Jam Tsirani

After wrapping up our time in Melbourne, we set our sights on Adelaide—a city our dad had always spoken about with so much affection. We only had three days to explore, which, let’s be honest, isn’t nearly enough to uncover all the hidden gems the city has to offer. But it was just enough for us to fall in love and start planning our return trip.

Adelaide became the third Australian city on our trip where we didn’t spend time lounging on the beach. Although, if you count hiking along stunning coastal trails, we’re totally calling that a beach visit! What truly made Adelaide unforgettable was the sheer amount of wildlife we encountered. In just three days, we felt like we got a crash course in Australian nature, and some of our most cherished memories of the trip were made right here.

How to Get to Adelaide

As you might recall from our previous posts, we were a bit hesitant to rent a car in Australia, so flying became our go-to for getting around. Our flight to Adelaide cost about $80 USD, which we found pretty reasonable.

Where to Stay in Adelaide

We chose to stay at Avani Adelaide Residences, and it turned out to be an excellent decision! This apartment-style accommodation offered spacious flats with all the amenities you could need for a comfortable stay.

From a well-equipped kitchen to a cozy living space, it felt more like a home away from home than just a hotel room. Out of all the places we stayed in Australia, this was probably my favorite multi-day stop. If you’re looking for a convenient and comfortable base in Adelaide, I’d highly recommend it!

What to Do in Adelaide?

Here’s how we spent three unforgettable days in Adelaide, starting with one of our favorite experiences:

1. Morialta Conservation Park

Our itineraries are never complete without at least one or two hikes, and Morialta Conservation Park didn’t disappoint. This park is an absolute gem for spotting wildlife. None of our dedicated koala or kangaroo tours came close to the success we had here. In just three hours, we saw several koalas, kangaroos, and even an echidna (one of only two egg-laying mammals in the world). The best part? It’s completely free!

If you’re in Adelaide, this is a must-visit for a serene, crowd-free, and truly unforgettable experience.

Hiking Trails in Morialta Conservation Park:

The park offers five walking trails, and it’s easy to combine a few of them into one hike. Here’s what we did:

• We arrived by bus at Stradbroke Road and started with the Fourth Creek Walk.
• This trail merges with the Three Falls Grand Hike, offering some fantastic views.
• To make a loop back to our starting point, we wrapped up with the Morialta Falls Valley Walk.

We visited in late autumn, so the waterfalls weren’t flowing, but the abundance of wildlife more than made up for it. If you’re visiting Adelaide and love nature, Morialta Conservation Park is a must-add to your list!

2. Marion Coastal Walking Trail

If you’re looking for another scenic hike near Adelaide, the Marion Coastal Walking Trail is an absolute treat. This stunning seaside walk stretches 7.2 km, starting at Burnham Road and ending at Hallett Cove Conservation Park.

Getting There

The trail is easily accessible—a short 12-minute walk from the Marion Railway Station will bring you to the starting point.

Trail Details

The trail is well-maintained and offers a leisurely walk with plenty of opportunities to enjoy breathtaking coastal views. While we encountered a closed section during our visit (which required a minor detour through a residential area), the good news is that the section was reopened as of August 2024, so you can enjoy the full route uninterrupted!

Amenities Along the Way

You’ll find several toilets and cafes conveniently located along the trail, making it a comfortable option for walkers of all levels.

3. Hallett Cove Conservation Park Hike

The Hallett Cove Long Loop is a short yet unforgettable hike that takes about an hour to complete, offering some of the most impressive geological landscapes in Australia.

The park is famous for its stunning glacial pavements—a striking reminder of Earth’s ancient history. The terrain feels almost otherworldly, resembling a Mars-like movie set. Best of all, entry to the park is free, and it’s delightfully uncrowded, making it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility.

After your hike, head to The Boatshed Hallett Cove Cafe, located nearby, for a well-deserved rest. But be prepared—it’s often busier than the park itself, so snagging a table might require a bit of patience!

From the cafe, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Hallett Cove Beach Station, where you can catch a train back to Adelaide.

4. Chinatown

Let’s talk about food, and if you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, Chinatown in Adelaide is an absolute must-visit. Conveniently located near where we stayed, we ended up dining here every evening—and we have zero regrets.

Each restaurant we tried was nothing short of amazing, serving up authentic and flavorful dishes. Whether you’re craving dumplings, noodles, or something spicier, Chinatown has a spot to satisfy every palate.

5. Taste the Coffee

Adelaide’s coffee scene is not to be missed, and we made sure to explore a few standout spots during our stay. Here are our top recommendations:

• Elementary Coffee
  Hands down the best breakfast spot we tried in Adelaide. It was so good that we went twice during our three-day stay! The coffee and food were exceptional.
  Find it here.
• Mister Sunshine’s
  A cozy and charming spot with great coffee and a friendly vibe.
  Find it here.
• Leisurely Coffee
  A relaxed atmosphere, perfect for starting your day with a cup of expertly brewed coffee.
  Find it here.

Conclusion

There’s so much more we wish we could have done in Adelaide—like visiting Kangaroo Island or taking a winery tour—but maybe that’s just a sign we need to return on our next trip to Australia. The south of the country has so much to offer, and Adelaide has certainly left us with unforgettable memories and plenty of reasons to come back!