Making the most of Adelaide over a long weekend, without visiting a winery

As a dedicated patriot of Victoria, I've always held a certain rivalry with South Australia, and particularly as a Melbournian, I've been known to look down upon Adelaide, the state's capital. While it's true that Adelaide often gets a bad rap as a bit of a backwater city, it's worth noting that it can make for a pleasant long weekend getaway, offering a chance to explore its sights and unwind in a more laid-back setting compared to the larger Australian cities. However, despite my attempts, Adelaide just didn't quite win me over.

Adelaide City Center:

Adelaide's city centre, though pleasant, didn't strike me as particularly exceptional. While I did take in the Torrens River, strolled around the Adelaide Oval, and explored the famous Rundle Mall, these attractions were enjoyable but didn't provide the same allure as some of Australia's larger cities. Rundle Mall, in particular, left me underwhelmed, as it mostly consists of shops, and, as much as I appreciate the occasional visit to a Target, I can easily find one back home.

To truly experience Adelaide, you need to venture beyond the central attractions like Rundle Mall, Victoria Square, and North Terrace. On a side note, I must mention my frustration with Adelaide's labelling of a major highway like ANZAC Highway as the 'A5,' complete with a 60-kilometre speed limit quite perplexing when compared to the usual road designations and speed limits around the country.

Top Things to Do in Adelaide:

Hallet Cove Boardwalk:

This was the highlight of my visit to Adelaide. On my last day, before catching an afternoon flight, I drove down to Hallet Cove. If you don't have a car, you can also take the train to Hallet Cove Beach Station and embark on a short walk from there.

Starting at Hallet Cove Beach and walking along the beach's edge, you'll reach a hilltop vantage point after a short stroll. From here, the boardwalk begins, winding along the coastline, showcasing a diverse range of landscapes, from sandy shores to rocky cliffs, and even inland valleys and hills with ever-changing soil colors. The walk doesn't solely stick to the coastline; you can also explore the hills and valleys that offer a glimpse of the region's diverse terrain. The primary boardwalk stretches north from Hallet Cove Beach, but it also extends south, offering a bit more rugged terrain and fewer crowds, along with some stunning scenery.

Along the way, you'll notice a distant private-looking jetty. I didn't make it all the way there, but it could be a worthwhile goal if you're heading in that direction. I highly recommend a hike in Hallet Cove if you enjoy scenic walks and diverse landscapes.

Adelaide Hills – Mount Lofty & Hahndorf:

The Adelaide Hills region, located to the east of the city, is a must-visit area with its stunning panoramas. It's also renowned as one of Adelaide's best wine regions, although we won't delve into wine today. To catch panoramic views of Adelaide, head to Mount Lofty. This mountain features a lookout, a cafe, and the city's TV transmission towers, akin to Mount Dandenong in Melbourne and Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane. At Mount Lofty's summit, you'll find a substantial stone column resembling a lighthouse. Originally erected for surveying purposes around Adelaide, it was later dedicated to Matthew Flinders, the first man to circumnavigate Australia, who bestowed the mountain its name.

After descending Mount Lofty, consider taking the scenic route instead of returning via the freeway. It offers you splendid views of Adelaide and the ocean as you wind your way down closer to the city. Alternatively, continue on the freeway to reach Hahndorf, a charming village with German heritage. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rural German village experience, indulging in German beer, cuisine, and even souvenirs. It's a delightful way to commemorate your visit to Adelaide with a Berlin beer stein or perhaps a cuckoo clock if that tickles your fancy.

Jokes aside, Hahndorf is a genuinely lovely place to explore. For a more enjoyable experience, arrive early to avoid the crowds. When it gets busy and overrun by tourists, parking can be challenging, so be prepared for a bit of a walk once you've secured a spot. The town is conveniently located just off the freeway, making it easily accessible from the city center.

Victor Harbor & Granite Island:

Located southeast of Adelaide and near the mouth of the Murray River, Victor Harbor is a favourite South Australian destination. The highlight here is Granite Island, connected to the mainland by a jetty. You can leisurely stroll across the jetty or opt for a ride on the horse-drawn tram to reach the island's terminus. On Granite Island, a network of walking tracks beckons explorers. On sunny days, you'll be treated to sparkling blue views of the Southern Ocean.

Victor Harbor town itself is well worth exploring. During the tourist season, a heritage train runs along the coastline, providing a scenic ride for visitors. Interestingly, I found myself at a railway crossing in Victor Harbor, thinking trains didn't run along this route—only to be proven wrong as a large locomotive came steaming around the corner. Lesson learned: never underestimate a train track!

Murray Bridge & the Murray River Ferry:

If you have access to a car, consider extending your exploration to Murray Bridge. No, it's not just a visit to a bridge spanning the Murray River; it's an actual town named Murray Bridge. The main attraction here, as you might guess, is the bridge that spans the Murray River.

Murray Bridge boasts the first-ever bridge to cross the Murray River, a crucial crossing point for travel from east to west in Australia, including the main train line connecting Melbourne and Adelaide.

But there's more to Murray Bridge than its bridges. Here, you can also explore the famous Murray River by taking a paddle steamer cruise, a beloved activity along this vital river in Australian history.

In the Murray River region, several points along the river offer vehicle ferries that take you to the other side. What's unique is that these ferry crossings are free, making it a fun and novel experience to try.

Glenelg:

Among Adelaide's hip and trendy suburbs, Glenelg shines. Situated near Adelaide's international airport and equipped with its own tram line, Glenelg offers a convenient and stylish base for your stay. When it comes to accommodation, you can't go wrong with the Stamford Grand Adelaide hotel, ideally located in the heart of town.

The hotel boasts a prime beachfront position, offering rooms with views of the Adelaide Hills and breathtaking oceanfront rooms, providing a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets over the Glenelg Jetty. Speaking of the jetty, it's the central attraction in Glenelg and the terminus of the tram line, whisking passengers into the heart of Adelaide's CBD. If you're planning to visit Glenelg, be sure to check out the full review of the Stamford Grand Adelaide hotel.

Despite my initial reservations about Adelaide, I must admit that I did have an enjoyable time exploring the city and its surroundings. If, like me, you can't resist the urge to explore new places, be ready to hit the road, rent a car, and embark on exciting adventures. Glenelg, in particular, is an excellent base for those who prefer to relax and watch the world go by.

Consider including Kangaroo Island in your plans. A mere hour and a half drive from Adelaide will bring you to Cape Jervis, where the Sea Link ferry offers a 45-minute journey to Kangaroo Island. I must emphasise that dedicating a full day to Kangaroo Island won't do it justice; it deserves an entire trip dedicated to its exploration, a plan I hope to realise in the future.

Video: Exporing Adelaide