Adelaide Unplugged: 8 Spots Redefining Adventure And Shaping Local Culture
Benjamin Fitzgerald
Contributor | Urban List Adelaide
Adelaide and its stunning hinterland regions are serving up the perfect cool-weather escapes for adventure and a taste of culture this winter, steeped in relaxation and reconnection with yourself and nature.
Not sure how to get there comfortably? We’ve teamed up with the legends at Toyota to round up the best culture-driven, eco-friendly spots in Adelaide, inspired by their exciting bZ4X Touring all-electric SUV.
Here's your route to adventure, and where to recharge along the way.
Stay At Adelaide's Wilderness Cabins And Eco Retreats
CABN
Various Locations
Image: CABN | Website
Located just a short 25-minute drive from Adelaide, CABN is your next stylish off-grid escape. CABN’s collection of tiny homes in Adelaide Hills provides direct access to Mount Lofty (the botanical gardens in autumn are a must-see) and the German-esque town of Hahndorf, only a four-minute drive away. Or for a slightly further escape, drive 1.5 hours north to CABN's getaways in Clare Valley.
These luxury tiny homes are the perfect unplugged oasis to rest and rejuvenate after a day of exploring. Simply arrive, slow down and reconnect with a loved one (or yourself) surrounded by gorgeous nature and super cosy quarters.
Insider Intel
- You'll find plenty of bZ4X-compatible charging spots in the nearby towns of Hahndorf and Clare, or if you're starting your journey in Adelaide CBD, you'll be spoilt for choice.
Ecopia Retreat
563B Gregors Road, Seddon
Image credit: Ecopia Retreat | Website
Located on the stunning Kangaroo Island, Ecopia Retreat is the island’s only eco-luxury retreat on a registered private wildlife sanctuary. Offering a curated off-grid setup, with luxe facilities and bespoke guest services, the retreat—which boasts a near-zero impact on the environment—gives guests a unique glimpse into the local flora and fauna without wreaking havoc on native vegetation.
Its central location means you’re within driving reach of the island’s beautiful beaches and native bushland, so you’re surrounded by gorgeous scenery from the moment you wake up.
Insider Intel
- As for getting here, you can catch the direct car ferry from Cape Jervis (1.5 hour drive from Adelaide CBD) to Penneshaw, one of South Australia’s most picturesque spots.
Sequoia Lodge
1 Mawson Drive, Crafers
Image credit: Sequoia Retreat | Website
Need a break from the kids? Book your next Adelaide hinterland break at Sequoia, an adults-only luxury lodge surrounded by nature and sitting atop Mount Lofty. With a philosophy to connect guests with the land and its people, each booking at one of Sequoia’s stylish 14 suites–with panoramic views of Piccadilly Valley nonetheless—comes with over 30 seasonal inclusions, which vary depending on the time of year you visit.
Start your day with sunrise yoga, before refuelling with breakfast in your room and heading out for a guided nature walk of the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. Come back and relax in one of the lodge’s artesian spring-fed hot pools, before refreshing for dinner and a spot of stargazing before bed through a giant telescope.
Insider Intel
- Be sure to book for several days to make the most of this incredible getaway and experiences. You can drive around and discover all the best of the Mount Lofty Ranges.
Discover Adelaide's Farm-To-Table And Community-Driven Dining
Kitchen Farm
162 Flaxley Road, Mount Barker
Image credit: Kitchen Farm | Instagram
Spanning eight hectares in the Adelaide Hills’ award-winning Newenham Estate, Kitchen Farm is a community-driven farm-cum-food destination built around a beautifully restored garage and barn. Those craving a taste of the simple life will relish in the farm’s gardens, which use regenerative and permaculture techniques to grow an array of local produce and plants to bring to life underutilised land.
The best part? What’s grown is picked and turned into delicious meals at the onsite paddock-to-plate restaurant, made up of breakfast and lunch cafe classics shaped by what is grown seasonally, for a slower, more thoughtful take on contemporary cuisine.
Insider Intel
- A browse inside the farm’s providore for some cute gifts is also a must for locally made products, before setting your sights on the nursery for your next green family addition. What’s better than taking a little piece of farming paradise home with you?
Jenny’s Bakery
Various locations
Image credit: Jenny's Bakery | Website
A veritable Adelaide food institution, Jenny’s Bakery has been a part of the local community for over 30 years. With a reputation for delicious baked goods, think Paris-worthy pastries, gooey chocolate cookies and New York-style cheesecakes. The bakery's home-made best-sellers include the pistachio croissant and her almond croissant big sister, while the German apple cheesecake offers a niche taste of Bavaria right here in Adelaide.
Jenny’s is not one to be overlooked for its sandos offering either (we see you prosciutto focaccia), and each Easter locals wait with anticipation for the seasonal release of their hot cross buns, some of the best and most authentic in Adelaide.
Insider Intel
- Now with three locations in Eastwood, Norwood, and Keswick, Jenny’s Bakery has become the city’s unofficial bakery. Just ask any Adelaidian.
Restaurant Botanic
Plane Tree Drive, Adelaide CBD
Image credit: Restaurant Botanic | Instagram
Tucked away in Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens, Restaurant Botanic is an exploration of the senses with visually captivating scenery and art-inspired food that strives to reflect the flavours of Australia. Executive Chef Jamie Musgrave cooks uniquely with native produce foraged directly from the 51-hectare garden, alongside rare native Australian botanicals, and other locally sourced ingredients.
That means the menu is highly seasonal and has featured creative items like green tree ants, marron with marron-coral butter, emu egg custard, and kangaroo tendon "pork rinds", to name a few. It’s a rare, must-try culinary moment that’ll leave you satiated and appreciative of the flavours of the land you walk upon.
Insider Intel
- If you're taking your bZ4X Touring, you'll find the closest EV charging spot on Fromes Street, just a short walk to Restaurant Botanic—ideal for filling up while you're filling up.
Thoughtful Adelaide Experiences You'll Never Forget
Onsen
1/217 Henley Road, Torrensville
Image credit: Onsen | Website
Onsen is a Japanese-inspired recovery hub comprising saunas, contrast baths and a relaxing recovery lounge for a chance to reconnect to yourself and the community by taking the time out to just be.
Located in Adelaide’s inner west, the hustle and bustle feels worlds away, nestled inside the precinct’s saunas. Offering both traditional and private infrared saunas, treat yourself (and a friend) to the sweaty benefits of saunas, relieving tension, improving circulation, and supporting your body's natural detoxification processes.
Onsen’s cold mineral plunge and warm mineral baths are the perfect way to try contrast therapy for yourself; the science-backed benefit of switching from cold to hot water. The perfect reward after a hard workout session or a big day of work.
Insider Intel
- Active types need to try the centre’s compression therapy, a Normatec treatment that uses targeted pressure to boost circulation, reduce swelling, and speed up recovery.
Jurlique Farm
31 Liebelt Road, Biggs Flat
Image credit: Jurlique Farm | Website
You’re forgiven if you didn’t know skincare brand Jurlique was based in South Australia. But now you do, a trip to the Jurlique Farm is a must-do. For over 40 years, the Adelaide beauty has grown its own powerful skincare ingredients, and guests can visit its biodynamic Adelaide Hills farm and get involved for themselves.
With a few tour options on offer, take a behind-the-scenes look at the brand’s history, plant propagation, biodynamic principles, soil health, and the skincare benefits of various botanicals. A fan-favourite is the masterclass where you get to create your own custom essential oil blend. Skincare geeks, eat your heart out.
Insider Intel
- There's plenty of free car parking on-site and electric vehicle charging spots with Level 2 AC charging equipped with Type 2 plugs, perfect for juicing up during your visit.
Ready to discover more of Adelaide? From urban streets to rugged surroundings, Toyota’s bZ4X Touring will get you there. Learn more here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Toyota and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Main image credit: CABN | Website