See several highlights of South Australia on this exciting and action-packed 3 days in Adelaide itinerary!
Adelaide is a vibrant city with much to offer, both in the city centre and in the surrounding nature.
With world class wine regions and gorgeous islands on its outskirts and captivating architecture, cuisine, history, art, and culture at its core, Adelaide wows visitors at every turn.
We’ve created this ideal 3 days in Adelaide itinerary for travellers who simply don’t know where to start. The city has so much to see and do, so here is a logical itinerary that lays out the highlights in a convenient way.
You can alter this Adelaide itinerary to suit your travel style, and add or subtract things however you choose. But for an average traveller who wants a well-rounded experience in Adelaide, this itinerary covers the most popular attractions.
So if you want to make the most of 3 days in South Australia’s capital city, check out this Adelaide itinerary!
Plan your trip to Australia with these handy travel tips!
Table of Contents
The Perfect 3 Days In Adelaide Itinerary
Arrive at Adelaide Airport, head to your accommodation, and get ready for an amazing 3 days in Adelaide.
We recommend finding accommodation in the Adelaide CBD. It’s a centrally located spot where you can walk to the nearby attractions and easily get public transport or pick-ups for day tours around the city.
You can also rent a car for your time in Adelaide. This will be handy for visiting nearby beaches and wineries. Though you can easily explore Adelaide without a car, and we’ll list some great guided tours that include transport.
So let’s dive into the itinerary!
The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.
Day 1 – Adelaide City Centre
Start your Adelaide itinerary by getting acquainted with Adelaide’s CBD. This is one of the most iconic Australian cities, so don’t skip out on any of the downtown highlights.
From the Adelaide Central Markets, to the gardens of North Adelaide, to the intriguing museums, to the bars with amazing views of the city skyline, you’re in for an exciting day.
Here is a convenient walking tour that takes you through the best parts of Adelaide in a day. Be on the lookout for street art as well! Adelaide has lots of incredible street art scattered around the city, and a walk around the CBD is the best way to spot some hidden works of art.
Morning – Outdoor attractions
Begin the day with an outdoor stroll around Adelaide. The CBD is surrounded by greenery, with plenty of outdoor attractions sitting on the outskirts of all the skyscrapers and urban architecture.
Here are some outdoor activities that are all near each other in the green spaces between North Adelaide and the CBD. You can walk to each of these within an hour, and you can spend as long as you like at each place. It’s totally up to you!
Adelaide Botanic Gardens
The Adelaide Botanic Gardens, located in the heart of Adelaide, South Australia, is a stunning oasis of natural beauty.
Opened in 1857, the gardens are renowned for their diverse collection of plants, including native Australian flora, exotic species, and beautifully curated themed gardens.
Highlights include the Bicentennial Conservatory, housing a lush rainforest environment, and the Palm House, an elegant Victorian-era glasshouse.
This amazing botanic garden combines history and nature, making it a lovely place to walk around during your visit to Adelaide.
Adelaide Zoo
Animal lovers and families should try to visit the Adelaide Zoo on their 3 day itinerary! It’s just a short, 15-minute walk from the botanic gardens.
Adelaide Zoo is one of the country’s most iconic and oldest zoos, and is home to over 2,500 animals.
The zoo is renowned for its giant pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, the only pandas in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as its immersive exhibits like the South-East Asian Rainforest and the Australian Outback.
With a strong focus on conservation, education, and sustainability, Adelaide Zoo plays a vital role in protecting wildlife and raising awareness. Join animal experiences and visit incredible exhibits to help support their conservation efforts!
Adelaide Oval
Sports lovers can check out the Adelaide Oval during their tour of the city. As one of the world’s most picturesque and iconic sporting venues, the Oval hosts cricket games, Australian Rules Football (AFL) games, concerts, and more.
Surrounded by the lush parklands of the River Torrens, the Oval offers breathtaking views, particularly from its rooftop climb experience. Book a guided tour of the Adelaide Oval to learn more about the area, or head back in the evening to catch a game!
River Torrens
While walking between all these attractions, you’ll get to admire the River Torrens as it winds around the city.
Opt for some of the riverfront paths surrounded by greenery during your self guided walking tour. You can make your way from place to place, get some exercise, and admire the River Torrens for free.
Locals are often walking or biking along these paths as well, as it’s a beautiful spot to relax in nature.
Head further south with a road trip to Melbourne another iconic Aussie city!
Afternoon – Downtown strolling
It’s time to head back into the CBD to check out some downtown attractions. Continue your self-guided walking tour and check out these popular spots!
Art Gallery of South Australia
The Art Gallery of South Australia is located just north of the CBD, so you can conveniently walk here before heading further into the city.
Home to one of Australia’s most significant art collections, AGSA showcases over 45,000 works, ranging from Aboriginal art and contemporary pieces to European masterpieces. It’s known for its immersive exhibitions and beautiful interiors, and is a must for art lovers!
South Australian Museum
Perfect for history and natural science enthusiasts, this museum is renowned for its collection of Australian Aboriginal artifacts. It also has fascinating exhibits on South Australia’s geology, fossils, and wildlife.
Anyone interested in natural and cultural history will love the South Australian Museum, and it’s right next to the AGSA.
Read next: Amazing Adelaide To Darwin Road Trip Itinerary
King William Street
King William Street is one of Adelaide’s most prominent thoroughfares, running through the heart of the city. The street is steeped in history and lined with iconic landmarks, including the Adelaide Town Hall, Government House, and the General Post Office.
As a bustling hub of activity, King William Street is home to a mix of historic and modern architecture, retail shops, offices, coffee shops, and cafes.
Rundle Mall
Just next to King William Street is Rundle Mall, another vibrant place to walk through the city.
Rundle Mall is Adelaide’s premier shopping and pedestrian precinct, stretching over 500 meters and packed with retail, dining, and entertainment venues.
If you want to shop, snack, or people-watch, Rundle Mall is the place to be!
Victoria Square
This central and historic landmark in the heart of Adelaide, South Australia, is right on the way from Rundle Mall to Adelaide Central Market. Take a moment to admire it as you walk through!
This magnificent public space has unique landmarks like St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral and the Three Rivers Fountain. It’s a popular gathering space for community events and is right in the heart of the city.
Adelaide Central Market
Right next to Victoria Square is one of Adelaide’s top destinations, the central market. This is the perfect place to grab lunch or join a guided tour during a busy day of sightseeing.
Established in 1869, Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest and oldest fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere. It has over 70 traders and a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, artisan cheeses, baked goods, and gourmet specialties from around the world.
It also celebrates Adelaide’s multicultural heritage, with stalls showcasing flavours from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Beyond shopping, the market is a lively meeting place, hosting cooking demonstrations, food tours, and events that highlight its role as the culinary heart of the city.
Evening – Rooftop bar for sunset
Finish off your evening with a fabulous dinner or drinks at a rooftop bar. There is no better way to enjoy sunset views and toast to your amazing day of exploring Adelaide.
The Merrymaker Rooftop Bar is the city’s highest rooftop bar that has cocktails, tapas, and yummy food platters. The Gallery is a rooftop bar with rotating art exhibits and Sparkke at the Whitmore is a rooftop brewery with craft beer.
2KW Bar and Restaurant on King William Street, Eleven on Pirie Street, and HENNESSY Rooftop Bar at the Mayfair Hotel are also top options for your night out in Adelaide.
Head west to explore Perth, the iconic capital city of Western Australia!
Day 2
Next on your 3 day itinerary, it’s time to explore one of the world-class wine regions near Adelaide! There are some amazing local wines produced in the rolling green hills outside the city.
So take the first half of the day to explore Adelaide’s wine country, either on a self-guided driving tour or a guided tour. Note: a guided tour with transport is recommended because you can sample premium wines all day without having to worry about driving!
Morning & Afternoon – Wine tasting
There are a few places to go wine tasting near the city during your Adelaide itinerary, and here is a quick summary of the most popular destinations. You simply can’t leave Adelaide without visiting at least one winery or cellar door, as there is some truly amazing wine here!
McLaren Vale
Located just 45 minutes south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale is celebrated for its world-class Shiraz, Grenache, and Mediterranean-style wines. The area boasts over 80 boutique wineries, ranging from historic family-run estates to architecturally stunning cellar doors.
Visitors can enjoy tasting flights paired with local produce, including olives, cheeses, and artisan chocolates, all while soaking in breathtaking views of rolling vineyards and the nearby coastline.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious beginner, McLaren Vale is one of the best places for wine tastings near Adelaide!
Barossa Valley
Another top wine region near Adelaide is Barossa Valley. This mecca of wine making is about an hour north of the city, so unfortunately you probably wouldn’t visit both Barossa and McLaren Vale in the same day.
But heading north to the Barossa Valley brings you through charming scenery, historic estates, and picturesque vineyards and rolling hills. Savour award-winning wines paired with local delicacies as you hop from winery to winery.
Join a day trip from Adelaide that includes lunch and visits to several world-class vineyards with an expert guide.
Adelaide Hills
The Adelaide Hills, located just 20 minutes from the city, is a scenic and vibrant region known for its picturesque landscapes, lovely villages, and cool-climate vineyards.
To make the most of your wine tasting experience, you can join a guided tour that combines an Adelaide Hills visit with the historic German settlement of Hahndorf and wineries in the Barossa Valley.
There is lots to see and do in this beautiful area, and you can even mix up the wine tasting with outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, or heading to a scenic lookout.
Evening – Glenelg Beach
After a fun-filled day of wine tasting in Adelaide, keep the fun going with an evening in Glenelg Beach.
As one of the most popular and vibrant beach destinations in South Australia, Glenelg Beach is the best spot for swimming and sunbathing in Adelaide summer. Even if you’re visiting in a cooler time of year, the beach is still beautiful for sightseeing and strolling on the sand.
The nearby Jetty Road offers an array of cafes, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for a relaxed evening out. The historic Glenelg Pier is a great spot to watch the sunset as well.
You can even elevate your beach experience with a sunset catamaran cruise! Drift along the Glenelg coastline, sip on a cold drink, and admire the sunset over the water.
Day 3
On the final day of your 3 day itinerary in Adelaide, it’s time to visit the famous Kangaroo Island! This is one of the most sought-after day trips from Adelaide, so don’t miss it!
Read our guide to the best things to do on Kangaroo Island!
Morning & Afternoon – Kangaroo Island Day Trip
The best way to see Kangaroo Island is on a guided day tour from Adelaide. It’s just so much easier to get picked up in the city and taken right over to the island, with an expert guide to lead the way.
Known for its pristine beauty, Kangaroo Island is packed with amazing things to see and do on your day trip! It’s most famous for its wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, and over 250 species of birds.
Most day tours will also take you to Flinders Chase National Park, where you can see the famous Remarkable Rocks and the Admirals Arch, natural rock formations that offer breathtaking views.
Other highlights might include seeing the sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park and admiring more native animals at Kangaroo Island Wildlife.
On top of that, just driving around the island offers fantastic views of untouched beaches and scenic, remote wilderness roads. After your day of adventures, you’ll be transport back to the mainland and back to the Adelaide CBD.
Evening – Walk around Port Adelaide
If you still have energy after your exciting day on Kangaroo Island, head to the vibrant waterfront district of Port Adelaide to walk around and grab some dinner.
Once a bustling port for trade and industry, the area is now a popular area for visitors seeking history, art, good food, and unique attractions.
The district is home to well-preserved 19th-century architecture, including the Port Adelaide Lighthouse and National Railway Museum, which highlight the area’s historical significance.
The Port Adelaide Wharf area is a hub for cafes, galleries, and boutique shops, offering a laid-back yet lively atmosphere. The region is also known for its wildlife, with opportunities to spot wild dolphins in the nearby waters and explore the tranquil Port River.
So take these final moments of your 3 day Adelaide itinerary to stroll around and soak in the history, wildlife, cuisine, and culture!
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Adelaide Travel Guide
To help you further plan your 3 day itinerary in Adelaide, here are some handy travel tips. From getting around the city, to picking the best month to visit, a little preparation goes a long way.
How to get around Adelaide, South Australia
It’s very easy to get around the Adelaide CBD and surrounding areas.
Walk whenever possible in the city centre, as this is the best way to save money and spot street art. However, if the weather is cold or you’re just hoping to rest your legs for a bit, Adelaide has great public transport as well.
The city’s public transport system is managed by Adelaide Metro and includes buses, trains, and trams.
The tram is free within the city center and extends all the way to Glenelg on the coast.
Buses are great for getting around in the city, and you can find all the routes at Adelaide Central Bus Station. Trains connect Adelaide Railway Station with the outer suburbs.
There are also rideshare apps and bike hire as well for getting around in the city.
Car hire is also easy, as this gives you flexibility for exploring outside the city on a road trip. Plus, Adelaide is a relatively straightforward city to drive around, with street parking and free parking zones around the area.
When is the best time to visit Adelaide?
There is no bad time to visit the city, as you can find somewhere lovely to stay in Adelaide year round. But most travellers would prefer the shoulder seasons for the best prices and pleasant weather.
During the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) seasons, the weather is mild, the city is vibrant, and there are plenty of festivals and outdoor activities to enjoy.
Winter can be chilly and rainy in Adelaide, but prices and crowds will drop. Summer is very hot, so perfect for a beach day but the crowds are much more intense.
Check out our full guide to the best time to visit Adelaide for a seasonal breakdown and summary of local events!
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