South Australia’s festive season: culture, coffee and coastal escapes

South Australia’s festive season makes for a great time to visit as each year in March, Adelaide transforms into a cultural playground, with music, art and ideas.

From the globally renowned WOMADelaide to the intellectual delights of the Writer’s Festival, there’s no better time to explore the state’s capital and its vibrant surrounds. Travellers can also enjoy superb coffee spots, cutting-edge galleries, and scenic day trips to make for an unforgettable adventure.

A city alive with festivals

The Adelaide Writers’ Week, part of the broader Adelaide Festival, invites authors, thinkers, and readers from across the globe to Botanic Park and other city venues for conversations that challenge, inspire, and entertain. Expect panel discussions on the latest literary sensations, debates on social issues, and intimate interviews with bestselling authors.

Running concurrently, WOMADelaide is music, dance, and global arts where artists come from all over the world from the Arctic to Niger. Also held in the Botanic Park, WOMAD (short for World of Music, Arts & Dance) is famed for its inclusive, joyful spirit. Over four days, you can wander between multiple stages, sampling everything from African beats to contemporary folk, from experimental electronica to traditional Pacific Island performances. Food stalls featuring global cuisine, roving performers, and interactive workshops make WOMADelaide a fabulous experience.

Independent art at Praxis Artspace

While festivals dominate the city’s cultural calendar, Adelaide’s art scene extends well beyond a few short weeks. Praxis Artspace, an independent and female-owned gallery is tucked away in the industrial-chic suburb of Bowden, a short tram ride from the CBD. Here, travellers can find emerging and established local artists experimenting with a variety of media – from large-scale installations to thought-provoking sculptures and cutting-edge digital art. The gallery’s warm, community-focused atmosphere sets it apart: staff are always ready to chat about the current exhibition or offer insights into the local art scene. With regular events and opening nights, Praxis is the perfect spot to immerse in Adelaide’s creative pulse – no festival ticket required.

Coffee culture: two must-try cafes

For coffee enthusiasts, Adelaide’s cafe culture is thriving year-round. But fair warning: many shops close on public holidays, so plan your caffeine fixes carefully during the festival period (which often overlaps with holiday weekends).

If you’re on the hunt for a stellar cup of joe, start with Exchange Specialty Coffee in the East End. This sleek, modern cafe is renowned for its meticulously brewed espresso and pour-over coffees. The rotating menu of beans – sourced from top Australian roasters – means each visit can be a new experience. For a more laid-back vibe, venture into the city’s West End to find Elementary Coffee. Housed in a bright, minimalist space, Elementary roasts its own beans and serves up a range of brew methods to suit every taste.

Post-Festival escapes: three daytrips from Adelaide

After back-to-back festivals, you might crave a change of pace. Fortunately, Adelaide sits at the gateway to some of Australia’s most stunning landscapes.

• Barossa Valley Wine Tasting
  An hour’s drive north of Adelaide lies the world-famous Barossa Valley. Best known for its robust Shiraz and historic cellar doors, this region offers a taste of rural charm with a side of gourmet indulgence. Rent a car or join a guided tour to sip and swirl at iconic wineries like Penfolds, Yalumba, or Seppeltsfield. Pair your tastings with artisanal cheese platters and freshly baked bread from local producers. The Barossa’s rolling vineyards and charming townships, such as Tanunda and Nuriootpa, provide a picturesque contrast to Adelaide’s urban bustle.
• Kangaroo Island Wildlife Adventure
  Kangaroo Island is a must-see. While technically an overnight trip is ideal, a long day trip can still offer a glimpse of its unspoiled beauty. Known for its abundant wildlife, this island is a nature lover’s paradise. Stop by Seal Bay Conservation Park to watch sea lions laze on pristine beaches, then head to Flinders Chase National Park for a chance to spot echidnas, goannas, and the island’s famous Remarkable Rocks. If you have time, taste the island’s honey ice cream, made from the world’s only pure strain of Ligurian bees.
• Fleurieu Peninsula Coastal Drive
  Travel south from Adelaide to discover surf beaches, quaint seaside villages, and boutique wineries. Victor Harbor, one of the region’s highlights, offers the chance to walk across a historic wooden causeway to Granite Island, known for its little penguin colony. Further along, Port Willunga and Aldinga Beach have striking cliff faces and crystal-clear waters – ideal for a quick dip or an afternoon stroll. If you have time, pop into one of the region’s growing number of craft breweries or distilleries to sample local gins and ales.