Holiday at home in Adelaide: Here are 29 ideas from small bars to visit to walking trails to try

THERE’s so much to see and do in Adelaide — why not enjoy a break in your own city this summer? Take a joy flight or go for a row. Explore our wineries and walking tracks. Or, chill at a hot new small bar in the city.

THERE is so much to see and do in Adelaide — why not enjoy a holiday in your own city this summer.

You could take a day trek down south and explore our wineries, go for a stroll on one of our wonderful walking tracks or hire a boat and go for a row in the city.

Or, you could simply chill out and check out one of our many hot new small bars.

Here are some ideas:

In the city

Let loose

Adelaide has plenty of small new bars to explore, including Pink Moon Saloon on Leigh Street. Picture: Emma Brasier.

SPEND a balmy night on the town and visit some of the latest small bars such as Pink Moon Saloon, NOLA and Peter Rabbit on Hindley St. Like all good nights out, end it with a karaoke sesh at Gouger Street’s La Sing, then treat yourself to an early morning feast at 24-hour institution, The Pancake Kitchen.

Go for golf

THE small-scale, 18-hole par 3 course is well-suited to new or junior golfers. You and your friends will feel like you’re a bunch of rich guys talking business at a fancy country club (or perhaps we’ve just seen too many movies). Cost: $15.50 adults, $12.50 children. Phone [phone].

Take an adventure

SPEND an hour locked in a room with your friends and try to escape by working your way through a series of puzzles. It’s like a video game come to life. Check out Escape Hunt Experience at 133 Rundle Mall, or Adventure Rooms at 51/53 Rundle Mall. Prices start at $28 each. Visit adelaide.escapehunt.com and adventurerooms.com.au

Get lost in a film

ESCAPE the heat in the air-conditioned Palace Nova Cinema on Rundle St or Mercury Cinema on Morphett St. Get the family into the holiday spirit with a screening of Elf at Mercury Cinema, Wednesday, December 16, 10.30am. Visit mercury.org.au and palacecinemas.com.au

Relax by the river

BUY a bunch of food from the Central Market, take the tram from Victoria Square to the train station, then walk through Hajek Plaza and find a spot by the riverbank. If too many others have the same idea as you, walk across King William St and find a quiet, shaded spot opposite Adelaide University’s back entrance. A great spot to kick back and read a book.

Park it

THE endless stretch of land that is Victoria Park is perfect for walks, runs, picnics and play. Bring a ball, bring your dog, hell, bring a model helicopter — this is the people’s park.

Tour your city

WALK, talk and eat at one of the many foodie tours exploring everything from dumpling spots to chocolate cafes and craft beer bars. Try Feast on Foot (feastonfoot.com), Foodi (foodie.com.au) or Adelaide Choco-latte (topfoodandwinetours.com.au)

Turning Japanese

THE tranquil Himeji Gardens in the south parklands was a gift from Adelaide’s sister city in 1982, and locals have been loving it ever since. A calming refuge where you can listen to trickling water and birds chirping.

Row your boat

FOR a taste of the Venetian lifestyle, splash out and take a gondola ride along the river. It’s $110 for 40 minutes or $135 for an hour. The boat fits four people. Visit adelaidegondola.com.au A less expensive option is to hire a rowboat from the Rymill Park kiosk, which is $8 for 30 minutes. Phone [phone].

Ride your bike

HOP on your bicycle or hit up one of 20 CBD locations to hire one for free. Hire points include Bonython Park kiosk, Hub Adelaide on Peel St and Adelaide City Council on Pirie St, but the largest range is at BikeSA’s HQ at 53 Carrington St. Visit bikesa.asn.au

In the west

Hallett Cove Conservation Park

TREK through the rugged cliffs, learn about the geological history of Hallett Cove including the ‘Sugarloaf’ or enjoy ocean views and brunch at the Boatshed Cafe on Heron Way.

Mega Adventure Aerial Park

THRILLSEEKERS can put their skills (and nerves) to the test on West Beach’s new Skymate — a 26m high structure with 50 aerial crossings, scramble nets, ropes, beams and swings. Skywalk $5, Mega bounce $10, Skychallenge $55, megaadventure.com.au

Beachfront Twilight Markets

THE Seacliff foreshore will be transformed into a shoppers’ paradise on January 15 and February 5 from 5.30pm. Pick up handmade gifts, while enjoying sunset, food and live entertainment.

A day at Glenelg Bay

ENJOY the summer sun playing beach volleyball, take a step back in time at the Bay Discovery Centre and test the new playground in Moseley Square.

Semaphore Summer Carnival

BUNGEE trampolines, sideshows and thrill rides will entertain the family on the Semaphore foreshore. Ride prices vary. December 13 to January 26, daily from 11am (closed Christmas Day). Free fireworks at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

In the east

Unley outdoor cinema

GRAB some popcorn and head to Unley’s free outdoor cinemas. The Intouchables is screening at Heywood Park on January 29. Food and entertainment from 6pm, movies start at sunset.

Mt Lofty trail

THROW on your running shoes and go for a hike up Adelaide’s highest peak, starting at Waterfall Gully. Enjoy the view of the city from the top.

Ball games

HEAD to Payneham Oval for a hit of tennis on the courts, a kick of the footy on the oval and let the kids enjoy the new adventure playground.

Take the corkscrew challenge

CYCLISTS across Adelaide are invited to test their riding ability on Corkscrew Ride. Riders can download the free Strava app that will record and upload times to the Lightsview Ride Like Crazy website. The fastest man and woman will win free entry to next year’s Lightsview Ride Like Crazy charity race.

In the south

Explore the region on a walking trail

Take a stroll along the Coast To Vines Rail Trail at McLaren Vale. Picture: Stephen Laffer

ENJOY a section of the 37km Coast to Vines walking trail, which takes you from Marino Rocks to Willunga. The trail not only offers history and scenic views, but also a food and wine experience.

Blend your own wine

HEAD to d’Arenberg in McLaren Vale to be a winemaker for a day. You get to blend a wine in a bottle, label it and then take it home. The 90 minute Blending Bench experience costs $65 per person. For details: darenberg.com.au

Enjoy a scenic joy flight

TAKE in the beauty of the southern coast in an open cockpit in a WACO biplane. The 30 minute flight leaves from Aldinga Airfield. It costs $350 for two people. Details: 8556 5404

Dive or snorkel around a historic shipwreck

EXPLORE the Star of Greece shipwreck which came ashore on Port Willunga beach in 1888. The three-masted iron cargo ship is only in about 4m of water.

Ride on a miniature train

THE Morphett Vale Railway has a mix of diesel and steam trains with open carriages to sit both adults and children as they go around a 2km track. It is at Wilfred Taylor Reserve, and is open on the second and fourth Sunday of every month, from 1pm-4.30pm. It costs $6 for unlimited rides. Details: 8387 6564.

In the north

Pooraka Sunday Market

You’ll find everything from fresh bread to bric-a-brac at the Pooraka Sunday Market.

FRESHLY baked bread and cakes, plants, bric-a-brac, books, clothing and fresh food are all available at the popular Sunday market with something for everyone. Stalls are open from 7am-12 noon. For information, 8349 4493 or adelaidemarkets.com.au

Playford Aquadome

COOL down at the Playford Aquadome seven days per week throughout the summer. At 1 Crockerton Rd, Elizabeth. For opening times check aquadome.ymca. org.au) or call 8287 8800.

Gepps Cross Drive-in

CATCH the latest blockbusters on the big screen in the comfort of your car at Adelaide’s last remaining drive-in theatre. The Mainline Drive-in on Main North Rd plays the latest movies Wednesday to Sunday nights. Call 8262 1873 or visit wallis.com.au for more session times.

Take a walk

EXPLORE the Salisbury Council district with an extensive choice of nature trails. Trails along the Little Para River lead from Salisbury Heights to Globe Derby Park.

Adelaide United

WHILE many people slow down over Christmas, Adelaide United’s season is in full swing. Watch them train at their new base at Ridley Reserve, Elizabeth. For training times visit adelaideunited.com.au