We touchdown in Adelaide just as the borders re-open, the eerily quiet airport welcomes us in that ‘oh so friendly’ South Australian way.
There’s something about Adelaide that feels authentic, down to earth and steeped in history at the same time. Growing up in Melbourne we used to pound the long river roads to the festival state and in particular the wine districts -so lets start there with the vino!
Destination Kangaroo Island, we have a spare couple of hours before take off and what better way than to explore one of the many wineries at McLaren Vale along the way.
It’s ‘Battle of Bosworth’ and in particular their ‘Spring Seeds’ collection for tastings, the open farm gate is stunning and the cellar door is perched atop the vista overlooking the flourishing vineyards.
The winery has been certified organic for a couple of decades now and can rival any natural wine on the market. The spring seeds collection pays homage to Australian flora with a stunning range of native labels with a light European taste-fresh for the palette.
Heading to the coast, we stop off over night at an original farmhouse in Dellawere on the cliffs of the Fleurieu Peninsula. There’s a plethora of cattle farms and the vast landscape is a painters dream- we feel like we could be anywhere in the English countryside.
Next morning we catch the luxurious catamaran to Kangaroo Island-an early start we beat the passenger ferry arrivals, grab our hire car and head for the hills and rustic coast that makes up this pristine island.
Think honey ice-cream farms, gin distilleries, organic wineries, eucalyptus plantations and pop up street food vans. The Island prides itself on being ‘Authentically Kangaroo Island’ sustainability and the environment are at the forefront for locals and tourists alike.
We head back to Adelaide city just in time for WOMAD (world of music and dance) yes that’s right our first foray back into festivals after the dreaded global pandemic thwarted live music. We catch a line up of local talent, headlined by the dynamic one woman show- Tash Sultana.
A night dancing in our seats, in pods of 500 people had our senses in overdrive-we opt for a night cap at our hotel lobby bar, where local produce and distillers take pride of place.
The newly opened (3 days) Hotel Indigo is the perfect place to base yourself in the CBD, adjacent to the Adelaide Markets and a hop, skip to China Town. The hotel has all the right touch points from ambience to service to the freshest home made pasta in town.
Adelaide is alive with culture, a vibrant city full of local artisans, innovators and change-makers.
There’s a collective pride to this historical city, the churches are merely the backdrop-it’s the festivals, agri-tourism and people that beat the heart.
If you’re looking for the best travel blog and podcast on Adelaide, Australia-make sure to check out www.travellingsenorita.com. As a travel writer and podcast host, I’m dedicated to sharing the best travel experiences, tips, and insights. Join me on my adventures as I explore the wonders of this captivating region and beyond.
EAT-
ADELAIDE CENTRAL MARKETS
MARKET & MEANDER EATERY BAR
MERRYMAKER ROOFTOP
https://adelaide.hotelindigo.com/eat-and-drink-adelaide/
LOT 100
STAY-
HOTEL INDIGO
https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/reservation
PLAY-
KANGAROO ISLAND
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=authentic+kangaroo+island&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
MCLAREN VALE
