South Australia has an enviable reputation for its popular food and wine, cultural and sporting events, which are loved by locals and visitors
During the gentle autumn season, its rolling green hills turn into various vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow. South Australia’s diverse landscape makes it a very special destination for anyone with a passion for nature and wildlife. Explore miles of walking trails, apple orchards, wineries, historic townships, and wildlife sanctuaries.
South Australia is one of eight states and territories of the island continent of Australia. Its sheer size, complemented with its dramatic variations in landscape and climate, means there is a huge choice of unique experiences and unforgettable adventures to be enjoyed. The climate is Mediterranean – with hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters.
South Australia is famous throughout the world for its exquisite wines. Half of Australia’s award-winning wines are produced in the great wine regions of Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra. There are 17 official wine regions and nearly 250 cellar doors, the majority of them no more than a 90-minute drive from the city center.
Getting around
Adelaide is the elegant capital city of South Australia featuring traditional stone architecture and wide parklands. Designed by Colonel William Light in 1836, the city was laid out on a square mile grid pattern of wide streets and airy squares with generous green acres of parklands.
Adelaide is easy to get to know and love. Traffic jams are rare and the city streets are wide and easy to navigate. Everything is accessible with most major features little more than 20 minutes from the city center.
The seaside suburb of Glenelg is 20 minutes by car, or 25 minutes on the famous Glenelg tram that leaves from Victoria Square in the city center. You can also stroll through the many peaceful parks that surround the city as well as the shops and heritage arcades of Rundle Mall. It’s also lovely to walk across the River Torrens and to the Adelaide Oval, considered to be one of the most attractive cricket grounds in the world, the Adelaide Zoo, and the Botanic Gardens. Over at North Terrace, a grand collection of beautifully preserved colonial buildings, including the State Library, South Australian Museum and Art Gallery of South Australia are all worth a visit.
Dining out
The city has entire streets devoted to dining. Rundle Street, known as the East End, is given over to al fresco dining; a vibrant, food wine and café experience not to be missed. Another dining precinct is Gouger Street with seafood restaurants and authentic Chinese and Vietnamese cafes set alongside the city’s fresh food hub, the Adelaide Central Market.
Tuck away in the Hills
Not far from the city center is the beautiful Adelaide hills – a region where bushland, vineyards and orchards combine to make stunning scenery. The picturesque Adelaide Hills, which are dotted with towns such as the popular historic village of Hahndorf, is an easy 20 minute drive away.
Hahndorf was the home of one of Australia’s most celebrated artists, Sir Hans Heysen, famous for capturing the beauty of South Australian landscapes. Other attractions in the Adelaide Hills include Mount Lofty Summit for breathtaking views of the city to the sea and the National Motor Museum in Birdwood.
Just a 45-minute drive south of Adelaide is McLaren Vale – famous for its wines, almonds and olives. Further south on the other side of Fleurieu Peninsular is Victor Harbour, a popular seaside town, and Granite island, home to a colony of little penguins. The seaviews from the island are spectacular and relaxing.
The Barossa
This region offers a peaceful rural setting where each season brings out the beauty and tranquility of the vineyards. Barossa Valley is renowned for some excellent restaurants and local produce. The local produce ranges from homemade mettwursts and strudels to dried fruits and pates. Fine-dining restaurants are found in wineries, country cottages, and everywhere in between. The food styles range from gourmet meals to country bakery delights.