Oval Hotel, North Adelaide.

We take the guesswork out of local travel with our tips on where to stay, eat, drink and play. This month, GT hits South Australia.

If there’s one thing South Australia’s capital city is known for, it’s churches. The second would be its historic green parklands – both of which can be enjoyed from the Oval Hotel, Australia’s first stadium hotel. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, the boutique accommodation, which seamlessly wraps around the eastern façade of the iconic Adelaide Oval, kicks goals. The hotel’s 138 rooms – Parkland, Studio or Suite – are modern but not in a way that sacrifices comfort. Each is complete with neutral furniture and refined finishing touches (see automated room controls), a well-stocked mini bar, including wine from nearby McLaren Vale, and good-for-the-planet Evo bath products. Dimly lit hallways dotted with abstract art reflect the city’s cultured vibe, and lead to the hotel’s impressive oval-facing restaurant and bar. And although the hotel is attached to a 53,000-seat stadium, the complete offering feels cool, calm and perfectly secluded. ovalhotel.com.au