Explore foodie markets, grab an Insta inside a polka-dot room, tuck into fire-licked yakitori and swim beneath chandeliers. South Australia’s capital is a playground for families.
EAT
Adelaidians have long known what a rich treasure their city is when it comes to food and wine. Cool cafes, stylish bars and restaurants greet you at every turn while the city is also home to the iconic Adelaide Central Markets generally considered one of Australias best city markets.
For a quintessential Adelaide experience, grab a coffee at Lucias first. This old school Italian café has served up coffee and homemade South Italian food to marketgoers since 1957. Grab a babycino for younger café-goers, then browse the markets.
If youre in town with your family for the school holidays, sign kids up for the young foodies program. This offers a range of free and low-cost activities including the popular Market Trail and Little Market Chefs. Run by the team from Sprout Cooking School, the program helps kids understand more about food and how to cook fresh, seasonal meals from scratch.
Come lunchtime, ease tummy grumbles at Leigh Streets Shobosho. The latest venture from prolific South Australian restauranteur Simon Kardachi with executive chef Adam Liston at the helm, the Japanese-inspired menu blends smoke, steam and fire. Raw, cured, pickled and fermented dishes complement smoky flavours with sashimi, noodles, yakitori, dumplings and bao all on the menu.
Another fun foodie experience for kids is Haighs Chocolate Factory, where you can watch confectioners create the renowned chocolatiers delicious range. Haighs has multiple stores throughout Adelaide, including at the markets and Rundle Street Mall.
Come sundown, make for the newly launched multi-level arts precinct, Light Adelaide (a short walk from Sofitel Adelaide) for philanthropy-meets-innovative-cuisine at Aurora. Families with older kids will love not only the accomplished dishes and exquisite cocktails (or mocktails for the young ones) but the fact theyre doing good by dining here too. Helmed by talented former dArenberg Cube chef Brendan Wessels, Aurora is a registered charity with a strong sustainability and social-responsibility ethos. Expect fire-licked dishes with a Japanese and Korean bent, such as sustainable fish or market beef with chimichurri cooked on a custom-built braai.
PLAY
Dive into Adelaides cultural side at the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA). Home to more than 45,000 works of art, this gallery plays host to a range of cutting-edge exhibitions housed within a striking heritage building on North Terrace. Kids will love exploring Japanese artist Chiharu Shiotas red string installation and grabbing an Insta-moment in Yayoi Kusamas immersive polka-dot and mirror installation, The Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended Into the Heavens, a vibrant yellow and black polka dot room with a mirrored box housing illuminated pumpkin sculptures.
While youre in the neighbourhood, pop into the State Library of South Australia and visit the Mortlock Wing. This striking example of Victorian library architecture, with shelves lined with beautiful old books, has been affectionately dubbed the Harry Potter Room due to its resemblance to the grand library of Hogwarts.
The South Australian Museum, home to a giant squid, fascinating fossils, and a Lego model of Australian Antarctic icebreaker RSV Nuyina by The Brickman in the foyer, is also nearby.
Afterwards, let the kids burn off steam at the historic Adelaide Botanic Gardens. This 51-hectare public garden is home to family favourite the Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden. Kids love exploring this gorgeous garden with its beds of seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs, fruit trees, compost, worms, native bee hotels and a large basket weave dome for storytelling.
STAY
Base yourself at the new $150 million flagship Sofitel Adelaide, which brings Parisian-style luxury to the South Australian capital. There are 251 luxurious monochrome rooms and suites, a modern fitness centre and three food and wine offerings. This includes a ground-floor Champagne bar and glamorous Garcon Bleu restaurant, which morphs from breakfast to high tea to a Parisian brasserie and raw bar. And, its all headed up by a Michelin-starred chef. The melt-in-the-mouth South Australian Angus served with a side of pommes frites was hands down the best steak Ive ever had, according to my 13-year-old-daughter Ella.
The biggest drawcard for Adelaide family holidays, aside from the its central location and warm French hospitality, is the marble-clad, chandelier-lit pool. Capturing the hotels light and flow design by Adelaide-born, Bangkok-based designer Carl Ameida, floor to ceiling windows. It allows for panoramas westward towards the Adelaide Hills by day and twinkling skyline views by night. Grab a sun lounger and order a glass of South Australias finest as the kids splash about.
If the budget extends, its well worth shelling out for a Luxury Club room or suite. These not only offer extra room for families but access to complimentary facilities and services as part of Club Millésime on level 10. The private lounge offers rooftop vistas and serves complimentary à la carte breakfast, afternoon tea and evening drinks and canapés (adults only) as well as personalised check in and check out.
You had me at bonjour.
Take Me There
Fly: Daily direct flights run to Adelaide from Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. QantasLink now connects Newcastle with the South Adelaide, three times a week from $230 one way. See qantas.com
Stay: Rooms at the Sofitel Adelaide start from $320 per room per night for a superior room. Families receive 50 per cent off when booking a second room, along with complimentary breakfast for children under 12. High tea decorating classes run on Sundays for adults and kids. See sofiteladelaide.com.au
Activities: Adelaide Central Markets offers free kids workshops and classes in school holidays. Its Market Trail costs $9 per child; Little Market Chefs $18. See adelaidecentralmarket.com.au
Explore More: southaustralia.com
