South Australia’s local cuisine
80% of Malaysians think Australia isn’t a foodie destination.
South Australia is home to some of the freshest and most inspired ingredients in the country. Taste enticing African flavours at Adelaide’s Africola, sip rich red wines in the Barossa Valley and shuck your own local oysters in Coffin Bay. Whether you’re dining in an architectural anomaly or snorkelling for scallops, South Australia’s food and wine opportunities are endless.
Adelaide Central Market
Adelaide Central Market, Adelaide, South Australia © Josie Withers Photography
The Adelaide Central Market brings all of South Australia’s most delicious produce to one place. With over 80 market stalls, you’ll find everything from fruit and vegetables to seafood and smallgoods. As one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere, the Adelaide Central market is bright and bustling all year round. Peruse the shops before taking a seat at one of the nearby cafes and eateries. For insight into South Australia’s freshest ingredients, take a market tour with a knowledgeable local. The Early Risers Breakfast Tour is perfect for discovering the best of the market before indulging in a local brunch.
Barossa Valley
Hentley Farm, Barossa Valley, South Australia © Meaghan Coles
South Australia is home to one of the world’s great wine-growing regions - the Barossa. Less than one hour from Adelaide by car, the Barossa is the ideal locale for foodies and wine-lovers alike. Visit Hentley Farm to taste some of the region’s most delicious dishes and drops, or head to Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop for quality gourmet goods. Drink and dine at some of the region’s best restaurants, like Appellation at the Louise, which serves up local produce at peak freshness. The Barossa also boasts a long list of cellar doors, and some offer unique experiences to enhance your visit. At Jacob’s Creek, you can try your hand at winemaking when you blend your own bottle perfectly suited to your tastes. At Seppeltsfield, you can taste your own birth year vintage straight from the barrel.
Kangaroo Island
Enchanted Fig Tree Lunch - LifeTime Private Retreats, Kangaroo Island, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission
Kangaroo Island is known for its pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife, but it’s also a foodie destination unlike any other. After reaching the island either by flight or car and ferry, you’ll step into a gourmet escape featuring fine dining, local spirits and quality wines. Head to The Oyster Farm Shop, an iconic blue shop front, for ocean-to-plate seafood. Stop by Kangaroo Island Spirits to sip beautifully crafted local gins before enjoying a range of wines and ocean views at Dudley Wines Cellar Door. A tour with LifeTime Private Retreats will grant you access to The Enchanted Fig Tree, a dining experience within the branches of a 100-year old fig tree. No matter your tastes, there’s a culinary experience to suit on Kangaroo Island.
Eyre Peninsula
Oyster Farm Tours, Esplanade, Coffin Bay, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia © South Australian Tourism Commission
Eating fresh seafood is one of Australia’s most exquisite culinary experiences, and it doesn’t get any fresher than enjoying oysters in the Eyre Peninsula’s Coffin Bay. Take an Oyster Farm Tour to stand within the calm waters and taste shellfish straight off the rack. Follow the Seafood Frontier Road Trip Map, which takes you from Whyalla to Streaky Bay, to sample not only oysters but a range of specialty seafood like abalone, prawns and rock lobster. Beyond oysters, the Eyre Peninsula also offers fine dining restaurants and funky coffee shops. Get your daily dose of coffee at Rogue and Rascal in Port Lincoln, which features quirky decor and stunning sea views. Don’t miss the dining experience at The Line & Label restaurant, which is set amongst the vineyards of Peter Teakle Wines and offers up a menu designed by celebrity chef Pete Evans.
