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    Adelaide – a winery, beach bar, marina and the CBD

    Monty and I spent a week in Adelaide in March this year. For the first three days I roamed the city and its surrounds with my friends who I’ve known since primary school. Three of us are based in Queensland. The fourth member of our little ‘school group’ lives in Adelaide. So off we flew to Adelaide and spent three action-packed days with our chum. To read about this adventure head to South Australia | Adelaide : what to do in three days.

    The second half of the week I met up with Monty and we stayed with old friends at their Glenelg Beach apartment. We used this location as the perfect based to explore the local environs and further afield.

    Day One: We headed to The d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale (pictured below). Famous for its stacked-cubes building and its passion for all things Dali, d’Arenberg was on our bucket list. Thankfully our time there didn’t disappoint. It ticked all the boxes and more. Set amongst vines, the building is an extremely quirky destination; a visual overload. While the building is set amongst a calming, country environment, walking into the building is the complete opposite. It’s an assault on your senses that’s for sure. Even a trip to the loo is different! Got you intrigued? Check out the blog on our d’Arenberg Cube experience for the full lowdown.

    Monty and I spent most of the day at d’Arenberg and didn’t pop into neighbouring wineries, but I have it on good local authority Mollydooker Wines is a definite visit if you’re in the area.

    Although it’s appealing dropping into different wineries, the reality is you need a dedicated driver to spend the day with you. As Monty and I have been to many wineries over the years we decided to head back to Glenelg so that Monty could check out Moseley Beach Club which is conveniently located down the street from our base.

    Although I had already been to the club with my school chums, I was keen to while away a few hours with Monty. We reminisced about our time in the south of France, the glorious French Riviera, and walking the promenade in Nice.

    It was a blissful Glenelg afternoon. The sun’s rays gently pierced white fluffy clouds while the brilliant Mediterranean blue hues of sky and sea fought for our attention. The beach wasn’t crowded, nor too the club. I can imagine it would be elbow room only during the height of summer! If you’re heading there during the open season, I strongly recommend you book in advance your day bed, sun lounger or perhaps a booth with your own private waiter. In true fashion, Monty ordered an Aperol Spritz (surprisingly not on the drinks menu) while I went off script and chose a gin-fuelled Bay Breeze. Both were perfectly cold and totally delish. The Moseley Beach Club sits neatly on the foreshore of Glenelg Beach and is open daily from 11am during summer from December 4 to April 7. Our timing was impressive. Had we been there a week or so later we would have missed out on beachside drinks at this very cool location.

    Day Two: thanks to our friends’ tips we had the best coffees at St Louis House of Fine Ice Cream and Desserts in O’Connell St, North Adelaide and Bocelli Caffee Ristorante in Hutt Street, CBD. Our second day together, Monty and I decided to take it easy. We caught up with family and friends, and drank more coffee and wine, before heading back to Glenelg to chill and once again hit the local bars in the evening. The Marina was our port of call for wining and dining; The Oyster Bar being a long-held favourite for years. The location is sublime, especially at dusk.

    Day Three: Back to the marina in the morning for brunch and then lunch at Luciano’s. It was like we were on Speed Dating gig. Brunch with one couple and then lunch with another couple. Dinner at Ellenika Ocean Grill for THE BEST EVER Paidakia!!! I am starting to think Adelaide may not be good for my waistline!

    Day Four: Monty and I explored Glenelg. We walked the pier. We ate the best pasties and creamy vanilla slice at award-winning Orange Spot Bakery. We soaked up the local history at the museum. We jumped onto the tram which took us straight into the heart of the city. We ventured down Adelaide Arcade, found a fabulous hat shop, and even the Gilded Goblin tattoo parlour oozed old world charm. We wandered down Rundle Mall checking out the retail offer. Rundle Mall is Adelaide’s popular pedestrian mall which runs between King William Road and Pulteney Street. A highlight of the mall walk is the smattering of impressive public art including the world-famous ‘Triumphant Elephant’ by Salvador Dali. Valued at $3million, the seven-metre high sculpture is an imposing art piece with its spider-like legs. The sculpture is currently on loan from the Dali Universe in Switzerland. For more details click here.

    There are still many more places to visit, things to taste, see and do, in Adelaide and beyond, which ensures Monty and I will return…hopefully before the next seven years roll around.

    Vicki Montague is a freelance writer with a predilection for travel, European fashion, architecture that oozes history and charm, and objects that tell a story. She and her partner John are empty nesters - their three adult children have left the comforts of home to carve out their own paths in life. Vicki’s professional background is in marketing and public relations.

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