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Thinking about your next trip? Adelaide might just be the destination you didn’t know you needed with plenty of things to do in Adelaide. With direct flights from Newcastle Airport, it’s never been easier to pack your bags, skip the M1, and be on your way to a city that’s full of surprises. Start your holiday sooner and fly from the airport that’s just up the road. 

1. Wine Lovers' Paradise

Let’s start with the obvious—Adelaide is surrounded by some of Australia’s most famous wine regions. From the lush vineyards of the Barossa Valley to the coastal charm of McLaren Vale, you’re never far from a cellar door. Join a guided wine tour or book a tasting at iconic wineries like Penfolds, d'Arenberg, or Jacob's Creek. Even if wine isn’t your thing, many of these vineyards offer incredible dining experiences, sculpture trails, and even cooking classes that showcase the local produce and culture.

2. A Festival Capital

If you love a good event, Adelaide’s got a calendar full of them. The city comes alive during the Adelaide Fringe Festival, WOMADelaide, and the Adelaide Festival of Arts. Music, comedy, theatre and visual arts—there’s always something happening. For sports fans, catching a match at the iconic Adelaide Oval is a must. Whether it’s cricket, AFL, or even a concert under the stars, the Oval is as scenic as it is historic.

3. A Foodie's Dream

South Australia is serious about good food. Think laneway eateries, fresh seafood, and multicultural bites at the Adelaide Central Market. Book a table at Africola for bold flavours, try a tasting menu at Restaurant Botanic, or enjoy modern Australian cuisine at Peel St Restaurant. For something more relaxed, there are dozens of wine bars, bakeries and street food hubs scattered throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. From market brunches to fine dining experiences, every meal is an event in itself.

4. Coastal Escapes Close By

Adelaide’s coastline is ridiculously accessible. In just 20 minutes from the city centre, you can be walking along Glenelg Beach, grabbing fish and chips at Henley, or catching a stunning sunset over the water. Try paddle boarding at Semaphore, or hop on a dolphin cruise from Port Adelaide. If you’ve got more time, take a coastal drive down the Fleurieu Peninsula or venture further to the white sands of Port Willunga.

5. Gateway to Adventure

Ready to explore beyond the city? Adelaide is the perfect launch pad. Visit Kangaroo Island for epic wildlife experiences, explore underground at the Naracoorte Caves, or head north to the Flinders Ranges for hiking and ancient landscapes. For something closer, take a drive up to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German town, for schnitzels, strudels, and charming boutiques. Love a good road trip? The Adelaide Hills, Limestone Coast, and Clare Valley are all within a few hours’ drive and packed with natural wonders and character-filled towns.

6. A City That’s Easy to Love

Adelaide’s city centre is compact, clean, and easy to navigate. Take a guided walking tour or hire a bike to discover hidden gems like the quirky JamFactory galleries or the rooftop bars along Leigh Street. The tram system makes it a breeze to get from the beach to the Botanic Gardens without a car. Plus, the city’s pace is relaxed, making it perfect for unwinding while still exploring. Whether you’re travelling solo, with mates, or with the whole family, it’s a city that just makes life easier.

 

Your 4-Day Adelaide Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City Core

  • Head straight to the Adelaide Central Market for breakfast and a wander.

  • Visit the Art Gallery of South Australia or MOD. for a cultural hit.

  • Take a sunset tram ride to Glenelg for dinner by the sea.

Day 2: Wine Region Day Trip

  • Book a full-day wine tour to the Barossa or McLaren Vale.

  • Enjoy tastings, local produce, and vineyard views.

  • Dine at d'Arenberg Cube or The Lane Vineyard for lunch.

  • Return to Adelaide for a relaxed evening in the East End.

Day 3: Coast and Wildlife

  • Start with brunch at a beachside cafe in Henley or Semaphore.

  • Take a dolphin cruise at Port Adelaide or explore the Maritime Museum.

  • Visit Cleland Wildlife Park to meet koalas and kangaroos up close.

  • Catch sunset from Mount Lofty before dinner in the Hills.

Day 4: Hills and Hahndorf

  • Head out early for a day in the Adelaide Hills.

  • Stroll the main street of Hahndorf, packed with heritage shops and cafes.

  • Stop for tastings at Shaw + Smith or Nepenthe.

  • Fly back to Newcastle in the afternoon, already planning your return.

Why Fly Direct from Newcastle Airport?

Here’s the kicker—you can fly direct from Newcastle Airport and save yourself the early alarm and the drive to Sydney. Find yourself a park right out the front, breeze through check-in, and be in the air before you know it. 

Book Your Trip

Whether you’re chasing culture, coast, or a killer glass of red, Adelaide delivers. Explore our Adelaide destination page for more ideas, tips, and travel inspo.

Fly from the airport that’s just up the road. Fly the Newy Way.

 

Take off to Adelaide with QantasLink

Flights depart every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Friday. 

Remember to search for flights:

  • from Newcastle (Williamtown) to Adelaide
  • QF1969 with 0 stops
  • Flight time 2h 20m 

Newcastle to Adelaide:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday.

Adelaide to Newcastle:

Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.

The direct flight from Newcastle to Adelaide takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, making it the fastest and easiest way to travel between Newcastle and South Australia.

You can fly direct from Newcastle to Adelaide five times a week, with flights available on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Qantaslink, in partnership with Alliance Airlines, operates this direct route using an Embraer E190 jet with 10 Business and 84 Economy seats.

When booking, you may see a description such as "Flight QF1969 operated by Alliance Airlines." While the aircraft features Alliance Airlines livery and logos, the flight is part of Qantas' network, meaning you'll enjoy Qantas benefits and service.

Adelaide Airport (ADL) is just 15 minutes’ drive from the city, making it one of Australia’s most accessible airports.

Adelaide is a fantastic destination year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for:

  • March–May (Autumn): Perfect for wine tours and outdoor festivals.
  • June–August (Winter): Great for cosy wine region escapes and exploring Adelaide’s vibrant food scene.
  • September–November (Spring): Ideal for wildflower blooms and coastal walks.
  • December–February (Summer): Best for beach trips and major sporting events.

Adelaide is packed with things to see and do, including:

  • Barossa Valley & McLaren Vale – Two of Australia’s most famous wine regions.
  • Adelaide Oval – Catch an AFL match or take a stadium tour.
  • Adelaide Central Market – One of the largest and oldest fresh produce markets in the country.
  • Glenelg Beach – A must-visit coastal destination just 20 minutes from the city.
  • Art Gallery of South Australia – Home to an incredible collection of Indigenous and international art.

Travellers can reach the city from Adelaide Airport via:

  • Taxis & Rideshare Services – Rideshare and traditional taxis are available at the terminal.
  • Public Transport – Adelaide Metro offers a direct bus service to the city.
  • Car Rentals – Major car hire companies operate from the airport for those wanting to explore the region.

Absolutely! With five direct flights per week from Newcastle, you can fly out on Friday and return Sunday, making it perfect for a quick escape to explore the city, visit wineries, or catch a sporting event.

Flights can be booked directly through Qantas or your preferred travel booking platform. Book early to secure the best fares!

Newcastle Airport

Newcastle Airport is the gateway to Australia’s largest regional economy, with more than $43 billion annual output and 48,500 businesses. Jointly owned by City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council, we are governed by an independent, skills-based Board of Directors.

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