The 7 Best Things To Do In Adelaide This December
The driest state in the driest country on earth. Yep, that’s South Australia mate. But rather than suffering through the dry months with their bluer-than-blue skies and apocalyptic heatwaves, South Aussies defiantly don their pluggers, crack tinnies and toast to the summer season. Music festivals, outdoor events and beautiful beaches make Adelaide a literal hotspot for sun/fun-seeking revellers. As the timely tune goes, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.”
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#1 Spend your yuletide poolside
Adelaide summers can get pretty heated, and with the mercury set to hit the 40s, we suggest getting acquainted with SA’s best swimming spots.
Head west from the CBD for a dip at Brighton Beach, which is a little less busy and a lot less tacky than nearby Glenelg. Cool off in the shallow breakers then sink a few cold beers at the Espy or walk the jetty as the sun sets. Brighton is an easy evening escape – about 30 minutes drive from the city, or 45 minutes by train.
If you’ve got a little more juice in the tank and time up your sleeves, we love the stunning Rifle Butts Beach. One of the many sandy stretches along the Yorke Peninsular, Rifle Butts sits 200-ish kilometres from Adelaide in Port Victoria, on the way to Marion Bay. Step out your beach cricket pitch along the sweeping shoreline, or take the tinny out for a spin – launching from the nearby public ramp. #sandybutts
For those who prefer slow lanes to salty air, why not visit one of the city’s public swimming holes. The outdoor swimming centres in Norwood or Unley are ideal for a few lazy laps, with both locations easily accessible and superbly maintained. The SA Aquatics and Leisure Centre at Marion is a fully-enclosed, air-conditioned complex with an Olympic pool, kids play area, café and awesome water slides.
#2 Take the pressure down
December 6 could be the biggest coming together of late-century Aussie heartthrobs since Scott and Charlene tied the knot. One Electric Day boats dual-headliners, with John Farnham and Daryl Braithwaite topping the bill. That’s Farnsey AND Braithy! Together at last! Belt out a few bars between beers (you’re the voice, after all) as a slew of classic Oz rockers take to the stage throughout the day. The Black Sorrows, Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool, Mondo Rock, Skyhooks) and ‘The Real Thing’ Russell Morris are all booked to appear.
Located beside the River Torrens in the heart of Adelaide, travelling to and from the festival via public transport should be a total breeze. Gates open at 11am and the show will wrap-up around sunset, leaving plenty of time to kick-on at one of the city’s great small bars, or head out for a bite. With the Melbourne show already sold-out, we say get in quick.
#3 Dance it out
For those who prefer their music festivals with higher BPM, Stereosonic 2015 promises a banging line-up of dancey summer vibes and always draws a colourful crowd. Major Lazer is just one of the international acts flying in for the party at Bonython Park that also includes DJs Timmy Trumpet and Armen Van Buuren, as well as squads of confused bros scratching their heads over where they’ve seen Jessie Andrews before.
Stereosonic Adelaide takes places at Bonython Park on Saturday, December 5. More details here.
#4 Have a bash mate!
Cheer, chant and roar for our Adelaide Strikers (coached by Jason ‘Dizzy’ Gillespie) as they go the tonk against the Melbourne Stars in the official Big Bash cricket league. December 18 is the first night T20 match at the iconic Adelaide Oval. With both teams keen to get their seasons off to a strong start, this is set to be a scorcher. Nab your tickets from here.
#5 See stars under the stars
We’ve got our fingers crossed for plenty of warm December nights and starry skies as Moonlight Cinema returns to a place beyond the fig trees. Re-opening in Botanic Park on December 6 with Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, the program is a real mixed bag of blockbusters and classics, running until March 2016.
Moonlight Cinema is always a hot event, with some of the more popular flicks attracting sell-out crowds. It’s a great date night, fun family evening or perfect just for hangz. Bring the curtains down on a summer’s day by relaxing in front of the big screen, nestled into a beanbag with a glass of wine and eating your bodyweight in soft cheese and Doritos.
#6 Head south
As far as daytrip destinations go, Port Elliot is one of our all-time favourites. The quiet beachside town 85 kilometres south of Adelaide is far enough to feel like a proper getaway, yet close enough to travel to and from in a day. Dig your toes into the white sand at curvaceous Horseshoe Bay – an idyllic lunch spot, edged by shady grassed areas. A little further around the coast is surf break Boomer Beach, which offers a moderate swell all year round.
Be sure to bag a berliner. With a line stretching out the door from open until close, The Port Elliot Bakery, built in the 1860s, is impossible to miss. New(er) locals De Groot Coffee Co – who run their roastery out of a big tin shed – are also worth a visit. Aside from top notch joe, Bernie and Trevor also serve-up hot tips for the best local surf spots.
#7 Shop local for Christmas
Discover the creatives behind one of Adelaide’s most successful colab spaces at CUSTOM: The Mill Resident Market. Meet, chat and share a beer with The Mill’s artists in residence who will be joined by a host of other talented, local makers at this just-in-time-for-Christmas open studio on December 17.
Retailers include Josh McCallum, whose Wholegrain Studio creates the most incredible timber furniture and objects that have to be seen – and likely touched – to be believed. Womenswear label Millicent Elizabeth will have a range of their classically elegant pieces on show and for purchase, each one hand-made using natural fibres. Also appearing will be Hey Reflecto’s eye-catching range of high-vis-cum-high-fashion cycling vests.
(Lead image: De Groot Coffee Co/Facebook)
