Series | To Adelaide, a Beautiful Boutique City Vol. 1

Adelaide, Australia

To Adelaide, the Beautiful Boutique City

Australia boasts a landmass approximately 20 times the size of Japan. Its vast territory, rich natural landscapes, and unique resources allow each city to shine with its own distinct character. South Australia, located in the south-central part of the Australian continent, is gaining global attention from wine enthusiasts for its climate, ideal for grape cultivation. The region is also abundant in nature, offering opportunities to interact with wildlife. In the state capital, Adelaide, one can fully enjoy a culturally rich city life, a benefit of its multicultural society, while feeling a sense of relaxation that seems to melt away the stresses of daily life, a characteristic of this country. South Australia is a state where the charms of Australia are condensed into a compact form.

Series | To Adelaide, a Beautiful Boutique City TOP

Composition & Text by MAKIGUCHI June

Vol. 1 Accessible City

South Australia, with an area of 984,000 square kilometers, is about three times the size of Japan and is home to approximately 1.7 million people. Its capital, Adelaide, is Australia's fifth-largest city, with a population of 1.39 million. The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it pleasant to live in year-round.

Founded by pioneers who emigrated from Britain in the 19th century seeking an ideal land, the city retains many colonial-style buildings from that era, exuding a strong European charm.

This is a city built by free immigrants seeking a utopia.

Rundle Street, Adelaide, SA
©South Australian Tourism Commission

The city boasts a beautiful urban landscape, a harmonious blend of people and greenery achieved through exceptional urban planning. In recent years, unique modern architecture has also increased, creating a distinctive harmony.

The city is named after Queen Adelaide, the consort of King William IV, who reigned at the time of its founding. The name also means 'noblewoman' in German. Even as it modernizes, the city retains its elegant demeanor, true to its name.

Adelaide Central Market, Adelaide, SA
©Tourism Australia

When asked about its appeal, people often use the terms 'boutique & accessible.' From the state capital, Adelaide, almost all of the state's captivating points of interest are easily reachable. Restaurants offering global cuisine reflecting its rich immigrant culture, relaxing cafes, and shops brimming with cultural character line the streets, making the entire city feel like a stylish select shop.

It retains a European ambiance, with well-curated shops, cultural facilities, and natural beauty harmoniously integrated. While often compared to Melbourne, Adelaide gives the impression of having its charms more compactly gathered. This is likely why it is cherished as a 'boutique city.'

Upon arrival, a stroll along the Torrens River, which flows through the east and west of the city, is highly recommended.

The riverbanks, dividing the city into the CBD and North Adelaide, are expansive lawns and serve as a popular relaxation spot for residents.

Surrounded by native Australian bush and flowering trees, it's the perfect place to refresh your body after a long flight.

Once here, a visit to the cultural precinct along North Terrace is a must. The South Australian Museum, established in 1856, features exhibits on the continent's extinct fauna and houses the world's leading collection on Aboriginal culture in its Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery.

It's an ideal place to learn about Aboriginal art, which boasts global popularity as contemporary art. The museum shop offers many items that blend indigenous culture with a pop aesthetic, making it perfect for souvenir hunting.

This area is the cultural heart of the city, lined with the Art Gallery of South Australia and the University of Adelaide. Though it's a quiet area with abundant greenery, it's only a 10-minute walk back to the city center.

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Adelaide, Australia

To Adelaide, the Beautiful Boutique City (2)

For a taste of Adelaide's vibrancy, head to Rundle Mall. A brick promenade stretches for 500 meters.

It's an open-air shopping mall, fitting for Adelaide's typically mild weather. Here you'll find Jurlique, a renowned Australian natural cosmetics brand, Woolworths for local daily necessities, and a collection of cafes and restaurants.

A must-visit is Haigh's Chocolates, a local institution.

Founded in 1915, all of its nearly 200 varieties of chocolates are meticulously handcrafted.

Their exquisite taste captivates even the most discerning palates, including those of Japanese connoisseurs. While their frog-shaped chocolates are famous, keep an eye out for their seasonal treats, available for a limited time.

Architecture enthusiasts will also appreciate the Adelaide Arcade on this street. As the city's oldest arcade, its Victorian-style classical interior and exterior are well worth seeing.

To glimpse the authentic Adelaide, visit the Central Market. For over 140 years, it has been the culinary heart of the city. More than 80 stalls offer everything from fresh produce, sweets, and dairy products to wine, making it easy to lose track of time.

From juice bars that press fresh fruit on the spot to shops that grind nuts into butter to your preference and vendors selling natural raw foods, it caters to every culinary interest. Take a break at a cafe when you get tired from walking.

While the free city bus and tram are convenient for getting around, the fact that everything is within walking distance is one of the charms of this boutique city.

For accommodation, consider one of the unique boutique hotels.

The Mayfair Hotel, located at the entrance of Rundle Mall, is ideally situated just a 5-minute walk from North Terrace.

Construction began in 1934, and the hotel retains its classical charm, enhanced with playful touches like Benedict stone, an artificial stone, and a tiled roof, all based on Romanesque style.

Today, it maximizes the preservation of its original architecture to offer an elegant Adelaide experience.

The rooftop bar, named Hennessy after the architect, is accessible only by a private elevator. It serves as a social hub where locals gather after work, chatting over drinks.

A must-try at this bar is the signature cocktail, 'HONEY TRAP,' a vodka-based drink made with honey harvested from bees kept on the hotel's rooftop – a unique taste exclusive to this establishment.

The perfect aperitif, it balances the sweetness of honey, the spice of ginger, and the tartness of lemon for a refreshing finish. This bar, once exclusive to members, offers a private ambiance ideal for unwinding after a day of travel before retiring for the night.

From Japan, flights to Adelaide typically involve a stopover in Sydney or Melbourne, followed by a domestic flight of about 1.5 to 2 hours. It's recommended to use this city as a base for winery tours and nature excursions.