Everyone loves to rave about Mad March, but true Adelaideans know the city comes alive in winter in its own irresistible way. Wander the streets on a crisp chilly night and you’ll feel it—the soft glow of festoon lights overhead, the hum of packed theatres, and the mouthwatering scent of slow-cooked comfort food drifting from hidden laneway kitchens.
And when June rolls around, the city turns up the heat: this is not the time to stay in.
A mid-year mini break is the perfect way to recharge without the hassle of long drives or booking flights. Enjoy the luxury of strolling from your hotel straight into the city’s best restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Everything you need is right at your doorstep.
Whether you’re spoiling yourselves with a romantic escape, planning a fun-filled girls’ weekend on the town, or treating the family to a city adventure, a staycation lets you slow down and soak it all in.
At the heart of the season is the Adelaide Cabaret Festival (5 – 21 June), the city’s velvet-draped celebration of music, mischief and moments. This year marks its 25th anniversary and the line-up is bigger, bolder and more fabulous than ever.
It’s theatre that spills into the aisles, a chorus line of sequins, and voices that hit you right in the chest. This festival is the centrepiece of the long weekend and the perfect excuse to plan around it because after all, winter is festival season, too.
If the Adelaide Cabaret Festival is the weekend’s showstopper, the rest of the city knows how to set the stage. Dance it out at Mary’s Poppin or glide through a silent disco walking tour that turns the streets into your dancefloor.
Got your tickets? Find a city hotel that’s the perfect fit.
Book into Eos By SkyCity for a luxurious rooftop spa soak before dinner. Check into Hotel Alba and wake to breakfast in bed and wine waiting on ice. Go sky high with Crowne Plaza Adelaide or Marriott Hotel and take in the views over the city skyline before heading down to dinner and cocktails just an elevator ride away.
Choose InterContinental’s seasonal high tea or Hotel Indigo Adelaide Market’s rooftop for golden hour drinks before the curtain rises. It’s not about where you sleep. It’s about giving yourself space to unwind, recharge and wander through our charming city.
There’s options for all energy levels: let off steam in a Himalayan salt cave at Breathe, embrace the unexpected at MOD.’s immersive exhibition or reach new heights at indoor Urban Climb.
Adelaide in winter isn’t sleepy. It’s alive and pulsing with bold experiences that shake off the chill.
When the appetite kicks in, you’re in the right place.
Start with porchetta rolls at Marino Fine Foods at the iconic Adelaide Central Market or take a seat at Restaurant Botanic for a sensory escape with every bite.
Tuck into flaming barbecue and soju at Plus 82 Gogi or go all in on pasta at Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room with their cult-favourite gnocco fritto. For a hit of nostalgia, Tony Tomatoes serves up authentic Italian flavours with old-school hospitality. And for something different, Allegra Dining Room’s plant-based degustation surprises in all the right ways.
Let winter be your excuse to escape to Adelaide. Book the room. See the show. Order dessert.
Adelaide in winter is warm in all the ways that matter. The lights are on, the city is calling, and this is the season to escape the ordinary for longer.
Plan your ultimate winter escape with Experience Adelaide here
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