Adelaide’s Best Hidden Gems Hiding in Plain Sight

Adelaide may not be the biggest city but it's always got little delights tucked up its sleeve, ready for the grand reveal when you least expect it.

Whether you’re a bit tired of hitting the same spots week in, week out; have a friend visiting who you want to show the magical hidden gems of Adelaide to; or perhaps you've planned a first date and are keen to blow them away; these special spots are well worth making a part of your plan. 

Here are Adelaide's hidden gems and best kept secrets, hiding in plain sight for you to explore and enjoy. 

Topiary at Newman’s Nursery

Situated in another one of Adelaide’s best hidden gems, Newman’s Nursery, Topiary is a local produce-driven, waste-free, environmentally friendly, and unique dining experience.

From fresh breakfast options including local free-range eggs, wood-smoked bacon and market fruits, to their South Australian dining Foragers lunch and completely plant-based dining menu, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with both the food and sustainable ethos here. 

Newman’s Nursery, 1361 North East Road, Tea Tree Gully

The Mill

With a vision for a thriving and prosperous arts culture in South Australia, The Mill is a small but mighty leading arts organisation for a dose of all things art and culture in Adelaide. 

Since 2013, The Mill has grown to encompass studios, creative industry offices, and working spaces and the current site on Angas Street is home to over 60 artists, makers, and designers at any one time. Supporting more than 1000 artists through its broader programs each year, The Mill’s multidisciplinary space combines galleries, a performing arts space, a photography studio, a tools workshop and shared meeting facilities. 

The Mill’s rich, year-round program provides artists with the necessary physical space to work on their practice, alongside diverse public events, performances, exhibitions and workshops (paint and sip or weaving masterclass, anyone?) for you to attend at any given time. Be sure to check this hidden gem out. 

Find out more here

154 Angas Street, Adelaide 

Push Pin Boutique

This is one of the cutest vintage clothing stores in Adelaide - and if you haven't visited it, this is your sign to do so!

Specialising in beautiful vintage dresses and accessories from the 1950s, it's a warm and light-filled space brimming with fashionable excellence.

One of the coolest hidden gems in Adelaide, Push Pin Boutique is a chiffon-fuelled treat for those who love to wear a little bit of history. 

8 Compton Street, Adelaide 

Peter Rabbit & Hey Juj

Discover an oasis hidden in plain sight right in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD at Peter Rabbit. Relax in their unique blend of industrial, rustic, homely and modern space, surrounded by a lush, leafy green al fresco setting, and pick your way through their bumper-sized menu filled with all your favourite brunch options including eggs and bagels, alongside coffees, iced drinks and cocktails.

Looking for something a little out of the CBD? Head south and say hello to McLaren Vale's freshest breakky gem Hey Juj - a vibrant café by day, wine bar by night, and a community hub for locals and visitors alike.

The cafe not only serves fantastic food and beverages but also offers fresh flowers, local goods, and a convenient bottle shop. Hey Juj is a modern and fresh space with groovy interiors that feel like a home away from home, and the delicious menu makes it easy to find a favourite dish.

234-244 Hindley Street, Adelaide

150 Main Road, McLaren Vale

Tagai Cellar Door

Offering one of the finest cellar door experiences around in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, Tagai Cellar Door has great wine, tasty sharing plates and pizza, and breathtaking views across rolling hills filled with vineyards, where you may just spot a hoppity kangaroo or two.

Open for business from Friday to Monday each week, it’s the ultimate spot to spend some quality time and enjoy a peaceful sunset during the week, with later opening times than your average cellar door. Bottoms up!

128 Leslie Road, Lenswood

Canoe the Coorong

Enjoy a blissful time cruising down the Coorong River with Canoe the Coorong Tours. Opt for a romantic sunset tour as you paddle down the Murray Mouth, a full-day all-inclusive tour or an overnight camp. You can even make a holiday out of it with a four-day expedition that covers almost 100 km of river and terrain.

This is a great activity for nature lovers, families, or those after a unique and fun date experience that offers something much more than just a drink at a bar.

Lot 99 Mundoo Channel Drive, Coorong

Maybe Mae

The definition of hidden gem is when you cannot see the door and you have to know exactly where to push to gain entry.

Maybe Mae is a stunning little hideaway and one of Adelaide's best hidden gems, tucked below Bread & Bone on buzzing Peel Street. Take a seat in one of their dimly lit booths and be transported back to the 1920s with their art deco styling and expertly crafted cocktails and mocktails. 

15 Peel Street, Adelaide

Mount Osmond Reserve

Take a hike and get lost! Escape to The Hills and wander through lush greens and forests before finding yourself on top of the world (well, on top of Adelaide at least), with a stunning view over the city and the suburban sprawl.

With various paths available at Mount Osmond Reserve, you have the choice between 2.2km trails right up to an 11km loop through beautiful pine and eucalypt forest. A beautiful hidden gem where you can get fit surrounded by beautiful scenery, we love to see it.

City of Burnside, Mount Osmond Reserve

Bibliotheca Bar & Book Exchange

Focusing on spirits from around the globe, perfect classic cocktails and books (lots of books), this stunning little spot is a blissful escape from the busy city streets of Adelaide, straight into a slice of Europe.

It's cosy without being cramped, classy without being snobby, and cool without even trying. See something you like lingering on their bookshelves? Take it home and replace it with one of your own. A truly fun Adelaide hidden gem. 

27 Gresham Street, Adelaide

Himeji Garden

Full of fascinating features that are of profound religious significance to Japanese culture, discover an enchantingly quiet refuge in the serene Himeji Garden.

By taking just a small step away from the city, you can lose yourself in one of Adelaide's best hidden gems and all of its natural beauty. Explore the beautiful and peaceful garden and surroundings, including the lake, mountain garden and dry garden. Side note – it’s free entry.

South Terrace, Adelaide

K1 Cellar Door

Considering this is listed as one of Australia’s top 10 cellar door experiences, this may not be considered such a ‘hidden’ secret – though it is hidden out of the way, with beautiful views overlooking the vineyard and tranquil lake.

Booking at K1 Cellar Door is essential to ensure you’re not disappointed. An unmissable experience, you will be blown away by the magical Adelaide Hills destination, with an incredible Lakehouse that looks like something out of a movie. 

159 Tynan Road, Kuitpo

Garden Island Ships' Graveyard Maritime Heritage Trail

This trail is a hidden gem in Adelaide, offering kayakers and small boat enthusiasts a chance to cruise the shallow waters around Garden Island. Discover the final resting place of 25 wrecks - a varied group of dredges, barges, pontoons and ferries, as well as sailing ships and steamers.

Many ended their working lives in the Port as store ships and tenders. One even became a footbridge and another a floating grain mill.

These abandoned wrecks represent a unique collection of vessels that worked South Australian waters during an era when the maritime industry dominated transport, trade and employment. It's a fun and uniquely Adelaidean experience. 

Port Adelaide

Did Adelaide's hidden gems inspire you to explore more of beautiful South Australia? Check out our guide to the best wineries in Adelaide Hills, or plan your next couples staycay or girls' weekend with our round-up of Australia’s best luxury accommodation.