Calling all Melbournians and Adelaiders!

Hi there,

Melbournians:

I'm a Melbournians and have booked a three night surprise birthday cruise from Melbourne for my partner which is why it isn't in my signature!

Cruise starts boarding 4pm so I'm planning a scavenger style hunt around Melbourne during the day, ending up at Port Melbourne to meet Pacific Eden.

I know quite a bit about my city having lived here all my life, however I'm looking for new or unique ideas of places to include on the scavenger hunt around the CBD.

We are late twenties / early thirties, and love food and wine, and walking through our city.

I want this to be similar to a "Melbourne highlights" walk, with lots of little surprises. Similar to an escorted walking tour, but on our own.

So far, I have come up with a walk through a typical Melbournian laneway, a good cup of coffee, maybe some dumplings somewhere, a few little food places for mini tastes, maybe a rooftop bar, a visit to the aquarium as we haven't before, and end with something close by to Port Melbourne.

I'd love to hear of any suggestions of something to see / do / taste!

Adelaiders:

We're off to Adelaide and Barossa in April in a road trip and would love your take on must do's!

We have ruled out Kangaroo Island due to pricing and the long distance.

In Adelaide, we are planning to visit Hahndorfs for some wine and cheese tasting, and Wine Centre in CBD for enematic wine tastings.

In Barossa, we're booking a wine tasting day tour including Maggie Beer's farm house, and a visit to Jacobs Creek.

Other than Kangaroo Island, zoo and safari park, and the things mentioned above, I'm out of ideas!

Are there any other must see things to do / see / eat in Adelaide CBD?

Thank you for your time everyone!

How about that frozen ice bar. not sure where it is but i saw something about it in the tourist info pack i put together for canadian visitors a couple of weeks ago. friends daughter was there when her hubby to be popped the question rather unique.

or a hot air balloon ride, not for me but some love it. or the city circle tram.

Are you in Adelaide for only one day? If so do you realise that Hahdorf is one side of the city and the Barossa is the other. You will be spending most of your day in a car. Also while Jacobs Creek is a lovely winery, but if you are into wines they are just bleh!

Why don't you instead combine your Hahdorf trip with wineries in the Southern Vales (eg McLaren Vale). There are a myriad of excellent boutique wineries down there and some very excellent winery restaurants. You could do a day tour that takes you through the city to see the highlights, then to some wineries - one with lunch - then finish up with a walk in Hahndorf and back to the ship.

Alternatively if you want to visit the Barossa, skip Hahndorf - while I have a soft spot for it it is very kitsch and touristy - instead go to the Barossa Valley Cheese Company in Angaston. Also a tour of the Seppeltsfield Estate and their Port collection is very interesting. There are also some very good boutique wineries in the Barossa that offer a much more interesting tasting experience than Jacobs Creek. Love Maggie Beers place.

Doing either of these two things - you won't have time for the city and it is a city after all with the usual attractions, our Botanic Gardens are lovely and our Zoo, while not large, is very picturesque and I believe one of the few inner city zoos left. Walking along North Terrace and its lovely architecture and museum/parliement/art gallery is something for a more leisurely visit.

Try a visit to Old Melbourne Gaol in Russell st, they have night tours as well

150 metres from free tram stop

Are you in Adelaide for only one day? If so do you realise that Hahdorf is one side of the city and the Barossa is the other. You will be spending most of your day in a car. Also while Jacobs Creek is a lovely winery, but if you are into wines they are just bleh!

 

Why don't you instead combine your Hahdorf trip with wineries in the Southern Vales (eg McLaren Vale). There are a myriad of excellent boutique wineries down there and some very excellent winery restaurants. You could do a day tour that takes you through the city to see the highlights, then to some wineries - one with lunch - then finish up with a walk in Hahndorf and back to the ship.

 

Alternatively if you want to visit the Barossa, skip Hahndorf - while I have a soft spot for it it is very kitsch and touristy - instead go to the Barossa Valley Cheese Company in Angaston. Also a tour of the Seppeltsfield Estate and their Port collection is very interesting. There are also some very good boutique wineries in the Barossa that offer a much more interesting tasting experience than Jacobs Creek. Love Maggie Beers place.

 

Doing either of these two things - you won't have time for the city and it is a city after all with the usual attractions, our Botanic Gardens are lovely and our Zoo, while not large, is very picturesque and I believe one of the few inner city zoos left. Walking along North Terrace and its lovely architecture and museum/parliement/art gallery is something for a more leisurely visit.

Thanks so much for your time! We're actually on Adelaide for four days and Barossa for three days, so that we're not too rushed.

We're driving from Melbourne so will be great to have our own car.

Thank you for your feedback and suggestions!

Will visit the places in Barossa you mentioned, I've particularly heard great things about Seppeltsfield.

Will research more and may consider skipping Jacobs Creek.

Thank you so much for your time!

Try a visit to Old Melbourne Gaol in Russell st, they have night tours as well

150 metres from free tram stop

Thank you, sounds facinating!

How about that frozen ice bar. not sure where it is but i saw something about it in the tourist info pack i put together for canadian visitors a couple of weeks ago. friends daughter was there when her hubby to be popped the question rather unique.

or a hot air balloon ride, not for me but some love it. or the city circle tram.

Thank you! I've been to the ice bar before but it's fantastic and would recommend to anyone, especially in summer!

Thank you for the two additional suggestions also :)

There is a Chinese place that has the best dumplings I have ever had.

Don't know the name but it is nearly opposite the Victoria University in

Flinders Lane, the Uni is 301 Flinders Lane if that is ay help.:)

Hosier Lane for Best Graffiti. Movida Melbourne's top restaurant for Tapas is on the corner of

Flinders St and Hosier Lane. opposite is Federation Square.

The Pandas are at Adelaide Zoo if you haven't seen them. It was the highlight of our day visit to Adelaide

Thank you all! I'm taking notes!

The Pandas are at Adelaide Zoo if you haven't seen them. It was the highlight of our day visit to Adelaide

Ditto, really enjoyed the easy walking and shady gardens there as well.

We also enjoyed strolling around the historic area of Port Adelaide.

Will be back there in two weeks or so to embark QE - that is if we are finally assigned a room for our guaranteed booking!

We are thinking of a Murray River day tour beforehand as we have enjoyed Hahndorf, the Barossa, Kangaroo Is and Glenelg on past visits - all great.

catch the tram from Adelaide CBD to Glenelg Beach.

take a photo in front of the Mall's Balls in Rundle Mall.

Buy some Haigh chocolate.

Another vote for the Pandas. I could have watched them for hours especially as the plonked themselves down right next to the glass and happily chewed their bamboo for ages.

Hi LukiePuris.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions on Noumea so more than happy to return the favour.

If you are heading up to the Barossa (my local weekend hangout) I can highly recommend the following wineries:

Two Hands Wines at Marananga (just 5 mins from both Seppeltsfield and Maggie Beers Pheasant Farm) http://www.twohandswines.com/ - you can sit inside at the the marble sampling table or outside on their deck overlooking the vineyard while tasting some fantastic barossa reds. They also offer a masterclass which you would need to pre-book but you get to sample their premium wines and taken through a side by side comparison wine flight, just fantastic;

Murray Street Vineyards at Greenock (which is about 10 mins from Two Hands and have great cheese and antipasto platters to have while tasting) http://www.murraystreet.com.au/

Seppeltsfield has undergone quite a bit of renovation and has great outdoor picnic areas. It is also ideal if you are into fortified wines, but I tend to find the cellar door a bit commercialised and the staff tend not to give you much attention, especially if a bus tour arrives.

There are some great places to eat in the Barossa (including Maggie Beers) but if you are looking for something more substantial check out 1918 Bistro & Grill in Tanunda. http://1918.com.au/

Its pretty easy to get around Adelaide on public transport if you don't want to use your car, the Tram is free in the CBD. I would suggest checking out the following:

The Adelaide Central Market http://www.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/

Adelaide Oval and Riverbank

Glenelg Beachfront (takes about 20min on the tram)

The Adelaide O'Bahn ( a german designed high speed bus ride from the CBD to Tea Tree Plaza Shopping Centre on a dedicated track along the Linear Park - catch any of the following buses from Grenfell Street, 541, 541X, M44, C1 or C2 for the full journey)

The 98A and 98C is also a free bus which loops around the CBD and North Adelaide https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/routes/98A

I'd also suggest checking out the Adelaide Small Bar Scene which has become very popular. Check out http://www.glamadelaide.com.au/main/the-comprehensive-guide-to-adelaides-new-bars/.

Head to Peel Street, Gresham Street, Bank Street, Leigh Street or Topham Mall to try out some great bars such as:

Clever Little Tailor

La Buvette

Bank Street Social

Chihuahua Bar

Gondola Gondola

Lady Burra Brewhouse

To top it all, for the best views of the Riverbank area, head to 2KW which is a roof top bar located on the corner of King William Street and North Terrace. http://www.2kwbar.com.au/.

The drinks are a bit pricey, but the views are worth it. It gets busy in the evening, so I suggest getting their mid afternoon to secure you seat and take in the view, especially the sunset.

There is also the Adelaide Casino, which is located in the Adelaide Railway Station on North Terrace.

If I can help you with anything else just get in touch.

In Adelaide (actually probably any city) I am a great fan of the art gallery. We like Glenelg and the beach and had excellent tapas down there. You can get there by tram.

In Melbourne have you climbed the shrine? There are great views and it is easily reached by tram down St Kilda Road. I am going to recommend the gallery again. If I just had a short time I would go to the NGV at Fed square and maybe look at the Joseph Brown collection on level 2, very special excellent examples of Australian art. Or pay a visit to Brack's Collins Street 5pm and take pleasure in holidaying from the rat race. At the NGV international on St Kilda Road I think you haven't got time for the blockbuster Warol Ai Weiwei but there is an exhibition called Blue: alchemy of a colour which has lots of work from around the world in different media, eg textiles, pottery ...

We like having brunch by the river next to Princes Bridge below Fed square and across from the rowing sheds. Good coffee and eggs.

Have lots of fun.

Hi LukiePuris.

 

Thanks for all your help and suggestions on Noumea so more than happy to return the favour.

 

If you are heading up to the Barossa (my local weekend hangout) I can highly recommend the following wineries:

 

Two Hands Wines at Marananga (just 5 mins from both Seppeltsfield and Maggie Beers Pheasant Farm) http://www.twohandswines.com/ - you can sit inside at the the marble sampling table or outside on their deck overlooking the vineyard while tasting some fantastic barossa reds. They also offer a masterclass which you would need to pre-book but you get to sample their premium wines and taken through a side by side comparison wine flight, just fantastic;

 

Murray Street Vineyards at Greenock (which is about 10 mins from Two Hands and have great cheese and antipasto platters to have while tasting) http://www.murraystreet.com.au/

 

Seppeltsfield has undergone quite a bit of renovation and has great outdoor picnic areas. It is also ideal if you are into fortified wines, but I tend to find the cellar door a bit commercialised and the staff tend not to give you much attention, especially if a bus tour arrives.

 

There are some great places to eat in the Barossa (including Maggie Beers) but if you are looking for something more substantial check out 1918 Bistro & Grill in Tanunda. http://1918.com.au/

 

Its pretty easy to get around Adelaide on public transport if you don't want to use your car, the Tram is free in the CBD. I would suggest checking out the following:

 

The Adelaide Central Market http://www.adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/

Adelaide Oval and Riverbank

Glenelg Beachfront (takes about 20min on the tram)

The Adelaide O'Bahn ( a german designed high speed bus ride from the CBD to Tea Tree Plaza Shopping Centre on a dedicated track along the Linear Park - catch any of the following buses from Grenfell Street, 541, 541X, M44, C1 or C2 for the full journey)

The 98A and 98C is also a free bus which loops around the CBD and North Adelaide https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/routes/98A

 

I'd also suggest checking out the Adelaide Small Bar Scene which has become very popular. Check out http://www.glamadelaide.com.au/main/the-comprehensive-guide-to-adelaides-new-bars/.

Head to Peel Street, Gresham Street, Bank Street, Leigh Street or Topham Mall to try out some great bars such as:

Clever Little Tailor

La Buvette

Bank Street Social

Chihuahua Bar

Gondola Gondola

Lady Burra Brewhouse

 

To top it all, for the best views of the Riverbank area, head to 2KW which is a roof top bar located on the corner of King William Street and North Terrace. http://www.2kwbar.com.au/.

The drinks are a bit pricey, but the views are worth it. It gets busy in the evening, so I suggest getting their mid afternoon to secure you seat and take in the view, especially the sunset.

 

There is also the Adelaide Casino, which is located in the Adelaide Railway Station on North Terrace.

 

If I can help you with anything else just get in touch.

Thank you so much, this sounds like us to a tee! We're into food and wine, and I'm so excited to try what Barossa and the CBD has to offer. I hope to visit all your suggestions thank you so much!

Not long now until your cruise, it will be here before you know it!

catch the tram from Adelaide CBD to Glenelg Beach.

 

take a photo in front of the Mall's Balls in Rundle Mall.

 

Buy some Haigh chocolate.

 

Another vote for the Pandas. I could have watched them for hours especially as the plonked themselves down right next to the glass and happily chewed their bamboo for ages.

In Adelaide (actually probably any city) I am a great fan of the art gallery. We like Glenelg and the beach and had excellent tapas down there. You can get there by tram.

 

In Melbourne have you climbed the shrine? There are great views and it is easily reached by tram down St Kilda Road. I am going to recommend the gallery again. If I just had a short time I would go to the NGV at Fed square and maybe look at the Joseph Brown collection on level 2, very special excellent examples of Australian art. Or pay a visit to Brack's Collins Street 5pm and take pleasure in holidaying from the rat race. At the NGV international on St Kilda Road I think you haven't got time for the blockbuster Warol Ai Weiwei but there is an exhibition called Blue: alchemy of a colour which has lots of work from around the world in different media, eg textiles, pottery ...

 

We like having brunch by the river next to Princes Bridge below Fed square and across from the rowing sheds. Good coffee and eggs.

 

Have lots of fun.

Thanks heaps everyone, much appreciated!