When paying a visit to Australia, far too many international travellers make the mistake of not venturing beyond its most buzzy cities. Sure, the harbour views of Sydney are unparalleled, the arts scene (and coffee) in Melbourne is world-class, and it’s not hard to see the appeal of Gold Coast’s theme parks and surf spots amongst adrenaline junkies. But as one of the largest countries in the world, Australia has so much more to offer beyond its east coast. Enter Adelaide, the charming capital city of South Australia. From the spectacular Fleurieu Peninsula to the picturesque Mt. Lofty ranges, it’s a place that’s cradled in nature, boasting some of the most breathtaking views and experiences Australia has to offer just a short drive beyond its city centre.
With a population of just over a million, Adelaide is far from a small city—though its relaxed pace of living certainly makes it feel like one, making it a perfect destination for those hoping to escape the chaos of highly urbanised and populated capitals like Sydney and Melbourne. Overlooked by clear blue Aussie skies, Adelaide is surrounded by stunning landscapes, untouched or otherwise. Wine connoisseurs will know that South Australia contains many a vineyard, where world-class wineries and rustic chateaus await. Then there’s the charming farms just outside the city, where some of our favourite everyday products—from delectable fruit jams to indulgent skin serums—are produced.
Venture further out into the country, and even more natural experiences await. Among lush national parks filled with Australian flora and fauna lie luxury accommodations and wellness retreats like the eco-friendly Naiko Retreat, where one can take a pause from urban life and slow down. Meanwhile, the vast semi-arid bushland of Monarto is home to the largest free-roaming safari park outside of Africa, where visitors can get up close and personal with the majestic beasts of the African savannah, as well as some iconic native animals.
If you’re a nature lover planning your next trip to down under, here are the must-visit spots in and around Adelaide, South Australia.
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Explore the scenic Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s top wine-producing regions
If there’s one thing South Australia is known for, it would be its role as one of the world’s top wine producers. While scenic vineyards are dime a dozen in this region, the world-famous Barossa Valley is particularly well-known for its rich history in producing red wines, and is a mere hour’s drive away from the Adelaide CBD.
Whether you’re planning a day-trip or short stay—Barossa Valley is home to beautiful accommodations, from luxurious villas to quaint cottages—there are vineyard tours and wine tastings that are aplenty all year round. Not much of a drinker? Take in the panoramic views of the valley and sparkling coast with an exhilarating hot air balloon ride instead.
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Handpick premium botanicals for skincare at the Jurlique Farm
If you’ve ever wondered where your favourite skincare products come from, this one’s for you. Tucked away in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, the Jurlique Farm is one of the few places in the world where you can get right to the source of luxury skin and body care products from the world famous South Aussie brand.
Beauty aficionados and nature lovers alike will have a field day at the farm, which offers a unique educational experience in skincare, wellness and agriculture. Join their handpicked masterclass, or opt for a private immersive tour to experience first-hand the cultivation of their lush botanicals from propagation to harvest, including the iconic Jurlique rose, as well as the opportunity to design your own essential oil blend.
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Bask in the beauty of endangered species and learn about animal conservation at Monarto Safari Park
Little known fact: South Australia is home to the world’s largest safari park outside of Africa, and it’s one of the biggest players in animal conservation in the region. Just an hour out from the Adelaide CBD, Monarto Safari Park is the ultimate destination for animal lovers.
From majestic African lions to the feisty Tasmanian devil, get up close and personal with your favourite animals from across the globe with the park’s extensive experience offerings—the profits of which go directly into its conservation efforts to save endangered species. While one can easily get the lay of the land in one day with the assistance of Monarto’s passionate and knowledgeable guides, the park also offers premium on-site resort stays where you can unlock exclusive sunset and sunrise tours with the free-roaming animals at the park.
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Go off-the-grid at a premium retreat surrounded by untouched nature
Break away from the big city grind with a luxurious stay at Naiko Retreat, a one-of-a-kind eco retreat perched atop a majestic coastal cliff nestled between the Deep Creek and Talisker Conservation Park. Equipped with the creature comforts of the modern world, powered by eco-friendly design and resources and situated deep within pristine, untouched nature, it’s the perfect escape from the bustle of city life.
Get familiar with the abundance of Australian flora and fauna in the region through the wide variety of bush and coastal walking trails, as well as a private beach exclusive to guests of the retreat, or opt for the myriad of off-site experiences the retreat offers, from brewery visits to helicopter tours. In need of some TLC? Leave the world behind as you enter Futuro, the iconic spaceship that houses the retreat’s on-site wellness space, which offers therapeutic massages and yoga classes.
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Pick your own strawberries and sample artisanal jams and sauces at Beerenberg Farm
No holiday in Adelaide is complete without a trip to one of its strawberry farms. Just outside the old German settlement of Hahndorf lies the charming Beerenberg Farm, where the patches are open for visitors to pick their own strawberries. While there’s nothing quite like the juicy tartness of a freshly hand-picked strawberry, the farm café is also not one to be missed, with an extensive menu of homemade farm-to-table eats made with locally sourced produce and their very own jams and relishes, of course.
Take your strawberry picking experience to the next level with the farm’s patch to pie experience, where you’ll learn to make your very own strawberry and apple pie. Led by the farm chef, guests will learn to pick the finest strawberries from the best, before returning to the farm kitchen to master the art of baking the perfect homemade pie.
