Going south in OZ.
Outbound from Melbourne, inbound to Adelaide! Trying to travel during what would still be considered officially a 'school semester' is quite a fix, especially when there are so many possible destinations. Adelaide was chosen over Canberra (officially the capital of Australia) because it has more interesting sights and activities around the city! Well, what do we know until we get there on the ground itself? The Internet doesn't tell us much about these two sleepy, quiet cities compared to their overachieving sisters (Sydney / Melbourne / Perth).
Upon landing in Adelaide airport (you will soon realize Adelaide's attractions are named extremely functionally), we took bus J1 straight to the city. We were supposed to buy the Metrocard from the convenience store right outside the airport gates, but unfortunately they ran out because the other two tourists in front of us bought the last ones. What luck, I know. Adelaide is obviously under-prepared for visitors... But it turns out that for a weekend trip like ours, it is more worth it to pay for bus fares ala carte than getting the visitors card. Students from the Victorian state do not enjoy student perks in South Australia either, so everything is paid in adult fares.
We were practically starving because the last meal was lunch - we settled for the first food source that we saw - this shop with a bright red Dumpling King signboard. It wasn't that tasty even though I was completely famished. But it'll do, because everywhere else was closed or stony, food-less office buildings (wtf, Adelaide, are you serious).
But then dragging our luggages everywhere ain't gonna make anything fun, so we quickly checked into our accommodation - Grand Chifley Adelaide Hotel. I normally wouldn't be so extravagant, but there was a really good steal on Groupon Australia, so why not? It was going at AUD50/pax/night (okay, still rather expensive) but the Airbnb owners weren't replying. The room was very spacious and a bit too comfortable for budget students. This is not a complaint, of course.Grand Chifley Adelaide Hotel
208 South Terrace
Adelaide SA 5000
Australia![]()
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101 Gouger Street
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North Terrace
A word on accommodation in Adelaide in hindsight: I would definitely book somewhere in the town of Glenelg if I were to recommend to you or visit Adelaide again. There are not many attractions in the city itself and can easily be done in a full day. Glenelg is also a very beautiful and relaxing beach town and much nearer to the airport too. There is an advantage of staying on the South Terrace is that it rests nicely at the last stop of the free tram zone in Adelaide, but ultimately, Glenelg will be the best choice.
We were out wandering again - the sun has set and we took the free tram (from South Terrace - Adelaide Casino) to see Victoria Square at night! Glittery lights are so beautiful, especially with a quick shower of the rain, everything was glowing. It was immediately striking that Adelaide city is extremely quiet to a fault - it was a Friday night and the streets were almost completely empty. A really strange feeling since we are used to Melbourne's boisterous, jostling streets at night. This makes for easy photos because we don't have to crop out any random photobombs. But it sure feels like an abandoned city. How can such a gorgeous place be left alone?
Like hardcore Asians, we did visit Chinatown which was slight-ly more crowded but not really... Gouger Street and Grote Street are apparently where the action is at. There was a slight culture shock because everyone is effortlessly quiet and speak in hushed tones. We felt almost compelled to not talk at all, but well we are technically from elsewhere. Shopping was dismal, but we did get some telephone hairbands which turned out to be very useful later in life.
Ice-cream at Gelatissimo seemed like the most attractive thing so off we go - it turned out to be really awesome! Nothing like a good dessert for some uplifting cheer. I guess it's because Adelaide sleeps really early, and in general, the city isn't built for tourism.Gelatissimo
101 Gouger Street
Adelaide Central Station - the main station in the city, looks like it had more station masters than guests! The architecture within the station is a sight to behold, it looks like there was much meticulous work to construct the grand hall area, almost like a museum.
We soon found where ninety percent of the city inhabitants were holding up - Adelaide Casino (right beside Central station). Seriously, it was packed to the gills as compared to the rest of the places in the city, but everyone was still silently minding their own business (or rather, happy betting their chips away)! It was so queer. That concludes the first day - Adelaide certainly looks better in the day time, I am sure. If you are in the mood, you can try a hand at what seems to be apparently their favourite activity - gambling at the casino!Adelaide Casino
North Terrace
Adelaide SA 5000
Australia
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I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @spherepiece and Facebook page!