England, and Alastair Cook in particular, will have mixed reviews on this southern Australian city, but purely for cricketing reasons. Though they’ve had mixed fortunes there in recent times, in 2017/18 it will be unique as the scene of a first day/night Ashes Test.

An attraction that England cricketers would recommend is the National Wine Centre. David Gower would certainly have headed to the ‘Wined Bar’, which boasts Australia’s largest tasting experience: 120 wines all deliciously preserved thanks to the installation of state-of-the-art Enomatic dispensing machines. Afterwards jump next door to the Adelaide Botanic Garden with your new favourite Sauvignon Blanc and enjoy the sunshine – or maybe grab another bottle to go with the Christmas turkey?

[caption id=”attachment_49798″ align=”alignnone” width=”750″] Wine is a big draw to the Adelaide area[/caption]

But if 120 wines isn’t enough the Barossa Valley is the place to be. Home to 550 grape-growing families, this world-renowned region produces Shiraz and Riesling wines that put the area above anywhere else in Australia. With neighbouring warm and cool climate growing conditions, a tour of Barossa is not to be missed.

Any cricket adventure in Australia cannot be complete without a pilgrimage to honour the great man himself, Sir Donald Bradman. The Bradman Collection is currently on loan at the Adelaide Oval from the State Library of South Australia and chronicles the career of possibly the greatest cricketer to play the game, with memorabilia spanning from 1927-1977. Come and see the famous willow he used during the infamous Bodyline series of 1932/33 or the ball he pouched for his ‘best catch’– as he judged it himself – from that same series.

[caption id=”attachment_49806″ align=”alignnone” width=”750″] Adelaide city centre across the River Torrens[/caption]

All this sightseeing can be hungry work so satisfy those ravenous desires at the Adelaide Central Market. The market has been the centre of South Australian food for nearly 150 years and with 8.5 million visitors to feed every year the fresh produce just keeps coming. Big Table is a go-to breakfast spot in the market, the incredible apple crumble French toast with chai cream certainly sounds like how champions begin their day.

A short tram ride away sits Glenelg, a peaceful seaside town only 12km from Adelaide. Stroll along the beach and relax, the serenity of the place can really help you get ready for a cricket match whether watching or spectating.