Slow Sundays in Adelaide: Culture, Coffee and One Last Long Lunch

Adelaide Botanic Garden

Wake Up and Smell the Coffee

Sundays in Adelaide move to a slower rhythm, and there’s no better way to begin than with breakfast at one of the city’s most-loved cafes. Whether you prefer a garden courtyard or a cosy laneway, the city’s breakfast scene offers more than just smashed avocado and single-origin espresso. Expect seasonal produce, thoughtful menus, and some of the best coffee in Australia.

Start your day at one of these local favourites:

• Bloom in Thebarton for a rustic, light-filled atmosphere and wood-fired breakfast

• My Grandma Ben for sustainability-focused, homemade-style dishes

• Part Time Lover tucked behind Town Hall for something stylish and modern

• Exchange Coffee for specialty brews in the East End

• Peter Rabbit for quirky garden charm

• My Kingdom For A Horse for elevated breakfast classics and sleek interiors

Wander Through the Adelaide Botanic Garden

After breakfast, stretch your legs with a peaceful walk through the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Nestled on the edge of the city, this 50-hectare green sanctuary is a beautiful blend of history and horticulture. Highlights include the Palm House, an ornate 19th-century glasshouse unlike any other in the world, and the Bicentennial Conservatory, a climate-controlled jungle experience complete with soaring tropical flora and a high-canopy boardwalk.

Stroll Adelaide’s Cultural Boulevard

North Terrace

Exit the gardens onto North Terrace—Adelaide’s cultural boulevard and one of the most historically rich streets in the country. Along this iconic stretch, heritage buildings house world-class institutions. If time is short, head straight to the South Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of South Australia. Both are free to enter and boast impressive collections, including the world’s largest collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural artefacts. If you're curious about where science meets creativity, drop into MOD—a cutting-edge, interactive museum just a little further down the terrace.

One Last Long Lunch

Before heading to the airport, make time for one more delicious encounter. Stroll toward the Riverbank Promenade for a final lunch with a view of the River Torrens. Here, outdoor dining pairs perfectly with the laid-back Sunday atmosphere.

Try one of these popular spots:

• Home Ground for casual riverside favourites like burgers and salads

• iTL Italian Kitchen for pasta and pizza with a modern twist

• Jolleys Boathouse for refined dining in a historic riverside setting

Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference

If your Sunday ends with a flight home, make it one to remember. Adelaide’s walkable layout means you can squeeze in cultural highlights, fresh air, and great food before departure. Want to start planning your next visit? Create an itinerary at southaustralia.com to explore restaurants, experiences, and accommodation—all saved in one place.

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