5 Best Sights in Adelaide, South Australia

These magnificent formal gardens include an international rose garden, giant Amazonian water lilies, an avenue of magnificent Moreton Bay fig trees, acres of green lawns, and a gorgeous Victorian palm house. The Bicentennial Conservatory—the largest single-span greenhouse in the southern hemisphere—provides an environment for lowland rain-forest species such as the cassowary palm and torch ginger. The Santos Museum of Economic Botany contains fascinating exhibits on the commercial use of some species, and on-site Restaurant Botanic utilizes many plants grown on-site in exquisite degustations. In summer the Moonlight Cinema series screens new, classic, and cult films in adjacent Botanic Park at sunset; if you forget a picnic blanket you can hire one as well as buy drinks and snacks. Tickets sell fast, so plan ahead. Check the website for workshops, events, and exhibitions in the park.

Many famous Australian painters, including Tom Robbins, Margaret Preston, and Sidney Nolan are represented alongside Renaissance and British artworks. But the real jewel is the collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works that showcases artists, including Albert Namatjira, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, and John Prince Siddon. There is also a café and bookshop on-site.

Founded by Thomas Cooper in 1862, this is Australia's only large-scale, independent, family-owned brewery. The Coopers beer story began when Thomas created a sparkling tonic for his ailing wife, Ann, but other customers soon began to clamor for the all-natural ales and stout that he delivered by horse and cart. Visitors can take accessible guided tours of the production facility and enjoy samples of the award-winning Coopers ales in the tasting room post-tour. Displays on the history of the brewery are brought to life with exhibits that include vintage delivery carts and brewing equipment, while the excellent 400-seat on-site restaurant has an extensive menu designed to pair with the in-house drops. Tour run Tuesday through Saturday for over-18s.

The eminently approachable beach in this affluent coastal suburb offers white sand, gently lapping waves, summer entertainment, and a square known for popular dining spots. You'll find families spread out along the shore, and there's plenty of space on the wide lawns to enjoy a picnic or fish-and-chips. The jetty is perfect for walking or fishing—drop a line in the water and try your luck. During summer, Henley Beach Square comes alive with live music and festivals while eateries along Henley Beach Road bring the world to your plate—Asian, African, Mediterranean, and Indian mix with local cuisine and incredible gelato. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: sunrise; sunset; swimming; walking.

Founded in 1844 by immigrant English doctor Christopher Rawson Penfold, this is the birthplace of Australia's most famous wine, Penfolds Grange, and one of Australia's only city wineries. Introduced in 1951, Grange is the flagship of a huge stable of wines priced from everyday to special-occasion (collectors pay tens of thousands of dollars for complete sets of Grange). Book ahead for the two-hour Magill Heritage Experience (10 am daily) to hear some of the stories behind the site; if you're a serious wine lover take the Ultimate Penfolds Experience to visit the original Penfold family cottage followed by some some premium wine tastings, or go for the Iconic Penfolds Experience, which includes a three-course lunch and wine pairings in addition to the tour.