When it comes to living in Adelaide, really you have it all. From leafy green hills, sprawling beaches, international sports events, a busy art scene, incredible food options – the possibilities are endless. So, to help you narrow things down, we have compiled a list of six exceptional things you should check out in Adelaide this summer.
Adelaide Fringe
The Adelaide Fringe is a spectacular annual arts festival. This unique event draws in more than a thousand shows: a packed line-up featuring theatre, visual art, comedy, music, and cabaret, just to name a few. Ranging from free, local performances to international spectacles, the Adelaide Fringe really has something for everyone.
Fortunately, most Fringe venues are only walking distance from College. The Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony are large precincts which house performance venues, food stalls, sideshows and markets. Both are only a 20-minute walk from College and a popular spot to visit on a warm summer evening.
In 2022, the Fringe runs from 18 February to 20 March, so book your tickets now because you don’t want to miss out!
Strawberry picking
East of the city lies the Adelaide Hills, which generates some of the state’s finest local produce. In particular, from November through the April, many of the region’s strawberry patches open their gates and allow visitors to spend an afternoon picking fruit straight off the plant.
One of the most popular is The Beerenberg Family Farm in Hahndorf. Dress comfortably (and bring a hat), pay the $5 entry fee, and pick as many strawberries as you desire. You pay for however many kilos of strawberries you have picked when you leave.
There are buses which run to the Hills, or you could see if you can get a group of friends organised and carpool together. Remember to double check the patch is open before you head off, as it closes sometimes to replenish the crop.
Beaches
To the west, you’ll find kilometres of sprawling coastline which are home to Adelaide’s myriad of sandy beaches.
For a more urban seaside experience, Henley Beach and Glenelg Beach are your go-to. Each dotted with cafés and shops, you can enjoy a swim at the beach followed by brunch or coffee at the water’s edge. Henley and Glenelg are both easy to access via the bus and tram respectively and have ample parking if you’re driving.
Salty Sips at Henley Beach is a weekly gathering which involves yoga, a swim and coffee, all at 6am! The College van will arrange trips to this once Salty Sips starts back up again in 2022.
If you’re after more of an escape, you can head south to Aldinga or Moana beach. While these beaches are further away, keep an eye out for information on the Lincoln Surfing Society, and find out when they are heading off on their next adventure!
The Driving Range
Ever wanted to try your hand at golf but found you don’t have the patience to get through a whole course? Ever visited a driving range? All you have to do is hire a quantity of gold balls and clubs, then you head out to an open field and hit the balls toward a target. You can compete against your friends or get in some solo practice; you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
Feel like giving it a go? There are a few locations to try. The North Adelaide Golf Course converts part of their green into a driving range after 3:30pm each day, which is only a 15-minute walk from College. There is also a purpose-built driving range at West Beach, while a bit further out (and would require a car or bus ride), they are open from dawn for all your golfing needs.
Museums
If you feel like broadening your mind this summer, then one of Adelaide’s many museums is the place to do so.
For the inquisitive, look no further than MOD. Standing for ‘Museum of Discovery’, MOD.’s exhibitions delve into the overlapping areas of science, art and innovation. Specifically tailored for 15 to 25-year-olds, the interactive displays make for a fascinating and thought-provoking experience.
MOD. has free entry and is located on North Terrace, by UniSA’s City West campus, about a 20-minute walk from College.
Adelaide Himeji Garden
Tucked away in the southern parklands is a traditional Japanese Garden. Gifted to Adelaide by our Japanese sister city, Himeji, in 1982, Adelaide Himeji Garden combines different traditional styles to evoke an appreciation for nature and all its beauty.
The garden is full of endless intricacies, with every detail designed with a purpose in mind. Even the stepping-stones are placed in a way which makes time in the garden mindful and valuable. To get to Adelaide Himeji Garden, you can drive, catch the free city-loop bus, or go for a 45-minute walk.
So, there you go, six exceptional things for you to check out in Adelaide this summer.
Whether you’re new to the city, or looking to try something different, there will be something on this list for you to enjoy before the summer is through.
Written by Clem Stanley, current Lincoln College resident and 2022 Professions Academic Tutor.
