1. Museums and galleries

From the extraordinary Art Gallery of South Australia to UniSA’s cutting-edge MOD. Museum, winter is the perfect time to explore Adelaide’s museums and galleries. Top picks include the South Australian Museum, Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, the Samstag Museum of Art and ACE Open.

If you’re planning to get arty in August, you’re in luck. Throughout the month, SALA Festival – the largest community-based visual arts festival in the country – hosts hundreds of exhibitions, shows and installations all around South Australia. See the SALA website for more information.

2. The Clare Valley Riesling Trail

Who says outdoor exploration is best left to summer? Cool winter days are perfect for tackling the Clare Valley Riesling Trail. Starting in the gorgeous town of Clare, you can cycle all or part of the 35 kilometre path which takes you through stunning wine country. If your fingers get a little too frosty, thaw them out at huge range of award-winning cellar doors and restaurants along the way.

RAA members save when booking accommodation and experiences in the Clare Valley.

3. The Adelaide Cabaret Festival

Established in 2001, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival is the largest cabaret festival in the world. And from 7-22 June this year it’s back, bringing glitz and glamour of epic proportions to venues around the state. Multi-talented television, stage and film favourite Julia Zemiro has been appointed artistic director, supercharging this year’s program with truckloads of sass, wit and charm. This year’s program will be released on 2 April and is set to feature the crème de la crème of national and international acts.

4. Adelaide Hills wineries

Nothing goes together like a glass of red and a roaring fire. Head to the picturesque Adelaide Hills for a weekend of fine wining and dining. Let your cup run over at more than 50 spectacular cellar doors perched atop moody hills, nestled in quaint villages and amidst misty vineyards. You can also sip and savour the best of the Adelaide Hills during the Winter Reds wine festival from 26 – 28 July.

RAA members save when booking accommodation and experiences in the Adelaide Hills.

5. Whale watching

South Australia is one of the best places in the country to spot our oceans’ gentle giants. During winter, the waters off Kangaroo Island, the Fleurieu Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula are teeming with whales. Some of the best places to spot them are The Bluff and Encounter Bay in Victor Harbor, Penneshaw and Kingscote on Kangaroo Island and Head of Bight on the Eyre Peninsula.

Want to get up close? RAA members save when booking whale watching tours with Big Duck Boat Tours.

6. The Adelaide Beer and BBQ Festival

Contrary to popular belief, BBQs and beers aren’t exclusively consumed in summer. Celebrating a match made in heaven, the 2019 Adelaide Beer and BBQ Festival – running from 12 to 14 July – showcases some of Australia’s finest booze and beef in the historic Adelaide Showgrounds. Rug up and sink your teeth into dishes cooked by internationally-acclaimed chefs, then wash it all down with a beer, cider or spirit from one of 80+ exhibitors.