Why go?

Once better known for its churches and convict-free status, South Australia’s capital is today one of the country’s hottest culinary playgrounds, with an all-star cast of chefs, winemakers, producers and distillers – the state’s gins are fast becoming as popular as its superb wines. Summer in Adelaide is synonymous with cricket, with plenty of matches to catch at the Adelaide Oval in January, not to mention festivals, with the famed Adelaide Fringe kicking off in February. And, thanks to a £93.3m airport expansion currently in the works, city access will soon be smoother than ever.

What to do

Surrounded by parkland, Adelaide’s compact centre is ideal for exploring on foot – there’s also a free tram service from the Adelaide Entertainment Centre to South Terrace. The Art Gallery of South Australia http://www.artgallery.sa.gov.a... on historical North Terrace, houses a huge collection of Australian works along with an array of international pieces, with no fewer than 20 bronze Rodins. The Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute http://www.tandanya.com.au is Australia’s oldest Aboriginal owned and managed arts centre, with more than 500 pieces by indigenous artists. It’s impossible to leave the bustling 150-year-old Central Market http://www.adelaidecentralmark... without sampling a few morsels of local produce from its 80-odd traders. Nearby, don’t miss the Adelaide Hills wine region – a 30-minute drive from the city – for its Unico Zelo cellar door http://www.unicozelo.com.au – or tastings of its excellent gin line, Applewood, made from grapes that aren’t up to scratch for winemaking.

Where to stay

In the West End, the stylish, monochromatic Mayfair Hotel 00 61 8 8210 8888, http://www.mayfairhotel.com.au is Adelaide’s standout boutique sleep. It’s rooftop Hennessy bar is a choice spot for a nightcap. In the East End, The Soho 00 61 8 8412 5600, http://www.thesohohotel.com.au has a sleek, neutral-toned vibe. There’s a great rooftop pool, and the complimentary laundry is a bonus. Just west of the city centre, The Franklin Boutique Hotel 00 61 8 8410 0036, http://www.thefranklinhotel.co... offers seven modern, black-hued rooms. Head downstairs for craft beers in the playfully styled bar, complete with a milk crate chandelier. The boutique South Australian chain Majestic Hotels has several properties in Adelaide. The Majestic Minima 00 61 8 8334 7766, http://www.minimahotel.com.au wins in the character department. Rooms may be on the small side, but with each painted by a different local artist, they’re unique, and you can browse all 46 on the website before booking.

Where to eat and drink

At award-winning Orana, 00 61 8 8232 3444, http://www.restaurantorana.com Scottish-born chef Jock Zonfrillo reimagines modern Australian cuisine in an exquisite tasting menu showcasing dishes such as potato damper with roast lamb butter, Murray River cod and eucalyptus and kangaroo with wild plum. If you miss out on a table, its more affordable sibling Bistro Blackwood 00 62 8 8227 0344, http://www.bistroblackwood.com... is just downstairs. Africola 00 61 8 8223 3885, http://www.africola.com.auis renowned for its modern take on North African food, while Shobosho’s 00 61 8 8366 2224, http://www.shobosho.com.au spin on Tokyo’s yakatori bars is a food critics’ favourite. If you’re after brunch, the menu at The Flinders Street Project http://www.theflindersstreetpr... goes beyond smashed avocado on toast. Later, Peel Street is the heart of Adelaide’s booming small bar scene. Swing by Clever Little Tailor http://www.cleverlittletailor.... for local wine or a dram from the long list of whiskies, or art deco-inspired Maybe Mae maybemae.comfor a killer cocktail. Sip a small-batch G&T at the Prohibition Liquor Co http://www.prohibitionliquor.c... ‘distillery door’ on Gilbert Street. If you’re headed to the Adelaide Hills, aim for lunch at The Summertown Aristologist 00 61 477 410 105, http://www.thesummertownaristo... which makes simple, seasonal, mostly organic ingredients sing.

Time running out?

A Feast on Foot tour leads you to the city’s best off-the-beaten track dining rooms. From £20pp. http://www.feastonfood.com

Travel Information

Travel Information

Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD). Local time is 10.5 hours ahead of GMT. Flight time from the UK is around 21 hours.

Getting There

Emirates offers flights from London Heathrow to Adelaide Airport, with a stopover in Perth. http://www.emirates.com
Qantas also flies the route from London Heathrow to Adelaide, with one stop in Singapore. http://www.qantas.com

Resources

South Australia Tourism is the official tourist board and its website is a great trip-planning resource. http://www.southaustrailia.com