Adelaide

Nature & Adventure

Spend your vacation doing something unique and unforgettable on an excursion that takes you out into the waters, and swim alongside wild dolphins. On this 3.5-hour tour, you are guaranteed to see dolphins, which are one of the Earth’s most fascinating and curious creatures. Meet at the Holdfast Shores Marina in Glenelg, a mere 15 minutes outside of Adelaide. From there, board the 'Temptation', a 58-foot colossal sailing catamaran. As the boat cruises, experience the beauty of Australia's southern coastline. Eventually, come to rest in the waters where the wild dolphins will come to greet you and play in the waters. Don your wetsuit, mask, and snorkel, and take the plunge into the waters. Experience the breathtaking moment when you see dolphins underwater for the first time. Watch and listen; their grace and playfulness is stunning and the sounds of their whistles and echo location noises are mesmerizing. Once your adventure comes to an end, you will be taken back to the marina. Spend some time checking out the many restaurants and shops that grace the shoreline.

Take the opportunity to paddle your way through a 10,000-year-old mangrove forest on a kayaking tour of a dolphin sanctuary. Amidst approximately 30 resident and 300 transient dolphins, enjoy a special experience that simply can’t be replicated. Take off with your lead guide Andro, a marine biologist who has over 5 years’ experience working with marine mammals and wildlife, and travel at a comfortable pace in your kayak. Paddle through creeks whilst listening to local Aboriginal stories. View the abundant birdlife, marine mammals, and other creatures that make up the intricate ecosystem. For those interested in bird watching, the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary shares a big part of the northern coastal habitat. Experience the sanctuary — part of South Australia’s largest port — with a rich Aboriginal and European cultural background and a number of noteworthy landmarks to explore. See the incredible mangrove forest that makes the ultimate feeding ground for dolphins due to its abundance of sea grass, salt marsh, and the tidal flats and creeks.

Head down to Glenelg’s Marina Pier where your catamaran for the evening awaits. Enjoy a warm welcome from the friendly crew, then take your seats as you set sail onto the open water. Out on the gulf, admire the picturesque view of Adelaide as night creeps in and the city comes to life with glistening lights. Then soak up the last of the day’s rays and enjoy a refreshing beverage while you watch an unforgettable Australian sunset.  Finally, return to Marina Pier, home to some of Adelaide’s best outdoor dining destinations. 

On this exhilarating 2-hour experience, you will climb along the impressive roofline of Adelaide Oval. Your guide will provide commentary covering a mix of local history, quirky facts and point out significant landmarks around Adelaide and surroundings. The tour begins on an open viewing deck, where you can take in the impressive vista. If you're more adventurous, you can try out the lean out point at 164-feet (50 meters) above the ground. Next you will visit the City View area, where you can take in amazing views of the city below. This tour runs throughout the day, including the early evening when you can take in the gorgeous setting sun and twinkling city lights below. After your rooftop tour, you will be gifted a group photo, a souvenir cap and an achievement certificate.

Enjoy a half-day cruise looking for some of the world’s most delightful creatures, departing from Marina Pier, Holdfast Shores, Glenelg. Dolphins are among the earth’s most curious mammals and you will get up-close-and-personal with the beautiful beasts from the decks of the Temptation catamaran. You will be welcomed on board the 58-foot sailing vessel by an enthusiastic crew. Sometimes you will see your first dolphins within minutes of cruising. They seem to come out of nowhere to play around Temptation’s hulls. But be assured they are not coaxed in any way. These are wild dolphins that simply know the vessel, and know that they are not in any danger. As the gulf is home to over 1,000 common and bottlenose dolphins, the cruise comes with a money-back guarantee of sightings. The dolphins are only just out of reaching distance from the deck, enabling you to capture their playful displays on film. Back on dry land, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the faculties at Holdfast Shores Marina, or wander down Jetty Road in Glenelg, enjoying the dozens of restaurants and shops.

After morning pickup from Adelaide and Glenelg, head towards the Barossa Valley to discover the region’s charming villages, vineyards, and German heritage. Stop in the historic village of Hahndorf, one of the most important German settlements in the region. Wander through the town and be charmed by its quaint 19th-century architecture. Afterward, take a scenic drive through the Barossa Valley, where you’ll stop in Lyndoch at the Kies Winery. Famed for its prolific production, enjoy a wine tasting alongside lunch at this family-run vineyard. With your palate piqued, head to more wineries and a chocolate factory, capping things off at Maggie Beer's Farm Shop. Return to your accommodation in Adelaide around 5:15 PM, just in time to reflect on the sights and tastes of the day over dinner.

Enjoy a 90-minute fully-guided tour of the iconic Adelaide Oval to take a behind-the-scenes look at this famous sporting venue. Your knowledgeable guide will share with you hidden secrets and you can relive celebrated moments in sporting, musical and civic history. Visit a number of areas that are usually inaccessible, including the Bradman Collection, learning all about the heritage and significance of Adelaide Oval. Hear stories of legends and characters who have contributed to the story of the Oval, making this a fascinating cultural tourism experience.

Discover South Australia’s popular McLaren Vale wine region just 40 minutes south of Adelaide on a hop-on-hop-off tour. Hop on and off along the trail as you please and visit up to 15 wineries. Tour your way with the help of a comprehensive timetable and info-pack to assist your planning. Set along the Fleurieu coastline, McLaren Vale offers lush rolling vines and hilltop views over the valley and to the sea. During your tour, admire the spectacular vistas from many of the optimally sited wineries, and enjoy the picnic areas and benches suitable for all. Along the trail, take advantage of the chance to taste various wines from McLaren Vale, which is now as much known for its newer wine styles such as Sangiovese and Barbera as it is for the more traditional Shiraz, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Shiraz still accounts for 50% of the crush and for good reason – any fan of big dry reds will love the world-class Shiraz coming out of this region. The trail also makes the most of McLaren Vale's rich and varied food offerings, and there are options to suit every taste and budget. Nibble on a grazing platter of local produce, indulge in some fine dining, or grab a bite at one of the numerous cafes and bakeries in the township. Alternatively, bring a picnic and perch on the hilltop at Kay Brothers enjoying the serenity and stunning views.

After boarding at Elder Park Landing there will be an opportunity to purchase food and beverages from the deckhand. The captain will take time to deliver a safety talk and introduce the crew before beginning commentary of the local area and wider South Australia.   Once seated, the cruise will commence by heading toward the Torrens River Weir Gate while passing the Adelaide Festival Centre, SAHMRI, and Adelaide Gaol. Enjoy 30 minutes of commentary before arriving at Adelaide Zoo where you will have the option to disembark and explore the zoo, Botanic Garden its and surrounds. The last 15 minutes of the tour will be relaxed, allowing you a great chance to ask questions, take photos with the crew, and get some advice on what to see and do once you disembark.

Join this full-day small-group tour featuring some of Adelaide's finest experiences, including a visit to the German settlement town of Hahndorf and two wine tastings. Pickup is available from selected locations around Adelaide CBD. Tour itinerary: Depending on your selected pickup point, you will be collected at around 9:00 AM. The tour starts with a city highlights tour. As you get your bearings, learn about Adelaide's history and gain some insider secrets from your tour guide, the must-dos, the places to visit, and the best restaurants at which to enjoy Adelaide's finest food. Traveling out of the city, the tour takes you to visit the iconic Adelaide Oval (events permitting). Then, head through picturesque North Adelaide, scattered with stunning Federation architecture and lavish homes. Be sure to have your camera ready because the next stop is a spectacular view of Adelaide from the summit of Mount Lofty. From Mount Lofty, it's on to Hahndorf. The German settlement of Hahndorf is an absolute delight. With its abundance of boutique shops and eateries, there's plenty to explore as you enjoy 2 hours of free time to do whatever you please. Meet the bus back at Bus Stop 54 on the main street of Hahndorf. Climb back on board, sit back, relax, and enjoy the short but scenic drive through the heart of the beautiful Adelaide Hills en route to the iconic wine tasting region of McLaren Vale. Once you arrive at McLaren Vale the first stop is the stunning Chapel Hill Winery. Have your taste buds primed and your camera poised as your host at Chapel Hill tantalizes you with a wonderful wine tasting experience at their picturesque cellar door. From Chapel Hill, you'll wind through the stunning countryside, with grapevines and sea views as you head to the next winery, the quaint Shingleback Winery. This Wine tasting is really relaxed and you'll get to enjoy a structured tasting of Shinglebacks finest wines. If you're peckish, you can purchase a cheeseboard to enjoy with your wine. Now the tour heads back towards Adelaide, but taking the scenic route. Gaze out at the Adelaide coastline as you journey towards the final destination of the day, Adelaide's beautiful seaside suburb of Glenelg. There are two options here. Either take a 20-minute stroll to check the place out and hop back on board or stay and make your own way back on the tram.