Things to do in South Australia
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Central Market
Satisfy both obvious and obscure culinary cravings at the 250-odd stalls in Adelaide’s superb Central Market. A gluten-free snag from the Gourmet Sausage Shop, a sliver of English stilton from the Smelly Cheese Shop, a tub of blueberry yoghurt from the Yoghurt Shop – you name it, it’s all here. Good luck making it out without eating anything.
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Amalfi Pizzeria Ristorante
What a classic! Authentic pizza and pasta with bentwood chairs, terrazzo floors, red-and-white checked tablecloths, sleep- defeating coffee and imagined Mafioso mutterings in the back room.
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Ying Chow
This fluoro-lit, utilitarian eatery is a culinary gem; serving cuisine styled from the Guangzhou region, such as crispy salt-and-pepper squid and steamed duck with salty sauce. It gets packed – with queues out the door – but it’s well worth the wait.
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Good Life
At this brilliant organic pizzeria above the Jetty Rd tram-scape, thin crusts are stacked with tasty toppings like free-range roast duck, Spencer Gulf ‘monster’ prawns and spicy Angaston salami. Ahhh, life is good… Also at 170 Hutt St in the city ( [tel] 08-8223 2618).
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Maggie Beer's Farm Shop
Celebrity SA gourmand Maggie (have you seen her on The Cook & The Chef on ABC TV?) has been hugely successful with her range of condiments, preserves and pâtés. The vibe here isn't as relaxed as it used to be, but stop by for some gourmet tastings, an ice cream, cooking demo or a hamper of delicious bites. Off Samuel Rd.
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Cafe Zest
This cafe-gallery fills a tiny crack between buildings, but its laid-back vibe and brilliant breakfasts more than compensate for any shortcomings in size. Baguettes and bagels are crammed with creative combos, or banish your hangover with some ‘Hells Eggs’: two potted eggs with tomato, capsicum and rosemary salsa, topped with grilled cheese and Tabasco sauce. Great coffee, arty staff, and vegetarian specials too.
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Adelaide Botanic Garden
Meander, jog or chew through your trashy airport novel in these lush city-fringe gardens. Highlights include a restored 1877 palm house, the waterlily pavilion (housing the gigantic Victoria amazonica) and the fabulous steel-and-glass arc of the Bicentennial Conservatory, which recreates a tropical rainforest. Free 1½-hour guided walks depart the Schomburgk Pavilion at 10.30am daily.
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Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park
The 390-hectare Kaiser Stuhl Conservation Park has some excellent walks. Fantastic views exist from the top of the Barossa Ranges. Abundant native flora, such as banksias, acacias and grevilleas, and birdlife can also be enjoyed. In particular, look out for Nankeen kestrels and brown hawks. Western grey 'roos also bound through this park.
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Grange Hotel
With a fine reputation for bistro dining, there's a good mix of dishes here with plenty of seafood on offer. Great views over the water and full table service make for dining excellence. It won the 'Best Bistro in Australia' award from the Australian Hotels Association a couple of years ago and standards have been maintained.
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Exeter
The best pub in the city, this legendary boozer attracts a kooky mix of post-work, punk and uni drinkers, shaking the day off their backs. Pull up a stool or a table in the grungy beer garden ( sooo much better without the smokers) and settle in for the evening. Music most nights; curry nights Wednesday and Thursday.
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Heysen Trail
Australia’s longest walking trail: 1200km between Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges. Access points along the way make it ideal for half- and full-day walks. Note that due to fire restrictions, some sections of the trail are closed between December and April.
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Organic Market & Café
Rejecting Stirling’s pompous tendencies, hirsute Hill-types flock to this vibrant, hippie cafe. It’s the busiest spot in town – and rightly so; the food’s delicious and everything’s made with love. Gorge on bruschetta, plump savoury muffins, great coffee and wicked Portuguese custard tarts.
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Worldsend Hotel
In Hindley St, grunge and sleaze collide with student energy, and groovy bars sit amid adult bookshops and strip joints. Here you'll find student hangouts like the Worldsend Hotel (which also serves bar meals) and the cool, ambient Supermild Lounge Bar.
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Fumo Blu
A hip, 50s-style underground cigar bar/club with a tropical fish tank, super-dry martinis and Moët by the glass. If that don't tickle your fancy, try the house signature cocktail 'Blue Smoke'. Oh, and dress to impress - no jeans in here.
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Stirling Hotel
The owners spent so much money tarting up this gorgeous old dame, it's a wonder they can pay the staff. A runaway success, the free-flowing bistro (classy pub grub) and romantic restaurant (upmarket regional cuisine) are always packed.
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Kwik Stix
This place will satisfy your Asian cravings (including Malaysian, Vietnamese and Japanese) at very affordable prices. It includes wok tossed, chargrilled and sizzling dishes such as Vietnamese lemongrass prawns. There's a kids' menu.
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Migration Museum
This engaging social-history museum tells the story of the many migrants who have made SA their home. The museum has info on 100-plus nationalities (as opposed to individuals) in its database, along with some poignant personal stories.
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Royal Oak
Winning pub grub at this enduring pub boozer: steak sangers, vegie lasagne, lamb shank pie, king prawn salad and blueberry pancakes (not all at once). Quirky retro vibe; live jazz/indie-rock Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.
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Grace Emily
The ‘Gracie’ has live music most nights, featuring up-and-coming Australian acts. Inside it’s all kooky ’50s-meets-voodoo decor, open fires and great beers. Cult cinema Tuesday nights. Look for the UFO on the roof.
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Archer
A cool place for SA wines and microbrews, with a jovial big-screen front bar, snooker room, music room (weekend DJs), and fireside lounge with chesterfields. Classy pub food too (mains $15 to $25).
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Rickshaws
Quick and easy, well-priced Asian cuisine including Indonesian, Thai and Indian is served at Rickshaws. Sit up at the window counter or takeaway your fare.
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Ky Chow
Ying Chow's action-packed sister restaurant Ky Chow is great for lunch serving dishes such as duck with sundried Chinese bayberries. The service is fast.
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Spats
Cosy up on a couch for wicked desserts, hot chocolates and liqueur coffees at this late-night venue. Magnificent SA wines by the glass also available.
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Encounter Coast Discovery Centre
The Encounter Coast Discovery Centre has interesting displays exploring local history from pre-European times to around 1900.
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