We are ready for an Adelaide weekend away. Our recent longer stays in Adelaide has exposed us to some amazing places we never knew existed in the city. That, or due to being away so long, failed to remember they were even ‘just up the road’.

Old Reynella

St Francis Winery Resort

Some of these places include the St. Francis Winery Resort, which is a great location to host events, but they also offer accommodation for those seeking to have a ‘home away from home’ experience.

I just love the serenity of this venue and the historic winery building in which it prides itself. Perhaps you should pay it a visit when you come to Adelaide.

For us, it was only a ten-minute drive from our current location and half an hour at off-peak from the city, yet it was still within the Adelaide suburbs.  Located in Old Reynella, we felt like we were on vacation right in our own city.

There are so many things to do in Adelaide if you come to visit – take a look at my list of Things To Do in and around Adelaide.

And on top of that, this area is FULL of great things to do, places to eat, and lovely wineries virtually at your doorstep!

For us, staying at St. Francis Winery Resort gave me the opportunity to relax as a single Mum and enjoy an Adelaide weekend away.  Our room overlooked the tranquil gardens, there was an indoor swimming pool, a bar, and restaurant on-site, and the best bit – out room had a jacuzzi spa bath in the ensuite!

Its a great place for all the family to stay and some of the activities in the area are:

Feeding The Local Ducks

Attached to the property is a small lake, old wagons and carts dot the edges and a wooden footbridge gives access to the township of Old Reynella.

Kids can feed the ducks and the rose garden adjacent is really pretty. It’s a perfect location for toddlers and small children and the elderly.

Stirling

If you want to travel further afield on your Adelaide weekend away, head to Woorabinda Lake Reserve. This is just but a portion of the larger Stirling Linear Park. You get to do all this in an environment that is very serene.

There are so many other places in Adelaide where you can enjoy bird watching and duck feeding.

Other Suburbs

Looking to go out and enjoy a drive and explore more of the natural settings on your Adelaide weekend away? These places include Apex Park Wetlands, River Torrens, and Urrbrae Wetlands that you should include.

Reynella Area

Mr. India

My son and I have dined at Mr. India since he was a toddler.  I recall him requesting his 5th birthday to be celebrated here!

Whenever we develop an appetite for Indian delicacies we always book here because the decor is good, the prices are reasonable, the staff is friendly, and we even get a chance to carry away some authentic Indian food if we are unable to clear our full plates.

I personally love the ambiance of this restaurant and the fact that their food is always well prepared. You might want to try out their Samosa, Lamb Madras, and Biryani.

Explorason loves the Autograph Wall, where you might spot a famous signature or two and his graffiti is in giant black print.

The good thing about Mr. India is that you can walk to it from St. Francis Winery if you are enjoying your stay there on your Adelaide weekend away.

Wine Tasting at Hardy’s Winery – Oldest Cellar Door In Australia!

Hardy’s Winery

The Hardy’s Winery is famous in Adelaide, and their family winery has been going for generations with this Reynella Winery being located at the site of the oldest wine business in South Australia, established by John Reynell in 1838.

If you love wine or would like to know more about wine, then I would advise you visit Hardy’s Winery and visit the famous ‘Old Cave’. Here, you will get to taste different types of wine as you learn so much about them.

Wine tasting is not only about finding your taste but is also an educational process that allows you to know so much about wine. Just make sure that you purchase at least a bottle of wine of your favorite drop since this winery thrives more on the purchases made by visitors like me and you that just handing our FREE tastings.

Dinner in An Authentic and Historic  Aussie Pub

Crown Inn

If you would like an authentic Aussie Pub experience, then why not walk on over to The Crown Inn on your Adelaide weekend away?

Located on the main street of Old Reynella it is a great place to experience the ‘front bar’ where locals drink beer or grab some tucker in the dining room where pizza’s and desserts seem to be their specialty.

Marino Beach

Relax At The Beach

Adelaide has some of the most beautiful beaches that I would advise you to visit if you have come all this way from interstate or overseas. You will probably enjoy the cool breeze from the shores of the beach or maybe enjoy the setting of the sun that sees the end of a beautiful day.

If you love taking photos as I do, you might get a perfect shot at any of these beaches of Adelaide. You will definitely love the experience. If you think that this is all you get, then think again, since you also have the freedom of visiting different beachside cafes and pubs to satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst.

For me, I’d recommend Marino Beach – one of the rare pebble beaches in South Australia, but home to a cafe and restaurant and in a lovely cove setting. Perfect to sit and relax on your Adelaide weekend away.

Seacliff and Noarlunga Beaches

Here there are a number of coastal walks. If pebbles are not your thing, then head a little further north or south to Seacliff or Noarlunga.

There are always fun family activities when you head to the beach together too, but you will need a car to drive here.

Mt. Lofty

Head To The Hills

If you are a mountain climber, then I bet you already know that every mountain has unique features that make it both fun and challenging to climb. How about you consider climbing Mount Lofty while you are in Adelaide?

Its peak is not too high and you get to see great fears as you climb up. Some of these features include waterfalls and a forest.  Some of the walks are easy and any family member can join in, whilst others are steeper.  For the truly adventurous there is an area for rock climbing and mountain climbing also.

When you are done, head to the restaurant for a killer view of Adelaide.  A great place to see the city lights at night too.

Willunga

Adelaide weekend away with your family in the middle of the year might just mean you book time in July.

The last weekend of July sees the famous Willunga Almond Blossom Festival.

Just 15 minutes from Old Reynella, and a family weekend even with fireworks, stalls, activities, food, drinks and of course you will enjoy the almond blossom that decorates the trees at this time of year.

Conclusion

If you need more to do, then I’d suggest a day trip to Hahndorf or McLaren Vale whilst you stay here. Both are not far away.  For a trip further afield, Victor Harbour is only a forty minute drive from Old Reynella and many love the Whale Watching that is famous off this coastline.

For us, we just had a relaxed time.  Make sure you are not rushing about so much that you don’t get time to head back to your room for a lovely glass of bubbly and a tub of bubbles too!

Questions and Comments

• Have you ever been to Adelaide?  What did you see and do? What was your favorite place?  Any tips for our readers who are heading here?
• Tell us in the comments below.