When the Tour Down Under street party takes over The Parade in Norwood, crowds line the street to watch the world’s elite cyclists take off, racing through Adelaide’s streets and beyond. The electric atmosphere draws cycling fans, food lovers and families alike, with local businesses spilling onto the footpaths to create a vibrant street party experience.
But once the bikes roll out and the die-hard fans chase the race, you may find yourself wondering what to do next. Well, if you’re keen to stay local and keep the good times rolling, we’ve found the perfect Eastside tour that won’t break the bank.
A special Tour Down Under edition of the Food Secrets + Eastside Wine & Ale Trail bus tour is departing from Norwood soon after stage three of the women’s race takes off in a whirl of bikes, helmets and Lycra. The tour invites guests to step off the race route and behind the scenes of local manufacturers, meeting passionate makers and hearing the stories behind their creations.
Over four hours get ready for everything from artisan coffee and handmade treats to a generous locally sourced lunch, paired with wine, beer or gin tastings later in the tour.
Rather than going to each venue on foot, guests can sit back and relax aboard the bus while discovering the area’s hidden culinary gems. Each stop offers something completely different to savour, with tasting and factory tours designed to give a deeper insight into the area’s thriving local food scene.
The tour includes four stops: a coffee, sweet and savoury, lunch and one final stop along the Eastside Wine and Ale Trail. Although the stops for this special edition tour are yet to be announced, keep an eye out on the website for more details.
A list of 16 local businesses is participating in the stops, including local coffee favourites offering expertly roasted beans such as Rio Coffee, Goodies + Grains, 1645 or Cafetal. The sweet and savoury treats come next, with a possible stop at Prove Patisserie, Quinzi’s Confectionery or Gelato Bello.
Lunch will be served at one of the local favourite spots, options including the Nourished Kitchen, Inside Morocco Restaurant, Rustic Gourmet or Gico Eatery. The final stop is for drinks of course, along the Eastside Wine & Ale Trail, featuring Heartland Wines, Reform Distilling, Suburban Brew, Ferg’s Stepney or Khou by Signature Wines.
Jane Reilly OAM, Food Secrets Ambassador, said everytime you buy local, you’re supporting jobs, families and the community.
“I continue to be blown away by the passion and dedication of these businesses, many being family-owned and around for generations,” she said.
“They’re committed to quality, sustainability and keeping traditions alive. It reminds me just how lucky we are in South Australia to have such a rich food culture, and how important it is to support it.”
“Plus, local food just tastes better, it’s fresher, made with care and often has a great story behind it.”
The touring idea took root ten years ago in the heart of Adelaide’s eastern suburbs, connecting curious locals and adventurous visitors with the incredible food and beverage manufacturers hidden in plain sight.
From $55 per person, the tour includes a curated gift bag filled with local goodies and printed keepsakes including recipes, making the perfect souvenir to take home.
Whether you’re a foodie, a fan of the Tour Down Under or simply curious to uncover what makes the eastern suburbs such a standout destination, the Food Secrets bus tour delivers a relaxed experience with no lack of flavour.
Food Secrets + Eastside Wine & Ale Trail bus tour (TDU edition)
When: Monday, January 19
Where: Pickup and return location at Norwood Concert Hall (George Street entrance)
For tickets, click here.
