3 Day Itinerary to Explore Adelaide – The Capital of South Australia

Adelaide– the tranquil coastal city of South Australia – left me with a sense of calm and comfort from the very first moment I arrived. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Sydney or Melbourne , Adelaide stands out with its relaxed pace of life, crystal-clear beaches, a charming blend of historic buildings and modern architecture, and above all, a vibrant and distinctive cultural and artistic scene.

I spent 3 days exploring Adelaide, starting my journey from Melbourne and visiting many stunning photo spots along the way. In today’s blog post, I’ll be sharing the full itinerary from my trip—hoping it will give you a helpful overview to plan your own adventure that suits your interests and timeframe. Let’s dive in!

PART I: TRANSPORTATION

There are two main ways to travel from Melbourne to Adelaide, and I’ve detailed them below:

• Long-distance coach:There are two departures per day (see the timetable in the photo below). Each ticket includes a generous 40kg luggage allowance, with fares ranging from AUD 65 to 95 depending on the time of booking.

The most well-known coach service from Melbourne to Adelaide is Firefly Express. You can book your ticket directly through their official website — I’ve included the link here for your convenience: Firefly Express Bus to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide

• Plane: There are multiple daily flights from Melbourne to Adelaide, operated by various airlines at a range of prices — typically between AUD 75 to 250 (excluding checked baggage), depending on the airline, booking time, and season. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The most convenient and cost-effective way to get from Melbourne CBD to Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is by SkyBus. It offers several advantages: - AUD 24 one-way - Valid for 90 days from the date of purchase - No need to choose a specific departure time — just hop on any bus that day To make your trip smoother, I recommend booking your SkyBus ticket in advance and saving the QR code to your phone. That way, you can board any scheduled service without hassle.

Book your SkyBus ticket here: SkyBus Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Express Ticket

PART II: A 3-DAY ITINERARY TO EXPLORE ADELAIDE.

Exploring a major city like Adelaide in just 3 days is no easy task. That’s why I chose to focus on my passion — photography — and prioritised the locations that offer the most visually compelling experiences within a limited timeframe.

DAY 1: Adelaide CBD (City Centre)

I dedicated the entire first day to exploring the heart of the city — Adelaide’s Central Business District (CBD). Unlike Sydney or Melbourne, Adelaide doesn’t have an extensive train network, but getting around the city centre is still very manageable with public transport. Most of the must-see spots are within walking distance or easily accessible by tram or bus. Here’s a list of the places I visited in the CBD:

• State Library of South Australia

Address: Google Map

The State Library of South Australia was the place I looked forward to visiting the most during my trip to Adelaide. To capture the best possible photos, I arrived early and waited for the doors to open — determined to be one of the first people to step inside.

The State Library of South Australia is the state's largest public library and one of South Australia 's most important cultural icons. The library is famous for its reading room, The Mortlock Wing , which is often hailed as one of the most beautiful reading rooms in the world.

Level 1 of The Mortlock Wing houses a wide range of historical documents and modern artefacts, focusing on important themes relating to South Australian history and culture.

The second floor of the library is designed as a quiet study area where you can sit, read, study or work in a space filled with light and an ancient atmosphere.

Entering The Mortlock Wing , I felt like I was lost in The Hogwarts Library in the Harry Potter series, where dark wooden bookshelves reached the ceiling, light shone through the glass roof, and everything exuded an ancient and magical feel.

Because I was so captivated by the quiet, heritage charm of the State Library of South Australia, I dedicated an entire blog post to this stunning place. You can read it here: State Library of South Australia – The most beautiful library in Australia

• The Art Gallery of South Australia

Address: Google Map

The Art Gallery of South Australia is conveniently located between two other iconic landmarks — the State Library and the University of Adelaide. You can easily walk between all three, making it incredibly convenient to explore them in one go.

As you enter, you'll first step into the Melrose Wing — the International / European Art Gallery — immediately recognisable by the striking installation of two headless horses suspended in the centre of the room. When it was first exhibited, this artwork sparked strong reactions from the public due to its bold and unconventional nature.

In addition, the room features a wide array of artworks depicting scenes from ancient world history.

The Art Gallery of South Australia houses around 45,000 to 47,000 artworks, making it the second-largest state art collection in the country — after the National Gallery of Victoria.

You can also check out my post about the National Gallery of Victoria here: Inside the National Gallery of Victoria: A Must-Visit in Melbourne

The gallery’s collection is incredibly diverse — spanning paintings, photography, sculptures, ceramics, and even traditional garments from ancient times. It represents a wide range of cultures from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, offering visitors a rich and immersive artistic journey through global history.

Artworks from Asia.

• University of Adelaide

Address: Google Map

After exploring The Art Gallery of South Australia , I took a short walk over to the University of Adelaide — just a few steps away.

The University of Adelaide – one of Australia's most beautiful universities – is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves photography.

With its ancient Gothic architecture, sandstone buildings and artistically-filled academic spaces, this school is the perfect place to create striking photographs.

The campus is designed with open spaces, which made me feel completely at ease while walking around and photographing the university’s beautiful historic buildings.

The two buildings that impressed me most at the University of Adelaide are Bonython Hall (the great hall of the University of Adelaide - considered one of the iconic architectural works of the city) and The Barr Smith library (the main library of the University of Adelaide , considered the "academic heart" of the school).

I’ve written a detailed blog post featuring all my favourite photo spots around the University of Adelaide — feel free to check it out here: University of Adelaide through my lens – Travel with Minh

• Adelaide Arcade

After photographing the three spots above, I headed over to the Adelaide Arcade area to take a break, grab some lunch, and continue shooting in this charming location.

Address: Google Map

Located between Rundle Mall — the busiest pedestrian street in the Southern Hemisphere — and Grenfell Street, Adelaide Arcade is a well-known shopping destination. It features high-end local brands, artisan boutiques, exquisite jewellery stores, and cosy cafés tucked inside its historic arcade setting.

Adelaide Arcade is also a historical icon of the city, renowned for its classic Victorian architecture and ornate decorative details. Once considered the most modern shopping precinct during the colonial era, the arcade has beautifully preserved its old-world charm — making it an unmissable destination in the heart of Rundle Mall.

The façade of Adelaide Arcade is adorned with a striking pre-Federation coat of arms, featuring a kangaroo and an emu standing symmetrically on either side of a shield — symbolising Australia's forward-moving spirit and continuous growth. Behind them, a rising sun motif represents enlightenment and hope for the future.

Inside Adelaide Arcade, you'll find over 100 specialty stores — ranging from high-end fashion, jewellery, and cosmetics to books, souvenirs, and beauty services. The focus here is on independent labels and local artisans, making it a unique place to discover handcrafted and one-of-a-kind items.

What impressed me most was the stunning view from the second floor of Adelaide Arcade. The space has retained its century-old architecture, featuring a glass-domed ceiling that lets in soft natural light, elegantly curved wrought-iron balconies, and a beautifully symmetrical layout on both sides. Every detail evokes a timeless, classical charm that feels both nostalgic and inspiring.

I happened to visit Adelaide Arcade right as it was celebrating its 140th anniversary — an impressive milestone, considering the arcade first opened in 1885, even before Australia became a federation. It’s a small but fascinating detail that speaks volumes about the historical depth of this iconic landmark.

Adelaide Arcade opens from 9:00am, closing at 6:00pm Monday to Thursday, 9:00pm on Fridays, and 5:00pm on weekends.

Along the central walkway on the ground floor, a series of historical photographs of Adelaide Arcade were on display as part of its 140th anniversary celebration. I captured some of the most striking ones during my visit — feel free to click on each image to view more details and read the surrounding captions.

When Adelaide Arcade first opened in 1885, it featured a Tea Room located in the basement — a space where shoppers could relax, enjoy tea, and socialise during their visit. It was one of the earliest tea rooms in Adelaide, reflecting the elegance and European sophistication that the arcade was designed to embody.

The basement Tea Rooms are no longer in operation and have been closed to the public. However, to preserve its historical significance, the Arcade management has installed a reinforced glass floor panel in the central hallway on the ground level. This allows visitors to peer down into the old staircase and catch a glimpse of the former basement space. Through the glass, you can still see the original stone steps, wrought-iron railings, and vintage tiled flooring — all carefully preserved as a window into the past.

After exploring Adelaide Arcade, I turned into Rundle Mall — a lively yet historic pedestrian street. Here, you can shop, people-watch, and wrap up your stroll with a cup of locally brewed coffee, all while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city centre.

Rundle Mall Street Address: Google Map

• St Peter's Cathedral

After exploring the city centre, I headed north to capture a few more architectural highlights and soak in the street scenes. My first stop was the iconic St Peter's Cathedral .

Address: Google Map

From Adelaide Arcade, you can either take a bus (just 3 minutes) or enjoy a short walk to St Peter's Cathedral.

St Peter's Cathedral is open from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM on weekdays. Unfortunately, I didn’t check the opening hours beforehand and arrived when the cathedral was already closed, so I had to admire and photograph it from the outside. If you’re planning your itinerary—especially for a short trip like mine—make sure to double-check the opening times so you don’t miss the chance to explore the stunning interior.

The foundation stone of St Peter’s Cathedral was laid in 1869, and it took nearly 40 years to complete the entire structure, including its distinctive twin spires and the southern façade.

The cathedral is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture—with soaring vaulted ceilings, a radiant rose window of stained glass, intricately carved stone columns, and beautifully detailed wooden interiors.

By the time I finished photographing St Peter's Cathedral, it was already around 5 PM. I hopped online to search for a good sunset spot to wrap up my day of shooting around Adelaide CBD. After a bit of browsing, I came across the Adelaide Convention Centre—an amazing location for capturing long-exposure shots of the city.

• Adelaide Convention Centre

Address: Google Map

Since it was getting dark, I found a nearby pedestrian bridge and set up there to take some long-exposure shots of the road below.

Adelaide Convention Centre was the first purpose-built convention centre in Australia. Located right on the banks of the River Torrens, it’s easily accessible on foot or by tram from central landmarks like Adelaide Oval, the Art Gallery of South Australia, Parliament House, and the State Library.

The reflection of the Adelaide Convention Centre on the River Torrens at sunset is one of the city’s most iconic sights.

I spent about 30 minutes taking photos here before heading to Adelaide’s Chinatown—the final stop of the day—for dinner and to wrap up my first day exploring the city.

• Chinatown Adelaide South Australia

Address: Google Map

Chinatown is home not only to Chinese restaurants and grocery stores, but also to a wide range of cuisines—including Indian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Nepalese, Thai, and Vietnamese.

Here, you can experience the richness of Asian cuisine—from cosy cafés and sizzling street food to elegant restaurants, trendy wine bars, and contemporary food courts.

The restaurant I chose today is Pho Nguyen - a cosy spot serving traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Address: Google Map

I’ve tried plenty of Vietnamese restaurants across Australia, but none had truly impressed me—until I found Pho Nguyen. As a Vietnamese, I can confidently say this is one of the most authentic places I’ve eaten at. The flavours taste just like home.

DAY 2: Hahndorf Village – The German Gem of Adelaide Hills.

After spending the first day exploring the city centre, I dedicated my second day to escaping the urban hustle and soaking up the calm of Adelaide’s outskirts. The destination I chose for Day 2 was Hahndorf Village—a charming German town nestled in the heart of the Adelaide Hills.

Hahndorf Village Address: Google Map

There are three common ways to get from Adelaide CBD to Hahndorf: by bus, by car, or with a guided tour. I’ll walk you through each option so you can choose the one that best suits your travel style.

• By bus: It takes about an hour to reach Hahndorf from the city centre, with buses departing every 30 to 45 minutes. You’ll need to follow the timetable, but at just AUD 5 per trip, it’s an affordable and convenient choice for budget travellers.
• By car: Driving from Adelaide CBD to Hahndorf takes about 30 minutes and gives you more flexibility with timing. Parking is generally easy to find in the suburbs, and rental cars are available from around AUD 30 per day.

Thuê ô tô tự lái ở Adelaide tại đây: Adelaide car rental

• By guided tour: You’ll get to visit several popular attractions along the way, with a tour guide providing information and context throughout the trip. It’s a bit pricey—around AUD 100 per person—but ideal for those who prefer not to plan everything themselves.

Tham khảo tour tham quan Hahndorf từ Adelaide CBD tại đây: Hahndorf tour from Adelaide CBD

Hahndorf was established in 1839 by Lutheran settlers from Prussia (now part of Poland). It is the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia and was officially listed as a State Heritage Area in 1988 for its unique blend of German-style “farmlet” and “street village” planning and architecture.

Hahndorf is also known as one of the the best places to see autumn foliage in Adelaide. The best time to visit is from April to early May, when the entire village is awash in brilliant shades of red.

Along the town’s main street, you’ll find a delightful mix of cafés, restaurants, bars, and boutique souvenir shops, all nestled within quaint European-style buildings—many proudly showcasing their traditional German heritage.

Hahndorf looks like it’s been lifted straight from a fairytale—with its narrow main street lined with charming old stone buildings in traditional German style, artisan shops, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you're craving a warm pretzel or schnitzel, relaxing over a cup of coffee, exploring artisan craft shops, tasting locally made wine and gin, or picking fresh strawberries at Beerenberg Farm—Hahndorf offers something for every kind of traveller.

On your way back to Adelaide from Hahndorf, you can make a stop at Stirling— one of the most beautiful spots in South Australia for autumn photography.

Stirling comes alive with colour between early April and early May, when the town’s streets are transformed by towering maple, elm, and oak trees glowing in fiery reds and golden yellows.

Aside from Hahndorf, there are a few other lovely places in the suburbs worth exploring on a 1–2 day getaway. I’ve listed some of my favourites below so you can choose what suits your interests best.

• Monarto Safari Park

Just an hour’s drive (around 70 km) east of Adelaide CBD lies Monarto Safari Park—a massive 1,500-hectare open-range wildlife reserve. It’s the largest safari experience in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of the most extensive semi-wild conservation parks on the planet.

Unlike traditional zoos, Monarto feels more like an African savannah—with vast open landscapes where animals roam freely in environments designed to be as close to the wild as possible.

Link đặt vé: Monarto Safari Park Ticket

Thuê ô tô tự lái ở Adelaide tại đây: Adelaide car rental

• Spotting Dolphins and Seals on Kangaroo Island

Just 110 km southwest of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is the third-largest island in Australia, after Tasmania and Melville. Set off the southern coastline of South Australia, it’s a haven of wildlife, rugged beauty, and coastal charm.

This is one of Australia’s most remarkable wild destinations—where pristine beaches meet rugged coastal cliffs, native animals wander freely in their natural habitat, and ancient bushland stretches across the landscape.

Tour ngắm cá heo ở Kangaroo island: Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari Experience in Adelaide

Tour đi Kangaroo Island, xuất phát từ Adelaide: Kangaroo Island Day Tour from Adelaide

DAY 3: Willunga Beach – Adelaide's most beautiful beach

After spending the first day exploring Adelaide’s vibrant city centre and the second day soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of the suburbs, I dedicated the entire third day of my trip to the coast—heading to the beach to capture some seaside moments through my lens.

Choosing which beach to visit for a day trip in Adelaide wasn’t easy—after all, the city boasts over 20 beaches stretching from north to south. After some research, I decided on Port Willunga Beach, known for its crystal-clear turquoise water, long stretches of white sand, and a nearby hidden gem that most people don’t even know exists.

Address: Google Map

Port Willunga Beach is approximately 45km south of Adelaide city centre. You can choose to drive (45 minutes) or take a combined train and bus (1 hour 50 minutes) to get here.

Tham khảo thuê xe tự lái ở Adelaide (chỉ từ AUD $50) tại đây: Adelaide Car Rental

If you choose to travel by public transport, start at Adelaide Railway Station and take the express train to Seaford Station. From there, hop on bus route 750B—a 15-minute ride will take you directly to Port Willunga Beach.

Port Willunga beach stretches about 1 kilometre and is well-equipped with amenities like free parking, public BBQ areas, restaurants, and cafés. However, there aren’t many supermarkets nearby, so if you’re planning to have a BBQ or picnic, it’s best to bring all your food and supplies with you.

With its crystal-clear turquoise water, soft white sand, and quiet location on the outskirts of the city, Port Willunga Beach offers a rare sense of peace. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a tranquil coastal spot in Adelaide.

At Port Willunga Beach there is a small pedestrian path where you can walk along the coast while enjoying the panoramic view of the sea from above. This path is about 2km long, leading to Blanche Point, a hidden gem in Port Willunga Beach that I just mentioned.

I was really overwhelmed by the natural beauty as soon as I set foot in Blanche Point. This place stands out with beautiful white sand cliffs, located in a high position that allows you to have a panoramic view of the deep blue sea and offshore reefs.

From above, you can even see that the cliff resembles a crocodile stretching out toward the sea – a fascinating wonder of nature.

I’ve also written a detailed blog post about Port Willunga Beach—my pick for the most beautiful beach in Adelaide. If you love this spot as much as I do, feel free to check it out here: The most beautiful beaches in Adelaide – Travel with Minh

And that wraps up my 3-day itinerary exploring Adelaide! Since I was short on time, this trip focused mainly on beautiful photo spots rather than in-depth relaxation or food experiences. If you’ve had the chance to enjoy more of the local cuisine or unwind in other ways during your time here, feel free to share your recommendations in the comments—I’d love to hear them!

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