Tourist Attractions in Adelaide

Tours abound in and around Adelaide for every size of pocket, timetable and interest. Many offer a little of everything, some are more specialized, and there is always a glass of wine on the list. Adelaide sits with leafy dignity on the River Torrens, which stretches between the hills and the sea.

Adelaide's Central Market

There are dozens of organized and guided visits that either concentrate on wine tasting or tour an area with a few food and grape stops. With five world-famous wine regions, the sea and bountiful farmlands, wine and food festivals are a constant on local calendars. If you do not believe this, visit Adelaide's Central Market. Local produce includes seafood, meat, cheese, olives and a plethora of colorful fruit and vegetables. Meet the stallholders and their produce on one of the many tours offered. Victoria Square is also close by and features the Grange Restaurant which is hailed as one of the best restaurants in Adelaide. Not far from here is Tandanya, an art gallery, performance space that explores the rich culture of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders. Close by you can also take a self guided tour of the Botanic Park adjacent to the Adelaide Zoological Gardens. Here you can also relax near Torrens Lake and Elder Park.

Lipson Street

Lipson Street is one of the most historic sites in Port Adelaide. Here you can tour the South Australian Maritime Museum and grab a bite to eat at the Lipson Café. Get ready for a blast from the past as you tour the Australian Museum of Childhood. Along Lispon Street you will also stumble upon the South Australian Aviation Museum which will allow you to trace the aviation history of South Australia.

Orlando Wines

The best-known Australian wine, Orlando Wines of Jacobs Creek, originates from the lush Barossa Valley. A selection of maps and tours of the 50 wineries, Lutheran churches and old German towns, is available to help you explore this fascinating area. The Barossa Valley is also home to Grant Burge Wines, a winery that hails some of the best white wines in the region. A great eatery to try in the area is the 1918 Bistro and Grill. The charming cottage and tasty entrees will compliment the wine that you may bring with you.

Mount Lofty

The Adelaide Hills feature conservation and wildlife parks, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, local wineries, and great trails to venture through the eucalyptus-thronged Mount Lofty ranges. You can also get a great view of your surroundings as you dine at the Mount Lofty Summit Restaurant. Rise early for a dawn tour of the Warrawong Sanctuary and an insight into endangered wildlife. If you're in search for the perfect weekend get away, Coonawarra is the answer. Producing many of the state's classic red wines, this region also allows you to tramp gently around the Naracoorte Caves Conservation Park, which is on the World Heritage list. Coonawarra is also the location of the Zema Estate, a small family owned winery that specializes in red wines.

Whether you roam around Adelaide by foot or on wheels, the great outdoors awaits the nature spirit, or for the shopaholic, bring something from Adelaide back home with you.

Cruise Tours

Coorong Adventure Cruise ( +61 8 8555 2203/ http://www.coorongcruises.com.au/ )

Walking Tours

Adelaide's Cultural Heritage Guided Walk ( +61 8 8405 6560/ http://www.portenf.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=703/ ) Tourabout Adelaide ( +61 8 8333 1111/http://www.touraboutadelaide.com.au/ ) Botanic Gardens ( +61 8 8222 9311/ http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/botanicgardens/ ) Bird walks ( +61 8 8303 5594 )

Bus Tours

Adelaide Highlights and Hahndorf ( +61 1300 858 687/ http://www.grayline.com/Grayline/destinations/pacificislands/adelaide.go?mode=activityDetail&apid=996&sid=598/ ) Premier Stateliner ( +61 8 8415 5500/ http://www.premierstateliner.com.au/ ) Adelaide Private Tours ( +61 8 8333 1111/ http://www.touraboutadelaide.com.au/ ) Adelaide Sightseeing ( +61 8 8413 6199/ http://www.adelaidesightseeing.com.au/ ) Gray Line ( +61 1300 85 8687/ http://www.grayline.com/Grayline/index.aspx/ )

Shopping Tours

Worldwide Shopping Tours ( http://www.worldwideshoppingtours.com.au/ )

Adventure Tours

Flinders Ranges ( +61 1800 633 060 ) Ecotrek & Bogong Jack Adventures ( +61 8 8383 7198/ http://www.ecotrek.com.au/ ) Wayward Bus ( +61 8 8410 8833/ http://www.waywardbus.com.au/ )

Food and Wine Tours

Market Adventures ( +61 8 8263 0265/ http://www.topfoodandwinetours.com.au/ ) Asian Market Experience ( +61 8 8332 2727 ) Grazing on Gouger ( +61 8 8263 0265/ http://www.topfoodandwinetours.com.au/ ) Barossa Valley Supreme ( +61 8 8298 8146/ http://www.primeminitours.com/ ) Barossa Wine Train ( +61 8 8212 7888/ http://www.postcards.sa.com.au/features/bluebird_rail.html ) McLaren Vale Food and Wine ( +61 8 8323 9944/ http://www.mclarenvale.info/ ) A Taste of South Australia ( +61 8 8271 7777/ http://www.tastesa.com.au/ )