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Planning a trip to Adelaide?
Whether you're visiting for a weekend escape, a family holiday, a food and wine adventure or a South Australian road trip, Adelaide is one of Australia's most underrated destinations.As an Adelaide local, I've spent years exploring the city and surrounding regions, from luxury hotels and iconic attractions to beachside escapes and country retreats. This guide brings together our favourite Adelaide and South Australia experiences to help you plan your visit. Why Visit Adelaide? Adelaide offers the perfect combination of city convenience and relaxed lifestyle. Visitors can enjoy world-class food and wine, beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions and easy access to some of Australia's most scenic regional destinations. Highlights include:
Where to Stay in Adelaide Whether you're looking for luxury accommodation or a convenient city base, Adelaide offers plenty of options. Luxury Hotels in Adelaide CBD If you're looking for a premium city stay, don't miss our guide to: Best Luxury Hotels in Adelaide CBD Featuring:
Top Things to Do in Adelaide Adelaide Oval Roof Climb One of Adelaide's most unique experiences is the Adelaide Oval Roof Climb. The experience offers spectacular views across the city, coastline and Adelaide Hills while standing atop one of Australia's most iconic sporting venues. Read more: Adelaide Oval RoofClimb Adelaide Parade of Lights If you're visiting during the festive season, the Adelaide Christmas Pageant and Parade of Lights are beloved South Australian traditions that attract thousands of visitors each year. Read more: Adelaide Parade of Lights Explore Adelaide's Food Scene Adelaide is famous for its food culture, from bustling markets to laneway restaurants and rooftop bars. Be sure to visit:
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Adelaide Travelling with children? Adelaide is one of Australia's most family-friendly cities. Our guide to: Staycation: Things to Do in Adelaide includes family-friendly attractions, local experiences and ideas for making the most of a weekend in the city. Other family favourites include:
Adelaide Weekend Getaways One of Adelaide's greatest strengths is how quickly you can escape the city and experience some of South Australia's most beautiful regions. Carrickalinga for example located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Carrickalinga offers stunning beaches, relaxed holiday vibes and easy access from Adelaide. Read more: Easter Weekend in Carrickalinga, South Australia Normanville is another favourite South Australian coastal destination. Perfect for a weekend away, the region combines beaches, cafes, wineries and beautiful countryside. Read more: Log Cabin Stay – Normanville, South Australia Weekend Cruises from Adelaide Looking for something different? Short cruises departing Adelaide offer a relaxing way to escape for a few days without the hassle of flights. Read more: Adelaide Weekend at Sea Mother's Day in South Australia Looking for ways to celebrate a special occasion while visiting Adelaide? Our guide to: Mother's Day in South Australia shares ideas for experiences, dining and memorable ways to spend time together. Food and Wine Beyond Adelaide Within an hour of Adelaide you'll find some of Australia's most famous wine regions. Barossa Valley Australia's best-known wine region, famous for Shiraz and gourmet food. McLaren Vale A stunning region combining vineyards and coastline. Adelaide Hills Cool-climate wines, charming villages and spectacular scenery. Suggested Adelaide Weekend ItineraryDay One
More Adelaide & South Australia Travel InspirationExplore our Adelaide and South Australia articles:
Final Thoughts Adelaide offers the perfect mix of city experiences, food and wine, family attractions and easy access to regional adventures. Whether you're planning a long weekend or a longer South Australian road trip, Adelaide is the perfect base from which to explore everything the state has to offer. Penny Itchy Feet Family
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If you are looking for one of the best food experiences in Banff, a Nibbles Food Tour should absolutely be on your list. Banff is famous for its mountain scenery, outdoor adventures and charming alpine atmosphere — but it also has an incredible food scene. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a guided Banff food tour where you can sample a variety of local venues in one afternoon. During our visit to Banff, we joined the Nibbles Food Tour, a 3.5-hour walking food tour led by local guide Jo. Starting at 3pm, we wandered our way along Banff’s iconic main street, stopping at cafes, pubs, specialty food stores and even a tea house along the way. By the end we were absolutely full, had discovered some fantastic local venues and had a much better feel for the town itself. If you are wondering whether a food tour in Banff is worth it, here are five reasons I would highly recommend the experience.
1. You Get to Experience a Variety of Banff Restaurants and CafesOne of the best things about the Nibbles Food Tour in Banff is the variety.Rather than committing to one restaurant, you get to sample a range of different venues across town. During our tour we visited everything from cosy pubs and cafes to an olive oil tasting room and a tea house. One of the standout stops was Evoolution, where we sampled a range of olive oils and balsamic vinegars. It was something completely different and not necessarily a venue we would have wandered into ourselves. The portions throughout the tour were also surprisingly generous. This definitely isn’t a tiny tasting experience — come hungry because you will leave very full. 2. A Local Guide Makes the Tour So Much BetterOur guide Jo was fantastic and genuinely made the experience. She was friendly, welcoming and full of local knowledge, sharing stories and recommendations as we walked between venues. It felt less like a formal tour and more like being shown around Banff by a local friend who genuinely loves the town. Along the way she pointed out local tips, hidden gems and places worth revisiting during our stay. Those insider recommendations alone made the tour worthwhile. When visiting somewhere like Banff, having local insight adds so much more depth to the experience than simply wandering around on your own. 3. It’s the Perfect Introduction to BanffIf you have just arrived in Banff, this tour is actually a fantastic way to get your bearings. Walking along Banff Avenue with a guide helps you understand the layout of the town while also introducing you to some of the best places to eat and drink in Banff. Throughout the afternoon we kept saying: “We need to come back here for dinner.” A food tour like this helps you quickly work out:
4. The Mountain Views Along the Way Are IncredibleNot many food tours in the world come with views like Banff. As we walked between venues, the snow-covered mountains towered behind the town, creating some seriously stunning scenery. At one point, Jo stopped each group along Banff’s main street to take photos with the mountains in the background — and it ended up being one of my favourite photos from our Canada trip. The beauty of this Banff walking food tour is that sightseeing naturally becomes part of the experience. You are not just sitting inside one venue all afternoon. You are actively exploring the town while eating your way through it. 5. You Get to Try Unique Canadian Drinks and Local SpecialtiesThe tour finished with two iconic Canadian drinks — a Shaft and a Caesar cocktail. Now I’ll be honest… neither were really to my taste! But trying local food and drinks is part of the fun of travel and something I always encourage people to do. The Caesar in particular is considered a classic Canadian cocktail and is something many visitors want to experience while in Canada. Even if they weren’t my personal favourites, I still loved having the opportunity to try something uniquely local as part of the tour. Is the Nibbles Food Tour in Banff Worth It?Absolutely.
The Nibbles Food Tour Banff combines local food, sightseeing, mountain views and insider knowledge into one really enjoyable afternoon. It is a fantastic way to discover Banff’s food scene, especially if you are only visiting for a short time and want help deciding where to eat. Between the generous food tastings, the variety of venues and Jo’s local knowledge, it ended up being one of our favourite experiences in Banff. If you love food, enjoy walking tours and want to discover some hidden gems in Banff, I would absolutely recommend adding this tour to your itinerary. Just don’t make the mistake of eating a big lunch beforehand! 😅 You can book your food tour at Viator here. Penny Itchy Feet Family Bali continues to be one of the most popular overseas destinations for Australian travellers — and after multiple visits over the years, we can understand why.
From luxury resorts and private villas to family-friendly activities, adventure tours and unique local experiences, Bali offers something for every type of traveller. Whether you are planning your first Bali holiday or returning for another trip, this guide brings together all of our Bali travel blogs, hotel reviews and travel tips in one place. Bali Hotel Reviews Things To Do In Bali Bali Family Travel Bali Travel Tips Cruise Travel Guide: Cruise Tips, Reviews & Port GuidesCruing holidays continue to grow in popularity with Australian travellers, offering everything from quick weekend escapes to family holidays and international adventures. Over the years we’ve experienced a range of cruises including Christmas cruises, food and wine cruises, comedy cruises, port adventures and family cruise holidays.
This guide brings together all of our cruise travel blogs, cruise tips, ship reviews and port day experiences in one place to help you plan your next holiday at sea. Cruise Tips & Advice
For over ten years, the Maldives sat firmly at the top of my travel bucket list. After visiting 49 countries, I finally ticked it off—and it was everything I dreamed of and more. From luxury overwater bungalows to unforgettable marine encounters, this was the ultimate “pinch me” holiday. Are Overwater Bungalows in the Maldives Worth It?Absolutely! If you’re going to make the journey to the Maldives, don’t skip the upgrade--stay in an overwater bungalow. Stepping into our villa, we were greeted by a glass floor panel peering straight into the turquoise water and a private deck with stairs leading directly into the Indian Ocean. Waking up each morning to the sound of the sea, taking a dip just steps from our bed, and watching fish swim below while sipping coffee—it was a dream come true. This is one splurge you’ll never regret.  Epic Sunsets and Oceanfront CocktailsOur very first evening delivered one of the most jaw-dropping sunsets I’ve ever seen. We couldn’t tear ourselves away from the deck. As the sky lit up in golds, purples, and fiery pinks, we sat in complete awe—with a cocktail (or two) in hand. Honestly, every night felt like a postcard come to life.  Incredible Snorkelling and Sea Life (Including Sharks!)I’ve snorkelled all over the world, but the Maldives marine life blew me away. On our final day, just 50 metres from our bungalow, a graceful manta ray glided right beneath me. After years of trying (and several tours chasing them!), it was pure magic to see one naturally and so close. And yes—there was a shark! When a reef shark swam past me unexpectedly, I panicked. (Nobody told me they’re harmless!) So here’s your heads-up: reef sharks in the Maldives are totally safe to swim with. They're part of the unique underwater ecosystem that makes this place so special. All-Inclusive Bliss: Cocktails, Cuisine & ComfortWe stayed on an all-inclusive island resort—and let me tell you, free-flowing cocktails from 10am set the tone. The drinks were strong (the bar staff weren’t playing!), and after the first couple, I started ordering a glass of ice with each one. Maybe I’m just a lightweight? The meals were delicious, and while I would have loved some bubbly by the pool, sparkling wine was only served with lunch and dinner in the restaurants. If you’re a champagne fan like me, that’s something to note—but not a dealbreaker.  How to Book a Maldives Overwater Bungalow TripI booked this trip as part of the TripADeal Maldives and Sri Lanka all-inclusive tour, and it was excellent value. It combined beach bliss with cultural adventure—and everything from transfers to meals was taken care of. 🧳 Itchy Feet Tip: Book a bungalow with a sunset view side if you can. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof phone pouch, and a good snorkel mask—you’ll use it daily! Is the Maldives Worth It? 1000% Yes.Whether you’re planning a romantic couples retreat, a luxurious girls’ getaway, or simply chasing that next pinch me moment, the Maldives delivers. From the turquoise waters to the underwater wonders and the pure barefoot luxury—this trip left me floating long after I flew home. Ready to make your dream trip happen? Start planning your own Maldives escape today—you won’t regret it. Penny Itchy Feet Family OTHER BLOGS YOU MAY ENJOYIf you are heading to North Bali and need somewhere to stay we recently discovered The Lovina Bali and would not think twice about recommending it. Booked on a Trip a Deal (available to book until June 2024) this was an amazing special and incentive to try a new part of Bali for us. Here are eight reason why you should consider The Lovina Bali Resort in North Bali. 1. An Authentic Bali Experience North Bali is an authentic Bali experience. There are no night clubs in Lovina, no fancy beach clubs or day spas - this is relaxed and back to basics. There are a few restaurants we discovered, but mostly Warungs and bean bags on the beach where you can enjoy a large bintang for AUD$4 or a fresh coconut for AUD$2. It is a simple, slow paced environment in the north and it is definitely somewhere you can go to relax. Most of the tourists were European - we bumped into a few fellow Australian travellers - but Lovina is certainly not an Aussie Bogan destination. A 2.5 hour drive from Denpasar airport (on a good traffic day) you have to be prepared to travel to get there - but we thought it was well worth it.  2. Beach Side Location The Lovina Bali is a beachside resort so if you like evening strolls on the sand, cocktails whilst watching the sunset over the water and a place to swim or kayak - The Lovina has it! The beaches in North Bali are calm and relatively clean, they offer good snorkelling and calm waters for SUPs and kayaks. And The Lovina provides all the equipment you need at no extra cost - including snorkel gear.  3. Morning Yoga If you like to start your day with a stretch and some meditation, The Lovina provides daily 8am yoga classes included in your stay. A great way to start the day - and to meet fellow travellers. The resort did also have a small gym room with a few weights and a treadmill if that's how you like to start your day - and there were also bicycles available to use free of charge. 4. Breakfast Buffet If you want to start your morning with a hearty meal, the breakfast buffet at The Lovina had something for everyone. Eggs made to order, fresh juices, asian and western dishes - there was no complaints from us here. And there were two options for dining - beach side or overlooking the rice fields - we alternated and enjoyed the varying views. The coffee was basic black American style - no almond half strength barista made coffees here to rival an Australian Cafe start to the day - but the surrounds and the staff certainly made up for that. 5. Free Shuttle The free shuttle service was invaluable for getting around in Lovina. At any time (up to 11pm at night) guests can walk into reception and request a shuttle service to local amenities. A trip to the supermarket, the money exchange or drop off at a restaurant. And once you are out you could simply WhatsApp the hotel and the shuttle would come and collect you if you had not pre arranged it. They were so attentive and responsive on one occasion we were planning a walk back but got caught in the rain, we messaged them and they were there in 5 minutes! The next time we went out for a walk we took our provided umbrellas - but of course it didn't rain.  6. Large Clean Rooms We stayed in a beachside one bedroom suite with the pool just steps from our door and loved it. The rooms are large and well maintained, they included a kitchen area with a full size fridge which was great for storing our supermarket Bintang purchases and the room included bottled water daily - essential for brushing your teeth! The king sized bed was comfy and the room had both air-conditioning and ceiling fans. 7. Onsite Spa When travelling to Bali I always indulge in massages and spa treatments and the onsite spa (Body Tonic) was excellent. The trip a deal accommodation package we booked included 2 x 60 minute Balinese Massages and the facility and service was professional, clean and relaxing. The prices in the spa were higher than massages in the street, however if you booked a day in advance a 20% discount was applied - although there was a 21% service charge.  8. See the Dolphins One of the attractions Lovina is known for is the dolphins that enjoy the waters off their coast. Each morning small boats head out to the deeper waters taking tourists out to the hot spots to view the dolphins in the wild at sunrise. As part of our package we had an included early morning tour to see the dolphins for ourselves. A 5:45am wake up followed a short walk along the beach to join one of the many small boats that head out each morning. Whilst it was great to see the dolphins (guests who went out the day before us also saw a whale) it is quite a touristy experience with in excess of 80 boats moving in packs in what felt close to chasing the dolphins. For European tourists that come from landlocked homes this would have been a highlight, for an Australian tourist I am not sure I would repeat the experience and rather leave the dolphins to enjoy their ocean.  Penny Itchy Feet Family Looking for more Bali travel inspiration? Read our full Bali Travel Guide here.
Other blogs you may enjoy:  New Zealand is a country known for it's thermal springs and mineral waters that have medicinal and cultural importance which is why this all new spa in Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island is going to drive tourists to the lakeside town. There are lots of fancy spa's in the world, however this one really is quite different - you will not want to leave. The attention to detail, the uniqueness of the experiences and the quality of the spa were all outstanding you could not help but be impressed from the moment you walk into the building. We visited and indulged in both the Sanctuary and the Restorative Journey, spending some four hours in pure relaxation bliss! Here are my top 5 reasons to visit Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa in Rotorua, New Zealand. 1. Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is brand new!
The spa has only been open since June 2023! Everything is brand new and it is in immaculate condition. Your friends may have travelled to Rotorua on the North Island of New Zealand - but unless they have been there since June 2023 they have not been to Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, you will be the first to go! 2. Wai Ariki is locally owned The spa is owned by local iwi, Ngāti Whakaue, which means a visit here is supporting the local people continue to succeed. Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa takes visitors on a cultural experience whilst reviving the senses - it really was a blend of the two which I found unique and different. The journey started with a guided tour of the cultural experience as you are walked through the Restorative Journey before you dive in. 3. A visit to a spa is forced relaxation Wai Ariki is a great place for a relaxing break on a travel itinerary - I am normally flat out on overseas adventures packing my itinerary with as much activity as I can possibly squeeze in. Up early and out late my travels are normally go, go go! It was great to slow down the pace and take a moment to refresh. And with a visit that combined both the Sanctuary and the Restorative Journey I was in relaxation heaven for a good three hours! 4. Amazing saunas The sauna room, a part of the Restorative Journey, included three options being salt, aromatherapy and hay - yes hay! I had never even heard of a hay sauna, let alone been in one. It was relaxing and unique and followed by a visit to the refrigerator room where you could pour a bucket of ice cold water over your body or scoop up a handful of fresh ice to bring your temperature down. Whilst that may not sound like something you may want to do - trust me it was invigorating! 5. Smooth your skin with mud The final part of the Restorative Journey involved taking a bowl of mud and covering your body and face to cleanse and heal. Now we all may have done a face mask at home - however this is not something you can do every day at home where you can cover your whole body and then soak in the experience. I visited with a friend and we looked quite the pair lazing on the tiled heated lounge chairs whilst covered in local Rotorua mud! The steam room that followed the mud soak was the perfect end to the Restorative Journey and a great place to spray off. I visited in October 2023 where I enjoyed both the Sanctuary and Restorative Journey. If you need to choose only one I would definitely recommend the Restorative Journey for the unique experience. However if you have less time the mineral baths at the Sanctuary have fantastic views over the lake and offer a great option for some relaxing soaking time. Penny Itchy Feet Family *Itchy Feet Family were hosted on this visit by Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa . Find details of how to book this experience at their website www.wai-ariki.co.nz Looking for unique things to do in Darwin? A Darwin helicopter pub crawl is one of the most memorable experiences in the Northern Territory, combining spectacular aerial views of the Top End with visits to some of Australia's most remote and iconic outback pubs. On a recent visit to Darwin, we took to the skies to experience this extraordinary helicopter tour. In a single day we visited several remote Northern Territory pubs that would otherwise take hours to reach by road, enjoying incredible scenery, cold drinks and a true taste of outback hospitality along the way. If you're looking for an unforgettable Darwin day tour, this helicopter pub crawl is one adventure that deserves a spot on your bucket list. The Northern Territory is a unique place to visit. The land is red and sparse and not very densely populated. A lot of the townships are isolated and the humid, tropical, weather makes it a tough place to live. It is a unique destination where it is laid back, locals are very casual and they love a cold beer to beat the heat. The helicopter pub crawl allows in one day to visit a number of unique local pubs that would otherwise take hours to reach by land. And who otherwise would not receive very many tourists. The helicopter air strip was located approximately a 45-minute drive out of Darwin and on arrival we were met by a young pilot and what I considered a rather small helicopter! Up we went and over the sparse red land we flew travelling at some 200km per hour to reach our destinations. The scenery was diverse and spectacular – we saw wild buffalo roaming, crocodiles on the riverbanks and miles of harsh red land. The locations for our visit were Crab Claw Island Resort, Darwin River Tavern, Goat Island Lodge and the Noonamah Tavern. Upon arrival at the remote pub locations, we were greeted by the locals who – at whatever time we landed – seemed to be already drinking cold beer – and by bar staff who were happy to share a yarn. The most unique destination on the itinerary was a stop at Goat Island. Owned by an eccentric Danish man who goes by the name King Kai! He lives alone on the island with his pet crocodile Casey and his dog. Signs at the property entrance warn that “You are now entering a politically incorrect area” and King Kai makes up his own rules on this island.
Despite the isolated location of Goat Island, and the amazing fact that our pilot managed to land on the tiny island, there were cold beers waiting to be drunk and stories to be told. The helicopter pub crawl is essentially a taxi service – the tour includes the transportation, all drinks and food for the day were at our own expense. We booked through Heli Fish. It was a magical day out – a completely unique experience – and one I would highly recommend when visiting the Top End. Penny Itchy Feet Family As Australians we are coffee snobs. We judge a café based on the barista coffee they serve. We know good coffee and we expect it. Bali is not somewhere I would rank up there as a nation that knows their coffee – so when out on a day trip with Bali Hai Adventure tours and they wanted to take us to a coffee plantation – we were dubious. And dubious we should have been – they served us shit coffee! Literally! The Luwak is a small animal that eats the coffee beans, digests them and poops them out! The pooped out coffee beans are then cleaned, roasted and ground for human consumption. Now whoever discovered this as being a good thing to do – I have questions for. However, being the type of people that like to immerse ourselves in the cultures we visit – we went along for the ride. How did it taste? Well it tasted like coffee. I wouldn’t say it blew us away – but it also wasn’t unpleasant. The coffee plantation visit is more than just tasting the Luwak coffee – we were walked through the garden to see a variety of fruits being grown, shown the coffee production process and then treated to a tasting paddle of 15 different varieties of teas and coffee. With delights such as coconut coffee, avocado coffee, mangosteen tea, pandan tea and ginger tea – it was quite an assault on the taste buds.  And to top it all off they had a baby Luwak that was quite happy to be held. The nocturnal animal was quite sleepy so safe to hold – apparently the adult animals are not quite as obliging! We visited the Hidden Garden in Baturiti on this day tour with Bali Hai Adventures – but there are multiple Luwak Coffee plantations in Bali just waiting to serve tourists a cup of shit coffee! Would you try it? Penny Itchy Feet Family Looking for more Bali travel inspiration? Read our full Bali Travel Guide here.
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Bali is known for it’s beautiful instagrammable locations and the North of the Island doesn’t disappoint if you want to chase waterfalls. On our most recent visit we booked a Bali Hai Adventures day trip to seek out some of the island’s waterfalls. Sekumpal is known as one of the most spectacular – it is a long drive from where we were staying in Seminyak, but it gave us a good opportunity to see some of the beautiful countryside and villages. The great thing about doing a private day trip is the flexibility it offers. The drive to the North was about three hours so having a private guide meant we could stop whenever needed to stretch the legs or see some of the sites on the way. When we arrived at Sekumpal there were two options offered to us to get to the waterfall. Option 1, jump on the back of a motorbike and be driven as far down as they could get us. Option 2, be guided by a local on the walk. The path was quite steep so whilst a motorbike sounded appealing – it also seemed a bit scary – we opted to walk. As we were going down – all I was thinking about was the fact that we would eventually have to come back up! The walk down gave us an opportunity to be amongst the locals, we passed through local shops, houses and farming areas. Although it was steep and many steps, it was a great opportunity to be out amongst it all at the grass roots level. To reach the first waterfall we had to take our shoes off and walk through a rocky river but it was only about 10 metres wide so quite easily done. The second waterfall location also required walking through a river – this one a bit wider and had a rope in place to guide us through.   The waterfalls are pretty packed with tourists, upon arrival people take turn to find their instagrammable photo spot and get that ultimate profile picture. Some people climbed over rocks to actually swim in the river – we opted to enjoy the view. It was about an hour walking to get down and see the waterfalls and once we got our pictures it was time to take the journey up. A level of fitness is required and on a really humid day I can imagine it would be a bit tough. But there are plenty of stops along the way that you can buy a drink, take a pause and refresh before finishing the journey. The next stop on our day trip was lunch – but if you are visiting independently there are also restaurants in the area to grab some local fare. If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, are looking for a way to see the landscape of the north - this is a great day trip to take. Bali Hai also took us to a coffee plantation, rice fields, lunch and water temple on this day out and it was a full day with pick up at 8am and drop home back at the hotel in Seminyak at 6pm. Penny Itchy Feet Family *Itchy Feet Family were hosted on this tour by Bali Hai Adventure Tours. Find details of how to book this tour, and other Bali Adventures, at their website www.balihaitour.com Looking for more Bali travel inspiration? Read our full Bali Travel Guide here.
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Looking for the best luxury hotels in Adelaide CBD? Whether you are visiting Adelaide for a weekend getaway, special occasion, sporting event or city escape, there are several standout luxury hotels that combine comfort, location and unique experiences. After staying at a number of hotels across Adelaide, these are three luxury hotels I would personally recommend for travellers wanting a premium stay in the heart of the city — Mayfair Hotel, Oval Hotel Adelaide and EOS by SkyCity. Mayfair HotelThe Mayfair Hotel is an excellent choice if you don't have a car on your visit. There is no parking garage on location to this very central city hotel - but it is located in the best location to walk the city and utilise the pubic transport. Located on the corner of King William Road and Hindley Street you are also on the intersection to the start of Rundle Mall - a pedestrian shopping mall in the city centre. The main reason I rate this hotel in my top three luxury hotels in Adelaide is because the beds are amazing! They are the most comfortable bed I have every slept on and the linens are second to none. If you are after a great night's sleep you will get it at the Mayfair. At the moment they also have an inclusive mini bar which sweetens the stay. Stocked with a few drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, along with some snacks and sweets this is a nice touch to enhance your stay. The hotel opened it's doors in Adelaide in 2015 so is modern, clean and still relatively new. Oval Hotel AdelaideThe Oval Hotel Adelaide not only is a luxury hotel but it is also a unique place to stay. The hotel forms part of the Adelaide Oval complex so for a sporting fan wanting to be close to the hallowed grounds of many sporting greats - this is the place to stay. The bar at reception that offers a welcome drink upon arrival is a great touch to start your visit as you sip champagne whilst overlooking the grounds surrounding the oval and the beautiful Adelaide Cathedral. The room is luxurious and welcoming and offers all the touches you would expect. The special part of this stay is a visit to the Bespoke Wine Bar and Kitchen for sundowners overlooking the stadium, the heritage score board and the hallowed turf. The hotel opened in September 2020 in the height of the pandemic. EOSThe newest of the three listed, EOS by Skycity opened it's doors in 2021 with 120 rooms of luxury as well as a rooftop bar and restaurant. When you walk into a room and you are greeted with a majestic tub you know you are in for a good stay. There is something about a bathroom with a free standing tub, soft robes and fluffy slippers that says luxury. Added to this the complimentary glass bottled water and locally sourced complimentary snacks in the mini bar there is no need to leave your room. However if you do venture out you are within the Sky City casino complex and will find excellent dining options including ITL and SOL rooftop restaurant and bar. Which luxury hotel in Adelaide is best for you?
All three hotels offer luxury accommodation in Adelaide CBD, but each has a very different feel depending on the type of stay you are planning. What is the most expensive hotel in Adelaide? Luxury hotel pricing in Adelaide can vary significantly depending on the season, events and room type. Premium hotels such as EOS by SkyCity, Oval Hotel Adelaide and the Mayfair Hotel are considered among the most luxurious accommodation options in Adelaide CBD, with premium suites often reaching some of the highest nightly rates in the city. Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Hotels in Adelaide What are the best luxury hotels in Adelaide CBD? Some of the most popular luxury hotels in Adelaide CBD include EOS by SkyCity, Oval Hotel Adelaide and the Mayfair Hotel. What is the most expensive hotel in Adelaide? Luxury suites at premium Adelaide hotels such as EOS by SkyCity are often among the most expensive accommodation options in Adelaide. Which Adelaide hotel is best for couples? EOS by SkyCity is a popular choice for couples thanks to its luxury suites, rooftop dining and premium amenities. Have you ever stayed at any of these hotels? Let us know what you thought in the comments below. Penny Itchy Feet Family Other blogs you may enjoy:
If you are heading to Bali and are looking for something active to do - there are plenty of options when exploring this island. With two teenagers in tow on our most recent trip we planned full day activities every second day of our holiday to make sure everyone was entertained in between rest and shopping days. One of out best day trips was a packed adventure with Bali Hai Tours that included rafting down the Telaga Waja river in the morning followed by a downhill bike ride in the afternoon. They call it a combination tour Rafting and Downhill Cycling. The team from Bali Hai took care of all the details, we were collected from our hotel early in the morning and they packed the day with adventure and activities to take us all of our devices for the day! Cycling is a great way to see a destination at a slower pace and provides access to areas that you otherwise would not see. What I loved about this cycling trip is that it was mostly downhill which meant although we were in the saddle for a few hours it was more of a roll rather than a demanding pedal challenge. The tour takes you through the back streets of the villages, through rice fields, on the streets, to temples and even through bamboo forrest. And with your hand on the brake, the bike just rolls you through the scenery - really you just need to be able to balance. The tour came with two guides, one at the lead and one at the back, and on our tour it was just the four of us out on the adventure. One of the stops on the tour was at Penglipuran traditional village where we were able to walk into the homes of the locals and chat with them. They were very open to welcoming tourists into their homes and showing us how they live - the local children loved the opportunity to practice their English. We met the local school teacher who was more than happy to chat and show us his home.  Although mostly on smooth downhill paths, the tour takes you through varying terrains. There were a few steep descents and rough tracks throughout the bamboo forrest, and you do ride along a couple of busy roads, but we are not a family of regular cyclists and we all enjoyed the day. The tour ended at Taman Narmada water temple where we could dismount and enjoy a freshly picked coconut as we enjoyed the view. The coconut juice refreshing the palette after the day's adventure.  If you like being active and getting out and seeing more than just the pool at your hotel - we can highly recommend this tour. Penny Itchy Feet Family *Itchy Feet Family were hosted on this tour by Bali Hai Adventure Tours. Find details of how to book this tour, and other Bali Adventures, at their website www.balihaitour.com Looking for more Bali travel inspiration? Read our full Bali Travel Guide here.
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A visit to Bali normally includes an itinerary of day trips and activities and rafting is one of the fun family adventures on offer when visiting the island. We took the two teenagers to Bali for a week in January 2023 and included a combination day out tour of rafting and cycling - this was definitely one of the highlights of our week and an adventure we all enjoyed. We have been rafting in Bali a few times before, but this time we went with Bali Hai Tours who took us for an adventure at Telaga Waja river. In the past we have been out of Ubud down the Ayung river - this river to the East of Bali was far more adventurous!  As it was rainy season there was plenty of water flowing down the river which made for some fun moments on the two hour 18km down stream adventure. It was definitely all hands on deck paddling, ducking to go under low bridges and hanging on when we took on a 4-metre drop! At the 6km mark we stopped at a waterfall for some photos and the chance for a bintang and a rest - this activity is not for anyone wanting a peaceful paddle down a stream. 
If you are looking for a day out for your trip to Bali - this is something you can add to the itinerary for the whole family to enjoy. Have you been rafting in Bali? Which did you prefer Ayung of Telaga Waja river? Penny Itchy Feet Family *Itchy Feet Family were hosted on this tour by Bali Hai Adventure Tours. Find details of how to book this tour, and other Bali Adventures, at their website www.balihaitour.com Looking for more Bali travel inspiration? Read our full Bali Travel Guide here.
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If you are visiting the nation's capital and want to see it at a slow pace - why not walk Canberra. On my first visit for 20+ years I put on the walking shoes and spent a weekend seeing the city from the walking trails. If you also like to see a city this way - here are a few suggestions to see Canberra.  Telstra Tower a top Black Mountain One of the iconic landmarks of Canberra - you can drive to the Telstra Tower - but there is also a great walking track. The Telstra Tower actually closed in July 2021, and has not been very cared for since, however it is still an iconic piece of the landscape and worth a closer look. There is a good walking track that takes you through the National Park up Black Mountain to the iconic tower, you walk through bush and it is a decent climb requiring a moderate level of fitness. We enjoyed this walk but were a bit disappointed that the bush land was quite overgrown so there wasn't any fantastic views of the city to speak of when we got to the summit.   Mount Ainslie Circuit On the opposite side of the city from Telstra Tower is Mount Ainslie. There are a number of walks you can take to reach this summit - we took the Mount Ainslie Circuit for the up route and got a broad view of the city suburbs as we wrapped around the mountain. There are walking trails and bike trails - the signage is minimal we had to check google maps a couple of times to make sure we were heading in the right direction. It is not a spectacular walk - but you get views of the suburbs and then upon arrival at the summit you are rewarded with the perfect view of the parliamentary triangle.    Kokoda Track - Mount Ainslie If you visit the Australian War Memorial, do yourself a favour and walk behind it to find the base of the Kokoda Track. This walk will take you to the summit of Mount Ainslie for the most spectacular panoramic views of Canberra. The track is well maintained and sealed for the majority of the way. It is a constant incline so again requires a moderate level of fitness - when you hit the stairs near the summit your legs will let you know they are there! The panoramic views at the summit however are spectacular - there are a number of viewing platforms, picnic tables and a water fountain. And on the day we climbed there was an ice cream van!   Parliamentary Triangle If you want to take in the top sites of Canberra - you can walk the Parliamentary Triangle. The three apices of the triangle include Parliament House, Defence Headquarters at Russell and City Hall. This walk will take you along Lake Burley Griffin, across the Bridge on Kings Road to Parliament House and then back across the Lake on Commonwealth Avenue. It is a fair walk - but one that will provide you with an opportunity to see some of the great iconic landmarks of Canberra.  City to National Museum of Australia The National Museum of Australia is a free attraction in Canberra and a pleasant walk to get there from the CBD. This walk takes you along Lake Burley Griffin on a stretch that has recently been developed into what looked like is going to be a City Beach area. Not sure I would swim in the Lake - but the development in this area certainly looked like that was what was being intended. If you visit after me (Dec 2022) leave a comment on this space as it develops. Upon arrival the National Museum of Australia is hours of viewing for a complete history of Australia. Stop for a coffee at the cafe after your 2km stroll from the city and then enjoy the exhibits on offer. Penny Itchy Feet Family Other blogs you may enjoy:
My first post-pandemic overseas adventure and I wanted to do something off the bucket list. I had seen amazing pictures on Instagram of the Mt Batur Volcano Sunrise Trek in Bali and decided that I wanted those images on my feed. But sometimes reality really does not replicate what you see on the Gram! When the alarm went off at 2:45am in our Ubud villa the rain was coming down hard. We ran through what felt like splash buckets at a water park dumping on our heads to get to our driver who collected us at 3am for our magical insta worthy adventure. Bali Hai tours website refers to the trek as a way to enjoy "Glorious sunrises and stunning morning views" - we were in! A one hour drive through heavy rain and then thick fog was a miraculous feat by our driver - I closed my eyes and just hoped we would get there alive! At least there was very little traffic on the road which is an insta worthy moment in Bali of itself. By 4am we had met our trek guide, donned a plastic poncho and a head torch, and the adventure began. The rain had reduced to a drizzle and we held hope for our sunrise as we took off in a single file along with hundreds of other hopeful sunrise seekers. For two hours we ascended in the dark, one step at a time in a single file with anticipation for the summit. The climb is not for the faint hearted - it was definitely a steady challenge with uneven surfaces and a rudimentary track. At no point did I think I was not going to make it - but it certainly put a burn in the legs. We passed a 20 something who perhaps had been out on the local cocktails the night before who had ended up in a bush just off the track - not sure her or her group made it. A boozy night before this trek is not something I would recommend. When we arrived at the top our guide seated us on a bench, prepared us a small breakfast and left us to enjoy the sunrise. It was cold and the fog so thick we could barely see in front of our faces. The insta worthy sunrise was an epic picture of thick fog and me in a plastic poncho!  Our poor guide barely had time to catch up with her fellow guides for breakfast - we knew the fog was not going to clear, it was cold and we were ready to descend. We never imagined a trip to Bali we would regret not packing our thermals! The track on the descent, in the daylight, was a surprise. I think if we ascended in day light and could see the track we were on we may have thought twice! It was rocky and uneven, no tourist dollars have been spent here on any fancy walkways. We had a glimmer of a sunrise on the way down, our guide desperately trying to get us an image but by the time we got the phones out it was gone. We met with our Bali Hai Tour driver at the base and he delivered our weary bodies, along with our non gram worthy photos to the local hot springs where we soaked and debriefed our morning adventure. So it's not always like it is on the gram! But no regrets - we still have a great story to tell and memories to relive. And who knows - maybe we will try again. Penny Itchy Feet Family *Itchy Feet Family were hosted on this tour by Bali Hai Adventure Tours. Find details of how to book this tour, and other Bali Adventures, at their website www.balihaitour.com Looking for more Bali travel inspiration? Read our full Bali Travel Guide here.
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