Whether you’re in dire need of some rest and relaxation away from the responsibilities of life, or are simply in the mood to party it up in style, nothing beats a girlie weekend away with your besties.
There is a reason girls’ trips are so popular — they offer much needed respite and a chance to disconnect from juggling a million things at once. A girls’ trip is the perfect time to take a little break from life at home as an independent career woman, wife or mother and recharge your batteries, complete with your favourite girlfriends by your side.
If you’re currently planning your next girls’ trip with your BFFs, we urge you to look no further than the wonderful city of Adelaide. The famous capital city of South Australia, and well known for its exciting festivals, scrumptious food and premium wines, Adelaide sets a picture-perfect background for the ultimate girls’ trip away from home.
Whether you’re exploring your own backyard or crossing state borders, Adelaide is filled with numerous activities that are guaranteed to create long, lasting memories that you’ll look upon fondly for years to come.
Looking for some inspiration? We share 7 tips on planning the ultimate girls trip in A-town, so grab your favourite planner and read on to find out more!
1. Treat yourself to luxury accommodation
A girls’ trip is the perfect time to truly indulge and spoil yourself silly, so why not book yourself (and your BFFs) a couple of nights at your choice of luxury accommodation?
Adelaide is no stranger to a plethora of different high-end accommodation options, with some of our top picks including the Intercontinental Adelaide, Mayfair Hotel, Crowne Plaza and boutique hotel options such as The Playford, Adabco Boutique and Mount Lofty House.
If hotels aren’t quite your thing, there are also numerous options available on Airbnb in Adelaide, from serviced apartments to luxury pool villas and everything in between. No matter your preference, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect luxury accommodation in the amazing city of churches!
So, what are you waiting for? Hop into your comfiest set of pyjamas, order in some room service and spend the night gossiping and catching up on life with your BFFs. Treat yourself, because you sure as hell deserve it. We can’t think of anything better!
2. Sample a taste of the world’s finest wine in the Barossa Valley
It is no secret that South Australia is famous for its world-class wine, and lucky for you, Adelaide happens to be the home of the renowned Barossa Valley — one of Australia’s oldest wine regions.
The stunning Barossa is one of the world’s great wine producing areas, boasting more than 150 wineries, 80 cellar doors, and dozens of restaurants. Located just 60 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, it also happens to be a popular day trip from the city, with plenty of things to do for everyone, girlfriends included.
Start the day off with a glorious brunch at The Table Cafe, and then head off to Penfolds Barossa Valley Cellar Door to discover the philosophy and spirit behind Australia’s greatest wines and, of course, sample some of their exquisite vino.
If you’re up for a grand adventure, you could even consider getting a birds-eye view of the valley by hopping on an incredible hot air balloon ride, wine glass in hand. Girlfriends and wine — name us a more iconic duo, we dare you!
RELATED: Explore 16 top-rated attractions and things to do in the Barossa Valley.
3. Indulge in high tea at The Grand
We don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a sweet treat, so be sure to head down for an ultimate afternoon of indulgence at the iconic Stamford Grand Adelaide.
Famous for its luxurious afternoon high tea that will have you feeling like you’ve teleported to Paris, this stunning French-inspired spread features a variety of sweet and savoury treats including cream scones, jam, quiche lorraine, macarons, l’Opera cake, madeleines, duck pate and so much more!
Moreover, treat yourself to endless cups of the finest Dilmah teas that balance every dish perfectly. The Classical French High Tea at The Grand is certainly worth the money and is so decadent and delicious, we couldn’t fault anything!
PS: Not that you’d bring your kids on a girls’ weekend away but if you are so inclined, they also offer a kids’ high tea option which is absolutely adorable.
4. Shop til you drop at Rundle Mall
Let’s be honest – no girls’ trip is complete without at least one shopping spree, and no place in Adelaide is more suited to one than Rundle Mall.
With global brands and local favourites, Rundle Mall is the heart of shopping, dining and entertainment in Adelaide. Home to an impressive 1000 retail stores, you’ll definitely want to put on your comfiest pair of sneakers before heading out for a day of shopping, shopping, and… well, more shopping.
When you need to take a break to recharge, you can be assured that there are plenty of dining options available to keep you fuelled for more retail therapy. As an added bonus, treat yourself to a plethora of sights, sounds, free buskers, daily tours and landmarks featured in the city’s most iconic shopping destination.
5. Indulge in produce galore at the Adelaide Central Market
Just a stone’s throw away from Rundle Mall is the famous Adelaide Central Market. This iconic market is South Australia’s most visited tourist attraction and remains Adelaide’s premier food destination of multicultural cuisine and fresh produce.
If you are a true gastronome, nothing beats immersing yourself in the glorious produce, meats, cheeses and wine on offer at one of the 70 stalls on site. A hub for all things culinary, the Adelaide Central Market hosts numerous food tastings, courses, and an annual truffle festival.
There are also stalls devoted to organic health foods, fresh flowers, herbs, spices and more, as well numerous Eastern European delicatessens and Asian grocers filled with exotic goodies.
6. Unwind in the stunning Adelaide Botanic Gardens
If you’re looking for some peace, serenity, rest and relaxation, look no further than the stunning Adelaide Botanic Gardens. This glorious 51-hectare public garden is located in the north-east corner of Adelaide city centre, in the Adelaide Park Lands.
Spend an entire day or just a couple of hours with the girls touring several different areas including a formal rose garden, wetlands, three glasshouses housing an Australian rainforest, Amazonian water lilies, and Madagascan palms.
There are also plenty of sheltered picnic spots in Adelaide Botanic Garden including the Summer House, where you can lay out a picnic blanket and enjoy a spread of your pre-packed sandwiches, crackers, deli meats and more with your BFFs.
Whether you are an avid nature lover or just want to enjoy a relaxing and fuss-free afternoon with the girls, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens is definitely one of the most popular Adelaide attractions for tourists and locals alike.
7. Party til the sun comes up
Last but not least, no girls’ trip away is complete without at least one night of crazy partying, and thankfully, there is no shortage of bars, clubs and establishments in Adelaide to party at til the sun comes up. Start off your evening with a bar hop, and be sure to visit the Astor Hotel, Alfred’s Bar, Bar Torino and BRKLYN.
Once the drinks have kicked in and you’re ready to let down your hair, there are numerous clubs open, from the Lion Arts Factory to Cry Baby, Loverboy and many more. After burning all those calories on the dancefloor, be sure to fuel up at one of the many late night dining spots for an ultimate midnight feast.
As the sun goes down, the city most certainly heats up. Whether you’re boogying on the dancefloor or enjoying a selection of cocktails on a rooftop bar, one thing’s for sure – Adelaide’s nightlife will keep you and your girls going all night long.
Adelaide is perfect for a girls’ trip
And there you have it – 7 ways you can truly seize the day on your next girls’ trip to Adelaide.
With its stunning wineries, glorious food, world-class shopping and picture perfect scenery, Adelaide is the perfect place for BFFs looking for an ultimate trip of relaxation and fun away from home.
All the best, and safe travels!