It's
that weekend of the year. Easter. Hooray! Four days off. Some people just can't wait to get away from it all. Serious planning, serious car packing and even more serious traffic snarls. Getting away from it all can be hard work. But, for those who stay behind, the city can be a quiet, calm and restful place to be. For the most part, the shops are closed and there are very few people around. It's a great time to explore your own 'backyard' and do your own version of some serious R & R.
Relax and take it easy! (©paula mcmanus)
Take some 'you' time this Easter long weekend. I've listed just 5 relaxation hot-spots in and around Adelaide. There are dozens, if not hundreds more. Go and find them. Walk, talk, sit, dine, relax and enjoy. They're bound to make you feel like you're having a holiday while at home and, the best part is - they're free to do!
Watch the sunset (©paula mcmanus)
The Adelaide Botanic Gardens is a fantastic place to relax. These inner city public gardens are a perfect spot to visit at any time of year. The gardens are open 7 days a week and entry is free. There are 2 cafes and a restaurant, the Bicentennial Conservatory,
First Creek wetlands, the
Museum of Economic Botany and the historic Palm House. There's lots of great walking trails and several lawned areas for those who want to have a picnic or for those who just want to sit a while and take it easy.
Adelaide Botanic Gardens (©paula mcmanus)
North Terrace in Adelaide is a beautiful boulevard. It's lined with trees, gardens and
historic monuments. Along one section of North Terrace is a fantastic blend of culture which is housed in an attractive mix of modern and old architecture. Spend a leisurely afternoon visiting the National War Memorial, State Library, the South Australian Museum and the Art Gallery. Or, just sit on one of the many lawns and just soak up the atmosphere of our incredibly charming and friendly city.
North Terrace, Adelaide (©paula mcmanus)
Enjoy the beauty and fresh air of the
Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens in the Adelaide Hills. Do a bit of yoga, find a quiet spot for some peaceful contemplation or maybe just stroll around on a walk that's good for your health and your inner wellbeing. The Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens are magnificent all year round but it's a particularly stunning place to visit during Autumn and Spring.
Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens (©paula mcmanus)
It's the home of Adelaide's Maritime History and the world famous
Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary. It's also where you'll find fascinating museums, art galleries and antique markets. Stroll along the wharfs. Check out the heritage sailing ships, the iconic lighthouse and Hart's Mill precinct. Swap a book at the
Little Street Library and breathe in that salty sea air. Go on! It's good for you!
Relax at Port Adelaide (©paula mcmanus)
Kick those shoes off, walk along the beach and feel the sand between your toes. Jump into the water and swim. Or float. Or both. Just do it! Get in and enjoy the water.
Fly a kite. Collect shells. Build a sand castle. Take a walk
on the jetty. Read that interesting book that you just borrowed from the Street Library in Port Adelaide. We are so very lucky here in Adelaide. Our beaches are pristine, they're safe and we even have some beaches that allow cars to be driven on them. Perfect! Take a picnic and stay till the sun goes down.
Spend some time chilling at the beach (©paula mcmanus)
There are countless things you can do in Adelaide over Easter. But, you don't have to do anything at all really. All you need to do is chill out and relax. It is an extra long weekend after all and that means there's plenty of time to do absolutely nothing.
Sit and watch the sun go down (©paula mcmanus)
