Car Rental Adelaide Airport

Discover the vibrant city of Adelaide. From its bustling markets and historic precincts to scenic coastal drives and world-renowned wine regions, this guide will help you make the most of your Adelaide adventure. 

Welcome to Adelaide, a city that seamlessly blends culture, history, and nature. Known for its thriving arts scene, fantastic food and wine, and stunning coastal and countryside escapes, Adelaide has something for every traveler. With a Thrifty rental car, you can experience the best of the city and beyond with ease.  

Adelaide’s Must-Visit Areas 

Adelaide Central Market: A Food Lover’s Paradise 

Start your journey at the iconic Adelaide Central Market, the heart of the city’s food scene. Open since 1869, this bustling marketplace is home to over 70 traders offering fresh produce, gourmet cheeses, artisan bread, and international delicacies. Grab a coffee, sample some local treats, and soak up the lively atmosphere. 

Rundle Mall: Shopping and Entertainment 

For retail therapy, head to Rundle Mall, Adelaide’s premier shopping district. This pedestrian-only strip is lined with major department stores, local boutiques, and quirky street performers. While you’re here, snap a photo with the famous Mall’s Balls sculpture or spot the Rundle Mall Pigs—a unique and beloved public artwork. 

North Terrace: Adelaide’s Cultural Boulevard 

Take a stroll along North Terrace, where many of Adelaide’s most significant cultural institutions are located. Visit the Art Gallery of South Australia, which houses an impressive collection of Indigenous and contemporary art, or explore the South Australian Museum, known for its extensive natural history exhibits. If history intrigues you, the State Library of South Australia and Parliament House are also worth a visit. 

Discover the Outdoors in Adelaide 

Adelaide Botanic Garden: A Tranquil Escape 

Right in the heart of the city, the Adelaide Botanic Garden offers a lush retreat with themed gardens, historic buildings, and scenic walking trails. Don’t miss the Bicentennial Conservatory, one of the largest single-span glasshouses in the Southern Hemisphere, which houses a stunning collection of tropical plants. 

Glenelg Beach: Sun, Sand, and Relaxation 

A 20-minute drive from the city centre, Glenelg Beach is a must-visit for those looking to enjoy Adelaide’s beautiful coastline. Stroll along Jetty Road for cafés and boutique shopping, or take a dip in the calm waters. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins swimming offshore. 

Mount Lofty Summit: Panoramic Views of Adelaide 

For the best view of Adelaide, take a 30-minute drive to Mount Lofty Summit. The lookout offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond, making it a perfect spot for sunrise or sunset. If you’re up for a challenge, hike the popular Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit Trail, which takes you through scenic bushland and past cascading waterfalls. 

Day Trips from Adelaide 

Barossa Valley: World-Class Wine and Gourmet Experiences 

Just an hour’s drive north, the Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions. With over 80 cellar doors, you can sip your way through internationally renowned Shiraz, enjoy farm-to-table dining, and take in the stunning vineyard views. Don’t miss Seppeltsfield Winery, where you can taste wines dating back to your birth year. If you plan on having any alcohol during your time in the Barossa Valley, make sure you have a designated driver. 

McLaren Vale: Coastal Wine Country 

For a wine region with a seaside twist, take a 45-minute drive south to McLaren Vale. Known for its sustainable wineries and innovative winemaking, this region offers some of the best Shiraz and Grenache in Australia. Stop by d’Arenberg Cube, a quirky, multi-level wine tasting experience, or explore the Fleurieu Peninsula’s coastal trails after your wine tasting. 

Hahndorf: A Taste of Germany in the Adelaide Hills 

A 30-minute drive from Adelaide, Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Wander through charming streets lined with heritage buildings, indulge in traditional German fare, and shop for handmade crafts. Be sure to stop by Beerenberg Farm, where you can pick fresh strawberries in season. 

A Thrifty Way to Explore Adelaide 

Adelaide is a city that offers the best of both worlds—cosmopolitan charm and breathtaking nature. Whether you’re discovering the vibrant city precincts, heading to the beach, or taking a scenic drive through wine country, your Thrifty rental makes it easy and more affordable. Book your car today and start your Adelaide adventure!