Southern Comfort

Adelaide May Well be the one Australian city that isn’t on your radar yet—but should be. We tell you why.

For most travellers to Australia, the country famously boils down to three things: Sydney, Rock and Reef (the first and last need no introduction; the second, in case you missed the reference, is Uluru, or Ayers Rock, one of Australia’s most iconic attractions). It’s Australia’s equivalent of the Golden Triangle. Of course, it’s authentic, as Australian as kangaroo jerky, but it’s not everything that Australia has to offer. Travellers who choose to move beyond this holy triumvirate will be rewarded generously for their efforts.

Our bets are on Adelaide, the capital of the state of South Australia. Few cities is the world can claim such a scenic setting, with cool hills to the north, a pearly coastline in the south and rolling vineyards all around. Named in honour of Adelaide of SaxeMeiningen, queen consort to King William IV, the city was founded in 1836 as the capital for a freely-settled British province. Colonel William Light, one of its founding fathers, doubled up as designer, locating it close to the Torrens River. He conceived the city’s grid layout, punctuated by wide boulevards and large public squares, and completely surrounded by parklands. Here’s our list of the best this beautiful city has to offer.

Adelaide Oval