Monty’s Guide To Gather Round
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Experience the best of Gather Round this weekend
South Australia transforms into a footy fanatics’paradise over Gather Round weekend. With all 18 clubs battling it out for premiership points across April 9–12, tickets were snapped up fast, with most games sold out within minutes.
While footy is the focus, there’s so much more going on in the City of Churches across the weekend, especially for those not super keen on watching buff men kick a pigskin around an oval. So, we’ve come up with a bunch of cool activities we recommend people seek out that shine a light on our great state and what it has to offer
VISIT NEW ENTERTAINMENT HUB NEXT DOOR
Along with the musical lineup performing as part of the Pepsi Collective at Adelaide Oval’s Magarey Room over Gather Round, a new entertainment precinct is setting up shop at The Drive. Next Door hosted by Hard Rated is a live site designed for fans showcasing live entertainment, footy on the big screen and music. Headlined by Sydney indie outfit DMA’s, the immersive program also includesDan Gorringe hosting his #1 ANZ podcast, DanDoes Footy, along with appearances from content creators including the Marmalade lads and Shepmates.
EXPLORE THE BAROSSA
There are two games taking place in the Barossa, so if you’re making the trip up that way, you might as well spend the weekend exploring all the wineregion has to offer. Home to over 150 wineries and around 80 cellar doors, treat yourself to some of the best producers in the state, including Penfolds, Two Hands Wines, Seppeltsfield and Henschke. If you need a day off the grog, experience a hot air balloon ride over the region, get some culture at one of a dozen art galleries and museums, or play around at Sandy Creek Golf Club.
EXPERIENCE ADELAIDE’S THRIVING NIGHTLIFE
When it comes to enjoying a night out, Adelaide has a lot more to offer than those across the border give us credit for. The East End is for those after fine dining, with restaurants like Enoteca Lounge & Cucina, Paper Tiger and Le Pas Sage top of the list, while wine bars like Mother Vine, East End Cellars and Mr. Goodbar come highly recommended. On the other side of town, the West End caters to the youth, with Peel and Leigh Street populated by cool bars and trendy restaurants, many open until the wee hours of the morning. We suggest dinner at Japanese eatery Shōbōshobefore cocktails at Leigh Street Luggage
FOODIE PARADISE AT THE CENTRAL MARKETS
Undergoing a $400 million redevelopment, the Adelaide Central Markets is a foodies paradise. One of the largest undercover food markets in the Southern Hemisphere, find over 70 localtraders under one roof selling a diverse range of fresh produce, specialty foods and tasty treats,with an awesome selection of cafes, restaurants and eateries to boot. Head along Friday nightfor live music and the chance to sample Tortas et Délices handcrafted cakes and pastries at the Producer in Residence Stall.
Shop Till You Drop
Rundle Mall stretches 520 metres and is home to more than 700 retail outlets,15 arcades and several hidden laneways. National department stores sit alongside local boutiques, with the biggest and best brands represented. Take a walking tour and discover more about the mall’s 50-year history, and be sure to take a photo with the famous Mall’s Balls. Fun fact: Rundle Mall is the longest shopping mall in the Southern Hemisphere
Soak Up Some Rays Down the Bay
South Australia has some of the most picturesque coastlines in the country. If you’ve got the time and the weather stays fine, take a road trip down to the Fleurieu Peninsula for crystal clear water, sandy beaches and wonderful diving spots. Or take a short 20-minute drive or tram ride down to Glenelg and have a dip in the ocean before enjoying an ice cream on the beach or a cold beer at the Stamford Grand.
AFL Gather Round takes place from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 April. For more information, visit afl.com.au or tourism.sa.gov.au.
