Aim to sample as much of South Australia’s delicious fare as you can. Whether you’re after the day’s fresh catch or rich chocolates, the city of Adelaide will satisfy all your cravings.
Embark on a culinary journey that dots through the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and Clare Valley. This is the ultimate South Australian road trip for foodies.
Barossa Valley
Located less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is a wine lover’s dream. The small valley produces 21% of Australia’s wine, with a range of wines from red to white to sparkling. The winery townships of this region are dotted with boutique cellar doors, gourmet produce shops and weekend markets. The valley was settled by German Lutherans and many of the original buildings still stand. Today, the charm of this historic area carries through in pubs and restaurants serving up authentic cuisine with a modern twist.
For a bespoke memento of your trip to the Barossa, head to Maggie Beer’s farm in Nuriootpa and craft your own bottle of gin. Then, tuck into a gourmet picnic lunch on the grounds of this sleepy property and soak up the views of rolling hills and vineyards.
The fertile land around the Barossa Valley means that it has a wide selection of produce to enjoy. Wander the stalls at the weekly Barossa Farmers Market, where you can pick up fresh fruit and veggies as well as artisan oils and condiments.
If you are a fan of Australian foodie icon Maggie Beer, a visit to her Pheasant Farm is a must. Here, you can sample her full range of products in the onsite store, or sit down to a meal at The Farm Eatery.
Another option for a foodie road trip to the Barossa is the Yorke Peninsula. This region is rich in heritage, with coastal walking trails and a number of historical sites to explore. It is also known as a seafood frontier, with marine tours and deep-sea fishing available.
From Port Lincoln at the mouth of the Eyre Peninsula to Whyalla on the east coast, this region offers a wealth of ocean-based activities and world-class seafood. There is also a variety of boutique hotels and resorts, such as the luxury Quest Port Adelaide. Guests can choose from a wide selection of hotel suites and rooms, as well as a range of restaurants and bars to satisfy their hunger. Then, when their stomachs are satisfied, guests can relax by the beach or in one of the stylish cafes that have popped up in this historic suburb.
Clare Valley
The Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale might get all the glory when it comes to South Australia’s wine regions, but Clare Valley is a hidden gem worth exploring. Less than two hours from Adelaide, you can savour some of Australia’s best rieslings as you cycle along the Clare Valley Riesling Trail, marvel at the magenta veins that bubble up through the earth at Lake Bumbunga and stay in a character cottage or luxury villa.
One of the first stops on your tour of Clare Valley should be Sevenhill Cellars, which was established in 1849 by two Jesuit priests and named after the seven hills of Rome. The cellar door offers a range of wines, but the standouts are their Riesling and Sparkling Shiraz, both of which have won countless awards. Sample both during a tasting session, or head inside and indulge in a long winery lunch that showcases the area’s culinary prowess.
Another must-visit for wine enthusiasts in Clare Valley is the Watervale Hotel, which is fast becoming one of Australia’s most exciting ‘hotel within a hotel’ experiences. Chef de cuisine Nick Palmer has reworked the hotel to offer guests a range of unique dining and wine experience, with everything from a six-course degustation to shared plate feats on offer.
The property’s wine bar and restaurant is equally impressive, with a focus on the region’s produce and a commitment to local flavours. The food menu is crafted with regional produce in mind and changes regularly. You can choose from a wide selection of wines by the glass, or go all-out and book in for a six-course degustation with matched wines.
Clare Valley also has a thriving arts scene, with many artists drawn to the area for its natural beauty and pristine wineries. Art lovers should visit Studio Meadows, which exhibits the works of award-winning artist Christopher Meadows. His figurative works and landscapes are inspired by the world – and the Clare Valley – around him. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of culture to your road trip.
McLaren Vale
South Australia is a beautiful state with a wealth of natural wonders and cultural experiences. From wine tasting in McLaren Vale or Clare Valley to hiking epic rock formations in Flinders Ranges National Park, the state has something for every adventurer.
Located just 40-minutes from Adelaide, McLaren Vale is the perfect place to enjoy a day out amongst the vines. Embark on a winery tour to play winemaker for the day at d’Arenberg, or head to the d’Arenberg Cube designed by Chester Osborne to reflect the puzzles of winemaking. Alternatively, explore the McLaren Flats where you can taste and dine at the region’s best restaurants.
The area is bursting with family friendly activities too. Enjoy a picnic under the trees at Tucks Wine, sample craft brews at St Andrews Beach Brewery and pre-order a picture-perfect platter from Green Olive to take with you on your next winery stroll. Fans of Aussie icon Maggie Beer can visit her property in Nuriootpa and try her full range of gourmet goodies.
Other highlights include a guided tour of the historic ironstone cellars at Yangarra Wines, who produce the wines James Halliday has named the best in the country. Visit Hickinbotham Estate, which has a long history of supplying grapes to Penfolds Grange and now produces some sought-after single vineyard wines of its own.
To truly get to know the area, join a tour operated by locals. Adelaide Sightseeing offers a day tour that covers all the best stops, including a tasting session at the d’Arenberg Cube and lunch at Polly’s Restaurant. They can also arrange private tours at a number of the region’s top cellar doors, including Beresford Wines and Wirra Wirra Vineyards.
During your South Australia road trip, be sure to spend some time at Glenelg Beach for sun and sand, a jetty and a lighthouse. Or, walk along North Terrace to discover Adelaide’s great cultural institutions and museums, from the National Wine Centre to Parliament House. Afterwards, take a scenic tram ride to the seaside town of Glenelg to sample the famous seafood and artisan bakeries.
Adelaide
If you’re a fan of fine dining and exploring regional food, South Australia’s thriving culinary scene is sure to have your stomach growling. From beach barbecues to sophisticated seafood, a gourmet getaway will not only feed you – it’ll also support local farmers, producers and distillers.
The capital of South Australia, Adelaide has a burgeoning reputation as one of the country’s top culinary destinations. Chefs are blazing a culinary trail here, while restaurants and markets hum with life. The city is also surrounded by rolling hills alive with world-leading vineyards, which are easy to visit and perfect for tasting a flight or two.
Explore the wine regions of McLaren Vale and Clare Valley, or make a day out of it and head north into the Southern Flinders Ranges. Here you’ll discover a young wine region with 80+ vineyards, beautiful lakeside picnic spots and stunning views. Whether you’re tasting a flight of wines at renowned Wolf Blass or enjoying lunch in a picturesque vineyard restaurant, these itineraries offer the perfect way to get the most out of your time in South Australia’s beautiful wine country.
As you make your way back to Adelaide, you may want to stop in at Kangaroo Island for a bite of the island’s signature seafood dishes. It’s a short ferry ride from Lucky Bay across to Wallaroo, and the island is well-worth the trip for its scenic coastal beauty, pristine beaches and wildlife encounters.
Back in the city, you can refuel and recharge at one of Adelaide’s renowned restaurants or bars. For a truly special meal, book a table at Appellation or Hentley Farm for an ala carte menu of classic Australian cuisine or a six-course tasting menu featuring only the best local produce. Alternatively, duck down the laneways of Peel Street and Leigh Street to discover a buzzing restaurant and bar scene.