The 7 Best Things To Do In Adelaide This September

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After a chilly winter spent mostly indoors, it’s time for Adelaide to spring back to life. From world-class festivals and food events to brisk strolls through sun-dappled countryside, there’s a fresh feeling that floods through South Australia. Get amongst it.

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Find your new favourite watering hole among the country’s best bars

Former parking space, now award-winning bar, Pink Moon Saloon took the title of Gourmet Traveller’s Best Bar for 2016. The tiny venue’s success is proof that Adelaide’s taproom scene is as strong as any elsewhere in the country. The city’s constrained footprint makes hopping between bars a synch (or you can always hail an Eco-Caddy). Our top tips for a tasty tipple include the effortlessly classy Clever Little Tailor, wine and pintox at Udaberri and craft beers at NOLA.

Photo: NOLA/Facebook

See why Adelaide is “The Festival State” at Ozasia

Ozasia returns with a characteristically explosive and diverse lineup. From lo-fi basement punk parties by Seoul’s WeDance to explorations of refugees’ struggles in the arresting SK!N, the 2016 program cements Ozasia as one of the country’s most progressive arts events.

A recurring highlight, the spectacular Moon Lantern Festival is also back. Every year thousands turn out to view Australia’s largest lantern parade as it snakes along the Torrens Riverbank. You can view the full festival program here.

Get wild at an underground party with no rules and no boundaries

The manifesto from collective Wildstyle identifies three distinct goals: [1] to encourage self-expression in a safe environment free of ridicule or harsh judgement, [2] to create a diverse social environment and [3] to promote local artists and businesses. The event WiLdStYLe 7 will feature a non-theme dress-up code, DJs, live performances and (of course) the coveted “Most Vibing” award. Hosted at the adorably daggy Ancient World on September 3, doors open at 8:30pm.

Photo: Wildstyle/Facebook

Tour without the travel at a secret, one-stop wine safari

The crew behind The Fruitful Pursuit have handpicked their favourite up-and-coming winemakers from around the state for a spring showcase they’re calling Wine Playground. To be held at a secret CBD location, the afternoon session on September 10 is a chance to experience top plonk from 25 South Australian producers. These brands represent the future of the Australian wine scene. Guests will also have first crack at some 80+ limited-release products. Book tickets here. Cheers!

Photo: The Fruitful Pursuit/Facebook

Get some spring in your step

The city of Adelaide is built on a plane bordered by the ocean to the west and the Adelaide Hills to the east. With lush parklands and protected areas within a few minutes drive from the city centre, springtime day trips offer a sense of escapism without the nuisance of travelling long distances.

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One of our favourite treks links Waterfall Gully and Mt Lofty Summit. Around two hours at a lazy stroll, the course is gorgeous, well marked and has a cafe at either end. To find other tours, use this handy app from WalkingSA.

Photo: Walking SA

Take a closer look at the world, through the photographer’s lens

The Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Competition captures the beauty and diversity of the natural world at its most awesome. Throughout September, the collection of exquisite snaps (by pros and enthusiasts alike) is touring to the South Australian Museum, open from 10am to 5pm daily.

Photo: Salt Stacks (detail) by Gary Annett, courtesy of Australian Geographic

Indulge in Australia’s famous food and wine culture at the Barossa Gourmet Weekend

The Barossa Valley is 80 kilometres north-east of Adelaide. Its rich soil and particular climate are major factors behind prestige brands like Penfolds, Rockfords, Grant Burge and Peter Lehmann Wines, while also delivering exquisite crops and livestock.

At The Barossa Gourmet Weekend, world-class produce meets country hospitality. Map out your own itinerary or follow The Gourmet Trail – a choose-your-own-adventure food festival, linking 14 events from across the region. There’s even a shuttle bus to cart you from one tasting to the next. Running from September 2-4, the program is what food dreams are made of.