A Magical Weekend in South Australia for Illuminate Adelaide ✨
- The Party Bebe
- 20 minutes ago
- 8 min read
After four unforgettable days in South Australia, I’m still glowing— literally—from the magic of Illuminate Adelaide. This winter festival of light, art, music and technology continues to outdo itself year after year, and 2025 was no exception.
From immersive light installations and roaming performances, to spa sessions, wine tastings, and spontaneous dance parties—our Adelaide itinerary had it all. Here’s everything we experienced (and everything you’ll want to bookmark for your next trip to SA).
DAY ONE: Arrival, City Lights & a Magical Nightfall
We touched down in Adelaide on Thursday and checked in to the beautiful Sofitel Adelaide—the official partner hotel for Illuminate Adelaide. The kids took full advantage of the pool, and before we knew it, it was time to glam up for the City Lights preview.
City Lights Cocktail Party
Hosted at Bonython Hall by Illuminate Co-Founders and Creative Directors Lee Cumberlidge and Rachael Azzopardi, the night was pure magic.
It started with Fiers à Cheval, a mesmerising roaming performance that filled the city streets with giant illuminated horses. Compagnie des Quidams’ luminous horse troupe from France is performing at Festival Plaza throughout Illuminate Adelaide as part of City Lights —and it’s not to be missed.
Bonython Hall at University of Adelaide was the most spectacular setting for the event.
Then came a preview of SomniUs by illumaphonium, a cosmic, interactive experience that blends light, sound, movement and human connection—definitely one of our festival highlights. The lights dance above as you explore and connect in a collective dream.
Dinner followed at East End Cellars, a local institution that’s part wine bar, part bottle shop, part elevated eatery. Their seasonal share plates paired with top-notch South Australian wines made for the perfect post-preview dinner. It’s warm, buzzy, and exactly the kind of spot you want to toast to a magical night.
Address:
25 Vardon Ave
Adelaide, 5000
DAY TWO: Culture, Wellness & Light Trails
We started our Friday with a visit to the Adelaide Central Market. Hot chocolates from Les Deux Coqs, breakfast pizza and macarons? It was heaven on earth! There are over 70 traders at the market to explore.
Next was a dose of art and culture at the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) with the Dangerously Modern Exhibition —showcasing bold, trailblazing Australian women artists who were in Europe between 1890 - 1940. Thought-provoking and fabulous.
Lunch at Taikunthi, located within the University of Adelaide, was a standout. This warm and stylish space celebrates native ingredients and contemporary Australian cooking and has been designed as a space for the community to connect and relax.
We were treated to a tasting of the menu and menu highlights included:
Taikunthi native thyme focaccia with house churned butter
Whipped ricotta w hot honey, lemon, flaked chilli, walnut, baguette
Halloumi w radicchio, persimmon, housemade focaccia, hazelnut balsamic
Soba noodle salad w mushroom XO, spring onion, toasted sesame
Marinated grilled chicken skewers w freekeh, cranberries, pomegranate, mint & parsley salad
Southern Ranges rump cap w twice cooked chat potato, native pepper jus
It was a magnificent lunch and thank you to Sonya and Ross for hosting us.
Address:
Union House
Level 5 Victoria Dr
Adelaide, 5000
In the afternoon, Steph (Melbourne Sights) and I were invited to indulge in some R&R at Davaar House, a magnificent spa, cafe and state-of-the-art wellness centre nestled overlooking lush gardens. A 20-minute Red Laser Therapy followed by a 45-minute massage left us recharged. Green juices in hand, we floated out the door.
That evening, it was back to Illuminate! We began with cocktails at 2KW Bar & Restaurant, perched above King William Street with sweeping views of Adelaide’s skyline. The terrace buzzes with energy, especially during festival season, and it’s the ideal spot to sip a Negroni or Spritz while the city lights flicker to life around you.
The next stop was to Night Visions at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Featuring the work of local and international artists in one collective vision, Night Visions is not to be missed.
We adored walking through Craig Walsh’s Monuments, where the trees themselves become storytelling sculptures honouring First Nations leaders, backed by a stirring score. We literally had goosebumps and the kids couldn't believe these sculptures were in fact lights reflected on to trees!
We also loved Chris Petridis’ Fracture where you walk through what appears to be a prism of light, with light reflecting and refracting. Incredible.
Our dinner that night was at Pinco Italo, a vibey Italian spot serving up limoncello spritzes, delicious family-style plates, and party tunes! It was the perfect end to a dazzling day. Book ahead—it’s small but super popular!
Menu highlights:
Buffalo Mozzarella w Melon, basil & chilli
Beef Tartare w Caesar dressing, cured yolk, baby gem
Chicken Cotoletta w Brown Butter, Capers & Lemon
Rigatoncini alla Vodka with Chilli and Parmigiano (we had this with GF pasta and it was delicious!)
Tiramisu w Frangelico & Hazelnut
Address:
50 Exchange Place
Adelaide, 5000
DAY THREE: Adelaide Hills Adventures & Festival Fun
Saturday took us beyond the city, into the rolling vineyards of the Adelaide Hills with Michelle from Vino & Beyond who offers premium wine tours to multiple wine regions in South Australia.
Deviation Road was our first stop and is an award-winning boutique family-owned winery in the Adelaide Hills. Tucked into a leafy pocket of Longwood, it’s a hidden gem producing some of Australia's finest méthode traditionnelle sparkling. Their cellar door is effortlessly chic, with lush surrounds and a sense of calm that instantly puts you in the mood to sip and savour.
We enjoyed the NOBLE CUVÉE Wine Flight which featured four outstanding sparkling wines - Altair Brut Rosé, Southcote Blanc de Noirs, Loftia Vintage Brut and Beltana Blanc de Blancs. We enjoyed the Beltana and Loftia so much we purchased a few bottles to take home. Rihanna hosted us in the Cellar Door and gave us such a wonderful overview of Deviation Road and the wines.
I highly recommend visiting Deviation Road when travelling to the Adelaide Hills.
Address:
207 Scott Creek Road
Longwood, SA, 5155
Our next stop was to the stunning Sidewood Estate for lunch.
Lunch at Sidewood Estate was next level. We had a perfect table next to the fire and were surrounded by the most incredible artworks - there was literally Bromley and Olsen pieces right at our table.
We started off with a wonderful wine tasting at the table with Matt (the Chloe Cuvee was such a highlight) followed by an outstanding lunch. The menu champions local produce—think kingfish sashimi, slow-cooked lamb shoulder and their signature truffle fries.
And the kids? They were in heaven with DIY ice cream sundaes, extensive kids menu, a playground and expansive grounds to explore.
There really is something for everyone at Sidwood, from tasting paddles, luxury day beds and wine pavilions, lawn bowls and children's garden.
Menu Highlights:
Seared West Coast Scallops in half shell, njuda butter, pickled ginger and crispy shallots
Gazander' South Aussie Pacific Oysters w Pomegranate vinaigrette, compressed nashi pear & dill oil
Salt n pepper squid, Szechuan pepper, sea sait, sweet chili sauce + fresh lime
Red duck leg curry, pineapple, coconut rice, bok choy, crispy shallots
Wagyu sirloin, red wine jus, Jerusalem artichoke, charred shallots
An outstanding setting, warm and friendly service and delightful food and wine, add Sidewood Estate to your must-visit list!
Address:
6 River Road
Hahndorf, South Australia, 5245
We wrapped up our time in the Adelaide Hills with a visit to Hahndorf, the most charming town with boutique shopping galore.
Our tour concluded with a visit to the Haigh’s Chocolate Factory. We left with enough chocolate to last us until Christmas and the kids loved seeing where one of their favourite chocolates are made and watching the chocolatiers at work.
The iconic Haigh’s retail store, Visitor Centre and original factory site are located on the fringe of Adelaide’s parklands. It is just a short drive or walk south of the city centre, to Greenhill Road, Parkside and you can pre-book a tour or do a self-guided tour.
After a quick trip back to The Sofitel, it was time to head towards Base Camp.
Base Camp is nestled right in the centre of the Illuminate Adelaide action. It’s like a winter pop-up village with fire pits, twinkling lights, faux snow, food trucks and entertainment. The kids loved their wood-fired margherita pizzas and Pete and I enjoyed a glass of wine by the fire.
Base Camp is free to enter and is perfectly positioned between Night Visions and City Lights. It is the perfect pit-stop before or after your Illuminate Adventure.
Address:
Lot Fourteen, North Terrace
It was then time to take a walk through City Lights, a must-see for the whole family.
One of Adelaide’s favourite winter traditions, City Lights has once again lit up the streets — turning chilly nights into magical moments shared with thousands.
This year’s edition has brought a fresh lineup of FREE installations: think dreamy projections, hands-on experiences, and wow-worthy roaming performances by some of the world’s top creatives.
You can download the City Lights map here.
Universal Kingdom at Adelaide Zoo is one of the most magical parts of the festival for families. As night falls, the zoo transforms into an illuminated playground of prehistoric creatures, light sculptures and mythical animals. It was so beautiful to see the joy on little guests faces as they wandered through glowing tunnels and came face-to-face with a roaring T-Rex!
We finished off the day with a dinner date at Station Rd with Illuminate Adelaide founders, Lee and Rachael, and gorgeous publicity team, Sarah, Tatia and Mary.
Station Rd is a chic new bistro tucked into the heart of the city at Festival Tower. With its moody interiors, local wine list and inventive modern menu, it’s the perfect date-night spot. It has been dubbed 'a little European and a LOT South Australian' and I couldn;t think of a more perfect description!
Menu Highlights:
Yellowfin tuna tostadas, crème fraÎche
Bluenose ceviche, daikon, coriander
Oeuf mayonnaise, Yarra Valley salmon roe
Whole deboned whiting, aioli, sumac
Grilled spatchcock, celeriac rémoulade
Address:
Festival Tower, Adelaide 5000
DAY FOUR: Wine, Wellness & Offline Magic
Before flying home, we made two last stops—and they might have been the most soul-nourishing of all.
The first stop was to Chalk Hill Wines — the official wine partner for Illuminate Adelaide - for Sensory Odyssey . This isn't your average wine tasting; each glass is paired with custom music compositions in a stunning private cellar, designed to elevate your senses and completely transform the way you experience wine. Chalk Hill’s passion for innovation and storytelling truly shone through. Plus, the views over McLaren Vale? Absolutely dreamy!
Address:
56 Field St
McLaren Vale SA 5171
Finally, we spent the afternoon with The Offline Club at Papershell Farm.
We swapped screens for soil and took part in something truly special at Papershell Farm. Phones were left at the gate, making way for a totally offline experience rooted in connection, community, and the rhythm of the land.
The day kicked off with a self guided tour of the stunning regenerative property, followed by a long, slow farm-to-table lunch bursting with earthy Southern flavours. Drinks flowed, conversations deepened, and the vibe was effortless.
Each guest planted a tree—leaving behind a living legacy—before the afternoon melted into a live set by Papershell’s own Surahn Sidhu (yep, the former Empire of the Sun member).
It wasn’t just a lunch. It was a full sensory reset—real, grounded, and unforgettable.
You can view the full calendar of The Offline Club events at Illuminate Adelaide here.
Whether you’re a culture lover, light seeker, foodie or festival hopper, Illuminate Adelaide delivers an unforgettable winter experience for everyone in the family. It runs until 20 July and you can view the full program at https://www.illuminateadelaide.com
This was our second visit to Illuminate Adelaide and definitely won’t be our last. Huge thank you to the Illuminate team, TS Publicity and Sassafras PR for hosting us at Illuminate 2025 —it was a weekend full of light, wonder, connection and joy.
xx
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