Adelaide is More Than Just Australia's Wine Capital

Most people think of Adelaide as the wine capital of Australia, but they're missing out on a huge part of what makes this city what it is. This is one of the best places in the country to experience the excitement of a big city without the hassle.

Adelaide's centre is comprised of an enchanting mix of historic buildings, cool stores, great restaurants, and expansive avenues. Best of all, Adelaide isn't called the 20-minute city for nothing; all of these great destinations are a quick walk.

If you're a big shopper, head to the Adelaide Central Market, the largest of its kind anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere. From there, drop off your bags at the hotel and take the tram to the suburb of Glenelg, an idyllic destination with gentle surf, and exciting shopping and dining. You could also spend some time in Port Adelaide, well known for its aquatic offerings, including dolphin cruises.

For nature lovers, the Adelaide Botanic Garden can't be beat. Over five thousand roses are on display at the International Rose Garden, a sweet-smelling paradise. You could also take a walk through the Bicentennial Conservatory, the largest glasshouse in all of Australia. After you've had your fill of plants, enjoy their labor with a great glass of wine at the National Wine Centre. This is one of the best starting points for exploration of South Australia's wine heritage.

Amateur anthropologists will appreciate the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, one of the most respected collections of indigenous artifacts in all of Australia. This gallery provides an interesting contrast with Tandanya, only a few blocks away, which showcases more contemporary Aboriginal culture.

Last, but certainly not least, is Adelaide's impressive collection of art, housed at the Art Gallery of South Australia. In particular, this gallery is well known for its dot paintings of the Western Desert, along with pieces by some of Australia's most respected artists.

Adelaide is also host to some of the most widely attended festivals in all of Australia. These exciting events include the Tour Down Under cycling race, the Clipsal 500 V8 race, and Adelaide Fringe. Adelaide is a pleasure any time of the year, but it comes alive during these festivals.

If you are planning to visit Adelaide, visit us to find some great Adelaide Accommodation or for other destination ideas view our South Australia Accommodation. You will also find tours, events, attractions and other travel related information to help plan your trip to the Adelaide area.

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Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide, South Australia was recently granted Australia 's highest heritage honor with its inclusion on the National Heritage List. Named after Queen Adelaide, the consort of King William IV, this enchanting coastal city situated on the eastern side of Gulf St. Vincent was founded by the controversial Colonel William Light as a "planned capital" in 1836 for the only freely settled British province in Australia. A leader in world-first reforms, Adelaide was shaped by religious freedom, civil liberties and political progressivism.

Today, Adelaide is the seat of South Australia 's government and the major commercial site of regional governmental and financial institutions. But before British settlement and "Light's Vision," as it was known, came along, Adelaide was mostly bushland, swamps and marshes. Its traditional owners and inhabitants were the now extinct Koruna aboriginal peoples whose already tiny population was decimated by an early 19th century smallpox epidemic. Adelaide was originally called "Tandanya" which translates as "place of the Red Kangaroo".

Much of Adelaide 's original vegetation has been cleared but preserved in such nearby sanctuaries as Belair National Park and Cleland Conservation Park . Adelaide is easily accessible by bicycle to native bushland hiking in the Mount Lofty Ranges . Adelaide has a Mediterranean climate with most rainfall in the winter months of June through August and little to no snowfall.

Light's Vision -- which was originally very unpopular with not only early settlers by South Australia's first Governor -- set out Adelaide in a grid, interspaced by large public squares and wide boulevards all entirely surrounded by parkland. The benefits of Light's Vision immediately became apparent commercially and aesthetically. Adelaide had easily navigable, wide multi-lane roads from its very beginning, along with a beautiful green ring around the city center. Also from its original design, there are two sets of "ring roads" within Adelaide , the inner ring route bordering parklands and the outer route completely bypassing the inner city. Where mostly bushland had been before, now a number of creeks and rivers flow through the Adelaide region. As the free settling, early European colonists and other diverse cultures began to arrive in 1836, Adelaide blossomed into a vibrant, European-style mecca that nearly two centuries later has become known throughout the world as an epicurean, artistic playground with eclectic cuisines, magnificent wines and an unparalleled arts and culture scene.

Today as a state capital, Adelaide is home to a great number of cultural institutions. But in the 1970s, after more puritanical restrictions on cultural activities all over Australia were finally being lifted, Adelaide began emerging in its own right as a capital of the arts. In these years the world-renowned Adelaide Festival of the Arts and the Fringe Festival were established. Along with "Tasting Australia," a biennial food and wine celebration, Adelaide can also boast that is home to the Adelaide Christmas Pageant, the world's largest Christmas parade, attracting crowds of over 400,000 and televised to millions more.

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Admire South Australia's Splendor

Adelaide has numerous places waiting to be explored. Being South Australia's capital, tourists would have an amazing time discovering its wonders. Visitors would not have any difficulty finding a place to stay for there are several hotels which cater to everyone's budget. There is also a wide variety of shops, restaurants, cafes and boutiques to go to.

But if visitors would want to experience more of what Adelaide has to offer, they must visit Adelaide Zoo. An 8-hectare land, it houses an estimate of 300 different species of rare reptiles, mammals, birds and fish native to Australia. With so many collections of exotic Australian trees and diverse flora and fauna inside its premises, Adelaide Zoo is also considered to be a flourishing garden.

Nature lovers who would want to relax more could go to another garden - The Adelaide Botanic Garden. The 30-hectare property is a paradise in the heart of the city. Having several gardens specifically designed with different themes, visitors would have a peaceful and relaxing stroll around this haven.

If tourists are looking for a fantastic water adventure, The Adelaide Aquatic Center has the answer. This place is perfect for tourists who brought along their kids. Both children and adults would have an enjoyable experience swimming in the 8-lane pool and trying out the slides, water toys and fountains. They could also take advantage of the center's other facilities such as its sauna, spas and steam room. The entire family would have a fun day here at The Adelaide Aquatic Center.

Another water adventure that visitors should not dare miss is Adelaide's Underwater Heritage Trail. Visitors would like swimming and scuba-diving while exploring the four sunken ships. These shipwrecks are Zanoni, Norma, the Grecian, and Star of Greece. Guests would be able to discover the evolution of ships. They would clearly distinguish the differences of ships before from today especially when it comes to its materials. The most commonly used materials for ships during the early 20th century were steel, iron, and wood.

After all the exciting things tourists have just done, it's time for them to lie low and explore the city by themselves using bicycles. They could perfectly view the city's everyday life through its local shops, restaurants and parks. Visitors simply have to rent a bicycle from the Adelaide City Bike Scheme. People should merely present an identification card before having a bicycle. This is surely a fun way to get around the city.

There are still so much more places to visit in the entire South Australia. But exploring the city of Adelaide is more than enough to genuinely experience the wonders that Australia's fourth largest state could offer.

Patrick Garde is the owner of a Travel Guide to Australia website which offers wide range of information regarding traveling to Australia: http://australianexpedition.com

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Bushwalking in South Australia

South Australia offers amazing diversity and breathtaking beauty in every direction. For the nature lover you can choose from the large number of sprawling parks surrounding the city of Adelaide to the vast Flinders Ranges that are a bushwalkers dream. Head to the Peninsulas for some coastal views or relax in the Barossa Valley. Whatever destination you choose, your hire car will give you the freedom to enjoy your walking holiday to the maximum.

Adelaide is known for its green parks, and one of the closest is the Black Hill Conservation Park which has a number of walking trails and viewpoints that make the trip worthwhile. Bring a picnic as there are a number of great picnic spots dotted around the park. Close to twenty kilometres south from the city is the Cleland Conservation Park, which offers guided walks at dusk to see the native animals at their best. There are plenty of tracks here, one heading to Waterfall Gully which is especially majestic during the rainy season. Eagle on the Hill is a more strenuous walk with fantastic views.

The Morialta Conservation Park is a must, with plenty of walking tracks, three beautiful waterfalls and spectacular views. Only ten kilometres east from the city, it is perfect for a day trip and relaxing picnic.

The largest park located forty kilometres from the city is known for its native animals, deep gorge, river system and of course fantastic bushwalking tracks. The Onkaparinga National park is an obvious choice for those who don't have the time to visit the Flinders Ranges, but would still like a taste of its remote beauty. Throughout the walks you will come across colourful orchids, plenty of grey kangaroos and an abundant species of birdlife, and there are plenty of great picnic spots. With the Mt Lofty ranges as a fitting backdrop you will want to spend more than a day here.

The Flinders Range National Park is one of the most popular regions for bushwalkers, who travel here from all over the globe. The combination of mountains, gorges, wildlife and lush vegetation is perfect for an escape walking holiday. You will be enthralled by the birdlife, including majestic wedge-tailed eagles, as well as the grey kangaroos which dominate this area.

Wilpena Pound is one of the most popular attractions in the area, with plenty of bushwalking tracks and ideal for photographers. Edeowie and Brachina Gorges also are incredible for walking, as well as the Bunyeroo and Aroona Valleys. The Heysen Trail is the most well known walking track that runs from Cape Jervis in the south to the centre of the Flinders Ranges. At 1500 kilometres you need to be well travelled to complete the journey, but you can enjoy the walk in stretches. There are plenty of campsites in the ranges to use as a base while you enjoy the surrounding beauty.

To the north of the Ranges and located west from Arkaroola, the Gammon Ranges are ideal for the experienced bushwalker only. You can camp in the park but you will need to stick to the track as you will come across plenty of steep terrain and cliff faces. Its remoteness and untouched wilderness is a drawcard for many who keep coming back for the wildlife and beauty of this region.

To the south of the ranges is the well known Mount Remarkable National Park, which offers bushwalking for all levels of fitness. Its fantastic for any age group with incredible scenery and wildlife to be seen along the tracks. Head to the town of Melrose, located below Mount Remarkable, which can be a good base while you explore the surrounding park.

On the other end of the famous Heysen Trail, the Fleurieu Peninsula has plenty of shorter walks and campsites that are ideal for a weekend getaway on the coast. Head to Kangaroo Island for a day trip and enjoy the diverse wildlife that is hard to match on the mainland. Cape Jervis is a popular starting point for its first stretch (on the way to the distant Flinders Ranges) to Newland Head. You will be treated to panoramic views of the coast and deep blues of the ocean.

The Eyre Peninsula has plenty of challenge for the more experienced bushwalker. With trails along the coastline and cliff tops leading down to enclosed bays, many visitors end up in the Lincoln National Park with campgrounds available close to the pretty Port Lincoln.

From the novice to the beginner, there is a walking track for everyone in South Australia. Take your hire car to as many

as you can and enjoy the freedom of a self drive holiday in the beauty of the outdoors.

Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing children's stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Car Hire Australia

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Explore the Barossa Valley Wine Regions of South Australia

60 miles off Adelaide is one of South Australia's most picturesque destinations, The Barossa Valley. The Barossa, as it is more commonly referred to, is famous for its vineyards and quaint historic towns. Listed below are some of the major things to do and attractions, along with Barossa Valley accommodation options.

These towns are mostly either English or German, in terms of history, customs, art and architecture. Other than the wineries and natural beauty, one of the reasons why The Barossa is so popular with tourists is because it offers a peek into the life of the early settlers. Many of the towns offer history tours of restored cottages, Churches and other landmarks from the 1800's.

The best example is Gawler, which was established in 1839 on the banks of the North Para. Tourists are offered guided walking tours of the Historic Main St and other period architecture. One of the main attractions in Gawler is the Gawler Clock Tower.

Tanunda is another historic town, which offers a snapshot of German life in the 19th century. Tanunda still has the original settler cottages and the original road built through the old town, now known as the Tanunda Heritage Trail. Even today, the town has such a strong German influence that it needs four Lutheran Churches.

Most popular among visitors and tour groups are the towns of Angaston, Williamstown and Eden Valley. Eden Valley has a breathtakingly beautiful landscape in the verdant green hills dotted with famed wine producers. It also has the historic 1866 built Eden Valley Hotel, which is not just a hotel, but a tourist attraction all by itself.

Williamstown offers a big bunch of very famous attractions, along with the usual wineries. This includes the Barossa Reservoir's 140 meter long curved Whispering Wall that has special acoustic capabilities. There's also the Barossa Goldfield walking trails and Mount Crawford Forest. Williamstown is also much more tourist-friendly, with lots of shops, restaurants and hotels. Cockatoo Valley also offers pretty much all the same attractions, and the Para Wirra Park to boot.

If anything, Angaston is even more tourist-friendly, with a whole lot of wine bars, cafes and retail shops selling everything from trinkets to antiques. It also has a lot of nice little B&Bs and all kinds of other facilities for visitors. These three towns of Angaston, Williamstown and Eden Valley likely add up to all the Barossa Valley accommodation that a visitor is ever going to need.

There is also the option of staying put in Adelaide and venturing out for a Barossa Valley day trip. But that would be just so unfair to almost every town and attraction, since there's so many of them and so much to do. The whole point of a wine country holiday is to ease the pace of life and taste everything, so to speak.

These are just the most well-known towns. There are many more little hamlets and of course the biog towns linked by the Barossa Valley Way, including Nuriootpa and Lyndoch. Each one has wineries and a host of other unique attractions. The summary of it is that The Barossa Valley is well worth a visit. Correction - make that an extended visit.

Planning a short break away, find Barossa accommodation SA, attractions and other travel related information about the area. Or view our travel blog for more holiday ideas.

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Flinders Ranges Outback Discovery, South Australia

The Flinders Ranges in South Australia provide a dramatic departure from the hectic pace of big cities with an Outback Discovery experience, but it's surprisingly accessible. See the majestic natural amphitheater of Wilpena Pound, a lost world located inside a giant stone crater. Go driving into the deep Outback and spend time exploring our legendary desert tracks. Or take a scenic flight over the Flinders Ranges. There's hiking trails, places to fossick for opals, and even a desert golf course with no grass.

The Flinders Ranges and Outback covers such a vast area of South Australia, and so many different environments, it's no surprise that it is one of Australia's richest areas of Aboriginal heritage and living culture.

This is a 5-day itinerary I would suggest if you are looking to discover the true Flinders Ranges:

Day 1, from Adelaide to the Northern Flinders Northern Flinders

Travel north, from Adelaide, to the Flinders Ranges; enjoy morning tea on the Pt. Augusta foreshore and visit Wadlata Outback Centre for hands-on interpretive displays about the history and culture of the Flinders Ranges.

Lunch at the historic town of Quorn in the friendly Austral Hotel; then pass through the historic town of Hawker to experience the vast and diverse landscapes of the Aussie outback; Continuing north we visit the famous Prairie Hotel at Parachilna for an afternoon drink.

Pass through the outback towns of Leigh Creek and Copley; check in and relax in tonight's accommodation.

Day 2, full day sightseeing in the Northern Flinders Northern Flinders

After breakfast, start the morning drive to visit a spectacular and secluded Aboriginal engraving and etching site; walk through scenic creek beds and marvel at ancient artwork dating back many thousands of years; enjoy your bush foods morning tea in this timeless location.

Learn about the early history of the Adnyamathanha people. See the remnants of Mineruta a former location of an Aboriginal community. After lunch, we visit an Aboriginal site renowned for its timeless cave paintings. Hear interpretations of the artwork and reflect on the teachings of an Aboriginal creation story.

Day 3, travel to Wilpena Pound Wilpena Pound

Set out for an early morning tour of a local Ochre Pit to see the earthy colours of ochre and find out about its traditional uses, enjoy Billy Tea and bushfood for morning tea in a tree lined creek (weather permitting) and tour Nepabunna Community where you can meet some locals.

Then proceed to tour Ithala Awi and learn about native bushfoods; Visit Balcanoona Rangers' Headquarters and a beautiful gorge to experience remote yet timeless ancient Aboriginal engravings and rock etchings, and hear a creation story that explains geographical features of the surrounding area while you enjoy a picnic lunch. Leave for a Gorge Tour on a drive through breath-taking Gorges and view the magnificent geological rock formations and look for Yellow-Footed Rock Wallabies and other wildlife.

Arrive at Wilpena Pound Resort, settle in and dine at the impressive resort restaurant or perhaps consider a 30 minute scenic flight.

Day 4, full day exploring the Wilpena Pound area Wilpena Pound

Enjoy a peaceful walk to Wangarra Look-Out for a spectacular view inside Wilpena Pound. Take a tour to "Old Wilpena Station", enjoy the 'Living With Land' interpretative trail where you will gain a glimpse of isolated pastoral settlement life. (approx.1 or 2 hr rtn walk). After this you may want some free time to relax, have a swim or enjoy a drink in the bar.

Day 5, Drive back to Adelaide

Before heading back to Adelaide you may want to visit a local Aboriginal rock art site depicting the creation of Wilpena Pound or enjoy a horse trail ride. Lunch at the historic town of Hawker and visit the Wilpena Panorama Gallery to see a magnificent 360° degree painting of Wilpena Pound and locally produced art, craft and foods. Depart for Adelaide, visit a Cellar Door for a quick wine tasting on the way home (time permitting).

This is just one of many suggested itineraries that would give a wonderful overview of the real Flinders Ranges.

Colin B. Richards is co-founder of http://www.addictedtotravel.com, a passionate and experienced traveller in North America, Australia, Europe and Africa - now providing detailed travel guides and a collection of the best holidays from operators across the globe. Browse our diverse collection of Flinders Ranges Holidays and see for yourself.

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Golf Vacations In Adelaide, South Australia

If being out on the golf course is your idea of a fabulous vacation, Adelaide in South Australia is an excellent vacation destination for you. Home to many of South Australia's finest golf courses, there is plenty here for players of all skill levels and experience.

At the height of the Adelaide golfing experience is the Royal Adelaide Golf Club, South Australia's oldest course. Consistently ranked in the top five of Australia's golf courses and home to nine Australian Open tournaments, this is a challenging course that will keep even the most talented golfers on their toes. Another popular course is the Kooyonga Golf Club, ranked eleventh in Australia's top one hundred courses and home to five Australian Opens. This course is known for its subtly sloping greens that make for a rather difficult putt.

The Adelaide Shores Golf Park is home to both a championship style course, as well as an American executive style short course. Glenelg Golf Club uses its local pine forest to create some extremely challenging holes, all the while providing peaceful scenery. The Grange Golf Club is home to not one, but two championship courses, both of which rank in the top sixty of Australia's one hundred most popular golf courses.

Adelaide is also home to many courses suitable for all skill levels. The Vines Golf Club of Reynella was established in 1925, and its interesting layout attracts golfers from all over Australia. The Flagstaff Hill Golf Club is a hilly course, and although all skill levels are welcome, beware of the seventh hole! The Adelaide Golf Links are a beautiful and scenic spot suitable for casual golfers and even the entire family. With two courses overlooking the city, this is the perfect spot for a solid introduction to the game of golf.

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