as the fun filled entertainment complex The Beachhouse. Other beaches close to the city include Henley Beach, Brighton, West Beach, Semaphore, Port Noarlunga and Grange.
Adelaide Botanic Garden
An oasis in the heart of the city – The Adelaide Botanic Garden spans 50 hectares and features a stunning array of landscaped gardens. Make a day of it and set up a picnic on the lush lawns within one of the many manicured gardens. The kids will admire the ancient trees – with the most impressive root structures, and a walk through the famous wisteria arbour is magical. The Garden is open 365 days a year and entry is free.
