Relaxing on holiday is just as important as seeing the sights, especially when you’re travelling with kids or have a packed itinerary. Fortunately, Adelaide makes it easy to find your calm amidst the buzz of the city. Quiet gardens, sandy beaches, spas, and yoga studios are just some of the best ways to unwind and recharge when visiting Adelaide. Check out the full guide below.
Wander the Adelaide Botanic Gardens
A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens span over 50 hectares of serene natural beauty. Stroll among thousands of roses, admire manicured landscapes, and learn about plant-based healing in the Garden of Health. If you visit in late summer, don’t miss the brilliant display in the Dahlia Garden, perfect for the Instagram feed and the memories. When you need a break, relax under one of the ancient trees in the Australian Forest and soak in the tranquillity.
Spend the Day at Glenelg Beach
A quick 20-minute tram ride from the city takes you to Glenelg Beach, one of Adelaide’s most popular seaside spots. Take a lazy walk along the foreshore, browse boutique shops on Jetty Road, or simply stretch out on the sand with the waves lapping at your feet. Kids will love the Foreshore Playspace with water features and trampolines while you relax in the shade.
As evening falls, grab a cocktail at Moseley Beach Club, Australia’s only official beach bar, and watch the sun set in true European summer style. For something truly memorable, book a sail with Temptation Sailing, with unforgettable ocean views with dolphin swims.
Explore Adelaide’s Other Beautiful Beaches
Beyond Glenelg, make time for Henley Beach and Brighton Beach. Henley is a wide sandy stretch fringed by great restaurants and the grassy Henley Square, perfect for watching the world go by. At Brighton, take a refreshing dip, then stroll along the iconic Brighton Jetty for panoramic sea views. Winter or summer, rain or shine, the coastline from Seacliff to North Haven promises to inspire you, and you will definitely leave feeling better than when you arrived.
Find Your Inner Zen with Yoga
If you’re looking for some mindful relaxation, Adelaide’s yoga studios have you covered. It will not only relieve stress, but also boosts your mood and energy levels. You can find affordable and serene studios around Adelaide for both beginners and experts–try Human.Kind in Halifax Street, or the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga, Chapel Street. Aleenta on Rundle Street also offers barre and pilates classes.
Pamper Yourself with a Spa Day
Nothing says holiday like a little self-care. Stock up on bath bombs, lotions, and oils at LUSH or The Body Shop in Rundle Mall and treat yourself to an at-home spa session. Or, splurge on a massage at one of Adelaide’s top day spas, such as the Endota Spa in Rundle Mall and North Adelaide, or Healing Arts Studio in Adelaide CBD. Clarity Massage & Wellness in North Adelaide also offers a range of therapies to suit your needs.
Take a Relaxing Walk
Adelaide is full of scenic walking spots perfect for clearing your head. Wander the Himeji Garden, a peaceful Japanese garden where you can sit beside the ‘kare senzui’, a dry garden where patterns combed into the rocks. Alternatively, stroll along the River Torrens, nestled between the CBD and North Adelaide that has long been a place to meet and socialise for the Kaurna people for their health and wellbeing, or simply enjoy the vibrant streetscapes of the city centre.
Reach New Heights with TreeClimb
Sometimes, unwinding means letting loose. For an adventurous twist, head to TreeClimb, Australia’s first inner-city adventure park, for a fun and challenging rope course high above the ground. It’s an exhilarating way to leave your worries behind. TreeClimb’s highly trained staff crew will guide you through the obstacles spread out over the course across 5 difficulty levels.
Soak Up the Sights at Adelaide Central Market
If the smell of freshly baked bread and colourful produce makes you smile, then Adelaide Central Market, one of the biggest fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere, is your kind of retreat. Browse over 70 stalls of fresh food, gourmet treats, and specialty goods, chat with friendly vendors, and pick up something delicious to enjoy later. Be one of their millions of visitors every year and savour the multicultural cuisine and fresh produce in this premier food destination.
Unwind Your Way in Adelaide
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, stretch into downward dog, pamper yourself at the spa, or wander through peaceful gardens, Adelaide has no shortage of ways to help you unwind. Take the time to slow down, enjoy the little moments, and let Adelaide’s laidback charm work its magic. You’ve earned it.