The food scene in Adelaide shines brightest through its excellent guided tours. The Central Market tours stand out for their no-nonsense approach to South Australia’s finest produce, while Port Adelaide’s heritage food walks combine maritime history with local flavors. For wine lovers, the Barossa Valley tours offer outstanding value, connecting visitors with both famous and family-run wineries. The Adelaide Hills tours – especially through historic Hahndorf – perfectly blend German heritage with modern Australian cuisine.
I especially recommend the morning Central Market tour for its intimate size and generous tastings, and the full-day Barossa experience for its comprehensive look at South Australian wine culture. The guides are consistently well-informed, and most tours accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Let’s explore Adelaide’s most worthwhile food tours.
Key Points
- The Adelaide Central Markets Food Tour offers a 1-hour experience showcasing the 150-year history and diverse food tastings of the iconic market.
- The Hahndorf & Hills Gourmet Tour provides an 8-hour immersion in the Barossa Valley, including wine tastings, a chocolate factory tour, and free time in Hahndorf.
- The Port Adelaide Walking Tour combines a 2.5-hour guided exploration of historic landmarks with local bakery samples, suitable for wheelchair users.
- The Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour offers an 8-hour journey featuring wine tastings, a visit to Maggie Beer’s Farmshop, and a leisurely lunch.
- The Adelaide Local Food Tour is a 2-hour guided exploration of the city’s food scene, including sweet treats at Haighs Chocolates and a bakery lunch.
Port Adelaide: Walking Tour With Food Tasting & Drinks
Nestled along the banks of the Port River, the Port Adelaide Walking Tour with Food Tasting & Drinks offers an immersive exploration of the area’s captivating history and modern-day charm.
Priced at $64.11 per person, this 2.5-hour small-group tour (limited to 10 participants) showcases the 1800s appeal of Lipson Street, sharing stories of the port’s unique and influential characters. Guests will discover the region’s settlement at the former ferry loading dock, visit a historic pub for a refreshing drink, and sample local bakery offerings.
The tour also highlights the port’s beautiful architecture, street art, and intriguing tales that contribute to its unique appeal. Accessible to wheelchair users and with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a well-rounded experience for visitors.
Praised for the guide’s knowledge and personality, as well as the positive food and drink experiences, this walking tour is a recommended way to explore the heart of Port Adelaide.
Read our full review: Port Adelaide: Walking Tour With Food Tasting & Drinks Review
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Adelaide: Local Food Tour and Tastings With Guide
After exploring the captivating history and modern-day charm of Port Adelaide, visitors can enjoy the culinary delights of the city center on the Adelaide: Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide.
This 2-hour walking tour, limited to just 10 participants, offers a unique opportunity to savor sweet treats at Haighs Chocolates, admire the Victorian-era architecture of Adelaide Arcade, and sample local delicacies like fritz at the Adelaide Central Market.
Led by the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, Katina, the tour provides insider tips on the city’s food scene, including the rivalry between two major Adelaide bakeries.
Participants can also look forward to a bakery lunch and a surprise dessert, all while learning about South Australia’s renowned produce.
Praised for its great value, the tour is wheelchair accessible and features a flexible booking policy, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an immersive culinary experience in the heart of Adelaide.
Read our full review: Adelaide: Local Food Tour and Tastings With Guide Review
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Adelaide: Hahndorf & Hills Gourmet Food & Wine Tour
Departing from Glenelg, Adelaide CBD, or Hahndorf accommodation, the Adelaide: Hahndorf & Hills Gourmet Food & Wine Tour whisks visitors on an 8-hour exploration of the Adelaide Hills region.
Capped at 6 participants, the tour begins with a 45-minute factory tour and chocolate tasting at the iconic Haigh’s Chocolates. Next, guests take in the scenic views from the Mount Lofty Summit before visiting Golding Wines and Sidewood Estate for wine tastings.
The highlight is 2 hours of free time in the charming town of Hahndorf, where visitors can explore over 40 cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
The tour also includes a complimentary cheese tasting at Udder Delights and a chance to sample Beerenberg’s renowned jams.
Afterward, guests visit Nepenthe Cellar Door for additional wine tastings, with an optional final stop for gin tasting or self-guided tour.
Praised for its flexibility and stunning locations, this tour offers an immersive gourmet experience in the Adelaide Hills.
Read our full review: Adelaide: Hahndorf & Hills Gourmet Food & Wine Tour Review
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From Adelaide: Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour
Travelers can embark on an 8-hour Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour that departs from either Glenelg or central Adelaide. The tour, priced from $109.44 per person, includes pickup, wine tastings at multiple wineries, a leisurely lunch, and sightseeing.
Highlights include stops at Kersbrook Hill Winery, Maggie Beer’s Farmshop, Chateau Dorrien Winery, Monkey Nut Café, Kies Family Wines, and Chateau Tanunda. Guests can also visit the Barossa Chocolate Factory and Mengler Hill, time permitting.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the renowned Barossa Valley region. Transportation is provided via a comfortable bus or coach, and lunch options cater to various dietary preferences.
The tour has earned an impressive 4.5/5 rating based on 119 reviews, with praise for the guides, transportation, value, and overall experience. Advance booking is recommended, as this tour is likely to sell out.
Read our full review: From Adelaide: Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour Review
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Adelaide Central Markets: Food Walking Tour
Visitors to Adelaide can explore the vibrant Adelaide Central Markets on a comprehensive 1-hour food walking tour. Priced from $44.68 per person, this guided tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the 150-year history and diverse flavors of the iconic market.
Led by local experts, you will learn about the market’s cultural significance and the stories behind its passionate stallholders.
The tour includes tastings of native foods, cheese, boiled lollies, and South American empanadas, providing a delightful sensory experience. The group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Based on two reviews, the Adelaide Central Markets Food Walking Tour has an impressive 5/5 overall rating, with customers praising the knowledgeable guides and the enjoyable experience.
While not suitable for vegans, the tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy Adelaide’s vibrant food culture.
Read our full review: Adelaide Central Markets: Food Walking Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are These Tours Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?
Many food tours cater to vegetarians and vegans, offering plant-based dishes and highlighting local produce. It’s best to check with the tour operator about their menu options and ability to accommodate dietary preferences.
Can I Cancel the Tour if I’m Not Feeling Well?
Most food tour operators allow you to cancel or reschedule your tour if you’re not feeling well. They understand that unexpected situations can arise, and they strive to accommodate their customers’ needs.
Do the Tours Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?
Most food tours accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies with advance notice. Customers should notify the tour operator of any special dietary needs when booking so appropriate arrangements can be made.
How Long Are the Walking Tours, and Is There a Lot of Walking?
The walking tours typically last 2-3 hours and involve a considerable amount of walking, often covering several kilometers. Many tours offer accommodations for dietary restrictions and allergies, allowing all participants to fully enjoy the culinary experience.
Can I Bring My Own Water or Snacks on the Tour?
Participants can typically bring their own water and snacks on the tours. Most tour companies encourage this to keep guests hydrated and fueled throughout the walking experience. However, it’s always best to check the tour details beforehand.
The Sum Up
Adelaide offers a diverse array of captivating food tours. From the historic Port Adelaide to the renowned Barossa Valley, visitors can savor the city’s vibrant culinary scene. These tours provide an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s finest produce, local specialties, and award-winning wines. Whether you’re a foodie or simply seeking a unique adventure, Adelaide’s exceptional food tours will satisfy your palate and enrich your understanding of the city’s rich gastronomic heritage.