Things to do in adelaide for couples

Things to do in adelaide for couples

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A boutique capital

Wondering what to do in Adelaide? The city is bursting with culture, flavours, events and entertainment. Soak-up the sun at one of many picture-perfect metropolitan beaches, visit chic inner-city boutiques, dine at world-famous restaurants, sip your way through a thriving small bar scene or taste your way through some of Australia’s best wine regions.

From relaxing sea-side at one Adelaide's many beach bars, to exploring our coastal road trips and all the festivals in between, check out our travel blog for some inspiration on what to do and see in South Australia. For the latest information on travelling to South Australia in consideration of COVID-19 view our Coronavirus travel guide.


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Explore the city and experience the best things to do in Adelaide including restaurants, bars, galleries, outdoor and family friendly activities.


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Things to do in adelaide for couples
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Things to do in adelaide for couples
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Things to do in adelaide for couples
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Things to do in adelaide for couples
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Things to do in adelaide for couples
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Things to do in adelaide for couples
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Things to do in adelaide for couples

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Looking for fun date ideas in Adelaide?

Whether you are a tourist or a local looking for new and romantic things to do for couples in Adelaide, you’ll be sure to find something to tickle your pickle in this epic list!

50+ of the best date ideas and romantic places to visit in Adelaide right here.

Dining: Romantic Restaurants in Adelaide

Botanical Gardens Restaurant – Straight from the plants in the garden to plate on the table. Chef Jason James will stun you with his artistic fashion and culinary elegance of his plates. It is like visiting an art gallery for fine fresh foods. Each dish like an individual piece of art. After spending a day in the gardens kick back and relax with a cool drink and a warm plate of delicious food.

Apoteca– Classic European style wine bar. From the moment you arrive and visit the old shop out front you will fell as if you have left to another country. Known for its outstanding food, high quality drinks, and quiet easy-going music, Apoteca is the perfect end to a long weekend.

Jasmin Indian Restaurant– One of the most authentic and genuine curry places in Southern Australia. With local wines and brews the drinks are just the tip of the iceberg. Food dishes crafted using the finest ingredients in Australia, a little higher on the budget, but worth the experience.

The Playford Restaurant – Located in central Adelaide the Playford offers the best brunch in the city. Nothing better after an amazing night out with your loved one then an even more amazing breakfast and mimosa in the morning. In the evening, the wine list is superb, and the atmosphere is relaxed and romantic.

Lenzerheide Restaurant – Established in 1989 the award winning Lenzerheide Restaurant features a highly trained staff with extensive food and beverage knowledge. Come for high tea, dinner, or lunch and enjoy the elegant interior design. With a modern flair the taste and presentation of the food is to die for.

VON Thai– With the best Thai food in town Von Thai is a great spot for the start of a spicy date night. Amazing high-quality food with ingredients imported from around the world and engaging customer service create an enjoyable experience. After dinner head out for a night on the town dancing. An epic first date idea in Adelaide.

Utopia at Waterfall Gully– Just 15 minutes from central Adelaide Utopia at Waterfall Gully will take you on a journey away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The modern Australian restaurant is nestled beside an 18m waterfall among the gardens below. A premier destination for weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries. This romantic venue will relax you and make your worries fade.

Concubine – Fabulous food and wine await you at Adelaide’s best Chinese restaurant in the city. Award winning for service and excellent cuisine provide an unforgettable experience. Food is traditional authentic with locally sourced ingredients. Alcohol menu is fresh and vibrant with seasonal changes to match the flavors from the kitchen.

Things to do in adelaide for couples

2KW– With three distinctive areas to dine let the stress of the week melt away. Share a plate in our dining room, get a cheese plate with a couple glasses of award-winning wine, or enjoy a sweet treat from the dedicated dessert menu. Rise above Adelaide with panoramic views of the city for you and your loved one.

Parisi’s – Near Hyde park Parisi’s offers some of the best Italian food around. Packed with wine and food knowledge the service is nothing but excellent. Enjoy the quiet romantic setting while sharing a plate of spaghetti and a nice glass of red wine.

Chianti – Centrally located in Adelaide, once inside with its authentic Italian menu will make you feel as if you have left Australia for the Romantic street restaurants of Italy. Elegant with a warm welcome, the service and food is amazing.

Africola – For a little louder and more energetic experience try Africola on East Terrace. Modern style restaurant with vague menu that entrusts the chef to deliver a delicious meal. Book a kitchen table to get a spot right at the bar that surrounds the kitchen. Let your server know of any allergies when you order as the food is a mystery.

Windy Point Restaurant – Perched in the Adelaide foothills with the spectacular views of the city. A classic setting for engagements and anniversaries the romance is overwhelming. In the summertime see the sun set and the city lights up the darkness below.

The Enchanted Fig Tree- Located on Kangaroo Island just a short ferry ride away from Adelaide the restaurant gets its name from the ancient fig tree that grows near the building. The boughs of the tree have been turned into private dining areas offering seclusion and quiet while dining with your loved one.

Things to do in adelaide for couples

Dancing: Date Night Ideas in Adelaide

Cry Baby– Rock and Roll and neon lights are just like a New York City bar in the late 1980’s. Playing a good variety of music dating from the 60’s to today. Dance the night away to your favorite rock songs while playing something of your choice on the jukebox. This new age dive bar is perfect for a wild night out.

Jive – Unique older style venue with live music and an attached record store. Playing mostly music from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s you can really get your groove on in the sunken dance floor. Lounge vibe with cheap high-quality spirits.

Distill– Let the mixologists at distill amaze you with their skill while serving you the best craft cocktails in Adelaide. Near Ayers House Museum it is a great place to end the evening after a day of touring the city. Wide selection of beer and wine and dancing.

Mary’s Poppin– Adelaide’s go to gay bar. Catch one of the famous Drag shows throughout the evening while warming yourself up to a nice cocktail. Be careful though, too many cocktails may have you pole dancing under the huge disco ball.

Lion Arts Factory – Live performances from local, national, and international bands. With 2 stages you are always close to the band or close to the dancing. Open until 5am this is a premier late-night venue playing a wide variety of genres.

Electric Circus– Open Saturday nights, Electric Circus has been leading the way on the Adelaide clubbing scene for 15 years. Top Australian and international DJs make for good, quality entertainment.

Bank Street Social– Offering the best beer and wine Australia has to offer this underground bar creates an inviting atmosphere with its brick walls, exposed wooden beams, and filled aging whiskey barrels. Known for its live music vibe dancing and jamming late into the night.

Salsa Dancing– Nothing spices things up like a night of salsa dancing and margaritas. Adelaide has a few great venues for salsa dancing on specific nights of the week. With Latin themes for dining, drinking and dancing throughout the evening.

  • Wednesday Nights- Suzie Wongs or Legends Bar
  • Thursday- Wakanda Place or Cue Bar in Norwood
  • Friday- Casblabla, Winston’s on Hindley or Southern Salsa
  • Sunday- Cue Bar at Norwood

Rocket Bar and Rooftop – On the Electric Circus rooftop, the Rocket Bar and Rooftop specialized in hip-hop, funk, and other great dancing music. Take a break from the dancefloor in one of the booths overlooking the Adelaide night sky. Inexpensive and eclectic make this spot one of the hippest in Australia.

Things to do in adelaide for couples

Adventure: Anniversary Ideas Adelaide

Adelaide Tandem Skydiving– Only a short 45-minute drive from Adelaide take off with the most experienced skydiving team around. Specializing in first time divers with world class instructors. Amazing views in the air of the coastline with landings on the soft sandy beach feet from the ocean.

Adventure Kayaking – Kayak through the dolphin sanctuary with up close and person encounter with the dolphins. Paddleboard through the sea caves at Rapid Bay with the friendly seals. With knowledgeable and attentive tour guides you will not want to miss this adventure. The three person kayaks are a perfect choice for a date with a guide.

Calypso Star Charter – Want to test your partner’s courage and trust? Cage dive with the majestic great white shark or swim with the sea lions. Just a short 40-minute flight from Adelaide, you will find yourself in the adventure of a lifetime. With highly experienced and trained divers, immerse yourselves in the waters of the scariest animal on the planet. There are multiple package options available pairing with local hotels and flights.

Explore the nature of South Australia with a self-guided bicycle tour – From wine and bike to racing down the Lofty Decent there is an adventure in store for whatever you and your partner desire. Stop for lunch and a cool glass of white wine at the Gemtree Winery while on your biking tour.

RoofClimb Adelaide Oval – Discover new heights by making the rooftop climb at the Adelaide Oval. Test your nerves as you traverse the curved roof. See if you or your partner have the stomach for using the lean out, 50 meters above the ground looking straight down.

Things to do in adelaide for couples

Best Places for Sunset in Adelaide

Hallet Cove – Watch the sunset while hiking the easy 2km trail. After catching the sunset towards the end of your hike enjoy a bite to eat and a good glass of wine at the Boatshed at Hallet Cove. Overlooking the beach with gorgeous views it is the perfect place to end the day.

Moana – As one of the only places that you can drive your vehicle on to the beach, Moana is perfect for an evening on the sand. Watch the sunset from the comfort of your own car then take a short stroll down the beach for a cocktail and dessert at Deep Clue Café.

Southport in Port Noarlunga– A photographer’s dream. Overlooking where the Okanparinga River joins with the St. Vincent Gulf there is no better place to watch the sunset. Astonishing views of the nature Australia has to offer.

West Beach – A less known spot West Beach is a hidden gem between the more populous Glenelg and Henley beaches. Visit West Beach Surf Club for dessert and coffee after laying on the sand watching the sunset.

Mount Lofty Summit Adelaide – As Adelaide’s highest peak at 700 meters above sea level the sights are amazing. Overlooking the city and stretching towards the coastline you get a magnificent view during the sunset as the sun dips below the horizon and the city lights illuminate the darkness below.

Glenelg Beach – Visit the amusement center at Glenelg Beach to start your afternoon. Walk the long sandy beaches in the evening to catch a glimpse of the sun setting over the waves beyond the sand. Laid-back pubs, local sourced cafes, and food from all over the world you will find something to do after the sunsets to extend your night into the late hours.

Henley Beach – More modern and up and coming Henley Beach offers more upscale options. Choose one of the modern Australian eateries close by to enjoy a delicious and visual pleasing local seafood dish. Follow dinner and the sunset up with a stop at one of the ice cream parlors for a cone.

Things to do in adelaide for couples

Couple Things to do in Adelaide

Adelaide Himeji Gardens – Located in the southern part of the Adelaide Park Lands this gorgeous Japanese Garden created by landscaper designer Yoshitaka Kumada. The peace and tranquility here will leave you relaxed and comfortable heading to the rest of your day with your special person.

South Australian Museum – Whether you are interested in Whales and Dolphins, or Australian Aboriginal Cultures there is plenty to see and explore ant Australia’s largest Natural History Museum. If you are lucky enough to visit between December and March, you will see some artwork from some of the newest emerging artists in Australia.

Adelaide Botanical Garden – Located on North Terrace near the zoo this 51-hectare garden is one of the most stunning places you can go. Spending the whole day here is within reason as there are many different sights to see. You and your date will lose yourselves in a time-lapse of rest and relaxation. After visiting the garden, you might as well visit the historic North Terrace.

Adelaide Sightseeing– Plan to spend the whole day experiencing what South Australia must see. Adelaide Sightseeing is a local company with community roots that can really show you all Adelaide has to offer. From swimming with dolphins to visiting local wineries there is always special moments to be had sightseeing with the best.

Art Gallery of South Australia – Housing nearly 40,000 works this art gallery is a must see for a visually immersive experience. Part of the North Terrace cultural precinct it is the premiere destination for Australian art. With half a million visitors a year it is not as quiet as some of the other places on this list, but it is just as amazing if not better than the others.

Things to do in adelaide for couples

Shopping

Adelaide Central Market– With a massive variety of multicultural cuisines, you will be able to find something exotic and to try. With a huge range of fresh food from breads and grains to vegetable and meat you will not find a more diverse place to shop for interesting ingredients. Surrounded by the Central Market Arcade, Adelaide China Town, and Market Plaza it is the perfect place to start or end your shopping day.

Adelaide Chinatown – After the Adelaide Central Market make sure to stop by Adelaide Chinatown. Offering a variety of Asian Cuisines and markets it is the perfect place to stop for lunch during your day of shopping. The smaller retail stores have some of the most intricate little trinkets that I know my wife always enjoys browsing.

Adelaide Arcade – While you are near make sure to stop by the Adelaide Arcade for some more shopping. With luxury brands and premium products locally sourced there is always unique finds. Fans of the supernatural will be excited to hear that the Adelaide Arcade is known to be haunted and has even been featured in paranormal activity shows.

Harbour Town Premium Outlet – For just a short 15 car ride you can get to the Harbour Town Premium Outlet. Here it is set up more like a modern discount outdoor mall. There is always good coffee and food options. If you are just starting or ending your day Glenelg beach is easily accessible and is a great place before or after shopping.

Rundle Mall – Over 1000 shops await you at this large pedestrian mall. Spend hours browsing practically anything you can think of. Besides shopping there are many open-air restaurants to enjoy a break, modern sculpture, and it is not uncommon to see some street performers out and about the mall complex.

Things to do in adelaide for couples

Outdoor Romantic Places in Adelaide

Waterfall Gully – Take the day to catch the sights at Waterfall Gully. Just 25 minutes outside the city you can catch amazing views of some of the only waterfalls that do not dry up in the Australian summer. Enjoy a moderate 2.5-mile hike with stunning views of the city and the coastline. During the hike you may even get to see koalas lounging in the branches of the gum trees. Relax after your trek with a small bite to eat and a cool drink at the Waterfall Gully Restaurant.

Mt. Lofty Botanical Garden – Another must see if you are near Mt. Lofty is the Botanical Gardens. Overlooking Piccadilly Valley, the sprawling garden makes up 92 hectares. In spring the 1000’s of magnolias, rhododendrons, and camellias overwhelm the senses with smells and colors. End your day with a picnic by the lake for a romantic end to a relaxing day.

Adelaide Zoo – There is an after-hours program that allows you to stay the night on their rooftop garden in a two-person tent. You get to experience a special animal encounter and a nighttime safari adventure. Cuddle close to your special someone while falling asleep to the sounds of the wild.

Kangaroo Island – For a multiday date adventure consider a trip to Kangaroo Island. Either a shot 30-minute plane ride or an easy 45-minute ferry ride from Adelaide, Kangaroo Island boasts one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth. With fine locally sourced restaurants there are plenty of places to stop throughout your tour of the island. Historic lighthouses, empty lonely beaches, kangaroo, bandicoots, and penguins for part of the year can be found here.

Things to do in adelaide for couples

Image credit: Bookmundi

See More Date Ideas and Romantic Things to do Around Australia:

  • Romantic things to do in Melbourne
  • Date Ideas in Brisbane
  • Date Ideas Gold Coast
  • Romantic things to do in Sydney
  • Perth date ideas
  • Canberra date ideas
  • Makeup courses Adelaide

Where can I celebrate my anniversary in Adelaide?

Adelaide's best anniversary venues.
Osteria Oggi. 76 Pirie Street, Adelaide. ... .
Shōbōsho. 17 Leigh Street, Adelaide. ... .
Udaberri. 11 Leigh Street, Adelaide. ... .
Herringbone. 72-74 Halifax Street, Adelaide. ... .
Restaurant Botanic. Plane Tree Drive, Adelaide..

How can I have fun in Adelaide?

All Adelaide Experiences.
Gorge Wildlife Park General Admission Tickets. ... .
Adelaide Oval Day Roof Climb. ... .
Barossa Valley Wineries and Hahndorf Day Tour. ... .
Kangaroo Island Full Day Tour from Adelaide including Lunch and Wine Tastings. ... .
Murray River Day Tour with Cruise from Adelaide..

Is 3 days enough in Adelaide?

Three days is sufficient to explore Adelaide. You might be wondering how that is possible, but it is. Three days in Adelaide is enough because the city is small and compact, despite having many tourist attractions and spots.

How do I spend a day in Adelaide?

The Best Things to do in Adelaide, South Australia.
1) Relax in the Stunning Adelaide Botanic Gardens..
2) Explore the Adelaide Central Markets..
3) Ride a Bike Along the River Torrens..
4) Watch a Game or Climb to the Top of Adelaide Oval..
5) Tour the Art Gallery of South Australia..