South Australia - SA Great

South Australia is probably one of the lesser known tourist destinations in Australia, with many tourists preferring the east coast. South Australia sits in the middle of Australia, and is the only state to share a border with every other Australian state.

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is a relatively small city, but is of impeccable planning and design. Indeed an aerial view of the city, or from the peak of Mount Lofty, shows just how well set out Adelaide is with its straight roads and perfect squares. In Adelaide itself there are many tourist attractions such as the museum, the world renowned art gallery and boutique shopping on Rundle street. For summer there are many long, white sand, beaches such as Glenelg and West Beach. Adelaide is the perfect hub for many day trips to further parts of the state.

South Australia is a premium wine producing region. Areas such as the Barossa Valley, the Adelaide Hills and the Riverland are all world renowned, with some famous South Australian wine brands including Penfolds Grange, Peter Lehman and Banrock Station. All three of these regions are within 2 hours drive from Adelaide.

In the Adelaide hills, there are many small tourist towns, such as Hahndorf, a German themed village with all manner of foods and delicacies, and it is the home of Beerenberg, which is one of the largest private condiment makers within Australia.

South Australia comes to life during the warmer months with Adelaide playing host to many festivals and events such as the Clipsal 500 V8 Supercars race, the Fringe festival, the Caberet Festival, various dance and rock music festivals, the Guitar Festival and many others.

South Australia is a great place to visit for those who do not want the 'standard' tourist places of Melbourne and Sydney and the East Coast. The best months to visit would depend on the climate visitors prefer, but the author suggests Feb through May.

Shaun Raymond writes for http://www.aussietravellersforum.com To find out more travel information about Australia and abroad feel free to visit and sign up for free at http://www.aussietravellersforum.com

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The First Ten of South Australia's Top 21 Hotspots

South Australia has so much to offer, here are just a few of the highlights. The capital Adelaide, the world Famous Barossa Valley, the unique town of Coober Pedy and Kangaroo Island, plus much more...

1. Adelaide

There is always something happening in this spacious city. With parks and gardens surrounding the CBD, you can picnic in the beautiful Adelaide Botanic Gardens, or stroll down to the River Torrens to watch the paddle boats and cyclists along the rivers edge. Not far away is the South Australian Museum. Adelaide Zoo is great for families, with over 1000 native animals to spot. The beach is also close by, with Brighton the perfect choice for a getaway, or Glenelg featuring the Rodney Fox Shark Museum.

2. Barossa Valley

Known as Adelaide's wine capital, this is where you get away from the fast paced city life and enjoy wandering around vineyards, cellars and cosy lanes with quaint shops filled with delicacies and fine art. Make sure you visit Lyndoch Lavender Farm which is well known throughout the area, as well as the Barossa Historical Museum and the famous Penfolds Barossa Valley Winery. Take a few days out to relax and do nothing (except sample the wines and great food) or hike in one of the national parks for incredible scenery. Barossa Valley is a must do experience.

3. Port Augusta

Known as the South Australian crossroad, you can travel across the Nullarbor from here, north to Alice Springs, south to Adelaide or east to New South Wales. There is so much to do here. The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens offers beautiful walks and the Outback Centre closer to the city offers plenty of historical displays. This is the perfect base for travel in any direction to see the outback at its best.

4. Fleurieu Peninsula

Known for its wines, beaches and fishing, this is the ultimate holiday destination, and great for all the family. Enjoy bushwalking in the national parks, or head to the coastline to see penguins at Granite Island or whales at Encounter Bay. The diving is incredible, with shipwrecks lining the coast, and it is just as enjoyable to soak up the sun on the mainland at one of the many camping grounds dotting the coast. Stay for a week or a few days, and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle of South Australia's most beautiful peninsula.

5. Heysen Trail

This is one of South Australia's most well known walking trails, starting at Cape Jervis near Kangaroo Island, and ending in the Flinders Ranges, some 1200 kilometres away. Not for the fainthearted, you might prefer to start small and enjoy one of the two hour walks along the way. If you have the time, this is the ultimate walk for those who want to see South Australia in all its diversity. Experience the breathtaking Fleurieu coastline, plantations of the Kuitpo forest, the heights of Mount Lofty and the vineyards of the Barossa Valley, and then on to magnificent gorges in the Flinders desert.

6. Flinders Ranges

Accessible via Port Augusta, this region is remote, diverse and breathtaking. With so much to see you will need at least a few days set aside to enjoy the ranges and their natural beauty. Start at Wadlata Outback Centre, displaying the history and best attractions to visit in the area. Head to Quorn, not far from the lovely Warren Gorge and also the Kanyaka Ruins. One of the best towns to visit is Hawker, not far from Wilpena Pound which has plenty of wildlife and amazing scenery.

7. Coober Pedy

Known for its colourful opals, Coober Pedy is a unique and attractive place to visit, with its famousunderground accommodation to escape the heat. The unique shops and art galleries have to be seen to be believed, and you can't miss the underground mines. One of the most popular is the Old Timer's Mine which is one of the oldest and also displays some of the opals that were first discovered in the early 1900's.

8. Kangaroo Island

Australia's third largest island is only two hours from Adelaide and accessible via Cape Jarvis on the ferry. Not surprisingly you will find plenty of kangaroos on the island, plus penguins, seals, koalas and many more. There are lighthouses dotting the island as well a numerous walking trails that will take you through the uninhabited Flinders Chase National Park. At Kelly Hill you can visit the underground cave systems, and Kingscote is where you can best see the cute penguins at play. Murray Lagoon is also worth visiting for its prolific birdlife. Visit for the day or stay at one of the many campgrounds.

9. Yorke Peninsula

With wildlife in every direction and scenic national parks make you feel like you are the only person around. There are a number of fantastic walking trails such as the Standsbury Coastal Trail, Edithburgh, Port Vincent trails. Visit the lighthouse at Cape Spencer and on to the Samphire Coast which is popular for bird watching. There are a number of camping grounds to choose located close to pristine white beaches and lookouts.

10. Innes National Park

This is the perfect place to visit to get away from the city and get back to nature. With a great camping ground in the park, you can base yourself here for as long as you like and enjoy the carpet of wildflowers and walking trails which wind around the coastline. Visit Inneston Village which will take you back in time, or hop over Chinaman's Hat island to enjoy some more bushwalking and birdlife. The endless coastlines and abundant wildlife will keep you coming back.

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

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South Australia's Magnificent Barossa Valley

Anyone travelling to Adelaide or touring South Australia should definitely consider a day trip to the magnificent Barossa Valley, just a short but scenic hour's drive from Adelaide through the beautiful Adelaide Hills. The Barossa Valley is home to the world-famous wines such as the Barossa Shiraz and Eden Valley Riesling, in addition to a veritable cornucopia of unique regional produce, and of course many acclaimed restaurants.

The Barossa Valley is one of Australia's most significant wine regions. The Barossa's vineyards are tended by around 500 grape growing families, many sixth-generation. There are may small boutique wineries where exquisite wines are sold out within weeks of their launch, along with larger enterprises associated with household names such as Peter Lehmann, Henschke, Seppelt, Yaldara and Yalumba.

The Barossa Valley's thriving community retains strong links to its rich European heritage, now combined with the down-to-earth Australian spirit to create a rich and diverse lifestyle in a relaxed, rural setting close to Adelaide. European farmers (German in particular) and English migrants settled the Barossa Valley from the 1850s, and their rich cultural legacy is evident today in superb Barossa specialty foods and historic architecture. Historic churches, stone buildings and cottages abound, while walking trails, reserves and forests offer easily access to breathtaking landscapes and scenery.

Located only 70 kilometres North East of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is just over hour's drive from the South Australian capital. From Adelaide take Main North Road (A20) to Sturt Highway and enter via Gawler and the Barossa Valley Way. Or, from Adelaide take Lower North East Road (A10) out of Adelaide and travel through Chain of Ponds in the Adelaide Hills to Williamstown in the southern Barossa. Adelaide is well serviced by domestic and international flights, and car hire is readily available at the airport. Self-drive tours to the Barossa Valley are popular. Road conditions are generally very good and distances between the region's towns are small.

Spring brings a refreshing vitality to the Barossa Valley, days are sunny with a crispness in the air and wildflowers abound. Summer brings an abundance of sunshine and warm days. The average temperature around 29 degrees celcius, but temperatures as high as 35 degrees are common. Autumn brings mild days, chilly evenings, and autumn leaves on the grape vines which are a sight to behold. Winter brings chilly days and cold nights when warm Barossa hospitality can be enjoyed around a cosy log fire.

The Barossa Valley was named in 1837 by South Australia's first Surveyor general, Colonel William Light, after Barrosa in Spain. It was first settled in 1842 by English and German settlers, the Germans having fled religious persecution in their homeland. Before long the Barossa developed its own unique culture and life style which has continued until today. Early gentlemen winemakers established the first Barossa Valley vineyards, but wealthier families with greater financial resources soon took over and developed the wine making industry we see today. Among the first was the Seppelt Family. Joseph Seppelt turned to wine making on a large scale when earlier attempts at tobacco growing failed. Other successful attempts were made by the Jacobs, Salters, Gramps, Penfolds and Tolleys, who soon dominated the industry while smaller growers supplied grapes grown on family holdings. In this way, the Barossa Valley's agricultural production slowly changed from wheat growing to grape growing.

For a comfortable day tour in a picturesque region of Australia steeped in history, fine wines, good food and great restaurants, South Australia's Barossa Valley is hard to beat!

Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Australian tour [http://www.tour-bazaar.com] topics such as Great Ocean Road Tours [http://www.tour-bazaar.com/great-ocean-road-tour.php] and Barossa Valley Tours [http://www.tour-bazaar.com/barossa-valley-tour.php].

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The Next Eleven of South Australia's Top 21 Hotspots

11. Gawler Ranges

With magnificent ranges and vegetation, there is so much to see and do here. The national park is located approximately six hours drive north west from Adelaide. There are a number of incredible bushwalks to enjoy the wilderness known for its wildflowers and salt lakes. Lake Gairder is one of the most visited, with rare vegetation full of colour, so make sure you bring your camera. Pildappa Rock and Mount Wudinna are also well known attractions located on the tourist trail. Stay for a few days in one of the beautiful camping grounds, or nearby at Minnipa.

12. Adelaide Hills

This is often an artists retreat, with the rolling hills and peaceful country life a nice change from the fast pace of the city. Less than half an hour away, you can visit Lobethal, which offers great weekend markets and a costume museum, and Hahndorf, known for its German foods and famous Farm Barn. Not far away at Beerenberg you can also indulge in some strawberry picking. Set some time aside to drive through this area and if possible stay a few nights to take in the picturesque scenery and peaceful villages.

13. Mount Crawford Forest

Close to an hour from Adelaide, the Mount Crawford Forest is perfect for a getaway, with plenty of winding roads leading you to campgrounds and bushwalking tracks. One of the most popular past times is gem fossicking, with gold, opals and diamonds some of the hidden treasures. Horse riding and cycling enthusiasts will love this area, but its just as popular for locals and tourists with a number of excellent picnic spots.

14. Mount Gambier

Known for its brilliant blue lake, Mount Gambier is one of South Australia's most beautiful attractions. Located over 400 kilometres south from Adelaide, it is a great drive, and the best time to visit is between November and March when the water is bluer than usual. There are also a number of other lakes to visit, such as Little Blue Lake and Valley Lake, and another well known natural attraction is Cave Gardens. Climb Centenary Tower for the best view of the city and surrounding country. Head to the Mount Gambier Tourist Centre to take part in interactive displays and learn more about the region.

15. Birdsville Track

The Birdsville Track is an Aussie icon. From Birdsville, Queensland to Marree in South Australia, you can best attempt the track by 4WD, or travel in sections to enjoy scenery such as Sturts Stony Desert, Mungeranie Gap as well as sand hills, coolibah creeks and old homesteads scattered along the way. Marree is an excellent base to visit the surrounding area and experience a portion of the famous track.

16. Murray River

The Murray River has to be experienced. Stretching into South Australia via Renmark, it is fantastic for a day trip or a holiday destination with so much to see and do. Dotted along the river system are parks and picnic grounds to relax and enjoy the scenery and wildlife or relax for a spot of fishing. An easy drive from Adelaide, visit Murray Bridge and enjoy a local cruise on the MV Expedition or PS Murray Princess, or head to Mannum for some shopping. If you love bird watching head past Waikerie to Gluepot Reserve.

17. Clare Valley

With a rural flavour, visit the main heritage towns of Burra and Kapunda for some country experiences. This is the ideal

getaway retreat with plenty of local attractions for the whole family. For cute farm animals visit Geralka Rural Farm located near Spalding. Burra and Snowtown are home to a number of fantastic art galleries, unique pubs and cosy cafes. Spend a day or two visiting each town and enjoying the local shops and attractions.

18. Hahndorf

You can't visit South Australia without visiting Hahndorf, steeped in history and brimming with exciting attractions. Being Australia's oldest German village, you are guaranteed authentic German foods, beers and wines. Located close to Adelaide Hills, this is a fantastic base to explore the surrounding regions. Make sure you visit the Beerenberg Strawberry Farm, Hahndorf Farm Barn, especially fun for the kids, and German Model Train Land.

19. Naracoorte Caves National Park

Located south, not far from Coonawarra and Mount Gambier, Naracoorte Caves are worth visiting, with breathtaking caves including large fossils that will take you back in time. They are the only world heritage listed attraction in South Australia, and for a good reason. Take a guided tour or visit the Wonambi Fossil Centre. This is the home of the Southern Bentwing bat. Stay for a while in the campgrounds available or make use of the picnic grounds.

20. McLaren Vale

There is only one main reason to visit McLaren Vale, and that is for the wine. It is also a pretty town with a lot of history. A short drive from Adelaide, this township boasts over forty wineries, with plenty of vineyards to wander around and of course enjoy a sample or two of the premier wines available. Include this town on your driving itinerary, or better still stay for a few nights and enjoy the scenery and the produce.

21. Coorong National Park

Located south from Adelaide, Coorong National Park is just past Murray Bridge. This river town is also a great base to visit the park. Head to Pelican Point for some serious bird watching, or Long Point for some fishing. If you are after incredible views then Jacks Point is the place to be with an observatory and walking track. Camping is permitted here with permits available from nearby Salt Creek or Meningie. As it is close enough to the city for a day trip, make sure you include this natural attraction on your itinerary.

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

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The Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

The Yorke Peninsula is a finger of land in South Australia, located between the Spencer Gulf to the west and the Gulf St Vincent to the east. It is around forty kilometres wide at the northern end, narrowing to thirty kilometres wide at the southern end, before flaring to sixty kilometres at the southern base. From north to south the peninsula is around one hundred and ten kilometres long. It is similar in appearance to the boot of Italy, although on a much smaller scale.

The Yorke Peninsula lies to the west of Adelaide (the capital city of South Australia), sixty kilometres away across the waters of the Gulf St Vincent. By road it is about 80 kilometres from Adelaide to the top end. This proximity makes it a popular weekend holiday destination for the residents of Adelaide, and there are many coastal towns and communities on the Yorke Peninsula catering for this tourist trade.

The inland portion of the peninsula is given over to farming. The main crops are barley and wheat, and historically farming was the reason the Yorke Peninsula was settled by whites in the 1840s. Needing a way to get the grain into ships, many deep-water ports were established on the coast. The generally shallow waters of the gulfs on either side meant that long jetties were required to enable ships to dock, and many of these jetties are still in existence today, providing an interesting and unique feature to the coastal towns. The increasing use of trucks and road transportation means that the jetties are not used commercially today.

The major towns of the Yorke Peninsula are Kadina and Moonta in the north; Maitland and Ardrossan in the middle; and Minlaton and Yorketown in the south.

In the 1860s substantial copper deposits were discovered in the north, and a mining boom began. The region bounded by the towns of Kadina, Moonta and Wallaroo became known as the copper triangle, in recognition of the mining operations. The wider area, including the towns of Port Hughes and Paskeville, is also known as the Copper Coast.

Lacking the expertise required to mine copper at the time, the SA government appealed to England for those with the experience to emigrate to South Australia. The bulk of those who came were from Cornwall, which was itself a key mining area of the UK. As well as mining expertise the new immigrants brought their own foods and way of life as well. This influence led to the name "Little Cornwall" being applied to the northern regions of the Yorke Peninsula.

The mining boom came to an end on the early 1900s, and the region returned once again to farming as the main export. Recent investigations by geologists, however, have suggested that there may be huge, untapped reserves of both copper and gold on the peninsula. Thought to be around one hundred metres underground, this was beyond the reach of miners in the heyday of Yorke Peninsula's mining period. Using new, modern techniques such deposits are now recoverable.

There is serious debate about the desirability of new mines on the Yorke Peninsula. Today many of the inhabitants are reliant on tourism, and given the generally small size of the peninsula it is feared that renewed mining would have a detrimental effect on the tourist trade. It is also argued that the commercial benefit of mining would apply only to the lucky few who owned the land, and the external mining companies. As yet there are no concrete plans for new mines.

Alan Cameron lives in Adelaide, South Australia. As a boy he spent holidays on the Yorke Peninsula with his parents, the beginning of a life long attachment to the area. He has since travelled all over Australia, and around the world, but is happiest when back on the peninsula.

More information on the Yorke Peninsula, including where to stay and what to do, is available.

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Things to Do in Australia - South Australia

South Australia is perhaps best known for being the wine capitol of Australia, home to the famous Flinders Chase National Park and the Barossa Valley wine country. South Australia offers extraordinary wildlife including platypus and little penguins and the chance to swim with dolphins, sea lions or even great white sharks.

Adelaide is the capitol of South Australia. This vibrant city sits between the Adelaide Hills and the Gulf St. Vincent. It is adorned with pristine beaches, numerous water sports and activities, national parks and is surrounded by parkland; a perfect place to relax and enjoy the day.

Here are some of the most popular features of Adelaide:

Glenelg is an historic and very popular beachside community. It offers many restaurants, cafes and shopping.

South Australian Museum was founded in 1856. It is home to the largest collection of indigenous Australian artifacts in the world. Open daily and entry is free!

National Wine Center of Australia promotes awareness of over 10,000 Australian wines. There is an extensive list of wines available for tasting, and one can brush up on their wine knowledge by chatting with a hologram of famous Australian winemakers. Open year round, except for national holidays.

Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife reserve approximately 25 miles outside of Adelaide. It was created as a reserve for endangered Australian wildlife in 1969. Today it is home to over 100 species of native birds and mammals. It is a great place to visit for an opportunity to get up close with Australian wildlife in a protected environment. Open daily with free admission!

Some other noteworthy attractions in Adelaide include the Art Gallery of South Australia (renowned for the extensive collection of Australian art), the Adelaide Zoo, Adelaide Botanic Gardens and the seaside suburb of West Beach.

Kangaroo Island is located 13km off the coast of South Australia and is a must for any wilderness destination traveler. With the mix of small towns and wilderness, an abundance of wildlife thrives on the island. One can find koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, platypus', seals, sea lions, penguins and about 250 species of birds.

A third of Kangaroo Island is protected by National Parks. The largest of the parks is Flinders Chase National Park, covering 17 percent of the island. In addition to the variety of wildlife, it offers the attractions of Weir's Cove, Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. For visitors there are picnic tables and campsites making this a great family destination.

Barossa Valley is Australia's most famous wine region. Located just one hour from Adelaide, it makes a great long day trip or if you wish to stay longer, there are many lodging options available for all levels of comfort. The Valley has been producing wine for over 160 years and today there are more than 100 wineries crushing grapes and many of them offer guided tours and tastings year round. In addition to wine, a variety of specialty foods are produced in Barossa Valley including award winning cheeses, dried fruit and delicious pate and can be found at some of the many country markets in the area.

Eyre Peninsula is a great place to visit if you enjoy beach vacations without the crowds. This area offers over 2,000km of coastline, great fishing, and diving; you can even dive with great white sharks! There is a variety of beachfront accommodations and spectacular seafood to satisfy your big appetite after a day at the beach or out to sea.

Look for our series of articles on the five other states of Australia including Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia, and its mainland territory, Northern Territory.

Contact a Professional Travel Agent today to book your dream vacation to Australia!

Look for our series of articles on the five other states of Australia including Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia, and its mainland territory, Northern Territory.

Contact a Professional Travel Agent today to book your dream vacation to Australia!

Trisha has been working with the Travel Team for over 10 years. She has traveled extensively across the world and has been booking travel to Australia for 8 years.
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Uranium & South Australia - Enormous Impact

Two remote small towns, located at least 500 km from Adelaide, are about to have a massive impact on the South Australian property market. Supporters and opponents of South Australia's rapidly expanding uranium mining industry has always concurred that an escalation of such activity will have far reaching implications. That's where the agreement ends. While those opposed to SA's involvement in uranium mining fear the environmental impact of developing and expanding the industry, supporters believe it will bring the state a long overdue economic bonanza. Property values from Roxby Downs to Port Augusta are expected to increase piggybacking on an anticipated mining boom. Already the interest is already growing.

They have already experienced a property boom to match the growth in mining activity at the nearby Olympic Dam copper uranium mine, and recently announced massive expansion plans should ensure that growth continues unabated. While still building, the rest of the state is experiencing a flow-on effect with an increased number of interstate investors scouring for more opportunities.

No doubt the statistics point to a mining-driven property rush. Olympic Dam is the world's largest uranium and fourth largest copper deposit and BHP Billiton has plans to make it one of the largest operations in the world, producing 40 million tonnes of ore. The $884 million operation would be expected to bring an influx of new workers to the site, 570 km northwest of Adelaide, and an increase in business and industry further afield.

The Olympic Dam workforce is expected to grow from 3000 to 4000 with indirect jobs across SA set to increase from 15,000 to 20,000, and a further $60 million a year will go into the state tax office. All this, according to property watchers, will push real estate prices higher well beyond the current Roxby Downs price ceilings. News of a massive new uranium find at Beverley in the state's far north is expected to only add to demand for SA property, with the suggestion the new find could bring as many as 10,000 new workers into the state.

Jeff K is an expert author on Ezine articles and loves to share with others about his hobbies and interests.

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