Adelaide, South Australia © South Australia Tourism
Where to go in Adelaide
We spoke with business events expert Sarah Goldfinch on the best places and experiences Adelaide offers to include in your next incentive program.
Sarah Goldfinch has proudly been the General Manager at Adelaide Convention Centre since 2024. Originally from Melbourne, Sarah told us she has called South Australia home for over 15 years. After seven wonderful years in the Barossa, immersed in its world-class food and wine scene she now lives in Adelaide, spending weekends between Encounter Bay and the Barossa. It is the inclusivity of Adelaide and the strong Team Adelaide spirit that Sarah is drawn to – a genuine commitment to support the destination and work together to deliver unforgettable delegate experiences.
What’s new in Adelaide?
Monarto Safari Resort, Adelaide, South Australia © Monarto Safari Resort
It’s never been easier to reach Adelaide, with 470 direct or one-stop connections from global destinations. For North American delegates, United Airlines recently launched South Australia’s first-ever direct route from the United States via San Francisco.
Once here, delegates can enjoy Adelaide’s vibrant festivals and world-class dining scene. For those keen to explore beyond the city, I highly recommend Monarto Safari Park, the largest open-range safari outside Africa, now featuring a new luxury hotel.
When you want to book a restaurant, you book …?
Station Road, Adelaide, South Australia © Station Road
A tough one, Adelaide has so many great options. Station Road is an easy favourite, especially being just a short walk from the Convention Centre. It brings a relaxed dose of Europe to Adelaide. Ozin in the East End blends South Australian produce with international flavours, while for those keen to venture out of the city, Ondeen in the Adelaide Hills is hard to beat. With stunning grounds, seasonal local produce and artisanal spirits, it’s one of those places you really want to linger.
When you want to connect guests to Country?
The South Australian Museum on North Terrace is a must visit, home to the largest and most comprehensive collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural material in the world. Outdoors, the Kaurna Walking Trail weaves through the city, linking 17 significant sites, while the Botanic Gardens offers Cultural Garden tours, providing insight into native plants and their deep cultural significance.
Where do you go for Arts and Culture?
The Museum of Discovery (MOD), Adelaide, South Australia © MOD
Coincidentally, some of my favourites are all just a short walk from the Convention Centre. MOD – the Museum of Discovery - blends science, art and innovation through immersive, interactive exhibitions. The JamFactory is a leading craft and design gallery with exhibitions, artist studios and design workshops. And, for live performances, Adelaide Festival Centre and the newly renovated Her Majesty’s Theatre offer world-class theatre and events.
How is sustainability factored into events at the Adelaide Convention Centre?
Adelaide Convention Centre is a global sustainability leader and the world’s first convention centre to achieve EarthCheck Master Certification. Guided by its ESG Strategy, The Green Print, the Centre works closely with clients on sustainable event management to help minimise their footprint for a better tomorrow. The Centre also offers a community impact program to support client ESG objectives, connecting them with local community partners to help deliver meaningful, lasting event legacies in the destination.
A venue for a gala event…
Adelaide Convention Centre, of course!
Named Australia’s Best Convention Centre and Best Venue Team at the 2025 Australian Business Events Awards, the Centre is where scale meets style in the heart of the city, and brings events to life with its immersive technologies, inspired catering and seamless service. For a special touch, the Centre’s East Building offers an elegant banqueting space for 900+ guests beneath a striking aerial backdrop inspired by South Australia’s outback sky, which delivers an instant ‘wow factor’ on arrival.
Where do you go to experience the wine regions…
d'Arenberg Cube, McLaren Vale, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission
With 200 cellar doors within an hour’s drive of the city, we’re truly spoilt for choice here in South Australia! For the wine lovers amongst us, head to the Barossa Valley and visit Artisans of Barossa, where you can explore over 100 small-batch wines crafted by seven independent winemakers and indulge in seasonal Barossa-inspired dishes. If visiting the Adelaide Hills, be sure to stop in at Chalk Hill Wines. The iconic d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale is an unmissable experience.
Where do you go for nature and wildlife?
In Adelaide, nature and wildlife are never far away. Just 20 minutes from the city, Cleland National Park offers close encounters with native wildlife in a beautiful bushland setting. Adelaide Zoo is an easy city favourite, while Monarto Safari Park - the largest open-range zoo in the Southern Hemisphere - offers an unforgettable safari-style adventure just over an hour from the city.
What’s your insider tip for groups visiting Adelaide?
Adelaide Central Market, Adelaide, South Australia © Adelaide Central Market
As a passionate foodie, my recommendations naturally centre around Adelaide’s incredible food and drink scene. Start the day at the Adelaide Central Market – home to more than 70 traders and one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere - buzzing with colour, characters and exceptional local fare. From there, head to Henley Square for a long, relaxed beachside lunch soaking up the coastal vibe. Finish in the city’s vibrant East End, packed with laneways, bars and restaurants - depending on time of the year, it’s just steps from the Adelaide Fringe’s famous Garden of Unearthly Delights.
What can visitors look forward to in 2026?
Adelaide is experiencing an unprecedented level of infrastructure development and investment, enhancing the city’s renowned ‘ease of use’ for business events. This includes an ever-growing hotel landscape. The city’s accommodation landscape has grown over 25 per cent in the past five years, driven by luxury and high-end hotels. Currently, there are an additional 11 hotels under construction, set to open from 2026 onwards, including a boutique Little National, Crystalbrook Sam, Westin and Treehouse Hotel.
