Welcome to my definitive guide to house sitting in Adelaide, Australia. We’re almost a month into our Aussie adventure and I’m looking forward to sharing some great ideas and tips about securing fantastic house sitting jobs in Adelaide and making the most of your time.
Australia is the third biggest market for house sitting listings behind the USA and the UK. Adelaide more than chips in with its share of readily available placements.
In a first for my series of destination guides, I am writing this one in real-time, while all the info is fresh in my mind. Let’s dive straight into the definitive guide to house sitting in Adelaide, Australia.
Why Everybody Should Visit Adelaide, Australia
Adelaide is a hidden gem often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors Sydney and Melbourne. From its beautiful beaches to its vibrant arts scene and many cool vintage pubs, there’s something for everyone. The friendly locals make you feel right at home.
The food here is incredible. You’ll find world-class restaurants, bustling markets, and delicious local wines. For a big city, the prices are uniformly reasonable.
Nature lovers will enjoy Adelaide’s many parks and extensive nearby wildlife. Whether you’re hiking, surfing, or exploring, the outdoor pursuits are endless. Southern Australia’s summers are sensational and the winters don’t get close to freezing. It’s a year-round climate for recreation and adventure.
House Sitting in Adelaide, Australia
Accommodation is expensive in Adelaide especially if you plan to stay for a significant length of time. House sitting provides a tangible and affordable option while providing an enhanced experience. There are ample house sitting opportunities in Adelaide.
My Experience of House Sitting in Adelaide, Australia
We are just finishing up our first month house sitting in Adelaide and it’s been amazing. This is our first time in Australia and the time has flown by. We are currently looking after 2 cats in a lovely home in Blair Athol just a few miles from the CBD of the city. Read about our adventures with the cats here in my latest Short Tails – Bella, The Very Angry Cat.
After 8 months of traveling around Asia, it’s been nice to experience some British and Westernized familiarity in Adelaide. It feels a bit like we’ve gone home, especially as it’s currently winter here and a little chilly.
We move straight from one house sit to another next week and will head an hour south to Goolwa, where 2 months of house sitting in a beautiful home by the beach awaits us. We will be taking care of one laid-back dog called Molly. It’s been booked in our diary for almost 8 months and we can’t believe it’s finally come around.
House Sitting Opportunities in Adelaide, Australia
We picked Adelaide because of the number of listings that were constantly coming online. There are hundreds of active profiles across the top house sitting websites. Dozens of homes right now are accepting applications.
Listings vary from quiet homes near the beach to city-center apartments surrounded by amenities. The airport is easily accessible from the city so making Adelaide part of a wider Australian trip is completely feasible.
House sitting in Adelaide will save you a fortune on accommodation costs and give you an enhanced experience of living in Australia rather than simply passing through.
How to Secure a House Sit in Adelaide
If you’re looking to house sit in Adelaide, your first step is to register with a reputable house sitting platform. Trusted Housesitters is a great option due to its extensive listings and easy-to-use app and website. However, exploring multiple platforms can enhance your chances of finding regular house sitting gigs.
Begin your search by joining Trusted Housesitters with a free membership. The sign-up process is simple – just provide your email address, and you can browse the huge variety of house sitting listings in Adelaide and beyond. This is an excellent way to get a feel for the opportunities available. Click here to join for free.
A full Trusted Housesitters membership costs $129/year, granting unlimited opportunities to actually apply for house sits. This one-off fee is about the same as a night in an average Adelaide hotel! Other platforms like Mind My House ($29/year) and Aussie Housesitters ($49/year) offer lower membership fees but typically have fewer listings.
For an added incentive, use our exclusive code BEACHES25 during checkout to receive a 25% discount on any Trusted Housesitters membership. Embark on your house sitting adventure today by signing up and exploring the beautiful city of Adelaide. Click here to get started.
Build an Amazing Profile
Every house sitting platform features a profile section designed to showcase your expertise, motivations, and unique qualities as a house sitter. This is your chance to highlight why you’re an exceptional choice for hosts in Adelaide. After you apply, hosts typically review profiles to evaluate potential candidates, so keep your information accurate, current, and relevant.
Enhance your profile with photos that present you in responsible and friendly settings, ideally with pets. A fully verified profile, including links to social media pages, personal websites, and contact details, offers hosts a comprehensive view of who you are.
For newcomers to house sitting, Trusted Housesitters provides the option to submit three character references instead of formal reviews. Ask friends who can vouch for your trustworthiness and capabilities to provide relevant testimonials. This way, even with no house sitting experience, you can build a strong and appealing profile.
Searching for House Sits and Setting Alerts
Once your profile is polished and ready, it’s time to dive into the exciting part: searching for house sits in Adelaide. Most platforms, including Trusted Housesitters, offer robust search functionalities allowing you to filter opportunities based on location, dates, and specific requirements.
To streamline your search, set up alerts for new listings that match your criteria. This way, you’ll receive notifications when any relevant house sits become available, ensuring you don’t miss out on any opportunities. Regularly checking your alerts and staying proactive will significantly increase your chances of securing a desirable house sit.
Applying for a House Sit
When you find a listing that piques your interest, take the time to craft a personalized application. Mention specific details from the listing to show the host that you’ve thoroughly read their requirements and are genuinely interested in their home and pets. Highlight your relevant experience, and references, and reiterate why you would be a perfect fit for the sit.
Applying early and following up with a polite message can also set you apart from other candidates. Remember, the key is to be professional, friendly, and enthusiastic. Hosts are looking for reliable and personable sitters who will take good care of their homes and pets, so make sure your application reflects those qualities.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding fantastic house sitting opportunities in Adelaide, allowing you to explore this beautiful city while enjoying the comforts of a home away from home. For further reading check out – The Informative Guide to Applying for a House Sit.
Being Offered a House Sit in Adelaide
Receiving an offer for a house sit in Adelaide is an exciting moment. It means your profile, application, and references have made a positive impression on the host. Once you get the offer, there are a few key steps to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
Top Things to Remember
1. Confirming Details: Confirm all the essential details with the host. Including the exact dates of the house sit, the specific responsibilities like pet care, plant watering, or maintenance tasks, and any house rules or expectations. Clear communication at this stage helps avoid misunderstandings later on.
2. Pre-Visit or Video Call: Often there will be a pre-house sit video call with the host. This allows you to get a feel for the house, meet the pets, and discuss any special instructions in person. It’s also a great opportunity to build rapport with the host and ask any questions you might have.
3. Emergency Contacts and Local Resources: Make sure you have a list of emergency contacts, including the host’s preferred veterinarian, a trusted neighbor, and any local service providers. Familiarize yourself with nearby resources such as grocery stores, parks, and medical facilities.
4. Preparing for Your Stay: Plan your arrival and departure times carefully to align with the host’s schedule.
5. Settling In: Upon arrival, take a thorough tour of the house with the host. Make sure you understand how everything works, from appliances to security systems. Discuss any last-minute details and ensure you have all the keys and access codes you need.
6. Enjoying Your House Sit: Once you’re settled in, make the most of your time in Adelaide. Take care of the house and pets as if they were your own, and don’t hesitate to explore the city. Balancing your responsibilities with leisure activities will make your house sit a truly enjoyable experience.
What to Expect in Adelaide, Australia
There’s always something exciting happening in Adelaide offering a wealth of cultural and exciting experiences for house sitters. You can explore world-class museums, galleries, and theaters, such as the Art Gallery of South Australia and the Adelaide Festival Centre. The city also hosts numerous festivals, including the renowned Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide.
Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy in and around Adelaide. The city is dotted with beautiful parks and gardens, including the Adelaide Botanic Garden and the expansive parklands that surround the city center. For a quick escape to nature, the stunning beaches of Glenelg and Henley are just a short drive away.
The city boasts a thriving food scene, with an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and markets. A visit to the Adelaide Central Market is a must, where you can sample local produce and gourmet delights. Additionally, the nearby wine regions of Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale are perfect for day trips, providing opportunities to taste some of Australia’s finest wines.
Best Bars in Adelaide
House sitting requires a significant amount of responsibility and care but it’s also important that you enjoy your experience. Let’s have a look at a couple of cool bars I have come across during my time in Adelaide.
Top Adelaide Bars
- Maybe Mae. Tucked away in a basement off Peel Street, Maybe Mae has a vintage charm with its art deco decor and intimate ambiance. The bartenders are true mixologists, crafting exquisite cocktails tailored to your taste.
- Hains & Co. This fun, nautical-themed bar is a haven for rum and gin enthusiasts. With its cozy interior and friendly staff, Hains & Co. feels like a sailor’s retreat in the heart of the city.
- Pink Moon Saloon. A whimsical, narrow bar, Pink Moon Saloon offers a unique alpine cabin vibe. Their creative cocktails and outdoor courtyard make it a perfect spot for a relaxed evening.
Best Pubs in Adelaide
Adelaide’s pub scene boasts a rich history, echoing the charm and traditions of many of my favorite pubs back home in England. With their storied pasts and welcoming atmospheres, these pubs offer more than just a pint, they provide a glimpse into the city’s heritage. Here are 4 must-visit pubs in Adelaide:
Top Adelaide Pubs
- The Exeter Hotel. Located on the busy and popular Rundle Street, The Exeter Hotel has been a beloved institution since 1851. Known for its lively atmosphere and eclectic crowd, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy a classic pub meal and a cold beer.
- The Austral. Another gem on Rundle Street, The Austral has served patrons since 1880. With its stunning Victorian-era architecture and bustling beer garden, it’s a great place to soak up some history while sipping on a locally brewed ale.
- Crown & Anchor Hotel. Affectionately known as “The Cranker,” the Crown & Anchor has an unpretentious atmosphere and commitment to live music that has made it a staple of Adelaide’s nightlife for generations.
- The Little Pub. The Little Pub is a favorite of mine, it’s known for its affordable beers and fantastic daily deals. With gameday specials and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a pre-match beer and to enjoy a great night out without breaking the bank. The name is ironic, it’s a pretty big pub!
Best Food Stops and Restaurants in Adelaide
There is an outstanding foodie scene in Adelaide. Whether you are looking for high-end fine dining or simple street food there’s an option for you in Adelaide. Here are a couple of my favorite food stops.
Top Places to Eat in Adelaide
- The Black Bull Hotel. Dating back to 1838 and built on the site of the city’s first hotel, the Black Bull Hotel serves outstanding pub food. I’d waited a long while for a pie that could compete with one back home and it didn’t disappoint. The steaks here are also huge, tasty, and very reasonably priced.
- Adelaide Central Market. With a huge variety of food options, a trip to Adelaide Central Market for lunch is a must. We enjoyed the best pork-belly sandwiches ever and then topped it off with some epic sweet treats from a bakery stall. Whatever you fancy, you’ll find it here.
- Osteria Oggi. Offering sophisticated Italian cuisine that honors tradition while catering to modern tastes, using the finest ingredients. Osteria Oggi features an Italian piazza ambiance with cobblestone floors, arches, an arbor, a meat room, a private cellar, intimate booths, and a mezzanine-level kitchen.
Best Free Things to Do in Adelaide
There is plenty to keep you busy during a house sitting stay in Adelaide. Here are some great ideas to fill an afternoon that won’t cost a penny;
Top Free Things to Do in Adelaide
- Hike Mt Lofty. A fantastic hike with well-maintained paths, some steep hills, several waterfalls, and amazing views is the Waterfall Gully to Mt. Lofty trail. There’s ample free parking and the chance to spot wild kangaroos and exotic birds along the way. There’s even a bar and cafe at the summit!
- Adelaide Botanic Park. A wonderful huge open expanse of green space just a few minutes walk from Adelaide’s CBD, Botanic Park offers a calming reprieve from the busy city. There’s plenty of space for chilling out, nice trails for easy walking and hiking, and lots of cool wildlife.
- South Australian Museum. 5-floors devoted to Southern Australia’s natural history with artifacts & an exploration of Aboriginal culture. The SA Museum is located within the CBD and is a great way to fill an afternoon for free.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found my definitive guide to house sitting in Adelaide helpful. It’s a great city full of house sitting opportunities and fun things to fill your free time.
We are excited for our remaining time here in Adelaide as we still have plenty of exploring to do ourselves! Maybe I’ll need to do version 2 when we finish our time house sitting in Australia.
But for now, happy house sitting in Adelaide.
Like This Post? Pin it!
*Owners consent given to use photos of home and pets