Apr 28, 2022
Jacob's Creek picnic - Image Tourism SACity vibes
Although cities are generally not the first thing to spring to mind when pondering your next ‘romantic escape’, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the myriad ways in which Adelaide can send those sparks flying.
Stay at a luxury hotel designed to ignite the passions, signing up for a couples massage at the day spa while you’re there. Soak up sunshine and sand at one of the wonderful metropolitan beaches, such as locals’ favourites Glenelg or Henley Beach, and grab a quality seafood meal at sunset. Shop at classy inner-city boutiques then treat yourself to a sumptuous meal at one of many award-winning restaurants, offering everything from 16-course degustation meals and fine dining in historic cellar doors, to authentic North African or Italian feasts. Bar-hop your way through the city, discovering boutique rooftop bars, dimly lit cocktail lounges in mysterious laneways and unique speakeasy bars hidden behind unassuming walls.
City attractions
Step into the thriving hub of the Adelaide Central Market; take a guided tour to learn about the market’s rich history, unique characters and global flavours. Test your love (or fear, of heights) on the Adelaide Oval Roof Climb, and be rewarded with views of the Adelaide Hills and coastline at twilight. Marvel at a spectacular sunset from the deck of a catamaran cruise at Glenelg, or take a magical swim with dolphins. Take a cute couples paddleboat ride on the Torrens River or upgrade to a Port River Tallship cruise. Make a bet on who’ll win at a fun round of mini-golf or enjoy a romantic picnic on the exquisite grounds of the 50-hectare Botanic Gardens.
For a decadent dinner, visit multi award-winning Penfolds Magill Estate, just 15 minutes from Adelaide, where you will enjoy not only first-class fare, but also breathtaking views of the city and across the vineyards of one of Australia’s most recognised wines. Art buffs will be impressed by the myriad of galleries and museums, starting with the Art Gallery of South Australia. Time your visit with the Adelaide Fringe Festival (mid-Feb to mid-Mar each year) and be completely blown away by a month-long entertainment schedule; be sure to book ahead though!
Day trips
Lovebirds will be mesmerised by the Adelaide Hills, only a 20-minute drive from the city, yet a whole other world away. Rolling hills give way to picture-perfect villages, market gardens, orchards and world-class vineyards. Be sure to visit Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, boasting its original timber buildings.
Take a hot-air balloon flight over the stunning Barossa Valley, home to more than 80 cellar doors of some of the world’s most revered wines. Back on land, enjoy delicious fresh local produce and stop into the many acclaimed cellar doors, including arguably Barossa’s most iconic winery – Seppeltsfield – founded in 1851.
Visit the many five-star vineyards of the Clare Valley, most famous for its signature Riesling. Ride the famous Riesling Trail, a 35-kilometre bicycle ride between Clare and Auburn, or learn how to blend wine at an interactive tour at Knappstein Wines.
With so many other options within reach of Adelaide, including houseboating on the Murray River, whale watching on the Fleurieu Peninsula, the natural wonders of Kangaroo Island, dramatic lakes and prehistoric caves on the Limestone Coast, the ancient cliffs and dusty red roads of the Flinders Ranges and Outback, there is so much more you to explore together.