If you’re in South Australia for the Tour Down Under, you’ve picked a great time to visit. The state comes alive during the race, with a packed calendar of events.
Between stages, you’ll find great bars with better cocktails, awesome dining, fantastic cycling, and gorgeous scenery, all alongside world-class wine regions just a short drive from the CBD. To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve rounded up our top places to eat, drink, explore and unwind, all within easy reach of the action.
Enjoy the race, soak up the city, and experience the best of South Australia while you’re here.
We also have a guide to all the stages and entertainment! Check it out here.
What’s On
Ellis Park Family Day | Jan 17
On January 17th, McLaren Vale’s Ellis Park will be the perfect spot to watch the Women’s Stage 1: Willunga to Willunga. They’ll have free games for the kids like Connect 4, noughts and crosses, croquet, ball toss and lucky dips. And with heaps of fantastic venues all around McLaren Vale this is the perfect event to add to your day.
For more information, click here.
SPRITZ on WHEELS at Godi la Vita | Jan 17
Long lunches are done the Godi’s way at Godi la Vita, with this indulgent Bottomless Spritz Lunch made for lingering afternoons. Guests are invited to sip their way through free-flowing Prosecco or spritzes, including classic Aperol, refreshing Lemon Elderflower and Mimosa, while settling in for a generous Italian feast.
The set menu begins with an antipasto board, followed by your choice of timeless Godi favourites from the kitchen, including cheese wheel pastas, fluffy trio of gnocchi, or the signature spaghetti granchio. Whether you’re catching up with friends or marking a special celebration, this is an easy, feel-good way to eat, drink and unwind.
Bookings are essential.
For more information, click here.
Wine Curcuit at National Wine Centre | Jan 17
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Santos Tour Down Under, the National Wine Centre of Australia is opening its doors for a special tasting experience that brings the Tour’s regions together in one central city location.
At the Wined Bar, visitors can enjoy three wine tastings for $19, each flight showcasing wines from the communities the Tour will visit. Those feeling peckish can add locally made cheese and charcuterie to perfectly pair with their pours. Set against the lush surrounding gardens, the Wined Bar terrace offers a relaxed spot to sip South Australian wines while soaking up the Tour atmosphere right in the heart of Adelaide.
For more information, click here.
Food Secrets + Eastside Wine & Ale Trail | Jan 19
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.
For more information, click here.
Pedals & Picnics at Yalumba | Jan 21
Yalumba is pairing world-class cycling with world-class wine with Pedals & Picnics. Enjoy a private Best of Barossa tasting, hosted by a Yalumba Wine Ambassador, showcasing acclaimed Distinguished Sites wines and then select your favourite (valued up to $50) to enjoy with your picnic lunch. From there, you’ll be escorted to your reserved roadside picnic position at the front of this iconic winery to enjoy the race.
For more information, click here.
Tour Down Under Garden Party at Seabrook Wines | Jan 21
Head to Seabrook Wines and get a front row seat to all the Tour Down Under action. Watch the riders fly by at one of the best viewing spots at the bottom of Menglers Hill, all while soaking up Barossa sunshine and vineyard views.
Refuel with wines by the glass or bottle, delicious platters and snacks, and enjoy the perfect mix of cycling excitement and laid-back Barossa vibes. Bring your friends, grab a glass and cheer on the riders. It’s all happening from 11am to 5pm.
For more information, click here.
The Epic Tour Watch Party at Lot.100 | Jan 23
On January 23rd, Lot.100 is transforming into the ultimate place of cycling, community, and summer energy with their Epic Tour Watch Party. Perfectly timed with the morning finish of the Adelaide Epic Ride, they’ll be open from 9am to 6pm with free entry, offering a full day for riders, supporters, fans and families, complete with a Rider Recovery Zone, live TDU action on the big screen, free lawn games, live music, family-friendly spaces and an all-day food and drink lineup. Riders can claim a free Mismatch beer on arrival by showing their number, watch the peloton race past, catch a guest Q&A with pro cyclist Grace Brown, and settle in for a big day of celebration.
For more information, click here.
Hillside Social: Willunga Hill | Jan 24
Hillside Social is returning this Tour Down Under as the best place to see a new champion make Willunga Hill their own. There’s going to be a food truck on site, access to a drinks bar and a large screen broadcasting the race live, making it the place to be for THINK! Road Safety Men’s Stage 4.
For more information, click here.
Love Velo Vines | Jan 24
There’s nothing more South Australian than kicking back in the summertime, enjoying time outside with some perfectly paired wines, and watching a bit of sport. As the Tour Down Under peddles into town, Richard Hamilton Wines is making that even easier with their Love Velo Vines event on January 24th.
For more information, click here.
Men’s Final Stage Long Lunch at Marshi’s Kitchen | Jan 25
Set right on the action, Marshi’s Kitchen is hosting an all-day celebration for the Men’s Final Stage of the Santos Tour Down Under, with the eight-lap circuit race starting and finishing in the heart of Stirling. Located just 300 metres from the start–finish line and quite literally roadside on the track, this is prime viewing territory.
From 9am to 3pm, guests can enjoy bottomless wine and coffee in partnership with Paracombe Wines and Toby’s Estate Coffee, alongside a lavish bottomless buffet showcasing Marshi’s signature cuisine.
For more information, click here.
Where To Go
Bars
Hains & Co
Follow the glow of Gilbert Place and you will find Hains & Co, a nautical inspired bar that takes its drinks seriously but keeps the mood delightfully relaxed. Settle inside among maritime touches or enjoy the alfresco deck out front. The team specialises in gin, rum and classic cocktails made with care. Open seven days from late afternoon until well after midnight, it is a reliable stop for a polished night out.
For more information, click here.
Bank Street Social
Tucked beneath the city’s West End, Bank Street Social is where Adelaide’s night owls and cocktail lovers happily lose track of time. The bar champions South Australian craft beer, cider and boutique wine, alongside an impressive back bar of gin and whisky from Australia and abroad. Fresh wood-fired pizza keeps everyone fuelled, and on weekends the late-night DJ sets add just the right amount of vibe. Expect house and disco that keep the room feeling alive.
For more information, click here.
Bibliotheca Bar & Book Exchange
Small and intimate Bibliotheca is where you go when you want a drink with character. Shelves of books, candlelit corners and bartenders who know their classics make it feel like a secret library for grown ups. Cocktails are refined and thoughtful, whisky is treated with reverence, and conversations tend to run late. For something a little more spirited, its neighbour La Buvette Drinkery offers French accented charm and a touch of Parisian ease.
For more information, click here.
The Collins Bar
Located on the ground floor of Hilton Adelaide, The Collins Bar is raising a glass to the Santos Tour Down Under with an exclusive cocktail menu inspired by cycling culture. Available every day throughout the Tour, the creative menu is designed for post-race celebrations or a stylish night out in the city.
To keep the good times rolling, The Collins Bar is extending its trading hours during the event, making it an easy stop before or after soaking up the Tour atmosphere. Perfectly positioned across the road from the Tour Village in Victoria Square, it’s an ideal place to settle in and enjoy the buzz.
For more information, click here.
SORA
Sitting high above the city on the rooftop of Pirie House, SORA blends modern Asian dining with a lively late night energy and sweeping skyline views. Sip signature cocktails as the sun sets, stay for dinner, then linger as the tempo builds. It is elegant without being pretentious, social without being chaotic, and ideal for making a night feel special.
For more information, click here.
Jennie Wine Bar
Just off Peel Street’s buzzing bar corridor, Jennie has quickly earned its reputation as one of Adelaide’s standout wine bars. The focus here is on wines with personality. Small producers, expressive vintages and bottles that speak of their origins. The room is warm, the team knowledgeable, and the pours always thoughtful. Whether you are a casual sipper or someone who loves to deep dive, there will be something here that feels just right.
For more information, click here.
Restaurants – High End
Fugazzi – Leigh Street
A little bit New York swagger, a whole lot of Italian soul. Fugazzi is bold, plush and always buzzing, with deep red tones, polished stone and a bar that invites you to linger. The menu is indulgent yet playful, with dishes that celebrate flavour and always delight. Do not leave without ordering the gnocchi fritto. It is the kind of dining room that feels glamorous without trying too hard, and perfect for a long lunch that accidentally becomes dinner.
For more information, click here.
Station Road – Festival Plaza
Right in the revitalised Festival Plaza precinct, Station Road delivers European comfort with a modern edge. The menu is designed for sharing, with small, medium and large plates that suit both a relaxed bite or a longer feast. Expect recognisable flavours elevated with care, and a wine list that moves confidently between South Australia and abroad. Add a cocktail from the bar team and you have a great night.
For more information, click here.
Shiki – InterContinental Adelaide
Shiki is dinner and a show, but in the most elegant way. Teppanyaki chefs work at the grill right in front of you, turning fresh seasonal produce into dishes that highlight precision and technique. The experience is immersive, thoughtful and theatrical. If you want a meal that feels like an occasion, with exceptional service and food prepared with artistry, this is the spot.
For more information, click here.
Restaurant Botanic
Dining at Restaurant Botanic feels like stepping into another world. Surrounded by lush greenery and filtered natural light, the setting within the Adelaide Botanic Gardens is intimate and quietly breathtaking. The multi-course degustation draws on native and hyper-local ingredients, transforming Australia’s diverse landscapes into a sensory journey on the plate. It is thoughtful, inventive and deeply connected to place, making it one of Adelaide’s most extraordinary dining experiences.
For more information, click here.
Yakisan
Yakisan blends contemporary Japanese dining with warmth and ease. Three open kitchens bring the atmosphere to life, with dishes guided by flame, seasonality and a commitment to clean, balanced flavours. The menu is refined without being intimidating, and the dining room holds a calm energy that feels sophisticated but relaxed. Ideal for a special night with friends.
For more information, click here.
Restaurants – Casual
Botanic Lodge – Adelaide Botanic Garden
Botanic Lodge sits lakeside within the Botanic Garden, offering one of the most peaceful dining settings in the city. During the day it’s a lovely stop for coffee or a relaxed lunch, but dinner is where the magic happens. Guests can stroll through the gardens at dusk before sitting down to a menu that reimagines classic South Australian dishes with seasonal finesse. Quietly charming and entirely transportive.
For more information, click here.
Sofia Bistro – Hutt Street
Sofia Bistro brings a relaxed, modern Mediterranean feel to one of the city’s most loved dining strips. The menu is made for sharing, with small plates, house sopressa, marinated olives and warm fermented flatbreads to start. Larger dishes lean generous and hearty, like whole fish or a perfectly grilled steak. It’s unfussy, social and built for those long, chatty meals where dishes land in the middle and everyone reaches in.
For more information, click here.
Latteria – Hutt Street
A fresh take on Italian dining, Latteria brings a touch of Milanese charm to Hutt Street. Bright, modern and full of energy, it’s the kind of place that feels equally right for a quick espresso at the counter or a long lunch that lingers into the afternoon. The menu celebrates simple, honest flavours – handmade pasta, creamy burrata, and perfectly balanced spritzes – all crafted with local produce and Italian flair. With its pared-back interiors and warm hospitality, Latteria captures the joy of everyday dining, done beautifully.
For more information, click here.
Kiin – Angas Street
Kiin means “eat” in Thai, and this spot encourages exactly that. Think warm hospitality, vibrant flavours and dishes that bring a fresh, contemporary edge to Thai dining. Cocktails are well considered, the wine list plays nicely with spice, and the dining room has a calm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place you settle into and realise you’ve happily stayed longer than planned. Sit in the window seats and enjoy the people watching.
For more information, click here.
Africola – East End
Colourful, loud, lively and full of personality, Africola is one of Adelaide’s great dining rooms. The open kitchen, wood-fired cooking and bold flavour combinations create a high-energy food experience that always feels like a celebration. Expect big spice, smoky vegetables, and dishes that arrive with confidence. It’s joyful, generous and unforgettable—bring friends who love to eat.
For more information, click here.
Godi la Vita – Hyde Park
King William Road’s Godi la Vita is known for its iconic cheese wheel pasta, giving guests an authentic and fun experience. With an open dining style this is a place where authenticity and craft meet theatre and warmth, creating the kind of dining experience people travel to find.
For more information, click here.
Wirra Wirra / Harry’s Deli – McLaren Vale
In the heart of McLaren Vale, Wirra Wirra is open every day throughout the Santos Tour Down Under, offering a relaxed and delicious detour from the race. Visitors can enjoy hosted wine tastings at the cellar door, step behind the scenes on a tour of the historic ironstone cellars, or settle in for a long lunch at Harry’s Deli, with seasonal set menus and à la carte options showcasing the region’s best flavours.
For more information, click here.
What To Do
Feeling inspired? Check out these cycling-themed activities
Bike Art Trail
Break out the bikes, and head on a self guided tour through the city to see eleven large scale sculptural works. Kick off the fun at Adelaide Central Market, travel through the city and end up in Elder Park.
For more information, click here.
HandleBar Tour
Get your friends together and cycle through the city in a slightly more unqiue way. On a HandleBar Tour you’ll get to eat, drink and peddle your way around while visiting historic landmarks, trendy bars and restaurants and some of the city’s most iconic spots.
For more information, click here.
Riesling Trail
The Clare Valley’s Riesling Trail is the perfect way to get your cycle on, while also experiencing the best views the region has to offer. This 35-kilometer path follows railway line from Auburn to Barinia, and connects cellar doors and towns like Clare, Watervale, and Sevenhill.
For more information, click here.
Things to do with Kids
Get On The Water! Paddleboats, BBQ Buoys & The Popeye – River Torrens
The River Torrens is one of the most charming ways to experience the city, especially with kids in tow. Hop aboard a paddleboat for some gentle pedalling beside the Festival Centre and Adelaide Oval, or gather a group and float along in a round BBQ Buoy complete with your own snack table or mini grill. For something relaxed and scenic, The Popeye offers daily narrated cruises that glide along the river, sharing stories of Adelaide as the skyline drifts by. It’s simple, outdoorsy fun with great views along the riverbank.
For more information, click here.
Adelaide Zoo
Right next to the Botanic Garden, Adelaide Zoo is a favourite for families. Home to more than 2,400 animals including giraffes, pandas, lemurs and lions, it’s a place where every path leads to a new little moment of wonder. Guided tours run throughout the day, and the Nature’s Playground gives kids a chance to climb, play and explore while adults enjoy a breather in the garden surrounds. Easy to reach, easy to explore and always a hit.
For more information, click here.
Hijinx Hotel – Rundle Mall
Hijinx Hotel turns play into an adventure. Each themed room offers a quick, quirky challenge—from giant ball pits to oversized musical instruments and puzzle games designed for teamwork. It’s silly, energetic and wildly entertaining, perfect for families with plenty of enthusiasm. The sessions are bite-sized and lively, making it great for rainy days or when you just want something completely different.
For more information, click here.
Fox in a Box Escape Rooms – Hindley Street
If your crew loves solving puzzles together, Fox in a Box offers immersive escape room adventures built for teamwork. Each room has its own story, setting and challenges, with game masters there to help guide the fun. Work together, think fast and celebrate those eureka moments when a clue clicks. Open every day and into the evening, it’s a great way to bond, laugh and try something unique as a family.
For more information, click here.
P1 Electric Indoor Karting & Indoor Golf – Hindmarsh
For a dose of high-energy fun just minutes from the city, P1 Electric Indoor Karting & Indoor Golf delivers thrills on every level. The state-of-the-art electric go-karts are fast, smooth and whisper-quiet, letting you race through tight turns and long straights with instant torque and precision handling. Once you’ve crossed the finish line, head next door to the cutting-edge indoor golf simulators – complete with world-famous courses and realistic gameplay that suits both beginners and seasoned players. Whether it’s a group outing, a date night with a twist or a rainy-day adventure, P1 brings the excitement indoors, all year round.
For more information, click here.
Shopping
Rundle Mall – Adelaide CBD
Rundle Mall is the heart of city shopping, always lively and always full of movement. More than 700 retailers line this pedestrian strip, from fashion and beauty to homewares and specialty stores, along with buskers and street performers adding to the atmosphere. It is the place to wander, browse, grab a bite and people-watch. If you need new sunnies for watching the volleyball action outdoors, Shades in the Mall has you covered.
For more information, click here.
The Parade – Norwood
Just minutes from the CBD, The Parade blends fashion shopping with a strong café culture. Boutique stores sit alongside relaxed eateries and refined restaurants like arkhé, making it easy to spend a full afternoon moving between browsing and grazing. Stop in for coffee, lunch or a pre-movie bite before catching a film at Hoyts. Think relaxed suburban charm with plenty of style.
For more information, click here.
Burnside Village – Glenside
Set beneath its iconic glass atrium, Burnside Village offers a curated mix of premium luxury retailers. Here you’ll find international names like Zara, Tiffany, Tommy Hilfiger, Camilla, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Oroton, Solomon, Mecca and more, alongside local favourites and modern dining. It’s polished and calm, with leafy surrounds and a refined shopping experience just a short drive from the city.
For more information, click here.
Harbour Town Premium Outlets (Airport Precinct) & The District Outlets
If you love a good deal, Adelaide’s outlet hubs are the place to go. Harbour Town, near the airport, offers major brands at permanently reduced prices in an open-air setting, plus access to a Tourist Lounge for luggage storage and a refresh between flights. The District, in the north, is fully undercover and home to big-name casual fashion, footwear and lifestyle stores. Both are ideal for travel-friendly bargains and activewear refreshes.
For more information, click here for Harbour Town. Click here for The District.
Westfield Shopping Centres – Marion, Tea Tree Plaza & West Lakes
Westfield’s trio of Adelaide shopping centres/malls make retail therapy a full-day affair. At Westfield Marion, discover the state’s largest collection of fashion, dining and entertainment all under one roof, including a rooftop dining precinct and luxury cinema experience. Westfield Tea Tree Plaza in the north combines big-name brands with boutique finds and a vibrant dining terrace perfect for post-shopping catch-ups. Over west, Westfield West Lakes brings a relaxed coastal vibe to the shopping mix, with airy interiors, lifestyle stores and family-friendly cafes. Wherever you go, expect the latest fashion, local favourites, and everything from beauty salons to gourmet treats — making Westfield the go-to for effortless style and convenience.
For more information, click here.
Wine Regions To Visit in South Australia
Adelaide Hills
- Yangarra Estate Vineyard – Visit Yangarra Estate’s architecturally designed cellar door in Blewitt Springs to experience award-winning wines that celebrate Old Vine Grenache and Rhône varietals grown on ancient sands.
- Golding Wines
- Cobb’s Hill Estate
- Mt Bera Vineyards
- The Lane Vineyard – Immerse yourself in a sensory journey as you explore their world-class restaurant and tasting room, offering a delightful culinary experience and showcasing exquisite wines.
- Paracombe Wines (appointment only)
- Petaluma Wines – Make a day of it at Petaluma’s Adelaide Hills cellar door, think beautiful views, exceptional wines, and plenty of reasons to linger longer.
Barossa Valley
- Corryton Burge
- Jacob’s Creek – Enjoy great tasting wines, immersive experiences and a rich history, all while taking in breathtaking vineyards and views of the Barossa Ranges.
- Irvine Wines – Come for a tasting or a few glasses of wine on the lawn with friends.
- St Hugo & Grant Burge Wines
McLaren Vale
- Maxwell Wines – Crowned 2025 global leader in wine tourism in France, with their restaurant named in Australia’s Top 10 fine dining destinations, Maxwell Wines is a must-visit.
- Chalk Hill Wines (& Never Never Distilling based at the same location as a bonus) – Recipient of the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 and Twice awarded Best Wine of Show at the McLaren Vale Wine Show (2020 and 2023) and winner of Best Grenache at the 2024 National Wine Show, alongside numerous other domestic and international accolades.
- Bec Hardy Wines
- Beresford Estate
- Oliver’s Taranga – Award winning wines and customer service- a must visit!
- Wirra Wirra Wines – For over a century, Wirra Wirra have crafted iconic wines at the heart of McLaren Vale. Making wine is what they were put on this earth to do.
- d’Arenberg
- Chapel Hill – Discover an enchanting Cellar Door within a 150-year-old chapel, where fine wine, art, and history converge in a timeless celebration of the senses.
- Hardys Wines
- Serafino Wines
- Wirra Wirra Vineyards and Harry’s Deli
Clare Valley
- Kilikanoon Wines
- Taylor’s Wines
~
Whether you are here for a few days or settling in for a longer period, Adelaide offers plenty to fill your days and nights with great food, relaxed adventure and memorable experiences. From city laneways to coastal sunsets, wine country escapes to festival energy, the best of South Australia is right at your fingertips. We hope this guide helps you discover new favourites, meet the locals and enjoy the atmosphere both on and off the sand.
Enjoy the Tour Down Under, and enjoy Adelaide!
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