Adelaide

When it stops raining and you feel like stretching your legs, a trip to Belair National Park, only 13km south of Adelaide, is in order. It's home to some of Adelaide's best heritage attractions, such as the State Flora Nursery and Old Government House, so you may even get to sneak in some education while you're letting the kids explore. There are 13 gas barbecues spread throughout the park, so you can bring your own lunch to enjoy during your visit.

Journey to Glenelg beach for one of Adelaide's best family entertainment centres. The bumper boats are the perfect opportunity for everyone to let off some steam. There's also a play castle boasting the 'Rolls-Royce of dodgem cars', plus heated water slides, an 18-hole mini golf course overlooking the beach with a Wild Wild West theme, a Ferris wheel with spectacular views of the city, and an outdoor train which circles the golf course.

For an animal experience with a difference, seek out Monarto Zoo. The zoo originated in 1983 when it was a special purpose breeding environment. Over time it has developed to become an 'international standard conservation, national and zoological bio-park' featuring more than 1,000 hectares of fauna and flora sanctuary. For a Panda encounter (children must be aged 6 years+), head to Adelaide Zoo and take part in Panda tours including meeting the Red Pandas and see the Keeper provide their morning feed.

Just one block back from North Terrace is Rundle Mall, the city’s main shopping strip. The now pedestrianised mall was the first of its type in Australia and boasts a huge amount of shops, including the major department stores and designer boutiques. Dotted along the mall are several beautiful arcades hiding yet more small boutiques.

Just over the river from the central city is the suburb of North Adelaide. One of the oldest parts of the city, North Adelaide is jampacked full of historic churches, beautiful parklands (including the Adelaide Oval), and oodles of gorgeous old cottages. A walk through this historic suburb is a must.

Take in the Adelaide Hills, home to the Mt Lofty Ranges, rolling vineyards and unspoilt bush as you make your way to the historic German settlement of Hahndorf. Sample the local handmade produce as well as the arts and crafts of this beautiful region. Spend the day exploring art and craft stores, German bakeries, cheese cellars and cellar doors.

Travel the picturesque Adelaide Hills and into the Fleurieu Peninsula, where the vines meet the sea. Pass through Goolwa and onto Victor Harbor, one of South Australia’s most popular seaside towns, before returning to Adelaide via the popular wine region, McLaren Vale.

Enjoy a food and wine journey to South Australia’s premium wine region. Sample some of the Barossa’s finest wines and gourmet food that make this wine region so special.

Buzzing with life and colour all year round this is a great place to wander sampling the freshest of local ingredients. There’s a huge range of food on offer, all under one roof and surrounded by some great cafés. The market is open Tuesday – Saturday.

You can’t come to Adelaide without sampling the superb wine. There are household names like Penfolds, Wolf Blass and Jacob’s Creek plus countless boutique estates. There’s the Barossa, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale all just an easy drive away, then Coonawarra 4 hours drive south.