Best of Adelaide — What to see, do, eat and drink!
With Adelaide playing host to the 2023 Planning Institute of Australia Planning Congress this week, some of our team share their best (not so) kept secrets that will top off your week in our fair city.
If you’re staying on for the weekend, or looking to fill some time around the congress, Michael, David, Reb, Daniel and Joshua have put together a must-see, do, run, ride, eat and drink list of highlights!
Where to run
Our Director Michael McKeown says there’s nothing better than a morning run to set yourself up for a successful and productive day — and Adelaide’s Parklands are his training ground of choice.
“The River Torrens section of the Parklands is right outside the conference venue so get down for a quick morning lap and enjoy the city views and sounds of Adelaide Zoo waking up.”
For dedicated runners training for something big, Michael says the Adelaide Park Lands Trail is a well signposted route that makes its way around the city and North Adelaide.
“It’s about 18 kilometres and takes you through diverse open spaces, sporting grounds and woodlands — all on the fringe of Adelaide’s CBD.”
The Parklands is also home to no less than three Parkrun events — a free, timed, five kilometre run or walk held on Saturday mornings all around Australia.
Michael recommends three nearby Parkrun events:
- Torrens Parkrun is the closest to the Convention Centre, starting at Torrens Weir.
“Torrens recently celebrated its 500th event and is an out-and-back course along the river past Adelaide Oval.”
- Pakapakanthi Parkrun is in the east Parklands at Pakapakanthi / Victoria Park, a short walk from the city.
“Pakapakanthi circles some new wetlands which have flood protection and biodiversity happening at scale.”
- Nantu Wama Parkrun is the newest addition to the Parkrun family locally and is run at Lefevre Park / Nantua Wama at North Adelaide.
“The Nantu Wama course is on trails, paths and hills and you might even run alongside horses who live in the adjacent paddocks!
“In South Australia, Parkrun starts at 8am, so get down there on Saturday morning and walk or run off your Gala dinner indulgence. See you there!”
Get your fix of live sports action
Our resident sports fanatic, Daniel Marotti knows a thing or two about sporting codes and says there are plenty of opportunities to experience some live sports action during your trip to Adelaide.
“On Saturday night, the top of the table Adelaide Thunderbirds take on West Coast Fever as part of Suncorp Super Netball’s First Nations Round at Netball SA Stadium — an eight-minute drive from the CBD.”
If AFL is more your thing, then Daniel says to look no further than the iconic Adelaide Oval — a stone’s throw from the Convention Centre.
“A great way to round out your visit to Adelaide is watching the mighty Adelaide Crows take on Brisbane Lions on Sunday afternoon.”
Daniel also notes there are plenty of local sporting events, amateur and semi-professional matches being played across the weekend.
“Just visit your closet sporting field and throw your support behind a random team — you might see Australia’s next sporting hero in action!”
Discover Adelaide by bike
Reb Rowe isn’t just a stellar Senior Urban and Regional Planner, she’s also mad about bikes and knows all the best places to ride them for guaranteed fun times!
“Adelaide is great for bike riding. Most streets have decent infrastructure, the city is mostly flat and the CBD is nestled between the beaches and the hills — both great places to explore on the treadly!”
“Head up the old freeway to get into the picturesque Adelaide Hills and to Mount Lofty summit — Adelaide’s highest point and the perfect location to take in the city from above.”
If you’re looking for something a bit closer but just as speccy, Reb says go no further than Mount Osmond lookout — head for Hayward Drive if you’re on a roadie or the Pioneer Women’s Trail will take you there if you’re on a gravel bike.
“Explore Adelaide’s pristine coastline by taking the Mike Turtur Bikeway from the south of the CBD to Glenelg along the tramline,” says Reb.
If you run into a spot of bother and need help fixing your bike or just want to see what one of Australia’s longest running community bike workshops looks like, Reb says head to Adelaide Bike Kitchen in Bowden on Wednesday nights and Saturday afternoons.
“Maybe you’ll realise your suburb needs a bike kitchen too!”
Treat your tastebuds
Everyone knows there’s no point in doing all this exercise and sport if you can’t enjoy a hearty meal and tasty snacks — and Associate David Barone is always in the know with the best places for eats, treats and sneaky drinks.
“For anyone attending the Congress Gala Dinner on Friday evening, look no further than Adelaide’s iconic Central Markets to shake off the one-too-many-wines with a delicious Saturday brunch and local produce.
“There’s a great selection of cafes and stalls to choose from and a bustling, buzzing atmosphere on Saturday mornings that will sweep you off your feet.”
If you’re not joining us at Friday night’s Gala Dinner or looking for a Saturday night destination, David highly recommends Adelaide’s West End — the foundation of Adelaide’s thriving small bar and restaurant scene.
“Leigh Street and Peel Street precincts just off Hindley Street are brimming with small bars and excellent restaurants. I’m a big fan of Peel St Restaurant for dinner, if you can get in — book early!
“I’m a sucker for Asian fare and recently discovered kiin — amazing modern-Asian food with exceptional wine and cocktail lists backed by service that is second to none. 10/10 recommend!”
Whether it’s afternoon, pre-dinner or a nightcap, Adelaide has some excellent rooftop bars where you can soak up the Adelaide skyline if the weather is kind enough.
“The pick of the bunch for me is 2KW which offers great views across North Terrace over Government House and Parliament House, and through to Adelaide Oval and North Adelaide.
“Alternatively, a great spot to linger for drinks and nibbles is Bar Torino on Hutt Street. Great selection of drinks and share plates out of the award-winning Chianti restaurant — and fantastic service to boot.”
Nearby places every tourist must visit
Relatively new to not only the Jensen PLUS team but Adelaide itself, is Assistant Urban Designer Joshua Woo. So, who better to ask that the must-see places in Adelaide’s CBD for every visitor?
“I second David’s recommendation to visit the Adelaide Central Market. If you want a snapshot of South Australia’s fresh food and produce scene then you don’t have to go far, the Central Market literally has it all.”
Since moving to Adelaide, the Central Market has been a regular haunt for Josh and he says should be at the top of every to do list.
The North Terrace cultural precinct offers loads of options if the weather is a bit too wild for the outdoors with the State’s Museum, Library and Art Gallery only a short walk from the Adelaide Festival Theatre.
“I love spending time at the State Library. It has a great collection of artefacts including maps, surveys and plans. I’ve whiled away many hours among those shelves!”
If mother nature turns on some sunshine over the weekend, then Josh says to make a beeline for the Botanic Gardens.
“The Botanic Gardens make for a beautiful backdrop to a leisurely stroll or the ideal location for a picnic with goodies selected from the Central Market of course!”
And all this within the city’s square mile.
Jensen PLUS is a proud sponsor of the 2023 PIA Planning Congress. If you need any more tips about how to best spend your time in Adelaide, find Michael, Daniel, Reb, David and Josh at the Congress!
