Adelaide Private Tours

05/07/2024

Unique opportunity to experience major glass artist Dale Chihuly in Adelaide's Botanic Gardens across 3 seasons - Spring, Summer & Autumn

Preparations are underway for the much-anticipated event, Chihuly in the Botanic Garden.

There is an extraordinary amount of work going on behind the scenes at Adelaide Botanic Garden to ensure we are ready for this exclusive Dale Chihuly exhibition.

Large-scale glass artworks will be on display in our lush landscape, taking you on a fascinating journey through the Garden, during the day and night.

From installing the foundations for each piece, to the selection of over 2500 plants to compliment the exhibition – it’s all happening in the Garden!

This international art event will open 27 September and run through until 29 April 2025.

Be sure to follow us to keep up to date with all announcements for this premiere event!

Chihuly Studio

Image credit:
Dale Chihuly
Lime and Lava Red Tower (detail), 2021
16 x 8 x 7½'
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
© 2021 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.
Photographer: Nathaniel Willson

30/06/2024

EOFY treat - the 2024 Shiraz Challenge today!

this year I am a student winemaker participating in creating a Barossa Shiraz (some pics below) & today is this year's largest Shiraz tasting in the Southern Hemisphere!

last year's line up of Shiraz -

2023 EDINBURGH HOTEL & CELLARS GREAT SHIRAZ CHALLENGE RESULTS
2023 Edinburgh Shiraz Challenge Results
Wine
1 Neldner Road Hermann Shiraz 2019
2 Powell & Son Barossa Shiraz 2019
3 John Duval Eligo Shiraz 2019
4 Kalleske Eduard Shiraz 2019
5 Torbreck The Factor 2020
6 Kalleske Moppa 2021
7 Bellevue Estate 2021
8 Hentley Farm The Beast 2020
9 Torbreck Woodcutters Shiraz 2021
10 Alpha Box Very Special Shiraz 2022
11 Greenock Creek Barossa Valley Shiraz 2020
12 Dandelion Red Queen of the Eden Valley Shiraz 2019
13 Windy Gully Shiraz 2021
14 John Duval Annexus Shiraz 2021
15 Kaesler Alte Reben Shiraz 2017
16 Kaesler The Bogan Shiraz 2021
17 Samuels Gorge Shiraz 2021
18 Yangarra Ironheart Shiraz 2020
19 Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz 2020
20 Willows Shiraz 2020
21 Alpha Box & Dice Hercules Shiraz 2019
22 Chaffey Bros Elijah Shiraz 2020
23 Dandelion Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz 2021
24 Langmeil Stelle Nere Sparkling Shiraz NV
25 Brown Brothers Patricia Shiraz 2018
26 First Drop Mother's Milk Shiraz 2021
27 Hancock & Hancock Sparkling Shiraz NV
28 Hickinbotham Brooks Road Shiraz 2020
29 Pikes Eastside Shiraz 2021
30 Robert Oatley Limited Release Shiraz 2018
31 Jericho Ancient Stones Shiraz 2021
32 Oleary Walker Romalo Sparkling Shiraz NV
33 Zieglar Shiraz 2021
34 Corryton Burge Kith Shiraz 2019
35 Corryton Burge Percival Nroman Shiraz 2019
36 Kirrihill Partner Shiraz 2020
37 Langmeil Prime Cut Shiraz 2022
38 Sidewood Mappinga Shiraz 2018
39 Soul Growers Provident Shiraz 2021
40 Clarendon Hills Onkaparinga Syrah 2020
41 Curator Wine Co Marananga Shiraz 2021
42 Dune Paliorema Shiraz 2021
43 Seppeltsfield The Westing Barossa Shiraz 2020
44 Battle of Bosworth Puritan 2022
45 Cooke Brothers Greenock Shiraz 2021
46 Hugo Reserve Shiraz 2015
47 Palmetto Shiraz 2021
48 Pirathon Black Shiraz 2017
49 Skillogallee Estate Shiraz 2021
50 Sons of Eden Remus Old Vine Shiraz 2020
51 Soul Growers Slow Grown 2021
52 Yelland & Papps Single Vineyard Greenock 2021
53 Cirillo Estate Single Vineyard Shiraz 2021
54 First Drop 2% Shiraz 2020
55 Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz 2020
56 Greenock Creek Stone Block Shiraz 2020
57 Ministry of Clouds Shiraz 2022
58 Mitchell Peppetree Sparkling Shiraz NV
59 Mt Langi Langi Shiraz 2019
60 Zema Estate Family Shiraz 2016
61 Dandelion Firehawk of McLaren Vale Shiraz 2020
62 Hugo Johnny's Block Shiraz 2021
63 Jericho S3 Shiraz 2021
64 Kaesler Old Bastard Shiraz 2019
65 Michael Hall Flaxmans Valley Eden Valley Syrah 2020
66 Seppeltsfield Barossa Shiraz 2021
67 Yangarra PF Shiraz
68 Yelland & Papps YP Shiraz 2022
69 Chaffey Bros Omni Nova Shiraz 2021
70 Kay Bros Basket Pressed Shiraz 2021
71 Mr Riggs Gaffer Shiraz 2021
72 Sidewood Estate Shiraz 2021
73 Thistledown Gorgeous Shiraz 2021
74 Torbreck The Struie 2021
75 Xo Syrah 2021
76 Charlotte Dalton Love Me Love You Shiraz 2022
77 Clarendon Hills Sandown Syrah 2020
78 Coates The Gimp Shiraz 2020
79 Hugo Shiraz 2020
80 Kaesler Reach for the Sky Shiraz 2021
81 Metala White Label Shiraz 2021
82 Ministry of Clouds Onkaparing Rocks Shiraz 2020
83 Mr Riggs Piebald Syrah 2021
84 Rusty Mutt Chienne Violet Shiraz 2022
85 Rusty Mutt Original Shiraz 2018
86 Sons of Eden Zephyrus Shiraz 2021
87 Spider Bill Syrah 2021
88 Thistledown Cunning Plan Shiraz 2021
89 Wangolina Spectrum Syrah 2018
90 Yalumba Galway Vintage Shiraz 2021
91 Coates La Petite Cuvee Sparkling Shiraz NV
92 Heirloom A'Lambra Barossa Shiraz 2021
93 Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz 2021
94 Kay Bros Hillside Shiraz 2019
95 Langmeil Orphan Bank 2020
96 Oleary Walker Clare Valley Shiraz 2021
97 Pikes EWP Shiraz 2021
98 Ponting Milestone 127 Shiraz 2020
99 Robert Oatley Signature Shiraz 2020
100 Sons of Eden Romulus Old Vine Shiraz 2020

30/01/2024

Holidaying in Adelaide & keen to experience some native foods? Great opportunity to visit the wonderful Red Ochre Restaurant & Grill - just beside the Torrens River. Pleasant walk across the footbridge from North Terrace along the river, or cheap to catch a taxi.... The restaurant also has specials - check on their website

Red Ochre Barrel + Grill

15/01/2024

Look for the Say Cheese stall in Adelaide Central Market, where you can find amazing range of cheese (tastings Thursdays, Fridays& Saturdays) - their warehouse near airport is largest cheese storage in Southern Hemisphere

09/12/2023

Great hospitality from Moondog & crew, rain or shine always a warm welcome 🙏

19/10/2023

Great day out touring in the Fleurieu, perfect weather

31/07/2023

special occasion to celebrate while on tour with us?
Jodie Pope Photography can provide a 1 hour photoshoot during your private tour, at one of our lovely tour locations.
Choose from Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Glenelg, Port Willunga, McLaren Vale wineries.
Contact us for more information & rates

22/03/2023

Great value options for dining in some excellent restaurants in the Adelaide CBD, North Adelaide & Glenelg

Book the first table at participating Adelaide restaurants and you'll get 50% off the food bill for two, three or four diners!

15/03/2023

Adelaide is not all about the wine regions.
Take time to explore the city, and you can still enjoy the local wine - from some of the best restaurants our city has to offer...

An urban island surrounded by a sea of vines, South Australia’s laid-back capital is an easy base for memorable day trips. But you can also have an incredible holiday without venturing beyond the city limits.

27/11/2022

have a special day coming up?
what about a lunch at one of our Adelaide Hills wineries?
Combine with a visit to Hahndorf, and you have a fabulous day out in one of our premium wine regions, just 25 minutes from Adelaide CBD.
Spectacular summer views on offer at the following wineries -

The Lane Vineyard https://www.thelane.com.au/
Pike & Joyce https://pikeandjoyce.com.au/
Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard https://www.mtloftyrangesvineyard.com.au/

& so many more to choose from, head over to https://www.visitadelaidehills.com.au/wineries to explore the options.

The Lane Vineyard has been the custodian of a stunning piece of pristine Adelaide Hills terroir since the first vines were planted in 1993. Sitting 400m atop the rolling hills adjacent the Onkaparinga Valley, the vineyards enjoy the warm days and cool nights that the wine region is so famous for. Ju...

24/11/2022

A long wait but it is worth it, the Cellar Door Festival returns to it's pre-covid style program, add on the wine regions as we have 300 to choose from within an easy day's touring.

Cellar Door Fest—Adelaide’s favourite food & drink festival—returns to the Adelaide Convention Centre 3-5 Feb! Grab your tickets today!

15/11/2022

Robe in South Australia is lovely any time of year, and a nice surprise is Sky Seafood Processors, where you can buy a crayfish & the team will prep it for you to enjoy as a platter with local wines

13/02/2022

Adelaide is starting to come alive again, getting ready for Festival season. Starting on 18th February is the fabulous Adelaide Fringe followed by the Adelaide Festival 3rd March, kicking off with Adelaide Writers' Week, then WOMADelaide on March 11th.

What a great time to visit and don't forget to explore the regions, is just a 20 minute drive from the CBD.

We are offering a Festival Special - just $65 per hour for a guide with vehicle included, to travel to Adelaide Hills, Barossa or McLaren Vale. Up to 7 friends can travel together. Or book us to explore Adelaide & the city Beaches. Minimum hire 5 hours.

05/10/2021

Adelaide puts on great festivals, with the convenience of being under the one roof, a great opportunity to sample SA's best producers

There’s a real buzzzzz about this one!

29/06/2021

Handy guide for some DIY Astronomy on those clear evenings

22/04/2021

Great to see Wayward Bus 2020 up & running again, with great walking options

1-6 July: Our adventure tour from SE Queensland to Sydney with coast-hiking options now has 5 beach-trekkers booked and is "good to go".

Shake out your beach shoes and jump on the bus!

You can stay in YHAs* for around $30-40 per night or bump up to 3-4 star motels/hotels.

* YHAs in Byron and Newcastle. The YHA in Coffs closes in May and we are recommending the Pier Hotel.

01/04/2021

great review by Bruce Elder from the Aussie Towns FB page for Port Willunga's Star of Greece Restaurant & Cafe on the spectacular coastline of our Peninsula

Aldinga – and the Star of Greece – the wreck and the café

I don’t very often write about restaurants mainly because, over time, an experience of great interest can degenerate into a food experience of breathtaking awfulness.
So, here I go, out on a limb because once, about five years ago, I had a great fish meal at a gorgeous restaurant named after a shipwreck.

The Star of Greece Restaurant in perched on the cliffs overlooking Port Willunga which lies to the north of Aldinga, a commuter suburb-cum-daytripper destination 44 km south of Adelaide.

Anyway, on one of my many visits to South Australia (I really know that state from one end to the other), I was encouraged to go to the Willunga Markets (yes, they are excellent) on a Saturday and then head off to the coast and dine at the Star of Greece.

There is a strange serendipity about the name. If you look at the coast, with its sandstone cliffs and its Mediterranean ambience, you would think that the Star of Greece was serving up dolmades, feta and lamb cooked in olive oil and oregano. It doesn’t. In fact the website quite explicitly states “Not a Greek restaurant”.

In fact it was the name of a ship, made in Belfast and wrecked just off the coast.
The Star of Greece was one of a number of ships coming out of Belfast and was, along with the rest of the ‘Star’ fleet, famed for its speed and elegance.

She spent most of her time engaged in the Calcutta jute trade, but did occasionally journey to Mauritius for sugar. During its 20-year life it had made journeys to New Zealand and New York and then came to Australia to collect a load of wheat bound for London.

1888 was a particularly bad year from shipwrecks around the South Australian coast. 18 vessels were involved in collisions and other disasters.

In the grip of a Depression the South Australian government decided it could save £4000 by reducing the number of lighthouse keepers, laying up steamers and dispensing with trained and well practiced crews on the coast service.

So it is hardly surprising that on 13th July 1888, as it made its way down the coast, the Star of Greece got into trouble and there was little or no assistance available.

On the particular day the wind was hauling, the rain was thick and the barometer had fallen to an unprecedented low. The strong SW wind was pounding the coast with such ferocity that it pushed the Star of Greece 46 km off course. By 2.00 am the ship hit what at first was thought to be a reef. It was soon realized that it had run aground on the main coast only 200m from shore.

Shortly after it was wrecked the ship broke in two amidship. The 16,002 bags of wheat heading for London were lost and, because of the reduction of services, it took 14 hours for a rescue crew to reach the scene.

Of the 28 crew, 17 were drowned. Today the vessel is a popular dive site and the name has been taken by a restaurant which prides itself, not in Greek cuisine, but in such taste thrills as Kangaroo Island salt and pepper squid, Kangaroo Island King George Whiting, Port Willunga olives, Yellowfin tuna … and a view across Gulf St Vincent which is particularly magical at sunset.

31/03/2021

Great way to purchase premium SA wines and support BBFF, while international tourism is at a standstill

From the Directors of Building Brighter Futures Foundation (BBFF): Over the last year, with the Covid pandemic essentially stopping international tourism, the communities that BBFF supports have...

27/03/2021