Another school holiday, another adventure down under!

This time, we headed to South Australia for the Easter break, visiting Adelaide and the Barossa. Despite the last-minute planning, it turned out to be one of those trips that totally surprises you — in the best way. South Australia is so underrated! From giant pandas to peaceful gardens and beautiful wineries, we packed quite a bit into just three days.

Here are some highlights from our adventure:

Day 1: Adelaide Zoo and the Botanic Garden

You might wonder – why go to the Adelaide Zoo when we already have one in Sydney? Well, it turns out Adelaide Zoo is home to something uniquely special: giant pandas from China!

Meet Xing Qiu and Yi Lan, the newest panda pair who arrived in January 2025 on a 10-year loan from China. They’ve taken over from long-time favourites Wang Wang and Fu Ni, who had been residents at the zoo for 15 years. As the only giant pandas in the Southern Hemisphere, they were absolute showstoppers – playful, curious, and incredibly adorable!

The pandas are definitely a major drawcard, but the zoo has so much more to offer – including the Bamboo Forest, which reminded me of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto (though on a much smaller scale).

After our panda encounter, we strolled over to the Adelaide Botanic Garden, just next door. It’s a beautiful, peaceful oasis right in the heart of the city. We were also lucky to catch the Chihully in the Botanic Garden, an exhibition by the world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihully. The 16 vibrant glass sculptures scattered throughout the gardens were stunning! The exhibition runs from 27 September 2024 to 29 April 2025.

Day 2: The Barossa and Himeji Japanese Garden

On day two, we decided to go on a road trip to the Barossa. I made the mistake of not pre-booking a rental car during one of the busiest times of the year!

After visiting four rental companies, we finally got lucky with the last available car – an Audi Q3. Thanks to Europcar – they’ve saved us yet again! And honestly, it was such a nice surprise and a great drive for the day!

Our first stop was the Lyndoch Lavender Farm & Cafe, just an hour from Adelaide. Since it wasn’t lavender season in April, the farm was quiet and the cafe was closed. While we didn’t get to see any lavender, we still popped into the shop for a quick look before continuing on to our next stop.

Tip: The best time to visit any lavender farm in Australia is from early November to mid-December, when the lavender is in full bloom.

We headed next to the Barossa Valley Chocolate Company for lunch. The views were gorgeous, the surroundings peaceful, and there were even ducks wandering about like they owned the place — it was such a relaxing stop.

While Barossa is best known for its world-class wineries, we didn’t get around to a tasting this time. So many places, so little time! That’s definitely on my list for next time.

On the way back to Adelaide, we stopped by the Adelaide Himeji Garden, another hidden gem. This serene Zen garden is tucked away on the southern side of the city and is free to enter year-round. With its meticulously maintained landscaping, and peaceful vibes, it felt like a little slice of Japan right in Adelaide. Highly recommend it if you’re after a calm, reflective moment.

Day 3: Rundle Mall and Chinatown

Our final day was spent wandering through Rundle Mall, conveniently located just across from our hotel, the Mayfair Hotel. As Adelaide’s main shopping precinct, it was buzzing with energy. One highlight was visiting the historic Adelaide Arcade – a beautifully preserved piece of the city’s past. Check out the Adelaide Arcade Museum while in the mall – it’s a small but fascinating space showcasing artefacts and stories from the arcade’s long history. The museum is open 7 days a week during shopping hours.

After a bit of browsing and strolling, we made our way to Chinatown for a bite to eat. The area was vibrant and full of flavour – and it’s also where you’ll find the iconic Adelaide Central Market. It’s the perfect place to soak up multicultural vibes and a must-visit for any foodie.

Final Thoughts

For a trip that came together at the last minute, this South Australia escape was such a gem. It was the perfect blend of nature, animals, culture, and great food. Adelaide might fly under the radar compared to other Aussie cities, but it definitely holds its own—and then some!

If you’re thinking of a quick getaway with family (especially during the school holidays), South Australia is worth a spot on your list. I’ll be back for sure.

Until then… sweet travels!