Adelaide tours

Things to do in Adelaide

Adelaide has a way of drawing you in with its mix of sophistication and forward-thinking, where life ticks to a measured blend of celebrations, cuisine, and the great outdoors. Each street has its own tale, and with a guide, tours here turn into a delightful medley of moments. Picture yourself on a private stroll through the Botanic Gardens, the air carrying a hint of roses and eucalyptus, or indulging in bold tastes on a food and wine outing in the famed Barossa Valley. Your guide makes sure you get past the usual waits, uncovering Adelaide’s hidden treasures, from lively markets to peaceful shores. Adelaide isn’t merely a spot on the globe; it’s a vibrant canvas of culture and nature, just waiting for your exploration. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Adelaide. Explore Adelaide your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Adelaide tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Adelaide for every interest, including: Food and Drink tours: Sample Adelaide Central Market with stallholder tastings of Barossa smallgoods, farmhouse cheeses, and a flat white from a favourite roaster, then slip down Peel and Leigh Streets for small-bar gin and South Australian craft beer. You can also visit Penfolds Magill Estate for a cellar tour and tasting, or pair wood-fired pizza with shiraz in McLaren Vale. Layover tours: On a short layover at ADL, your guide can meet you at arrivals, look after your bags, and run a quick city loop—North Terrace, the Botanic Garden’s Bicentennial Conservatory, and a tram ride to Glenelg for a beach walk. With a bit more time, add Haigh’s Chocolate Visitor Centre for a sweet sample before drop-off back at the terminal. The city centre is flat and walkable, with a tram and free City Connector buses that make getting around easy; trains and buses reach many sights. For wineries, wildlife parks, and coastal towns, public transport is limited or slow, so you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide about tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Adelaide inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discover Adelaide’s distinct neighborhoods on a private walking tour. With a local guide, you’ll gain insights into the city’s vibrant life and diverse culture. - North Adelaide: Known for its historic architecture and parklands, this area is perfect for families and cultural tourists. Enjoy a leisurely walk through charming streets and local cafes. - Glenelg: Ideal for beach lovers and families, this seaside neighborhood offers beautiful beaches and a lively promenade. It's a favorite spot for those who enjoy both relaxation and entertainment. - Adelaide Central Market District: Foodies and culture seekers will love this bustling area full of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and local products. Your guide will introduce you to the best culinary delights. Day trip ideas from Adelaide Staying in Adelaide puts you close to wine country, coastal towns, and hill villages, so set aside a day to visit nearby cities or attractions that match your style. These day trips also work well as private tours that you can shape around wine, food, wildlife, or coastal views. Barossa Valley: About 1 hour north, this is South Australia’s classic wine region. Taste bold shiraz at historic cellar doors, meet small producers, and wander stone-lined main streets in Tanunda and Angaston. If you’re into food, add cheese rooms and farm shops, and if you like history, look for Lutheran churches and heritage cottages tucked between vineyards. Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills: Just 30 minutes from the city, you get cool-climate wines, German heritage, and leafy back roads. Stroll Hahndorf’s main street for bakeries and artisan studios, then head to scenic lookouts like Mount Lofty Summit. This suits you if you want easy walks, local produce, and a slower pace without a long drive. McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Coast: Around 45 minutes south, vines meet the sea. Spend time at boutique wineries known for grenache and shiraz, then roll down to coastal viewpoints near Port Willunga for beach cliffs and long horizons. Great if you like a mix of tastings, olive groves, and seaside photo stops. Victor Harbor and Granite Island: About 1.5 hours from Adelaide, this small town delivers big ocean views. Walk the causeway to Granite Island for boulder-strewn trails and lookouts over Encounter Bay; in winter, watch for whales. Ideal if you enjoy coastal walks, family-friendly paths, and a classic holiday-town feel. Clare Valley: Roughly 2 hours north, this quieter wine region is all about crisp riesling, stone cottages, and winding country lanes. Follow parts of the Riesling Trail for easy cycling or short walks, visit small cellar doors, and pause in villages like Mintaro. Choose this if you prefer lighter wines, heritage streets, and peaceful countryside. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Adelaide most travellers miss.