16 Instagram-Worthy Spots in Adelaide That You Don’t Want to Miss

It’s often the very places that we take for granted that hide within them the most aesthetic and funky backgrounds. Something similar is the case with Adelaide which often gets overlooked because of the splendour of Sydney and the marvel of Melbourne. But if you know where to look, you will find that Adelaide has all the places that you need to up your Insta game. Together let's explore some of the best Instagram-worthy spots in and around Adelaide.

1. Hallett Cove

Hallett Cove has so many things to offer. Its rocks and surrounding coastline provide the perfect rugged background for a shoot amidst nature. The geological formations make for great pictures. Additionally, the Sugarloaf Boardwalk makes for a refreshing trek and gives an adventurous vibe to the photos. The adjoining Hallett Cove Conservation Park is home to the lovely native flora and fauna. All in all, this location is full of settings that would make for a scenic Instagram feed.

2. Port Willunga

Home to the ruins of an old jetty, Port Willunga makes for a great photographic location. With the wood structure arranged into an arc leading to the coast, the setting looks pristine. This makes it a great focal point for beach photography. You can try some long exposure shots in the daylight to capture the essence of the place. For some bonus shots, you can visit the freshwater spring Wirruwarrungga located in it.

3. Rundle Mall

If you’re looking for a metropolitan setting, Rundle Mall is the place to be. The striking Malls Balls contained in it create amazing reflections that make for a fun picture. Another attraction is the Rundle Lantern on the corner of the Rundle Mall and Pulteney Street. A huge light display consists of 748 panels that make beautiful and vibrant patterns using a variety of colours. Mirrors and bright colours always make for captivating photos.

Street photography has a certain kind of spark in it. If you want it for your Instagram photos, be sure to check out Rundle Street. Finally, if you feel appreciative of the city’s architecture, the Haigh’s Chocolate outlet in the Beehive Corner building, situated on King William Street at the opposite end of the mall, would give you a broad view.

4. Henley Beach

If you’re feeling beachy and want a sandy aesthetic on your Instagram, you should check out Henley Beach. A mere 20-minute drive from Adelaide, it is perfect for a quick day getaway and some cool and relaxing pictures.

5. Torrens River

River Torrens runs through the city of Adelaide and offers spectacular views of the city in its watery reflections. With the city lights illuminating the water at night, it makes for a beautiful sight. The part of the river near the Adelaide Oval is a popular location to take evening strolls and click pictures. You can get creative and play with shadows during the night as well as the day to get some experimental photos. If you are interested in capturing the river for its own sake, you should drive up George Road in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs (past Athelstone) to Torrens Gorge to get a good shot.

6. Himeji Japanese Garden

The Himeji Garden is quite underrated but makes for a great site for photography. Located at the heart of Adelaide CBD, it is a traditional Japanese garden with a quaint teahouse and a serene lake.

7. Adelaide Hills

The Adelaide Hills, its winding roads and the numerous charming villages it encompasses make for a good road trip. It is quite famous for its wineries and white wine can be savoury, it also makes for a sophisticated prop in a photograph. However, some wineries are more instagrammable than others. To name a few, ‘Between the Vines’ with its arched windows and ‘Bird in Hand’ with the giant beige door offer more interesting settings.

8. Mount Osmond Reserve

If you’re up for some trekking to get some good photos, Mount Osmond Reserve is the place to be. Home to the forest woods, wetlands and the occasional kangaroos and koalas, it is worth a visit. Depending on the trail option you choose, you can experience the bush, coastline and city view.

Usha and her husband were captured by Luke, our photographer in Adelaide

9. Mount Lofty Summit

Mount Lofty Summit is the best place to get some breathtaking panoramas of the city. If the day is clear, you might be able to view as far as the Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island. You can even find some koalas here. Who doesn’t want a picture with a koala nibbling on some leaves! If you want to capture some flora, you can visit the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens located nearby.

10. Hahndorf

Just a quarter of an hour away from the Mount Lofty Summit, you will find the towny village of Hahndorf famous for its pubs and galleries. Resided in by some of the first German settlers in Australia, the streets contain houses displaying the original German-style architecture that make for great backdrops for photos.

11. Adelaide Botanic Garden

The Adelaide Botanic Garden is a vast area of lush and carefully-crafted gardens and commendable architecture. Located in the northeast corner of the city centre in the Adelaide Park Lands, it contains some of Australia’s finest plant life.

Navya was captured by Kleyton, our photographer in Adelaide for her maternity shoot

12. McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale is famous for its wineries and the grandeur of the vineyards. But it does not stop there, it also has natural attractions, serene beaches and delightful culinary experiences to offer.

13. Aldinga Beach

Nearby the McLaren Vale region, Aldinga Beach is a lively spot drawing swimmers, surfers and sunbathers alike, and a good location for beach photography. The Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park abounds in rare orchids and birdlife and Thomas Street Reserve, located at a close distance, makes for a grassy seaside picnic scene.

14. Art Gallery of South Australia

The Art Gallery of South Australia has many remarkable artistic creations. One highlight among them is the 6 metres high Life of Stars Sculpture. Located at the gallery’s entrance, it makes for an impressive prop to pose with.

15. Semaphore Jetty

The Semaphore Jetty provides a lovely view of the coastline and the coastal sky with a unique chance to “walkover” the seawater. Located on the sandy white Semaphore Beach, the jetty has a long history. Constructed in 1860 and originally 2138 feet in length, it has now been reduced to 1918 feet due to storms over the years.

16. Barrosa

What is Adelaide without a good winemaking experience? Next in line to the Adelaide Hills and the McLaren Vale regions is Barrosa, known for its world-class wineries, breweries and distilleries.

Bonus Tips

A good photo is a result of many factors. Now that you’ve got the locations covered, you might want to think about the others. Getting the right angle and frame can be difficult sometimes but a professional photographer can help. Hiring a professional photographer can guarantee that you end up with amazing pictures for the ‘gram. So, why wait? Book a photoshoot with one of our experienced photographers to get a flavour of the city and some beautiful pictures to show for it.

However, if you first want to get a taste of what it is going to be like or perhaps want something to kindle that wanderlust again that got lost between presentations and zoom meetings, you should check out the Adelaide virtual tour to get a glimpse of the beauties that await you.