ADELAIDE WINTER FESTIVALS GUIDE 2025
Don’t hibernate, go out and celebrate: there are more events, performances, festivals, tastings, things to do and trips to take than ever before this winter. Whether it’s time to discover a new passion, a new community or a new favourite dish, don’t let winter hold you back: there’s a warm welcome guaranteed. From city to country, we’ve pulled together brilliant ideas to explore, handily organised month-by-month so there’s no excuse not to plan ahead. In fact, doing new things is good for us (it’s science!), so get the diaries out, get the gang together and get out and about. See you there!
EMBRACE THE COOL
SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S HISTORY FESTIVAL
Every street has a secret, every building holds a story. Take a step back in time to uncover the past that shaped us: until the end of May, South Australia’s History Festival brings the state’s stories to life in the country’s largest open-access community history event. There’s something to spark every imagination, from intimate tales of treasured family recipes to exploring the grand halls where pivotal decisions were made. Whether it’s a day out with the kids, a weekend wander or the chance to delve deeper into your own corner of the world, it’s a fascinating and fun way to explore past and present. (Isha Juneja) n Various venues, South Australia, until Saturday 31 May, festival.history.sa.gov.au
From top left, clockwise: Chris De Rosa, ‘Under here my dreams are made of water’; Lara Tilbrook, ‘A sign’; curators Fulvia Mantelli and Lauren Mustillo; curators and artists (l-r):
FORCE OF NATURE
Evocative exhibition, HARBINGERS: Care Or Catastrophe, isn’t afraid to tackle some of the big questions facing our planet. Lauren Mustillo, Country Arts SA’s visual arts manager, reflects on the the show’s impact and inspiration as it approaches the last leg of its journey
What could our world become if we prioritised different things? What could our future look like if we prioritise the environment, cultural practices and social wellbeing? What will it look like if we don’t? These are the urgent questions at the heart of visual arts exhibition
HARBINGERS: Care Or Catastrophe, now in its final stop of a twoyear regional tour.
Bringing together five diverse artists from regional South Australia – Chris De Rosa (Port Elliot), Lara Tilbrook (Kangaroo Island), Ellen Trevorrow (Meningie/Coorong), Clancy Warner (Sellicks Beach) and Laura Wills (Adelaide) – HARBINGERS explores humanity’s interconnectedness with the natural world and asks us to choose: care or catastrophe?
The exhibition was sparked by two monumental events: the devastating 2019 bushfires and the global covid pandemic. As the world paused, the environment responded. Pollution cleared. Wildlife returned. Our relationship with place, and each other, shifted.
Country Arts SA visual arts manager Lauren Mustillo and Murray Bridge regional director Fulvia Mantelli spent more than two years collaborating with the artists to bring the ambitious project to life.
‘We were seeing what was happening to environments and how quickly they were bouncing back in some places; how the lack of pollution (precipitated by the 2020 global shutdown) was impacting people’s views and landscapes and impacts and experiences of the places they were,’ Mustillo says.
‘It was really illuminating this sense we could reduce climate
change: if we wanted to do it and if we wanted to make a change quickly, it could be done.’
A harbinger is a person that initiates change. ‘There were these stories about how, when you flew over China, you could actually see China and that hadn’t been possible for who knows how long,’ she continues. ‘And then with the bushfires, nature’s always trying to tell us a better direction to take, or what’s hurting it. It’s about foresight and listening to what nature is trying to tell us.’
The exhibition is a rich tapestry of storytelling, with works spanning printmaking, textiles, sculpture, weaving and drawing. From reflections on colonial legacies and environmental degradation to rising sea levels, catastrophic fire events and migration policies, HARBINGERS doesn’t shy away from hard truths.
But perhaps one of the exhibition’s greatest impacts has been behind the scenes, on the artists themselves. ‘Visual art is often one of the loneliest practices: artists are often working away on their own in their studios. It’s not like music or theatre where collaboration is a fundamental part of the process,’ says Mustillo.
‘This project created an often-rare opportunity for deep, ongoing connection. Many of the artists are still working together, taking these relationships into further projects. It’s been such a beautiful, beautiful thing to observe.’
HARBINGERS: Care Or Catastrophe, Signal Point Experience Centre, Goolwa, Ngarrindjeri Country, until Sunday 27 July, countryarts.org.au/events/ harbingers-care-or-catastrophe
Lauren Mustillo, Lara Tilbrook, Laura Wills, Chris De Rosa, Clancy Warner, Ellen Trevorrow, Fulvia Mantelli; Lara Tilbrook with artwork ‘Mother and child’
Blazing a trail
Dangerously Modern is the first exhibition focusing on the role of Australian women artists in the development of modernism. With 220 works by 50 pioneering women, co-curators Tracey Lock and Elle Freak take us behind the scenes of this major show
Does the title describe the artists, the art, or both?
Elle Freak: The title hints at a spirit of risk-taking in the artists’ work and their lives. It was inspired by Thea Proctor: after returning from London to Sydney, she was surprised to find her art labelled as ‘dangerously modern’, whereas in London she was regarded as ‘quite old-fashioned’. Her statement reminds us of the boundaries broken by these travelling women artists, as well as the risk of their neglect over time.
What can audiences expect to see?
Tracey Lock: Developed in collaboration between the Art Gallery Of South Australia and Art Gallery Of New South Wales, it’s an immersive exhibition complemented by a commissioned soundscape by Adelaide’s Margie Jean Lewis. You’ll see a vast array of works ranging from large public statements to private portrait miniatures. We’ve had the great pleasure of working with Wayne Tunnicliffe from the Art Gallery Of New South Wales to bring together both celebrated and newly acquired paintings, prints, sculpture and ceramics drawn from the permanent collections of both institutions and complemented by national and international loans. The scale and subject matter challenges pre-existing notions of ambition and success.
It’s a huge group of prolific artists, so where did you even start?
EF: Trawling through archives and sifting through collections, many lovingly preserved by family members and devoted scholars, our list of works and relevant artists grew. Linking the exhibition with the 50th anniversary of International Women’s Year helped clarify our direction, narrowing our focus to 50 of these remarkable women. We chose a compelling mix of painters, sculptors, printmakers and ceramicists, with their place of birth less important than the impact they made on the development of Australian and international modernism.
What’s your favourite work?
TL: I have so many! The pieces which most resonate are those painted with heart or, as is so often the case, heartbreak. For example, Stella Bowen’s ‘Self-portrait’ marks the closing of a chapter in Bowen’s life, when her relationship with [English novelist and poet] Ford Madox Ford was finally over. The humanity of her gaze is a lightning rod of emotion.
EF: I return most frequently to an intimate bedroom scene by Bessie Davidson, ‘Intérieur (Interior)’ (1925). Like many of her female peers, she avoids the overt sentimentality of the once-popular bourgeois bedroom scene. Instead, she presents a space that seems more personal than posed, with an unmade bed and a chair draped with fabric bathing in the filtered light of a window.
There’s an amazing contemporary photograph showing three artists in the Netherlands in 1903. What does it tell us about these women?
EF: There is an incredible sense of freedom in that photograph. Buoyed by the momentum of suffrage in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, they left knowing a brilliant career was within reach. Working not only as professional artists but also as writers, teachers, activists and suffragists, they engaged with avant-garde circles, experimenting with bold techniques and forming supportive networks. They redefined what was possible for women artists, paving the way for generations to come.
Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists In Europe 1890–1940, Art Gallery Of South Australia, Adelaide, Kaurna Country, Saturday 24 May–Sunday 7 September, agsa.sa.gov.au
From left: Wayne Tunnicliffe, Tracey Lock, Elle Freak pictured with ‘Miss Gwen Ridley’ by Grace Cowley
L–R: Stella Bowen, ‘Self-portrait’, c.1928; Bessie Davidson, ‘Intérieur (Interior)’, 1925; Rosamond Marshall, Dorothy Kate Richmond and Frances Hodgkins in Rijsoord, Holland, 1903 PHOTO:
FAMILY DREAMBIG CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
DreamBIG returns for a milestone 50th year, with a jam-packed celebration of family-friendly fun. Featuring over 70 shows, exhibitions and interactive play, the festival aims to inspire children’s imagination and creativity. There are lots of free events, like 50 Years Of Dreaming Big, an exhibition exploring the festival’s history, plus heaps of school activities designed to encourage children’s self-expression to roam free.
Theatrical highlights include original play The Princess, The Pea (And The Brave Escapee), a reimagined fairytale combining puppetry and live music by the Australian Chamber Orchestra. The book Fancy Long Legs (pictured) comes to life on stage, honouring difference, neurodivergence and staying true to oneself, all wrapped up in a glittery, lively performance. The festival’s theme, ‘I was, I am, I will be’, is exemplified by the immersive sensory experience Wonderbox, which tailors each show to the specific access needs of its audience and blends live music, puzzles and a carnival crew to create a uniquely engaging environment.
The longest-running curated children’s festival in the world doesn’t forget the teens either. Garageband/Tarntanya brings together 15 bands over three stages in a block party/live gig hybrid featuring the state’s finest emerging musical talent, while South Australian Youth Forum Open Youth Workshop aims to engage young people’s voices to drive positive change. A mini-festival, DreamBIG In Prospect, extends the program’s reach, while The Lensical reimagines live performance in healthcare settings, helping everyone come together to dream big. (Lauren Dallas) n Various venues, South Australia, Wednesday 7–Saturday 17 May, dreambig.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
CONVENTION
OZ COMIC-CON
Oz Comic-Con is everything pop culture packed into two days, and Adelaide kicks off the festivities with a stellar line-up. Participation is at the forefront of the event (which goes on to visit Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane), with plenty of opportunities to perform, game or create.
There are some big names lined up for the meet-andgreets, including Brandon Rogers, a YouTuber known for his high-paced skit comedy and voice acting/ writing on Prime’s Helluva Boss and Hazbin Hotel. UK legend Catherine Tate, probably best-loved for Doctor Who, and Giancarlo Esposito, a veteran of the film industry with an impressive five-decade career (most notably in shows such as Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul) also feature.
The writers and animators of Cyanide & Happiness appear in Australia for the first time, alongside the likes of Beniamino Bradi, Katie Fraser, Kylie Chan, Noah Dao and Stefanie Dawn. To top it all off, get involved in cosplay competitions, lip sync battles, and gaming in tabletop, console or PC form. Or just enjoy the costumes and the spectacle: whatever your niche, Oz Comic-Con is the place to relish in it.
(Hannah Homburg)
n Adelaide Showground, Wayville, Kaurna Country, Saturday 31 May & Sunday 1 June, ozcomiccon.com/ adelaide
21 June 2025
Discover new live and local music in colourful places across the city and North Adelaide.
A Vision of City Sounds, mixed media installation by ART POD’s Artist in Residence, Alex Bellas, 2025.
NOBUNTU
June sees UKARIA Cultural Centre welcome Nobuntu, a vocal quartet from Zimbabwe, as ensemble-in-residence. Dedicated to sharing their heritage and traditions through the universal language of music, the quartet will host two public workshops in song and dance, where participants will get a chance to fully immerse themselves in the ensemble’s beautiful, powerful harmonies. Two concerts alongside Academy Voices, a brand-new ensemble directed by Jonathan Bligh, will follow. Billed as a musical dialogue, both groups will explore the other’s repertoire as well as performing new work specially created for the event by Anne Cawrse and Carl Crossin. (Tahlia Kozlovic) n UKARIA Cultural Centre, Mount Barker Summit, Peramangk Country, Thursday 19–Sunday 21 June, ukaria.com/acappella2025
JUNE
The Jazz Age probably would have been pretty filthy and gross
”
Adelaide Cabaret Festival: highlights
Jo Laidlaw dusts off the glitterball and limbers up her jazz hands to bring you her pick of the fest
THE PARLOUR
Victoria Falconer invites you to join her late-night salon in a celebration of classic cabaret. Frank, funny and fabulous, Falconer is one of those performers who makes everything look easy, but make no mistake: under the glitz are insane vocal and instrumental chops.
n Banquet Room, Adelaide Festival Centre, Friday 6 & Sunday 7 June, 10.15pm.
TIRED ASS SHOWGIRLS
Fresh from a triumphant run in Adelaide Festival’s Hedwig And The Angry Inch, Seann Miley Moore can literally do no wrong. They’re joined by the equally dazzling Brendan de la Hay in this celebration of friendship and showbiz goss. n Space Theatre, Friday 6 June, 7pm & Saturday 7 June, 5.30pm.
JACOB COLLIER
Four octaves, seven Grammy Awards (one each for his first five albums) and perfect pitch: is there nothing that musical genius Jacob Collier can’t do? Probably not, and so this exclusive two-night show is a real coup for AdCabFest. It’s been soldout forever; sell your granny for the chance of a ticket.
n Her Majesty’s Theatre, Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 June, 7.30pm.
MITCH TAMBO
Six years after bursting into the nation’s consciousness via Australia’s Got Talent with his bilingual take on ‘The Voice’, Mitch Tambo exemplifies a new generation of Blak excellence that’s almost impossible to categorise. This one will raise the roof.
n Space Theatre, Thursday 12 June, 6pm & Friday 13 June, 9pm.
THE SMART GIRL’S GUIDE TO BREAKING UP Frank Ford Commission awardee Joanne Hartstone is a powerhouse of South Australian theatre-making with a raft of production and performing credits. But that’s no solace when you get dumped six weeks before your wedding . . . Expect a tale of heartbreak and resilience, wrapped up in three-part harmonies.
n Space Theatre, Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 June, 6pm.
LA CLIQUE
A global sensation that helped redefine circus and variety, La Clique celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Expect thrills and spills, with plenty of jaw-dropping moments in the relatively intimate environs of Space Theatre.
n Space Theatre, Wednesday 18 June–Saturday 28 June, times vary.
CLASS OF CABARET
Before you get to sprinkle the sequins, you gotta find your voice; that’s where brilliant initiatives like Class Of Cabaret come in. Sixteen school students have been lovingly mentored by the fantabulous Millicent Sarre and Mark Oates, and this showcase is the result. Future star spotting starts here.
n Dunstan Playhouse, Saturday 21 June, 2pm & 5pm.
EAT & DRINK GUTSY KANGAROO ISLAND
Kangaroo Island may be wild in winter, but that’s exactly when the locals lean in to celebrate their signature resilience (and bring some visitors along for the ride).
Gutsy Kangaroo Island is a bold food and drink festival that honours the island’s hardy producers and rich culture. Launched in 2022, Gutsy brings locals and tourists together to toast craftsmanship, community and cold-weather feasting.
There are more than a few twists that elevate the short-butperfectly-formed program beyond the ordinary. For example, you can sip eucalyptus cocktails under the stars at the Dusk Discovery & Steak Soirée or brave the chill at the Egg-cellent Winter Plunge before tucking into a burger featuring Fryar’s famous free-range eggs. For lovers of long lunches, Little Island Encounter promises authentic paella, wines from Springs Road and games on the lawn. As the sun sets, wrap yourself in warmth at Indulge & Unwind, with acoustic tunes and seafood canapés by candlelight, or head to Winter Feast, Fires & Music for a meal cooked over coals and served with signature False Cape wine. And when the night winds down, The After Party at Penneshaw Pub keeps the spirit alive with live music and a fire-lit welcome. Come for the feast, stay for the fire in this lovely communityfocused event that celebrates the cosy spirit that’s the best part of winter. (Isha Juneja)
n Various locations, Kangaroo Island, Friday 6–Sunday 8 June, tourkangarooisland.com.au/what-to-do/events/gutsy-kangarooisland
COMMUNITY WINTER WHALE FEST
Running throughout the month, June sees the return of Victor Harbor’s Winter Whale Fest. The festival promises an exciting array of activities with Kondoli (the whale from the dreaming of the Ngarrindjeri, who gave fire to the people) guiding the experiences in this year’s event. ‘The story of Kondoli, shared by Ngarrindjeri Elders, speaks to deep connections between land, waters and culture,’ says Stacey Richardson, one of the event organisers. The whole month aims to celebrate and recognise the area’s rich traditions, as well as advocating for the preservation of the local coastal landscapes and marine environment. Led by Ngarrindjeri artists, program highlights include the Water People exhibition, curated by Amanda Westley (pictured), alongside the Welcoming Of The Whales Ceremony on 7 June. Encompassing culture, science and creativity, Winter Whale Fest includes over 25 events, from tree planting, to paint and sip workshops, to live metal gigs at the Town Hall. There are plenty of family-focused treats too, all set in and around some stunning coastal views. (Tahlia Kozlovic)
n Victor Harbor, Ngarrindjeri Country, Sunday 1–Monday 30 June, winterwhalefest.com.au
PICTURE: KANGAROO
COMMUNITY HILLS WINTER LANTERN FESTIVAL
The Hills Winter Lantern Festival is a celebration that sees the Adelaide Hills twinkle and glow. In the dark of night, lanterns entice visitors to take a scenic evening stroll through pretty Echunga; it doesn’t get more Adelaide winter than this.
The festival, celebrating its 10th edition this year, is truly community centred: events throughout the April school holidays are dedicated to building lanterns, while artist-led workshops run right up to the end of May. If you fancy trying your hand at lantern making, it’s easy to get involved and you can take your lantern home after it has been displayed.
No South Australian festival is complete without food and drink, and there are plenty of stalls, plus live music, to enjoy. Admire the lights and get ready for the parade at dusk, featuring the community work created earlier in the year, as well as feature pieces from the lantern artists. And, of course, there’s a suitably fiery finale to close proceedings. If you love community and cosiness, this is a night you won’t want to miss. (Hannah Homburg)
n Echunga Village & Community Park, Echunga, Peramangk Country, Saturday 14 June, hwlf.com.au
FESTIVAL
ADELAIDE BEER & BBQ FEST
Celebrating two things closest to people’s hearts, the Beer & BBQ Fest is back with an incredible line-up for its tenth outing. Anything you can think of to accompany a cold one is likely to make an appearance across the long weekend at Adelaide Showground, so strap in. And maybe take Tuesday off.
First, and arguably most importantly, the beer. Featuring over 40 breweries from South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria, there’s bound to be something to your liking. Among a stellar line-up are crowd favourites such as home-heroes Coopers (of course), Big Shed Brewing, Pirate Life and Prancing Pony, as well as regional and rural favourites including Loophole Brewing Co, The Uraidla Brewery and Woolstore Brewery. You’re covered for a feast too, with 17 food trucks dishing up a range of cuisines, although naturally there’s a heavy emphasis on all things barbecue to keep you going through the weekend.
There’s heaps of music to enjoy too, with over 30 bands taking to the stage, including headliners Wolfmother and The Chats, alongside Tim Finn who heads the Legends Sunday night slot. Sunday arvo is family friendly, with plenty of activities including wrestling, eating comps, sausage wars, DJs and the brilliant Bootleg Choir.
(Hannah Homburg)
n Adelaide Showground, Wayville, Kaurna Country, Friday 6–Sunday 8 June, beerbbqfest.com.au
BEST OF THE REST JUNE
SIPS IN THE STICKS
Bellwether winemaker Sue Bell hosts a long lunch in what is arguably the most character-packed cellar door in SA (located in the Glen Roy shearing shed). The meal will be prepared by a well-respected chef, while guest winemakers bring an assortment of desserts (all of which are judged), which adds to the fun.
n Bellwether Wines, Coonawarra, Bindjali Country, Sunday 1 June, bellwetherwines.com.au
WINTER FLAME 2025
If you want a meet-cute to regale the grandkids with, then what could be better than a background of flaming torches, pipe bands, highland dancers, strongmen and women and a whole lotta fun? OK, we can’t guarantee a supply of singles, but we do know that this is one of the most endearing community festivals around. Tanunda comes alive with the sound of pipes and drums, led by the Barossa & District Pipe Band, in a Scottish-flavoured winter event for all. n Tanunda, Peramangk Country, Saturday 21 June, facebook.com/ barossapipeband
COOBER PEDY OPAL
FESTIVAL
All country town festivals have their quirks, but there’s something that makes this one particularly worth the journey. ‘Heart Of The Outback’ is the theme, and the Town Oval will once again be the main hub, with food, market stalls and activities. Experience the world of opal mining, with accommodation including underground rooms, and enjoy the traditional pageant and impressive fireworks display that wraps the whole thing up.
n Coober Pedy, Antakirinja Yunkunytjatjara Country, Friday 13–Sunday 15 June, opalfestival.com.au
KATY PERRY
We’re all connected to love, apparently, and whatever you think of Ms Perry’s latest space travelling antics there’s no doubt that she’ll be landing the party when she brings her Lifetimes tour to Adelaide Entertainment Centre for a four-night run. Expect plenty of hits, plenty of spectacle and plenty of singalongs.
n Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Kaurna Country, Thursday 26 & Friday 27, Sunday 29 & Monday 30 June, adelaideentertainmentcentre.com.au
KIMBERLY AKIMBO
Set in 1999, the musical Kimberly Akimbo celebrates life and laughter as we follow the adventures of Kimberly, a teenager with a rare disorder that causes rapid ageing, making her biological age closer to someone facing a midlife crisis.
Embracing the motto ‘you’re only young once’, she navigates life with humour, resilience and heart. The show took Broadway by storm, winning five Tony Awards in 2023. This Australian premiere (a State Theatre Company South Australia/Melbourne Theatre Company co-production) is directed by four-time Helpmann Award-winning director, Mitchell Butel. It features some of the biggest names in Australian entertainment including Casey Donovan, Marina Prior and Adelaide’s own Nathan O’Keefe. (Lauren Dallas)
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide, Kaurna Country, Tuesday 8–Saturday 19 July, statetheatrecompany.com.au
JULY
ILET IT SHINE
Lights, music, food and fun: Hannah Homburg flicks the switch on a winter festival that’s sure to light up Adelaide’s skies
t’s time to light up the night: Illuminate Adelaide is back for its fifth year, brightening up the depths of winter with nine world premieres and 23 Australian exclusives. Co-curators Rachael Azzopardi and Lee Cumberlidge don’t do things by halves; there’s a huge range of captivating displays and fun activities taking over the city and surrounding areas with a series of dazzling ticketed and free events.
Night Visions in the Botanic Gardens is once again the centrepiece, bigger than ever with lots of new displays and compositions to explore. For one night only, Horizons will transform Adelaide Oval into a living, breathing canvas using drones, light, sound and sky. Free program City Lights brings installations and nightly performances to the CBD, plus some surprise street performers.
Adelaide Zoo also gets in on the act with Universal Kingdom: The Next Era, a spectacular after-dark experience that will transport visitors to a time when dinosaurs ruled the earth. Meanwhile, 10-Minute Dance Party invites guests to let loose inside a fully decked-out container based at Lot Fourteen on North Terrace.
Talking of Lot Fourteen, it’s also home to pop-up food village Base Camp, a free, family-friendly spot to kick off your adventures
with plenty of chances to spoil your inner foodie, who will also love Winter Forest, which brings seasonal storytelling and sensory design to the dining table. Part of ILA’s Immersive Table Series, the event will surround diners with visuals, layered sounds and a menu that reflects the winter landscape.
There’s lots of music to enjoy too, with Unsound Adelaide bringing Velvet Underground founding member John Cale, US noise duo Yellow Swans and avant garde UK musician aya to the party. Icelandic techno duo Kiasmos (Ólafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen) will take over Hindley Street Music Hall for one night only, with an epic performance combining tunes and light displays: a perfect fit for Illuminate, in other words. And brand-new music event Supersonic will run from 5pm–5am, marking a bold new chapter for the city’s night-time culture.
And you heard it here first folks: strong rumours of the appearance of a snow machine abound around town, which will really get everyone into the winter spirit, with a custom-built excuse to finally wear those cute knits.
Various venues, Adelaide, Kaurna Country, Wednesday 2–Sunday 20 July, illuminateadelaide.com
DANCE THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
Every art form has its own gateway, that one entry show that delights and dazzles young (and old) fans and sets their feet on the road to adoration. For balletomanes, that production is often The Sleeping Beauty, a beloved classical ballet that packs plenty of punch into the famous fairytale (princess falls foul of christening guest, pricks finger, falls asleep for 100 years and is woken by love’s true kiss, if you need a refresher).
This tenth anniversary production was the first full-length work to be created by Australian Ballet’s former artistic director, David McAllister, with breathtaking balances, romantic pas de deux, and colourful and energetic contributions from the wedding guests. Tchaikovsky’s beloved score is of course instantly familiar, while opulent costumes from award-winning Gabriela Tylesova add texture and drama as they shimmer and shine with haute couture detail under the lights. While part of the pleasure of this kind of ballet is seeing the magic light up the eyes of younger audience members for the first time, seasoned fans will also find plenty to admire in this lush retelling which represents classical ballet at its best. (Jo Laidlaw) n Adelaide Festival Theatre, Kaurna Country, Tuesday 22–Tuesday 29 July, australianballet.com.au
EXHIBITION OUT OF THIS WORLD: AUSTRALIA IN THE SPACE AGE
Welcome to the dawn of the space age: yep, moon fever came to Australia too and is retold in this fascinating exhibition drawn from the National Archives. Focusing on the period from the 1950s to the 1970s, take one small step for mankind back into our recent past and explore research, architecture, design and television, all designed to illuminate Australia’s role in the space race. From midcentury fashion and unidentified flying objects, to early satellites, the moon landing and the curious tale of Mr Squiggle, there’s something for everyone, whether your interest is cutting-edge technology or space travel’s impact on popular culture.
Supported by the State Library Of South Australia, the Australian Government’s National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, and Visions Of Australia, the exhibition tells a diverse range of stories (with a thought-provoking schools’ program running alongside). As original curator Catriona Donnelly explains, the space race had a huge impact on Australian culture. ‘New technologies were developed, inspiring people of all ages to explore their own ideas and aspirations for the future. What occurred was an explosion of creative responses from Australian scientists, designers, architects, television producers, community groups and children alike.’ Equally, if you’re just there for the pop-art-space-inspired fashion, that’s groovy too. Cosmic, in fact. (Jo Laidlaw)
n State Library Of South Australia, Adelaide, Kaurna Country, Friday 4 July–Sunday 5 October, naa.gov.au/visit-us/events-and-exhibitions/ out-world-australia-space-age
BEST OF THE REST JULY
THE DROP IN: REDS EDITION
Winter is a perfect time to make sure your glass is full of red wine; better yet, make it an exciting tongue-twisting alternative grape variety like montepulciano or tempranillo. This event from National Wine Centre Of Australia hinges around the rise of alternative varieties and gives you the chance to taste exotic wines made by producers from across the nation.
n National Wine Centre, Adelaide, Kaurna Country, Friday 4 July, nationalwinecentre.com.au
WILLUNGA ALMOND BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
As if Willunga wasn’t pretty enough, this community festival encourages locals and visitors to slow down and enjoy the fleeting beauty of almond blossom season. As well as a fair and market, there’s a self-led blossom picnic tour where you can explore the town’s parks and playparks on foot or by car. Naturally, there’s plenty of food and drink, but it’s safe to say the almond cookery and almond-cracking competitions will be the most hotly contested events of the weekend.
n Willunga Recreation Park, Willunga, Kaurna Country, Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 July, willungarecpark.com.au/almond-blossom-festival
AVCON
Adelaide’s anime and gaming festival returns to Adelaide Showground in what’s promising to be an even bigger and better event than last year’s sell-out. Run by volunteers and not-forprofit, there’s a stellar line-up of panels and workshops, artists and exhibitors, guests and entertainers, but much of the fun consists of simply appreciating the costume efforts of fellow attendees. AVCon After Dark also returns.
n Adelaide Showground, Wayville, Kaurna Country, Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 July, avcon.org.au
ADELAIDE GUITAR FESTIVAL WINTER SCHOOL
The hugely popular Winter School returns for 2025, with opportunities to learn from Australia’s finest guitarists in an intimate group setting. Aiming to develop SA’s future stars over five days of immersive playing and skills development, there are two streams: Adelaide Guitar Festival Orchestra focuses on classical guitar, while Blues & Roots includes sessions on playing and songwriting techniques. It all culminates in a final performance where audience members can note the names of future talent.
n Various venues, Adelaide, Kaurna Country, Monday 7–Friday 11 July, final performance details to be announced, guitar.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/about/guitar-winter-school
What better way to celebrate South Australian artists? “
Photographer Tony Kearney’s SALA exhibition symbolises South Australia’s artists supporting other artists
Tony Kearney had been toiling away as an industrial designer until tragedy struck. ‘I gave that up about six or seven years ago when my partner got very ill with cancer,’ he remembers. ‘I decided to have a less stressful job and so I worked in a photography lab for three or four years.’ That role sparked a keen interest in fine art photography. So, when work at the lab dwindled, he decided to change focus again, aiming to make a living as an analogue photographer specialising in portraits.
Now, in conjunction with South Australian Living Artists Festival (SALA), Kearney has embarked on a hugely ambitious project to photograph 75 artists from South Australia; and he has a novel theme to unite the images. ‘We ask the artist to bring along a talisman of some sort,’ he says. ‘Something they cherish, something they prize, something that inspires them. And that is part of the portrait.’ Intriguingly, Kearney doesn’t know what objects the artists will bring until they turn up for their portrait: ‘I just say, “You bring it, I’ll photograph it.”’
SALA is the biggest festival of its kind in the world and it helps living artists such as Kearney and his dozens of subjects in many ways. Throughout August, SALA displays the work of around 8000 artists to more than 850,000 people in over 500 venues, from the tiniest of unlikely spaces to the biggest art galleries. Its watchwords are inclusivity and community, and it aims to make art accessible to all, while promoting living artists of all genders, ages and backgrounds.
This focus on living artists creates community at all levels. Not only does it provide a platform for artists to support each other, as in Kearney’s exhibition, but the ‘anyone can get involved’ ethos draws people together from all walks of life to enjoy all kinds of art, from the block-busting major exhibitions to the coffee shops and pubs that proudly display local artists’ first exhibitions.
Kearney’s project came to fruition after he won a ‘photographic opportunity’ organised by SALA last year. He fondly remembers filling in his application with a gin and tonic in hand: ‘I just thought, what better way to celebrate South Australian artists?’
South Australian Living Artists Festival, various venues, South Australia, Friday 1–Sunday 31 August, salafestival.com
From top: Roy Ananda, Aldo Iacobelli and Jasmine Crisp
AUGUST & BEYOND
SHOW
The Royal Adelaide Show returns, celebrating a century since its first outing and bringing all the glories of its long history with it. Plenty of well-loved favourites will feature: woodchopping contests, livestock displays and petting zones, baked goods competitions, art and handicrafts, and, of course, the ferris wheel (lovingly featured on most Royal Show memorabilia). A wonderful chance to engage in the rich tradition of bringing the country to the city, make sure to stop in for your showbags after exploring the competitions and rides, and picking your favourite cow.
(Annabel Fedcesin)
Adelaide Showground, Wayville, Kaurna Country, Saturday 30 August–Sunday 7 September, theshow.com.au
MUSIC ADELAIDE GUITAR FESTIVAL
Part music festival, part competition, part masterclass, there’s something wholly lovely about building a whole festival around one of the most accessible instruments around. It’s all led by artistic director Slava Grigoryan, who is obviously having as much of a blast in the programming chair as he does in the performer’s spotlight. Highlights include Consonance: Instrumental Conversations With Guitar (Sunday 14 September), which highlights the idea of exchange and confluence, those crucial acts of sharing and merging that happen between musicians. Grigoryan will take the stage with collaborator and cellist Sharon Grigoryan, alongside luminaries such as Aleksandr Tsiboulski, Dr Elizabeth Layton and the Adelaide Guitar Festival Orchestra.
And is a guitar festival even a guitar festival without something to rock out to? Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti Live In Concert (Saturday 13 September) celebrates the 50th anniversary of the seminal album and promises a little slice of rock heaven. Led by Warwick Cheatle of Southern Cross Symphony, the likes of Adelaide’s own Shaun Holton will join Dusty Lee Stephensen and Kathleen Halloran on stage to perform the iconic album and other Led Zepplin classics. The Classical Guitar Competition also makes a return, alongside a packed program of gigs, workshops and events. (Jo Laidlaw)
Adelaide Festival Centre, Kaurna Country, Wednesday 10–Sunday 14 September, guitar.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
VISUAL ART SALA
The South Australian Living Artists Festival (SALA) brings captivating work by visual artists to new audiences each year. Featured artist for 2025, Sue Kneebone, has a solo exhibition at Adelaide Central School Of Art, where her work ‘Flight Of Souls’ (from 2021 collection The Ceaseless Tide) will be projected onto buildings on King William Street; not to mention her work ‘Hardboiled’ which features on this year’s festival poster. According to Kneebone, this piece explores ‘the legacy of an unconstrained industrial past . . . which continues into the present of our overheating planet’ as well as engaging with ‘the origins of colonial wealth’.
Kneebone explains that her sculptures are comprised of found objects that she has sourced from archival research and field work, as well as second-hand shops. On using found objects in her art, she says: ‘It becomes a kind of authentic prop to tell larger stories of turning points in historical memory, both locally and further afield, that impact the present.’
On the importance of festivals such as SALA, Kneebone says: ‘Often artists work alone in their studios for long stretches of time, so to have a festival season dedicated to visual artists provides a wonderful platform for everyone to come out of our studios to share.’ (Annabel Fedcesin)
Various venues, South Australia, Friday 1–Saturday 30 August.
PICTURE:
NAOMI
JELLICOE
BEST OF THE REST AUGUST & BEYOND
WINTER WINE AND WHISKY WEEKEND
OZASIA FESTIVAL
Australia’s leading Asian-themed contemporary arts festival is always a perfect way to mark the transition out of winter, with an explosion of colour and light. Expect theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature and cultural events, plus heaps of amazing food: all the good stuff, in other words.
n Adelaide Festival Centre, Kaurna Country, Thursday 23 October–Sunday 9 November, ozasia.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
GRENACHE & GOURMET
McLaren Vale’s two-week celebration of one of its favourite grapes is really an excuse to visit a new cellar door or three and indulge in a long lunch and vintage tasting. Masterclasses and tutored tastings give plenty of opportunities to delve further into the grape and its history. Visitors will also find out how a new generation of winemakers are approaching sustainability, combining leading-edge techniques with a back-to-nature approach to create wines that are great for the planet as well as the palate.
n Various locations, McLaren Vale, Kaurna Country, Saturday 20 September–Tuesday 7 October, grenacheandgourmet.com.au
Iconic family-run Barossa winery Yalumba celebrates the release of its Smith’s Angaston Whisky with a wintery shindig featuring tastings of the coveted drop. Yalumba’s old pot still and distillery will welcome visitors, with winemakers and distillers on hand to share their knowledge. The Cooperage doors will also be open with fires burning as guests watch wine barrels being charred for whisky production. Acoustic music and burgers by Howard’s Fire are also on the cards.
n Angaston, Barossa; Ngadjuri, Peramangk and Kaurna Country; Friday 8 & Saturday 9 August, yalumba.com
NATURE
FESTIVAL SOUTH AUSTRALIA
There are an astonishing 400 nature-inspired events planned for this state-wide festival, now in its sixth year. ‘Flow’ is the theme, which means our rivers and oceans take centre stage, as well as events celebrating impermanence, creative flow and the flow of people and communities. Get outdoors, discover something new and make yourself feel good at the same time; nature is healing, people.
n South Australia, Friday 26 September–Sunday 12 October, naturefestival.org.au
Valet Parking is the perfect solution for a seamless Airport experience. Book a stay before your next getaway. adelaideairport.com.au
Vine Time
Dandelion Wines’ Elena Brooks gets ready for winter
Is winter a quieter time for you? Winter is a beautiful, grounding time when everything pauses, rests and resets. After the buzz and chaos of vintage, it’s our moment to reflect, recharge and care for the vines so they can thrive again in spring. However, it is one of the busiest times in the winery. The white wines are ready for bottling and reds are prepared for their long maturation process.
Your vineyard has been certified biodynamic since 2022: can you tell us a little bit more about that? We’ve always believed that great wine starts in the vineyard, and biodynamics was a natural next step. It’s not just about what you don’t do (for example, no synthetic chemicals), it’s about being deeply in tune with nature, the seasons and the lunar cycles; winter is actually an important time for biodynamic prep. It’s a slower, more considered approach and the results in the vineyard and the glass are truly worth it.
Presumably the shorter days bring a little bit of time for planning and dreaming: what’s on the radar for the year ahead? Absolutely. Winter evenings are when the dreaming happens. We’re working on a few exciting small-batch wines from the 2024 vintage and looking at expanding the Wonder Room experiences for guests. I’ve also got my eye on some old vines that might find their way into a special new wine . . . but I’m keeping that one close to the chest for now.
What’s the best way to spend those longer evenings? Long dinners, open fires, a generous decanter and good conversation: winter at its best. I also love getting stuck into books I’ve been meaning to read or diving into old winemaking journals and scribbled notes. It’s a time for reflection and inspiration. I always look forward to SALA in August, and of course, Winter Reds in the Adelaide Hills is always worth a trip; it’s great to catch up with other winemakers and enjoy what everyone’s been working on.
Dandelion
SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S HISTORY FESTIVAL
This year’s history-focused festival has a category of events dedicated to food, among them an audio walking tour of Adelaide Central Market (hosted by celebrity chef Adam Liaw and yours truly). For the wine curious, there’s also a Seppeltsfield Self-Guided History Experience which tells the story of Seppeltsfield Estate through a series of podcasts (available in English and Mandarin).
Various venues, South Australia, until Saturday 31 May, festival.history.sa.gov.au
ADELAIDE BEER & BBQ FEST
Craft beer fans unite, this festival is a flavour bomb of brews and barbecues. Live music by the likes of Aussie rock legends Wolfmother, Custard (Friday), The Chats (Saturday) and New Zealand’s Tim Finn (Sunday) add to the fun. For the brave, there’s also live wrestling and eating contests. See feature, page 21.
Adelaide Showground, Wayville, Kaurna Country, Friday 6 June–Sunday 8 June, beerbbqfest.com.au
ADELAIDE WINE FESTIVAL WINTER SHOW
Adelaide Central Market once again plays host the one of the city’s most popular wine events. Over 40 wineries are set to
Cold comfort
Wine. Oysters. Barbecue. Lamb. Whatever you love, Katie Spain has an event for every taste this winter
attend, alongside a handful of distilleries, all offering good taste and good chat. It’s a brilliant chance to connect with some of the state’s finest producers, try something new and find one of your new favourites. Good vines, good vibes, good times.
Adelaide Central Market, Kaurna Country, Sunday 8 June, adelaidewinefestival.com.au
FIRESIDE PARTY AT OLIVER’S TARANGA
Warm the cockles with a four-course long lunch against an Oliver’s Taranga backdrop. Expect fire pits, smokers and flame-grilled meats paired with classic red McLaren Vale wines and a winery crew that knows how to party.
Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards, McLaren Vale, Kaurna Country, Sunday 22 June, oliverstaranga.com
ALKINA: LOST IN THE FOG
Barossa winery Alkina hosts a winter grenache celebration across two epic days of wine, fire-cooked food and live music. Each day includes a fresh line-up of producers including Alkina, Aphelion, Bondar, John Duval Wines, SC Pannell and Tscharke. Glorious grenache, indeed. A fire-grilled choripán lunch accompanies the reds.
Alkina, Greenock; Kaurna, Ngadjuri and Peramangk Country; Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June, alkinawine.com
PICTURE: BEN MACMAHON
From top, clockwise: Clare Valley Festival Of The Lamb, Neat Sips, Fleurieu Food Festival.
CELLAR DWELLERS
Throughout July, Coonawarra wineries dust off rare cellar treasures for the kind of tastings we can only usually dream about. More than 40 events, including degustation dinners, cooking classes, long lunches plus chocolate and wine pairing, are a drawcard to the region. The Back Vintage Tasting & Dinner (Friday 18 July) is a highlight. It showcases no less than 15 producers in one hit, with an optional dinner at Pipers Of Penola to follow.
n Coonawarra, Pinechunga Country, Tuesday 1 July–Thursday 31 July, coonawarra.org
CELLAR DOOR FEST WINTER EDIT
Taste your way across South Australia without leaving the city. More than 180 wine producers gather to pour their creations across three different sessions. It’s a great way to experience faraway regions like the Riverland, Kangaroo Island and Coonawarra - there’s food and live music to accompany the liquid gold.
n Adelaide Convention Centre, Kaurna Country, Friday 7 & Saturday 8 July, cellardoorfestival.com
WINTER REDS
No wine region embraces winter quite like the Adelaide Hills. Cellar doors and restaurants open their doors, gardens and fire pits for special events championing their cool-climate reds. The likes of Karrawatta Wines will collaborate with chefs such as Africola’s Duncan Welgemoed for special culinary surprises. Each winery has events planned so check the website for the full program.
n Adelaide Hills, Peramangk Country, Friday 25–Sunday 27 July, adelaidehillswine.com.au
OYSTERPALOOZA
Fun fact: oysters taste best in winter. That’s why Never Never Distilling Co’s OysterPalooza festival is back for its fourth year. It’s a celebration of the molluscs in their many forms including freshly shucked and ‘Shellys’, aka oyster gin sipped from oyster shells.
n Never Never Distilling Co, McLaren Vale, Kaurna Country, Friday 1–Sunday 3 August, neverneverdistilling.com.au
FLEURIEU FOOD FESTIVAL
The Fleurieu Peninsula heaves with hundreds of food and wine producers, many of whom are showcased in this month-long program of lunches, dinners, cooking demos, workshops, and markets. It’s a chance to visit farm gates, cafés, restaurants, markets, wineries, breweries, distilleries, community spaces and venues for one-off, unforgettable experiences. A great opportunity to break bread with the people who grow and make the food and beverages: who doesn’t enjoy a chinwag with a farmer?
n Fleurieu Peninsula, Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, Kaurna and Peramangk Country, Friday 1–Sunday 31 August, fleurieufoodfestival.com
NEAT SIPS
For the second year, this new festival dedicated to fortified wines hits McLaren Vale Distillery’s picturesque surroundings. The two-day flurry of fine wine masterclasses, tastings, live music, Q&As with top winemakers plus local food stalls is held over the Father’s Day weekend. It’s doing its bit to make fortifieds cool again.
n McLaren Vale, Kaurna Country, Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 September, neatsips.com.au
CLARE VALLEY FESTIVAL OF THE LAMB
All hail delicious lamb. This annual spring equinox festival combines the appearance of the Clare Valley vineyards’ first buds and the premier time for new-season lamb. Events occur across Mintaro, Auburn, Watervale, Polish Hill River, Sevenhill, Penwortham and Clare. This year’s festival also includes the Fashion Design And Art Awards and exhibitions, and an event celebrating the influence of women in the sheep industry.
n Clare Valley, Ngadjuri Country, Wednesday 17–Sunday 21 September, cvfol.au >>
Eat & Drink Adelaide
EAT
Adelaide Pho
199 Waymouth Street facebook.com/adelaidepho (08) 8212 0997
A steaming bowl of pho is just what the doctor ordered and Lieu Tran and her family spent more than a decade labouring over the perfect broth. This casual haunt has long provided quality, affordable Vietnamese soup to devoted locals in a humble, oldschool space at the relatively quiet end of Waymouth Street.
Africola
4 East Terrace africola.com.au (08) 8223 3885
A bowl of Goolwa pipis swimming in fermented chilli at this African-
inspired restaurant is a wow moment, as is watching the chefs cook over open flames. The peri peri chicken with Mpumalanga fire sauce is superb. A raucous, fun place to dine.
Aurora At ILA
Ground Floor, ILA, 63 Light Square auroraadl.com.au
0422 245 511
Dining at Aurora is a multi-sensory experience. New chef Robin Wagner and his team serve exquisite dishes against a backdrop of Immersive Light And Art (ILA) performance and entertainment. It’s art on and off the plate and the forbidden fruit dessert is a thing to behold.
Hey Jupiter
11 Ebenezer Place heyjupiter.com.au 0416 050 721
Joue de boeuf à la bourguignonne anyone? It doesn’t get much better than beef cheek in red wine sauce with mashed potato, carrots, shallots, lardons and croutons. This petite French bistro serves hit after French hit over breakfast (available late in the afternoon on weekends so you can sleep in), lunch and dinner. Naturellement, c’est délicieux.
Kiin
73 Angas Street kiinrestaurant.com.au (08) 8448 1221
Chef Ben Bertei’s fresh take on
modern Asian dining is full of hits. Lazy long lunches and dinners include new dishes such as coconut curry arancini and a massaman curry featuring a punchy medley of roast Japanese pumpkin, pickled potato, peanuts and ginger.
La Louisiane
89 King William Street lalouisiane.com.au
Retreat to this underground bar and restaurant for French cuisine, live jazz music from 5pm every night and cocktails named after cult French classic films. It’s dimly lit, high-energy and features a roaming caviar cart. Steak frites (scotch fillet served with fries) for the win.
Longplay Bistro
131 Pirie Street longplaybistro.com.au (08) 8151 0967
Take decision making out of the equation and let head chef Calum Horn feed you, bistro-style. A killer wine list and carefully curated LP vinyl soundtrack add to the appeal. A hideaway for cool cats.
Lucia’s Pizza & Spaghetti Bar
Shop 3–4 Western Mall, Adelaide Central Market lucias.com.au (08) 8231 2303
There’s a reason this café and restaurant feels like a warm hug; it’s a family business that’s served southern Italian cuisine since 1957. Adelaide’s
Africola
Kiin
first pizza bar serves everything from spaghetti carbonara for breakfast to traditional pizzas and the Friday lasagne specials are great too.
Osteria Oggi
76 Pirie Street osteriaoggi.com.au (08) 8359 2525
Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of lovingly house-made pasta? The award-winning interior design and fast-paced service creates a buzz, seven days a week, and unlike many restaurants these days, Oggi opens until late.
Restaurant Botanic Plane Tree Drive, Adelaide Botanic Garden restaurantbotanic.com.au (08) 8223 3526
For two weeks during winter (26 June–6 July), Victoria Lennard (formerly head pastry chef at Melbourne restaurant Attica) takes residency for a high tea series with a native ingredient twist; for example, expect emu egg custard tarts and marron claw tartlets. The Botanic Garden setting is special, no matter the season.
Soi 38
74 Pirie Street soi38.com.au (08) 8223 5472
During June, July and August, the Soi 38 team, led by chef Terry Intarakhamhaeng, run curry nights every Thursday. At $35 per person, it’s one of the best bargains in town, featuring a choice of three signature regional Thai curries plus three specials served with rice and roti. Small, family-fun and full of warm fuzzies.
Star House
1/31–39 Gouger Street starhouseadelaide.com (08) 8221 6303
Best Chinese restaurant on Gouger Street? Depends who you ask but if the number of chefs and hospitality folk dining at this bustling institution is anything to go by, Star House is a contender. Fill the lazy susan with spicy shredded ox tripe savoury porridge, and stewed pork belly hot pot, and let the good times roll. It’s utter chaos, which is part of the appeal.
DRINK
2KW Bar & Restaurant
2 King William Street (08) 8212 5511 2kwbar.com.au
It’s no new kid on the block, and it’s not just for summer either (although we’re dreaming of the days we’re back on the terrace). Punters dress to impress, kicking back in booths
with cocktails in hand, and the views over North Terrace and Government House are stunning any time of year.
Apoteca 118 Hindley Street apoteca.com.au (08) 8212 9099
Dress to impress for this Hindley Street bar and restaurant. Once inside, you’re engulfed in the splendour of 1920s style (look up, the chandeliers are gobsmacking) with apothecary cabinetry and décor that stirs the senses. It’s fitting then, that champagne and fine wine rule the menu.
Baddog
63 Hyde Street instagram.com/baddog_bar
A place to hide from the world; Baddog is pretty much as clandestine as it gets in this city. If the small light out front of this bluesy bar is on, consider it open. The dark space is full of comfy booths, with a fully stacked bar.
East End Cellars
25 Vardon Avenue eastendcellars.com.au (08) 8232 5300
This wine bar has more than 10,000 bottles on show (in bar and
bottle-shop format) ranging from obscure drops from faraway lands to difficult-to-find local unicorns. The onsite restaurant channels European influence and the window perches are the best seats in the house, especially when the temperature drops.
The Exeter Hotel
246 Rundle Street theexeter.com.au (08) 8223 2623
No pokies, just authenticity at this iconic old watering hole. Reasonably priced wine and affordable pub meals make this a city favourite. There’s always a big scotch fillet and curry of the day (for which it’s famed) on the menu.
La Buvette Drinkery
27 Gresham Street labuvettedrinkery.com.au
This lush little family-run Euro star serves bistro-style treats such as escargot alongside French aperitifs, stellar cocktails, and local natural and organic wines. But they had me at baked camembert and crème brûlée.
LOC 6 Hindmarsh Square locdotcom.au
An exciting rotating line-up of chefs hit the small kitchen at
this lovely independent bar. As a result, it attracts a devoted and wine savvy crowd. LOC stands for ‘left of centre’ which gives some insight into the kind of minimal intervention wines in the glass.
Mother Vine Wine Bar
22–26 Vardon Avenue mothervine.com.au (08) 8227 2273
A stellar global wine list and a slick interior make this a classy place to imbibe and dine. The food is excellent, too. Slow-cooked brisket, anyone?
Septimus
House Of Cheese & Wine
220 Grenfell Street septimus.au (08) 8166 5171
The name says it all. French cheese and wines with ooh-la-la heritage (plus South Australian gems) are part of the experience in this brand spanking new two-level venue.
Smokelovers
244 Rundle Street smokelovers.com.au
This bar in a former tobacco store is small but full of charm. DJs play until late and the Margaritas are on point.
Station Road
Festival Tower, Station Road stnrd.com.au
(08) 8102 1980
This sleek restaurant recently opened as part of the new Festival Plaza redevelopment so it’s close to the entertainment precinct for a quick drink or French-inspired meal. The cocktails alone are worth a visit, most of which are inspired by classics. The Bees Knees is a heart and belly warmer (Pot & Still fig gin with honey and lemon).
Station Road
La Buvette
2
Vine Time
Watkins Wines’ Sam Watkins talks seasonality . . .
As a winemaker, the seasons are a big part of your job, so what does winter mean for you? After the intensity of vintage in autumn, winter is when we finally come up for air. The pace slows, the vines rest and it gives us a moment to reset. It’s a time for fresh ideas, big-picture thinking and laying the groundwork for what’s next, whether that’s new wines, new adventures or new ways to share our story.
Your vineyard takes a holistic approach to wine production. Can you explain a little bit more about what that means and why you do it? We work with nature, not against it. Our vineyard is certified Organic and Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. It’s all about using fewer chemicals, looking after our team and boosting biodiversity. As well as being better for the environment, that means healthier vines, better grapes and tastier wine.
Can you tell us more about how you’ve increased native flora and fauna around the vines? We teamed up with Landcare to regenerate parts of our vineyard, planting over 1000 native trees and shrubs. We also installed bat boxes and bird perches to welcome more wildlife. The vineyard feels more alive than ever. These changes are great for our organic practices too, with more beneficial insects naturally doing their thing.
What does your ideal winter day look like? It always starts with a coffee and a crisp morning walk through the vineyard with our dogs, Percy and Butters. There’s something special about the stillness of winter out there.
How can visitors experience a different side of Adelaide Hills during the winter months? There’s something magical about the Adelaide Hills in winter. Mist rolling over the vines, fires crackling in cellar doors and the kind of hospitality that warms you up. For a great meal, the Scenic Hotel or Uraidla Hotel are top picks for their cosy, character-filled hospitality and they’re proudly local.
SCENE
BLACK RUBY COCKTAILS SUPPER MENU IN HOUSE DJS ON THE ROOFTOP
BLACK RUBY ROOFTOP
tasting at the cellar door. If there’s time, the Simon Tolley Cellar Door is nearby, with a novel Wine x Popcorn Tasting and vineyard accommodation.
For a more substantial feed, book an immersive customised experience at Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard where newly appointed UK-born head chef Matt Rodgers accompanies you through the steep sloping land to a special vineyard-framed location for snacks and a tasting. The Lane Vineyard also offers memorable dining: head chef Thomas Robinson’s Gathering Indulgence pairs flagship Heritage and Estate series wines with elaborate bites. Or try an Argentinian barbecue at Mordrelle Wines, where winemaker Martin Moran will cook over the fire for eight people or more. For an ultraluxe finale, stay at Sequoia Lodge at Mount Lofty House which has two outdoor hot tubs and a heated infinity pool with views over Piccadilly Valley. n ascendwine.com petaluma.com.au simontolley.com.au mtloftyrangesvineyard.com.au thelane.com.au
mordrellewines.com.au sequoialodge.com.au
Clare Valley farm life
If you’re willing to travel a little further, your efforts will be rewarded in Clare Valley, just a two-hour drive from Adelaide. Here, you’ll find the Watervale Hotel’s Degustation Experience which includes a tour of nearby Penobscot Farm before dining at the hotel’s Penobscot Restaurant. Executive chef Nicola Palmer works magic with the farm’s organic and biodynamic produce; there’s also a teach me, feed me lunch with a wine masterclass.
Stay at Jim Barry Wines’ luxury apartments or the character-packed Bukirk glamping tents and cabins with a farm view. Host Alison Meaney (aka Chook) is one of the friendliest people in the district and built her little patch of heaven from scratch, surrounded by as many chickens as her nickname suggests.
Exercise with a reward is the only kind we’ll consider, and you can’t visit Clare Valley without strolling along the Riesling Trail: 33 kilometres of flat track between Clare and Auburn, with more than 30 cellar doors along the way. Clare Valley Walk offer walks through bushland, each ending at a top restaurant like Mr Mick, Pauletts or Skillogalee.
Burra Heritage Bikes are a fun way to explore the town’s 11 heritage sites, including the Burra Monster Mine and Redruth Gaol. Go even deeper into the region’s ancient soil with the Bourke & Travers Terroir In The Vineyard Tour, which gives you an access all areas pass to the family’s vineyards and ends with wine and food, of course. n watervalehotel.com.au
jimbarryaccommodation.com.au bukirk.com.au
clarevalleywalk.com.au
visitburra.com/burra-heritage-bikes bourkeandtravers.com
Sensory delights in McLaren Vale
In McLaren Vale, the Chalk Hill Sensory Odyssey Tasting Experience turns heads for all the right reasons; the award-winning, immersive session pairs wines with . . . songs. It’s beautifully done and is an enlightening way to taste and consider vino.
At nearby Hardys, the lights are turned out for Tasting In The Dark, another mind-boggling sensory encounter where you’re led into the darkness of the cellar, blindfolded, then taken through a true blind testing, with often surprising results. Hugh Hamilton Wines also play with your mind in their Pure Black Experience, which comes with a tasting senses box that helps unlock aroma and flavour connections.
An eTukTuk Tour with SA eBikes is a fun way to explore the region’s Shiraz Trail. They’re covered, to protect you from the weather, and you can either pedal yourself or let a guide do the hard work. For an utterly adorable evening that will make you feel like a real local, drop in to The Almond Door at Papershell Farm, where their listening bar and jazz café is open on Friday nights. Finally, plan ahead and book a long lunch at Our Place at Willunga Hill, where the welcome is as warm as the roaring fireplace and host Andy Clappis does hospitality right. It’s only open for Sunday lunch and is extremely popular (the cannoli are legendary).
n chalkhillwines.com.au hardyswines.com hughhamiltonwines.com.au sa-ebikes.com.au papershellfarm.com/almond-door willungahill.com
Above and below on the Limestone Coast
Whether above or below ground, the Limestone Coast is a veritable wonderland. The landscape surrounding the rural city of Mount Gambier is particularly magical and the traditional land of the Bunganditj people begs for exploration. Above ground, there’s a patchwork of crops, vineyards and forests. Down below, sinkholes (limestone-formed holes filled with water), caves and aquifers delight adventurous types.
For five generations, farmer Graham Kilsby’s family has owned farmland which contains a sinkhole; the water’s clarity inspired their Sinkhole Gin. They also run snorkelling and sinkhole tours followed by a gin tasting.
Coonawarra is famed for cabernet sauvignon, and some cellar doors take things up a notch with special tastings. Bellwether Wines is a case in point: winemaker Sue Bell offers atmospheric accommodation in bell tents with rural views and their Brunch and Wine Tasting, hosted in an art-packed 1868 stone shearing-shed-turned-winery is utterly charming. So is DiGiorgio Family Wine’s Pasta Making and Lunch, hosted by a real-life nonna. Wine, including aged cabernet sauvignon, accompanies, with plenty of pasta to take home.
Coonawarra is just over four hours from Adelaide so make a weekend of it at the new Warrawindi Escapes: luxury accommodation on a fifth-generation, regenerative farm. Don’t miss the Naracoorte Caves on your way home and make like Indiana Jones as you explore a chamber of fossils recognised by UNESCO for its outstanding scientific value. n sinkholegin.com bellwetherwines.com.au digiorgio.com.au warrawindiescapes.com.au naracoortecaves.sa.gov.au
Roll through The Riverland
The Riverland makes for an unforgettable long-weekend jaunt. The beautiful River Murray runs through this vast, red landscape and the best way to see it is to rent a houseboat (or permanently moored vintage paddle steamer) and take in the views of dramatic cliffs and native wildlife from the water. The likes of River Murray Houseboats have a fleet of nine luxury vessels complete with spas, so while the river may be cold, the rooftop bath sure won’t be.
On shore, there’s plenty to explore. Renmark’s Angove Family Winemakers hit the spot with tours of the St Agnes Distillery and Barrel Hall. A nip of St Agnes Distillery Brandy, Camborne Whisky or Blind Tiger Gin will also stoke the internal hearth. For nostalgia’s sake, try the Stone’s Original Ginger, the beverage beloved by your parents and grandparents. Delicious.
In these times of austerity, the Whistling Kite offer one of the best-value tastings around. This biodynamic producer pairs each wine with a bite-sized snack, highlighting the region’s premium produce, from a family that genuinely cares for the land they call home.
For a longer dining experience, Renmark’s riverside Temperance Restaurant can’t be beaten, while The Frames luxury accommodation gives movie-star vibes and heartstopping views, especially when the storms roll in. You can add on wetland and wildlife safaris, in-house massage and wellness treatments too. Five Par Shacks is great if you like your evening hot chocolate with a golf course view.
Don’t leave without visiting the famous Overland Corner Hotel which does great pub grub in a historic setting. Built in 1856, it’s one of the oldest standing structures in the state and new owners Brad and Nicole Flowers are working hard to breathe fresh energy into the dear old beast.
n rivermurrayhouseboats.com.au
angove.com.au whistlingkitewines.com.au hotelrenmark.com.au/temperance theframesluxuryaccommodation.com.au parfiveshacks.com.au overlandcornerhotel.com.au
PICTURE:
From top: River Murray Houseboats, pasta making at DiGiorgio Family Wine, Naracoorte Caves, Mordrelle Argentinian barbecue
