Wined and Dined in Adelaide

Wow! I have just returned from a four night stay in South Australia. A long way for a short break, but an opportunity not to be missed! Travelling in a group of twelve, together with hosts from Qatar Airways and the South Australian Tourist board, I visited to see the varied experiences that Adelaide offers. Setting off on a chilly October Saturday morning from Heathrow I flew with Qatar Airways via Doha to the state capital. It is a long journey, but flying with the airline’s Airbus A380, and new A350 aircraft, with outstanding on board service, the flights were comfortable, and time soon passed. My stopover at Doha airport, too, seemed brief, as I experienced the smart surroundings, and wide range of shops and facilities. On Sunday evening arriving into Adelaide I was whisked off to my home for the night, the city’s newest boutique property, The Mayfair Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, the elegant Mayfair is just a short drive from the airport. My arrival into Australia was so smooth that within two hours of landing, our group were already at our first Australian dining experience, the Bread and Bone Wood Grill. My hotel stay was enjoyable, though brief. Early the next morning I returned to Adelaide airport for our 35 minute flight to Kangaroo Island. In contrast to my overnight city stay, Kangaroo Island would showcase its array of Australian wildlife and natural wonders. Over two days I toured the island spotting koalas in their natural habitat as they clung to swinging eucalyptus branches, shared a beach with sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park, home to around 1000 Australia sea lions, and had afternoon tea amongst kangaroos. In addition to wildlife viewing, our first day included a visit to Kangaroo Island Spirits, an award winning distillery, offering gin tasting! After an overnight stay at Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge, day two offered wildlife viewing as well as a visit to Flinders Chase National Park, one of Australia’s largest parks and home to spectacular rugged coastlines, and wilderness views. Sights included Admirals Arch, a distinctive rock bridge caused by sea erosion. As we approached via the boardwalk and turned the corner to the unexpected arch, our host captured the amazement on everyone’s faces. Driving on, we approached Remarkable Rocks, stunning granite rock formations, each inspiring something different to the imagination. Leaving our bus, we climbed uphill to the rocks, and with fantastic views, overlooking the sea, it was no surprise to see so many cameras in action. Time then to return to the airport, for my flight back to Adelaide. One small hesitation on our journey, as we encountered a very confused koala in the middle of the road – before it scampered off into nearby trees! Back in Adelaide, I was taken to my home for our last two nights, the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel. Located near to Rundle Street amid restaurants, cafes and shops, it was close to our second evening meal venue in Adelaide, where we enjoyed the Italian ambience of Andre’s Cucina and Polenta Bar. A fun filled day awaited the next morning, beginning with EcoCaddy, and our city sightseeing tour by motorised rickshaws. An enjoyable quirky way to experience the sights of Adelaide, and illuminating to see everything the city offers, from parks and the river, the sight of the Adelaide Oval, home of cricket, to bustling restaurants and beautiful buildings. Our day continued with a drive through Adelaide Hills, South Australia’s oldest wine region. Our visit today, however, was not for wine, but for beer, with beer tasting and lunch at the Prancing Pony Brewery. Next a visit to Cleland Wildlife Park, for the opportunity to hold a koala, followed by a drive to Mount Lofty Summit, with amazing views over Adelaide City and surrounding area. An evening fusion meal at Press Food and Wine ended our busy day. Last day in Australia, and proving how accessible Adelaide is to culinary delights, and a wide variety of experiences, I was taken on a full day tour of the Barossa, heart of Australia’s wine industry. Beautiful countryside, stunning wineries, excellent wine and am amazing lunch – all within an hour’s drive of Adelaide. Just time to return to my hotel, to collect luggage, before visiting Adelaide’s seaside. One final meal, at Stella Restaurant, overlooking Henley Beach. A perfect choice as I sat with my friends looking towards the pier, watching the sunset, and reminiscing on our short, but extremely busy, stay in Australia, before flying home. So much to recommend, and proof that however short your stay, there is so much you can see and do in and around the beautiful city of Adelaide.