Be prepared to be wowed at the Chihuly art exhibition in the Adelaide Botanic Garden. It’s unique and eye catching by day, mesmerizing by night.
Dale Chihuly is a Seattle based artist who learnt glass blowing in Venice. The centuries old skill has a very modern take in his work that blends intricate forms, with pizzaz colours, and sinuous and bulbous forms. There is such a contradiction in the delicacy of each glass part, (sometimes there are hundreds of individual pieces in some of the “sculptures”) with the strength of engineering to make metres high, outdoor, standalone pieces. A breathtaking piece in this exhibition of immense originality and beauty, is the double chandelier hung in the Victorian era cactus house. Blues and aquas, silvers and pearls, twist and curl, droop and writhe, into a perfect re-creation of a 2m long, candle lit chandelier.
Being allowed into the extensive Adelaide gardens at night is a treat in itself. So many romantic canopies and quiet corners, the smell of musty earth and leaves, the shadowy swaying of vines and palms, the secretive bickering of insects and nocturnal creatures. Human visitors to the exhibition whisper and chat quietly, as they stroll along the gravel paths. The colourful glass installations can be seen from a distance, like bright UFOs landing on the lawn, or taking off through the trees into the inky black night. Wander close to them, and marvel at the glistening shards and translucent cubes and spheres of colour, contrasted strikingly against the soft green water of the ponds, or the dark foliage of the trees.
Spring time in Adelaide is perfect for any outdoor activity. Cool breezes freshen the hot afternoons, and heading to the elevation of the Adelaide hills is an ideal option. Cruising around the many manicured gardens and posh cellar doors – either the big winery names, or the myriad of newer kids on the vineyard blocks – is an easy way to while away a weekend.
This southern capital is spoilt for bikeways, and you can enjoy a safe and energetic cycle around the city, or any of the wine regions. Book a Get Your Guide, to take you through the hills and dales around Hahndorf, or the Barossa. If DIY is more your thing, Apple Maps will show you the bike paths, and talk to you as you cruise along pretty streets or country lanes. Highly recommended is the 20km return city to surf route. Follow the Torrens River from the Adelaide Cricket Ground, through golf courses and cemeteries, and over bridges and weirs. Weave amongst the massive eucalypts that shade the route most of the way. Emerge at quaint Henley Beach and stroll along the sand, or enjoy refreshments in one of the many elegantly restored historic buildings around the esplanade and pier.
Click here for details on the Chihuly exhibition, running until April 2025
What to take for a outdoorsy weekend in South Australia
- The Glam Adelaide app. The everything guide to what’s on and what’s new in the Festival State.
- Sun smart and elegant walking gear. The winery environs are pretty swish, and you want to look the part.
- Good cotton underwear and socks for comfortable walking and cycling
- All purpose outdoor coat to be ready for a cool change.
- A little backpack to carry water, sunscreen and a coat, and purchases.