Explore Adelaide
The capital of South Australia is the country’s fifth-most-populous city, famous for its combination of old world charm and cosmopolitan modernity. Adelaide has plenty to offer visitors – especially those who want to indulge in world-class, contemporary cuisine and award-winning wine.
Adelaide is a city that impresses visitors with its intimate CBD. In the heart of the city, the prestigious Rundle Mall shopping district plays host to a plethora of luxury retailers on pretty, pedestrianised streets. It’s the perfect spot to spend half an hour people-watching, while enjoying a coffee or an ice-cream, soaking up the city’s vibe.
Throughout the year, Adelaide hosts a number of cultural events that transform the city with an infectious festival atmosphere. If you’re lucky enough to visit at the right time, you could attend events such as WOMADelaide, Tasting Australia, and the excellent Adelaide Fringe Festival.
Head for the Adelaide Hills
After exploring Adelaide, jump in your Hertz hire car and head for the hills. With beautiful landscape, quality food and wine, a vast array of wildlife, and the relaxed country atmosphere, the Adelaide Hills are the perfect place to get away from it all.
Although you can get to the Adelaide Hills in just 20 minutes, it feels like an entire world away. We recommend coming and spending the night. It’s the perfect place to book a cosy cottage and enjoy a romantic getaway. For wine lovers, consider nominating a designated driver and visiting nearby McLaren Valley or The Barossa Valley.
Wine and dine in Coonawarra
Located 381km from Adelaide, Coonawarra is one of South Australia's premier winemaking regions. Along the 7km stretch of road from Coonawarra to Penola – there are a total of 21 wineries alone.
The reason there are so many wineries is due to the region’s extraordinary climate and soil. In Coonawarra, red, terra rossa soils combine with limestone bedrock to deliver exquisite wines that have become the envy of the world. Make sure to try some of the region’s famous cabernet sauvignon.
A trip along the Limestone Coast is a gastronomic adventure. The region produces everything from succulent seafood, to grass-fed lamb and wagyu beef. Head to the Tasting Room at Mayura Station and try Mayura’s famous wagyu beef for yourself.
For a nice relaxing afternoon, explore the Limestone Coast’s thriving food market scene. Held at various locations throughout the region, the markets offer an opportunity to fill up on the best and freshest seasonal produce and locally-made gourmet foods.
Relax in Robe
If you’ve got some extra time on your hands, head for Robe, one of South Australia’s most beautiful beach towns. Here you’ll find a laid-back town with more exquisite food, ideal for an indulgent evening after a day at the beach.
When in Robe, check out the effortlessly charming Caledonian Inn Hotel, a historic English style pub with an impressive menu, focused on local ingredients. The Cally is an institution and the perfect place to come for food and a drink by the beach in summer, or for a glass of wine by the fire in winter.
The trip from Adelaide to Coonawarra takes in some of the best bits of South Australia. For the best way to see it all, jump in a rental car and hit the road.
