Things to do in South Australia… Um, wine, wine and more er, wine? Well no, actually. There’s more to South Australia than just fine wine and sublime cheeses. In fact, it’s totally possible to avoid the wineries altogether!
If you’re slightly crazy.
More than half of Australia’s wine is produced in the Southern State! And with nine grape-producing regions, wine is everywhere you look! Adelaide is a connoisseurs haven, and while it’s hard to resist the lure of a good Barossa Shiraz, if you feel like taking time-out from tastings these are a few other things to do in South Australia; things where you’re guaranteed to stay sober… maybe.
Things TO DO in South Australia
Hahndorf
As Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, this quaint little village is tucked away in the Adelaide Hills, about a half-hour drive from the city-centre of Adelaide. Hahndorf is like stepping into a 20th Century Thoman Mann novel, with traditional European architecture built over 150 years ago. The main street is where it’s at – with an incredible array of small-goods shops selling bespoke knick-knacks like cuckoo-clocks, soaps, minerals, candles, antiques and hand-crafted leather wares. And of course, the cheese! Who can forget the cheese! The town wouldn’t be worth its German chops without it! So head on over to Udder Delights and give your taste buds a treat, or go all out and enrol in a cheese-making class.
Set aside an entire day to meander through the shops and have lunch at either Seasonal Garden or Café Assiette. Slightly out of the main street area is the former home, studio and garden of one of Australia’s most iconic artists, Sir Hans Heysen – which is open to the pubic 7 days a week. It’s intriguing to witness the detail of some of his original, lesser-known charcoal works, and I thoroughly recommend a visit even if you’re not that into art.
Fleurieu Peninsula Coastal Drive
This breathtaking stretch of coastline is still one of South Australia’s best-kept secrets, and being just 45 minutes south of Adelaide it’s super close for a day trip. In my opinion, to really experience the rugged cliff-scapes and to get a feel for the Peninsula’s beauty you should hire a 4WD and, tide pending, drive along the waters edge at Gulf St Vincent on Silverlands Beach. If you’re not so keen on the sandy self-drive, Off-Piste 4WD Tours offer exclusive full-day culture, landscape and culinary tours around the region. The company’s guide and founder, Ben Neville, is a top bloke who knows South Australia like the back of his hand. He’ll take you to secret spots not even the locals know about and he’ll set up a five-star picnic with beautiful fare from well-known Salopian Inn in a gorgeous location of your choice. Oh, and did I mention you’ll be entertained for hours by his stories? Never mind the location or experience, he’s basically a SA tourism asset on his own!
Adelaide Central Market
With all the excitement of Adelaide’s surrounds, it’s easy to land in Adelaide and make a beeline straight out of the city, returning only to fly back home. But honestly, that would be a mistake. Adelaide has always been a foodie capital, and no other place in the city exemplifies this more than the melting pot that is Adelaide Central Market. It’s a South Australian food mecca and for good reason. About 80 fresh-produce stalls are housed in an undercover warehouse and I’m salivating just thinking about it! Highlights include Brunch at Big Table, Chocolate from Haigh’s and fresh juices from Goodies and Grains.
It’s Way Easier to Get to South Australia Than Ever Before…
Jetstar Australia has the most affordable fares to Adelaide from anywhere in Australia. And there’s good news for us folk based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Jetstar has just introduced three flights per week connecting the two cities. So no excuses people – it’s so easy to get to Adelaide these days you’d be silly not to visit and experience its amazing culture, landscapes and produce. To book your trip to Adelaide visit Jetstar.com
Where To Stay in South Australia
The Watson
33 Warwick St, Walkerville SA 5081
Peppers Wymouth
55 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000
You can book both hotels and many more via the Jetstar Hotels booking page
AMW xx
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Stefanie travelled to South Australia in October 2016 as a guest of Jetstar Airways and the South Australia Tourism Commission. As usual, she’s keeping it real and all opinions are her own.
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