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Planning a trip to Adelaide, Australia? You’re going to love it!
Adelaide has a relaxed and welcoming vibe that makes it a joy to explore. The only question is: where do you start?
Well, we’ve come up with the ultimate 3-day Adelaide itinerary to help you make the most of your trip. Not only will you get to know the city itself, you’ll explore some of its beautiful surrounding areas, from tasting the region’s finest in the Barossa Valley to spotting dolphins and visiting the famous Kangaroo Island.
We’ll also cover where to eat and how to get around, so all you need to do is follow along and enjoy. Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE activity in Adelaide was this Barossa Valley wine tour! From sipping local flavors at family-run vineyards to soaking up countryside views at Mengler Hill, every moment felt perfectly planned and unforgettable.
Check out the 1,100+ five-star reviews and book this tour here!
Itinerary Overview
Getting around Adelaide is surprisingly easy thanks to the city’s compact layout. Most of the main attractions in the CBD are within easy walking distance, which allows you to do a lot of exploring on foot.
For trips a little further out, the city’s public transport system is both efficient and affordable. Trams run all the way to Glenelg Beach, and buses and trains run regularly. Uber and taxis are also widely available, and they can often be the most convenient choice for short hops from A to B. Traffic is usually light, but it’s still smart to allow a bit of extra time for early morning tours or traveling during rush hour.
Day 1: Start your Adelaide adventure with a delicious breakfast in the city, then get to know the CBD on a walking tour. In the afternoon, head to Port Adelaide for a relaxing dolphin-spotting cruise before wrapping up the day with dinner at a rooftop restaurant and a stroll along the River Torrens or a drink in one of the CBD’s lively laneways.
Day 2: Choose between two full-day experiences: a wine tour through the famous Barossa Valley or a scenic Murray River cruise. After a day of tastings or cruising, enjoy a vibrant North African-inspired dinner to round off the evening.
Day 3: Spend your final day on a full-day Kangaroo Island tour, where you’ll encounter native wildlife, stunning coastlines, and breathtaking scenery. It’s a truly unforgettable way to end your trip!
Day 1
Breakfast – Luigi Delicatessen
Kick off your first morning in Adelaide with breakfast at Luigi Delicatessen, a family-run Italian café right in the heart of the CBD. It’s just a 6-minute walk from the starting point of your walking tour, so it’s a perfect spot to fuel up before exploring the city. It opens weekdays at 7 am, and we suggest arriving around 8-8:30 am so that you can enjoy breakfast without rushing.
The cafe is bright and welcoming, and the owner is so friendly! Plus, the smell of fresh coffee and baked focaccia is always comforting, am I right? If you’re hungry, the Breakfast Board will definitely set you up for the day. It has a bit of everything!
The only thing to note is that Luigi’s is closed on Sundays, so if that’s when your first day in Adelaide falls, you can either grab breakfast at or near your hotel or head to the nearby Public Cafe, which opens at 8 am on Sundays. The breakfasts here aren’t quite as good overall, but I do like the custard croissants a lot! Plus, it’s just a few steps away, so it’s still a convenient place to grab a bite before the tour.
Morning – Get to know Adelaide like a local
It’s your first morning in Adelaide, which means it’s time to get to know the city! This walking tour is the perfect way to get your bearings with a local guide who knows all the hidden gems! Plus, it’s a small-group tour, which makes it much more personal than large, generic city tours.
The adventure begins at 10 am and lasts for 2-3 hours, which means you’ll wrap up somewhere between 12 and 1 pm. We think that it has a great itinerary, too, as it covers all the city highlights, from Victoria Square and Beehive Corner to Rundle Mall and the beautiful Adelaide Arcade. There are lots of cultural sites too, which demonstrate Adelaide’s contributions towards both science and social reform.
The tour even includes a riverfront picnic midway through (if the weather allows!), where you’ll get to try yummy local snacks like fruchocs and custard tarts. This is such a nice touch, as it lets you slow down and hang out like a local for a bit.
We think that this is the ideal way to spend your first morning in Adelaide, as it’s such a great way to get to know the city’s culture and character. It has even won tourism awards, but it’s not only the critics who love it—check out the rave reviews here.
Book this top-rated walking tour here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!
Lunch – The Banksia Tree Cafe and Restaurant
For lunch, we’re heading out to Port Adelaide, where the afternoon dolphin cruise departs, and there are a couple of ways to get there. A taxi takes around 20 minutes from the CBD, which is quick and convenient.
If you prefer public transport, you can take the GLNELG tram from Victoria Square toward Royal Adelaide Hospital to Adelaide Railway Station. Then, you’ll hop on the metro to Port Adelaide. This journey takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour, so make sure to leave plenty of time to get there comfortably and enjoy a relaxed lunch before your cruise!
As for where to actually eat, The Banksia Tree Cafe is a cute spot with friendly service. I love the Nourish Bowl with quinoa, avocado, and poached eggs, but they also have yummy burgers, salads, and open sandwiches.
Afternoon – Go dolphin spotting on a river cruise
After a busy morning exploring the city on foot, it’s time to slow down and relax on this scenic Port River cruise. But this is more than just a chance to unwind, because you’ll be on the lookout for wild bottlenose dolphins!
We recommend the tour departing from Port Adelaide at 3:30 pm, which gives you plenty of time for lunch. Then, it lasts for 1.5 hours, so it will wrap up at 5 pm.
As you glide along the river, your expert guide will help you spot the bottlenose dolphins that reside in the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. At certain times of the year, you might even spot calves swimming alongside their mothers.
Along the way, you’ll cruise past the Ships’ Graveyard, which is a fascinating collection of rusting vessels that are half-submerged in the backwaters. It’s a little eerie, but cool nonetheless! You’ll also pass through the mangroves of the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary, where you can spot a variety of coastal birds flying overhead.
This tour is such a great opportunity to see dolphins swimming in the wild, which is definitely not something you get to see every day, so it’s worth making time for.
Book this scenic cruise here with FREE cancellation!
Dinner – 2KW Bar & Restaurant
After your afternoon cruise, either hop back on the metro to Port Adelaide and take a short walk to tonight’s dinner spot, or grab an Uber or taxi. Either way, it should take around 15-20 minutes to get to 2KW Bar & Restaurant. For most of the year, this means that you should get there in time to catch the sunset.
This modern Australian rooftop spot overlooks the River Torrens and Adelaide Oval, so it’s the perfect spot for your first evening in the city. The views are fantastic, and the vibe is classy without being stuffy. Oh, and the food is great, too—I recommend the salmon or the slow-cooked grilled octopus!
Evening – Go for a stroll along the river or grab a drink in the CBD
For your first evening in Adelaide, you’ve got a couple of great options. One is to take a gentle stroll along the River Torrens footpath. It runs past Elder Park and the beautifully illuminated Adelaide Oval, so it’s a lovely route to follow for a post-dinner walk.
Option two is to explore the CBD’s nightlife on Peel Street or Leigh Street, where you’ll find plenty of bars, pubs, and drink spots to choose from. There’s a lively vibe around here, but don’t go too crazy, as we have another full day of activities tomorrow!
Day 2
There are two fantastic full-day tours to choose from today, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. It just depends on what kind of adventure you’re after!
Wine lovers will adore this tour of Barossa Valley, which takes you through one of Australia’s most prestigious wine regions for a day of tastings, scenic vineyards, and gourmet food. It’s perfect if you want a relaxing day surrounded by rolling hills and good wine.
Alternatively, you can hop aboard this Murray River Cruise and glide along one of Australia’s most iconic waterways. It includes a visit to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German village, which we think is pretty cool!
Option 1: Morning/Afternoon – Discover Adelaide’s world-famous wine scene
If you love good wine, great food, and beautiful countryside, then this Barossa Valley wine tour is an absolute must. We actually joined this full-day experience from Adelaide ourselves, and it turned out to be the best experience of our trip!
The day starts at 9 am, and hotel pickup is included, so you’ll need to be ready just before then. It lasts for 8 hours, which means you’ll be back in Adelaide at around 5 pm, ready for a fun last evening here.
The first stop of the day is the Whispering Wall, a quirky spot where you can literally hear someone whisper from the other end of the dam. Then, it’s onto the charming Kies Family Wines for a guided tasting with the welcoming hosts. All of the wineries on this tour are family-run, actually, but this one in particular is known for its warm hospitality!
After a wonderful first tasting, our guide took us on a quick stroll through the pretty township of Tanuda. Then, we visited the iconic Turkey Flat Vineyards for a proper gourmet lunch of cheese, charcuterie, and fresh bread. It was so yummy! There were vegetarian and vegan options too, which was great to see.
Next, we stopped at Mengler Hill Lookout for panoramic views over the rolling vineyards before our final tasting at the peaceful Rosendale Vineyards, an awesome hidden gem of a winery where we did a guided tasting with the owner.
This tour was such a lovely day out. It was well-paced and we think it offers great value for money, too, since it includes all of your tastings, transport, and lunch.
Read 1,300+ 5-star reviews and book this premium tasting tour here!
Option 2: Morning/Afternoon – Cruise down the Murray River on a historic boat
If you’re not much of a wine drinker, travelling with kids, or just more into local history than vineyard views, then this Adelaide Hills and Murray River tour will help you to explore the best of South Australia in one day.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel before 8:30 am and dropped back around 5 pm as the tour lasts for 8.5 hours total. And trust me, you’ll be fitting a lot into that time, starting with sweeping views over Adelaide from Mount Lofty Summit!
From there, you’ll pass by the fairytale-like Thorngrove Manor and get a glimpse into the region’s past at the historic Bridgewater Mill. But the main event has to be the 3-hour cruise along the Murray River. This leisurely boat ride takes you through some of South Australia’s most beautiful riverside landscapes, and you’ll get to enjoy a 2-course lunch along the way. This is likely to be freshly caught fish, but the menu does change seasonally, which we appreciate!
To wrap up the day, you’ll visit Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German village. It’s super charming and you get free time here, so you can wander down Main Street, check out the historic buildings, and maybe even grab a glass of German beer while you’re at it—well, it would be rude not to, really!
Book this popular Murray River cruise tour here, before it sells out!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner – Africola
We’re doing something a little different tonight and wrapping the day up at Africola, a modern African-inspired restaurant that has become an Adelaide institution! It has effortlessly cool decor, and the food here is bursting with flavor. Eating here is a great chance to try some delicious African dishes, including (but certainly not limited to) chakalaka, peri peri chicken, and South African steak.
But the food is not the only draw here. It’s always a party at Africola, so we strongly recommend booking a table in advance. Both of today’s tour options end at around 5 pm, so we suggest booking for 7:30–8 pm so that you have some time to head back to your hotel, relax, and freshen up.
You’ll definitely have a fun and lively evening here, but afterwards we recommend heading back to your hotel rather than out on the town because we have an early start tomorrow.
Day 3
Full day – Kangaroo Island in a Day Tour from Adelaide
This full-day Kangaroo Island tour from Adelaide is an epic adventure! It lasts for 16 hours, taking up the whole of day 3, but I can promise you it’s worth it. Kangaroo Island is such a special place, and you really can’t miss it while you’re here.
Seriously, this island will blow you away with its raw beauty and incredible wildlife. Throughout the tour, you’ll get to see kangaroos hopping through open fields, sea lions basking on the beach, and maybe even some cute koalas snoozing in the trees!
And the island’s natural landscape is just as impressive, from the crazy ancient rock formations to the pristine beaches. It really showcases what makes South Australia so incredible.
Your epic day will begin with a scenic coach ride across the Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis, where you’ll board the ferry to Kangaroo Island. Then, it’s onto Seal Bay Conservation Park for a guided walk with a ranger to see sea lions swimming and lounging around.
Later, you’ll visit Flinders Chase National Park to see the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, as well as lots of fur seals playing! You’ll also drive past Cape du Couedic Lighthouse before heading to a cute farm cafe for a 2-course lunch. This will be today’s main meal, so tuck in!
But today’s real showstopper is Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park. This is where you’ll have the chance to hand-feed kangaroos and cuddle adorable baby koalas. It doesn’t get much better (or much more Australian) than this!
You won’t get back to Adelaide until 10 or 11 pm tonight, which is a bit late for a proper restaurant dinner, but you’ll have time to grab something on the way, or you can bring your own snacks with you. And as we mentioned earlier, a good-sized lunch is included with the tour.
This tour is a long but unforgettable day, and the 400+ glowing reviews certainly attest to that! It’s a very popular experience from Adelaide, though, so we definitely recommend booking in advance to secure your spot before it sells out.
You can book this top-rated Kangaroo Island day tour here and enjoy free cancellation!
Related Read: Have more time? See our list of the best things to do in Adelaide for even more ideas!
Where to Stay in Adelaide
Now that you know how to spend your days in Adelaide, it’s time to find the perfect place to rest and recharge between adventures! We recommend staying in Adelaide’s city center because it puts you right in the middle of the action, plus it means you’ll be eligible for tour pickup and drop-off where applicable. There are also plenty of options here, so we’ve rounded up our top picks to suit every traveler.
Luxury – $$$
Eos by SkyCity in Adelaide is a luxurious 5-star hotel right in the heart of the city. It’s sleek and modern on the inside, and positively futuristic on the outside. And of course, in true 5-star style, there are plenty of facilities to make your stay extra relaxing, including an outdoor pool, a spa, a sauna, and a steam room.
There are also four restaurants on site, which makes dining easy! But if you want to venture out, the hotel is in the very heart of the city, so you can also walk to plenty of nearby spots instead.
Rooms typically start around $350 AUD per night and reach up to $1,000+ AUD for the most luxurious suites. Get the best prices by booking in advance!
Mid-range – $$
TRYP Adelaide by Wyndham is a plush hotel right in the heart of Adelaide. It offers spacious rooms and a comfortable bed, so it’s the perfect place to get a good night’s sleep after exploring the city and its surrounds all day.
Another thing that’s great about this property is that when you book with Booking.com, there’s no prepayment required, and you can get free cancellation up to a few days before you stay. This is not only super helpful for budgeting for a trip, but it also means you can stay flexible.
Rooms here typically range from $150 to $500 AUD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
Budget – $
Ibis Adelaide is a budget-friendly hotel right in the heart of the city. It’s a wallet-friendly choice, but it’s still modern and stylish, and you really can’t beat the location. You’ll be just a 1-minute walk from Rundle Mall and within walking distance of the Adelaide Convention Centre and the Botanic Gardens.
There’s a small gym, and while the rooms do feel quite functional, we think that this is a great choice if you want to spend most of your time out and about exploring, because it’s a clean and smart base to return to at the end of the day.
Rooms at ibis Adelaide typically range from $125 to $300 AUD per night. Find out more and book your stay here!
For even more great options, check out all the hotels listed for Adelaide here!
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is driving yourself!
Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time. Plus, we love the freedom to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.
You have three options: a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A rental car is the most affordable option – especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. It gets you to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels along the way (no camping). The easiest place to rent a car in Australia is on DiscoverCars.com where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van with a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what many budget travelers use to get around Australia since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting Australia. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in Australia!
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Three days in Adelaide is the perfect amount of time to soak up the city’s laid-back charm and explore South Australia’s best highlights. We loved how easily we could balance city life with countryside adventures—from sipping local flavors in the Barossa Valley to spotting dolphins on the Port River and meeting koalas on Kangaroo Island. Adelaide surprised us in all the best ways, and we hope this itinerary helps you experience it just as fully.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other Australia guides here—we’ve shared plenty of itineraries, travel tips, and tour recommendations to make planning your trip a breeze. Or here are a few of our favorites to get you started!
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Sydney, Australia: The Best 3-Day Itinerary
Where to Stay in Perth, Australia: 8 Best Areas & Hotels
Where to Stay in Melbourne, Australia: 7 Best Areas & Hotels