For the uninitiated, Adelaide often conjures up images of beautiful churches, parks, gardens and endless hills of luscious grape vines. And they wouldn’t be wrong.

But those who make the journey time and time again know that Australia’s regal city offers a myriad of entertainment, intrigue and relaxation for her guests of all ages.

Take a paddle on the Murray River
Explore Adelaide and her surrounds with a dash of Mark Twain romance on a paddle boat ride along the iconic Murray River. Drift by vineyards, orchards and wildlife as you enjoy a buffet lunch and hear tales of the river’s history.

The three year old Majestic Minima Hotel Adelaide is a perfectly positioned, value-for-money city property. Mini rooms at mini prices and 24-hour self check in.

Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills
Hahndorf —Australia’s oldest German settlement – is the place to go to feast on delicious Euro cakes and wursts. And kids will adore the Misty Hollow Fantasy Cave with its storybook dioramas.

Close by is the world famous Beerenberg Farm, where delicious jams and sauces come to life. You can even go strawberry picking from October to May.

Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury Hotel two-bedroom apartments that come with fully equipped kitchens.

(Note: It would be criminal not to mention that the Adelaide Hills area is home to more than 50 wineries stretching from the Barossa and Eden Valleys in the north to the boundaries of McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek in the south.) We just had to blurt that out. Please carry on…

Old Adelaide Gaol
At the Old Adelaide Gaol volunteer guides take you on tour of the 1841 building to see what life was like behind bars in the not so good ole days.

If you’d rather get the story straight from the headless horseman’s mouth, you might prefer to take a night time ghost tour. The gaol also hosts the odd paranormal workshop, where an expert takes you through the science of ghoul.

At Rydges South Park Hotel Adelaide you can dine on chargrilled meats and fresh local seafood at the Skyline Restaurant looking out over the stunning Adelaide Hills.

South Australian Museum
There’s a wonderful blend of ancient and contemporary at the South Australian Museum - including more than 3000 Australian aboriginal cultural objects, an Egyptian room, a giant squid, touch screens and interactive fun.

The Sir Douglas Mawson exhibition also has some fascinating artefacts from his outback and Antarctic trips, such as the famous sled and an unusual camel hair sleeping bag.

The Sebel Playford Adelaide is an art nouveau style boutique hotel, with an onsite restaurant, lounge bar and live entertainment every Saturday evening.

Cool cafes

Enjoying great coffee in good company is serious business in this city.

You can find it at local favourite, Cafe Komodo in Prospect, and even listen to live music Friday nights. Or head to the very hip Tin Kat Cafe in a Kent Town terrace house.

Then there’s Café Zed, where the owner may give you a free coffee in exchange for an old album for his record deck.

See more great Adelaide hotel deals.