Take a bike ride along the Adelaide Coastal Bike Path
The Adelaide Coastal Bike Path is a scenic bike path that stretches for over 50km along the Adelaide coastline. It offers stunning views of the ocean and the city skyline, and it's a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The bike path is suitable for riders of all levels, and it's a great way to get some exercise and explore the city.
There are a number of rental companies in Adelaide that offer bike rentals, and it's easy to find a rental location near the Adelaide Coastal Bike Path. Some popular rental companies include:
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Adelaide Bike Hire
Adelaide Bike Hire offers a range of options for cycling enthusiasts and those looking to explore the Adelaide region. They have a selection of performance carbon road bikes for those interested in tackling the challenging Adelaide Hills, as well as a fleet of electric bikes for those who want to take a more leisurely tour of the surrounding areas. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just want to enjoy a casual ride, they have the equipment you need.
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Spinway Adelaide
Spinway Adelaide is a super convenient service to get access to bikes around the city. They have automated rental terminals at various locations in Adelaide and its surrounding areas, including Glenelg, Brighton, West Beach, McLaren Vale, Victor Harbor, and Port Elliot. To use these terminals, simply swipe your credit card and ride! Please note that a physical credit card with a good swipe read is required to hire the bikes.
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Bike SA
Bike SA is the peak body for recreational and commuter cycling in South Australia. Its goal is to encourage more people in the state to take up cycling. In addition to providing resources and support for local cyclists, Bicycle SA is also the state's leading provider of cycling tourism, offering a range of cycling holidays, tours, and events that showcase the beauty of South Australia. If you're looking to rent a bike and explore the area, Bicycle SA has an affordable bike hire option and knowledgeable staff who can help you get everything you need.
Prices for bike rentals vary, but you can expect to pay around $30 per day for a standard road bike. Many rental companies also offer discounts for longer rentals, so it's worth considering if you're planning to ride for more than a day.
It's important to remember to wear a helmet while cycling, as it is required by law in South Australia. It's also a good idea to bring along some water and snacks, as well as a map or GPS device to help you navigate the bike path. With a little bit of planning, you can have a safe and enjoyable bike ride along the Adelaide Coastal Bike Path.
Go rock climbing at Morialta Conservation Park
Located just a short drive east from the city of Adelaide, Morialta Conservation Park is a great place for rock climbing enthusiasts. The park is home to a number of climbing areas, including First Falls, Second Falls, and Third Falls and the climbing routes at Morialta Conservation Park vary in difficulty, with something for everyone from beginners to experienced climbers.
Many of the routes are sport routes, which means that they are equipped with permanent bolts for protection. However, there are also a number of traditional routes, which require the use of removable protection such as camming devices and nuts. Climbing is free at the park, but it should be noted that you ofcourse need to have your own gear and be experienced and trained to do this activity.
If you're new to rock climbing and looking to give it a try, it's a good idea to hire a guide or take a rock climbing course to learn the basic skills and techniques. There are a number of climbing schools and guides in Adelaide that offer lessons and guided climbs at Morialta Conservation Park. These companies typically provide all of the necessary gear and equipment, as well as experienced guides to lead the climbs and teach climbing techniques. Some popular rock climbing companies in Adelaide include:
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Rock Solid Adventures:
They are one of the premier outdoor adventure businesses in Adelaide and has been giving unforgettable memories through outdoor adventures for over 23 years. Highly motivated, experienced, and dedicated guides, make sure that your outdoor climb is everything you hoped it would be.
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Earth Adventure:
Earth Adventure is an active member of the Wilderness Escape Outdoors Adventure Group that holds a number of accreditations in Australia and throughout the world. They offers outdoor experiences that encourage people to forget about all the distractions of the city and get back to nature. With professional guides, they lead experiential outdoor excursions on a broad array of activities, including climbing at Morialta Conservation Park.
A full day out rock climbing experience with any of these two companies might set you back around the $150 mark, but it is definitely worth the money for an amazing day out. Like we mentioned, if you are experienced and have your gear, rock climbing at Morialta Conservation Park is a free outdoor adventure to do. Alternatively, you can enjoy an indoor climbing day at Vertical Reality Climbing for around $20 and get a taste for the activity before you venture out into the great outdoors.
In addition to rock climbing, Morialta Conservation Park is also a great place for hiking, picnicking, and nature photography, which will cost you nothing to do. There are a number of trails that wind through the park, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. So why not spend a day exploring this beautiful natural area park, a stone’s throw from the city centre?
Birdwatching at the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary
The Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary is a wetlands area located just a short 30km road trip from the city of Adelaide. It is located at the southern end of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, a vital habitat for millions of migratory birds, including those flying from Siberia and Alaska. Many of the birds that can be found here, pass through 22 countries on their annual journey.
Each year, over 5 million birds use the flyway, with 27,000 of them making the sanctuary their home. It is one of the key feeding and roosting sites for these birds along the migratory route and it's a great place to see some of Australia's native birds up close.
You can bring your own binoculars or use the ones provided at the sanctuary to get a better view of the birds. The sanctuary is a beautiful place, and it's a great spot for photography enthusiasts to snap some stunning shots of the birds and the surrounding landscape. Some of the bird species that you might see at the sanctuary include:
Ducks: The sanctuary is home to a number of duck species, including Australian wood ducks, Pacific black ducks, and Australian shelducks.
Swans: There is quite a number of swan species at the sanctuary, including black swans and Australian black swans.
Pelicans: These big birds include the Australian pelicans and great white pelicans.
Wading birds: There are a number of wading birds in the sanctuary, including herons, egrets, and ibises.
Waterfowl: Easy to spot geese, ducks, and swans are around.
Shorebirds: The sanctuary is home to a number of shorebird species, including sandpipers, plovers, and stints.
Seabirds: You’ll spot some of the ocean birds such as gulls, terns, and albatrosses in the area.
This is just a small sampling of the bird species that you might see at the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary. With a little bit of luck, you might be able to spot some rare or unusual birds during your visit.
Other activities at the sanctuary for adventure lovers include a number of walking trails. It’s a great place to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. The trails vary in difficulty and length, so there's something for everyone.
If you don’t feel like a stroll, there are lovely picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy a meal or snack and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of nature.
Whether you're an avid birdwatcher or just looking for a relaxing outdoor activity, the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary has something to offer. So why not pack a lunch and spend an afternoon exploring this beautiful and peaceful spot?
Hiking the Adelaide Hills
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Cleland Conservation Park: This park offers a variety of trails through eucalyptus forests and heathlands, with options ranging from short, easy walks to longer, more strenuous hikes. The park is home to a variety of native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas.
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Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit: This trail is a bit more challenging, with a steep ascent through eucalyptus forests and rocky terrain. It leads to the highest point in the Adelaide Hills, with stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The trail is moderate in difficulty and takes about 2-3 hours to complete, but there’s a lovely restaurant at the top where you can enjoy a drink or meal, taking in the beautiful views.
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Morialta Falls: Already mentioned in this article, you can find this trail in the Morialta Conservation Park, which offers a range of hiking options, from short, easy walks to longer, more challenging trails. It is a lovely trail that leads to a series of beautiful waterfalls, with options for short walks or longer hikes through the surrounding bushland. The trail is moderate in difficulty and can take anything between 1-3 hours to complete depending on your route choice and pace. It leads through a beautiful eucalyptus forest, with a series of three cascading waterfalls along the way.
Along the way, you'll have the chance to see a variety of native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. The falls themselves are a beautiful sight, with crystal-clear water cascading over the rock face into a deep pool below.
- Heysen Trail: This is a long-distance walking trail that stretches more than 1,200 kilometers through the Adelaide Hills and beyond. It offers a variety of landscapes and challenges, with options for day hikes or multi-day treks.
It's always a good idea to research the trails before setting out, as some may be more strenuous or have challenging terrain. It's also important to be prepared with the right gear and to follow safety guidelines while hiking. All of these hikes are free to access, and they offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Time to explore
As you can see, there are plenty of exciting and affordable activities to enjoy in Adelaide for adventure lovers. From rock climbing and hiking in the Adelaide Hills to exploring our wildlife, there's something for everyone in this vibrant and exciting city. If you’re looking to explore some finer things with less strenuous output, check out out our world renowned wine district, and read more about some wine-tasting trips here.
No matter what your preference or budget, Adelaide has something to offer for every outdoor lover. So pack your bags and get ready to experience all that this amazing city has to offer!
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