Adelaide Population 1,003,802
Adelaide, the Capital City of South Australia, is situated on a narrow
plain bounded on the west by the waters of St Vincent Gulf, and on the
east by the rising slopes of the picturesque Mount Lofty Ranges. It
is 660km (410 miles) from Melbourne, 988km (614 miles) from Canberra, 1,196km
(743 miles) from Sydney, 1967km (1222 miles) from Brisbane, and 2216km
(1377 miles) from Perth. The River Torrens flows through the city.
Climate
Adelaide has a mediterranean type climate with warm dry summers and cool
winters. Average annual rainfall is 530mm (21 ins), and it generally
falls between May and August. Average temperatures: January max 30C (86F)
- min 16C (61F); July max 15C (59F) - min 7C (45F). Water temperature:
January 19C (66F); July 14C (57F).
Characteristics
Colonel Light planned Adelaide to be a city of broad streets and handsome
terraces. He dotted it with spacious squares, and bounded it on all sides
with a broad band of natural parkland. Today it is a vibrant, sophisticated
city enjoying the fruits of Colonel Light's planning.
How to Get There By Air
Adelaide International Airport, 8308 9211, is served by Air New Zealand,
British Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Japan Air Lines, Lufthansa Airlines,
Malaysian Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Thai
International and United Airlines. The Airport is about 6.5km (4 miles)
out of the city centre, and a Transit Airport City Bus operates 7 days
a week between the international and domestic airport terminals and the
major accommodation houses in Adelaide City.
Qantas has services to Adelaide from the other capital cities in Australia.
By Bus
Greyhound Pioneer and McCafferty's have services from the other capital
cities.
By Rail
The Indian Pacific stops at Adelaide on its Sydney to Perth run. The Overland
has an overnight service from Melbourne to Adelaide.
By Car
National highways converge on Adelaide from the east, west and north. From
the eastern states there are numerous possible routes. The coastal road
from Melbourne enters South Australia through the forest and lakeland of
the south-eastern part of the state, and provides the chance to explore
the wilderness of the Coorong and its prolific birdlife, as well as winding
through some old-world fishing villages on the way. The main overland route
from Sydney crosses into Victoria at Mildura, and runs through the citrus
and wine-producing area of South Australia. From the west, the completely
sealed Eyre Highway provides safe motoring from Perth across the Nullabor
Plain. An alternate route follows the Great Australian Bight, where cliffs
drop to the sea below. They are the largest stretch of unbroken cliffs
in the world. From the north, the Stuart Highway is the main thoroughfare,
but there are still some sections which are unsealed and subject to flood
damage. If you are planning to drive along this highway, Australian Road
Trips, by Ian Read, details the route thoroughly.
Tourist Information
The South Australian Visitor & Travel Centre, 18 King William Street,
Adelaide, is hopen Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm. Contact them by phone on 1300 655
276 or by email at informationandbookings@south australia.com The website
to explore is www.southaustralia.com
Accommodation
Adelaide has a large range of accommodation to suit every budget, and for
full details it is best to enquire at the Travel Centre. Here is a selection
of accommodation in the city, with prices for a double room per night,
which should be used as a guide only. The suburbs of Adelaide also offer
good accommodation, and as with any city, the further from the city centre,
the lower the rates. & The telephone area code is 08.
5-star
Hyatt Regency, North Terrace, &08 8231 1234. 369 rooms (private facilities),
licensed restaurant, bistro, swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym $300-360.
Hilton International Adelaide, 233 Victoria Square, 8217 2000. 380 rooms
(private facilities),
licensed restaurant, bistro, heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym, bbq
$230-360.
4-star
Adelaide Riviera Motel & Function Centre, 31 North Terrace, 8231 8000.
84 units, licensed restaurant $120 - 170.
Central Adelaide - Tower Wing, 208 South Terrace, 8223 2744. 134 units,
licensed restaurant, swimming pool $121.
3 star
Festival Lodge Motel, Entrance from Bank St, 140 North Terrace, 8212 7877.
44 units, unlicensed restaurant $110.
Grosvenor Vista Hotel, 125 North Terrace, 8407 8888. 290 rooms (private
facilities), licensed restaurant, bistro, sauna, gym $105-135.
Adelaide Paringa Motel, 15 Hindley St, 8231 1000. 45 units $107-120.
2-star
Clarice Motel, 220 Hutt, 8223 3560. 6 units $70.
Ambassadors Hotel, 107 King William St, 8231 4331. 30 rooms, licensed restaurant
$72.
1 star
Kings Head Hotel, 357 King William Street, 8212 6657. 8 rooms $45.
Caravan Parks
Adelaide Caravan Park, Cnr Richmond & Bruton St, Hackney (3km east
of city), 8363 1566. (No pets allowed)J powered sites $23-26 for two, on-site
vans $39-46 for two.
Levi Park Caravan Park, 69 Landsdowne Terrace, Walkerville (5km north-east
of city), 8344 2209. (No pets allowed) powered sites J $21-23 for two,
park cabins $68-83 for two.
Woodcroft Park Caravan Park, Lot 1 Bains Rd, 8325 1233. (No pets allowed)
- powered sites $17 for two, park cabins $50-85 for two.
Adelaide Shores Caravan Resort, 1 Military Road, West Beach (8km west of
city), 8356 7654. (No pets allowed) - powered sites $26-29 for two, on-site
vans $45-60 for two.
Local Transport Bus
All metropolitan buses (STA) leave from the main city shopping areas: King
William Street, Grenfell Street, North Terrace, etc. For all enquiries
about timetables, destinations, and fare-saver deals, 8210 1000 or go
online to www.adelaide metro.com.au. A free inner city bus service is run
by the STA called the BeeLine Bus. The bus number is 99B, and every five
minutes buses travel along a set route and make ten stops for passengers
to get on and off. The route is from Victoria Square along King William
Street, left into North Street, left into George Street, right into Hindley
Street, right into West Terrace, right into North Terrace, right into King
William Street, back to Victoria Square. The service operates Mon-Thurs
8am-6pm, Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 8am-12.15pm.
Rail
All suburban trains depart from the Adelaide Railway Station, North Terrace,
8410 1488.
Tram
The Glenelg Tram Service operates from Victoria Square and terminates at
Mosely Square, Glenelg. The trams are of 1929 vintage and the trip takes
about 30 minutes.
Taxi
Taxis are available in the city and metropolitan area 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. They can be hailed in the street, or booked by telephone:
AAA, 13 1008; Taxi About Town, 13 2227; Taxi Adelaide, 13 2211; Access
Cabs (wheelchair taxis), 1300 360 940.
Car
Most major car rental firms can be found in Adelaide. They offer a wide
selection of vehicles. Car rental firms require a current driver's licence
and a deposit. International credit cards are acceptable. If you are
under 25 years of age, check minimum age requirements.
The Royal Automobile Association of SA, Hindmarsh Square, offers a complete
service to its members and also to members of all automobile associations
within Australia, 8202 4600; Emergency Road Service, 13 1111. Petrol stations
are usually open 7am-6pm, but some are open 24 hours. Most stations are
self service, but some do offer driveway service.
O-Bahn Busway
A unique Adelaide experience is a ride on the O-Bahn busway system, 8210
1000. At 12km (7 miles) in length, the O-Bahn guideway is the longest
in the world. You can board a bus and travel through the city onto the
O-Bahn track for a smooth 100kph cruise to Paradise Interchange or Tea
Tree Plaza shopping centre. The trip crosses the River Torrens ten times,
passing parklands and reservoirs.
Eating Out
Adelaide has an abundance of fine restaurants, and due to its cosmopolitan
population, there are many different cuisines from which to choose. If
you are looking for takeaway to eat in one of the parks, start around
Hindmarsh Square. If you prefer to eat in a reasonably priced restaurant,
then try Hindley Street, such as Hindley
Pasta Palace at no 100, 8231 9500. It's hopen for lunch Mon-Fri and dinner
Mon Sun, is fully licensed, and has authentic Italian cuisine.
Also in Hindley Street, at 131B, is Jerusalem Sheshkabab House, which is
licensed and BYO, and has inexpensive Lebanese and Middle Eastern food,
hopen daily noon-midnight, 8212 6185.
Zapata's Mexican Restaurant, at the northern end of Melbourne Street (no
42), North Adelaide, 8267 4653, is one of the most charming of Adelaide's
restaurants and is fully licensed.
Bangkok Restaurant, on the first floor of 217 Rundle Street, 8223 5406,
is a popular Thai restaurant with good service and prices that won't strain
your travel budget.
Red Ochre Grill is a licensed restaurant specialising in native Australian
flavours. It is open seven days, accepts all major credit cards and is
located in Ebeneser Place, 8212 7266.
Stanleys The Great Aussie Fish Cafe, 76 Gouger Street, 8410 0909, attracts
locals and visitors alike to its central location in the CBD. The main
cuisine here is, you guessed it, seafood, but meat-lovers are also considered.
Entertainment
Most of the nightspots in Adelaide focus around Hindley Street and North
Adelaide. You'll find nightclubs, discos, restaurants, strip clubs and
coffee lounges, many of which are open until the wee small hours. Then
there is the casino.
Skycity Adelaide, North Terrace, 8212 2811, is in a classic sandstone railway
station building that blends elegance, history and tradition. You're unlikely
to find any of these three attributes inside the casino, but it does offer
the usual entertainment. It features 98 gaming tables on two floors, five
bars and a restaurant and carvery, and is open Mon-Thurs 11am-4am, and
on the weekends it is open Fri 11am and closes Mon 4am.
Many hotels, motels and restaurants have regular dinner dances or discos.
Some also feature floor shows by local and international artists. Details
are available in the local press.
Adelaide takes its arts seriously and is proud of its many fine theatres.
Programmes cater for a multitude of cultural tastes, ranging from children's
and experimental theatre to full scale national and international productions.
We suggest you check for details in the entertainment pages of the daily
press.
Shopping
Adelaide is a shopper's paradise, and here are the most popular shopping
venues.
Rundle Mall is the city's central shopping district, with large department
stores, chain stores, boutiques, specialty shops and eateries.
Rundle Arcade, is beneath the Gawler Place Car Park, and is accessed from
between Stephens Place and Gawler Place, behind David Jones.
The Gallerie Australis, off Gawler Place has three floors with over 55
individual shops.
The Renaissance Centre, off Rundle Mall, is a patchwork of arcades, walk-throughs,
flyovers and multi levels.
City Cross, accessed from Rundle Mall, James Place, Grenfell Street and
Gawler Place, has over 60 well appointed specialty shops.
Southern Cross Arcade, between James Place and King William Street, is
on the site of the former Southern Cross Hotel, and has two levels of specialty
shops.
Regent Arcade runs from Rundle Mall through to Grenfell Streets and houses
the Hoyts Cinema complex. It also has over 30 specialty shops.
Adelaide Arcade, between Rundle Mall and Grenfell Street, was built in
1885, and has over 100 shops and two levels.
City Centre Arcade, cnr Rundle Mall & Pulteney Street, has fashion
shops, an international food hall, and a licensed restaurant.
John Martin's Plaza, was built in 1983, and is situated between The Link
and John Martin's Store, and linked to the latter's ground and first floors.
The arcade has 18 specialty shops.
Suburbs
Unley - Metro shopping complex on Unley Road, has some of the city's top
designer shops, and antiques.
Hyde Park - King William Road has many specialty shops and boutiques.
North Adelaide - Melbourne Street has boutiques, specialty shops and restaurants.
Glenelg - the main shopping area is in Jetty Road.
St Peters - Jam Factory and Craft Centre, 169 Payneham Road, 8362 4542,
was once a jam factory but it is now a large shop featuring the best in
SA contemporary craft.
Modbury - Tea Tree Plaza, North East Road, has 150 retail outlets including
large department stores. It is connected to the city by the O-Bahn Busway.
Markets
The Central Market, Grote Street, Adelaide, has been the culinary inspiration
of Adelaide for 120 years and still provides a dazzling array of fresh
foodstuffs. Open Tues 7am-5.30pm, Thurs 11am-5.30pm, Fri 7am-9pm, Sat
7am-3pm, 8203 7494.
Brickworks Leisure Markets, 36 South Road, Thebarton, is a 6ha (15 acres)
site with a permanent variety of leisure activities and an air-conditioned
main market area. Open Fri-Mon 9am-5pm, and right through school holidays,
8352 4822.
Junction Market, Prospect Road, Kilburn, has about 150 stalls including
an international food hall, a produce section and a full range of variety
and specialty stalls. Open Sat-Mon 9am-5pm, 8349 5866.
Reynella Markets, 255 Old South Road, Reynella, has over 200 variety stalls
under the main roof, plus an international food hall. Open Fri-Mon, 9am-5pm.
Adelaide Sunday Market, East Terrace, between Rundle and Grenfell Streets,
is based on the famous Paddy's Market in Sydney, and has around 300 stalls
all under cover. Open 9am-4.30pm.
Points of Interest City
A walk along Adelaide's wide and gracious streets allows you to see much
more than you do when driving. The following walks are suggested to allow
the chance to see many facets of the city.
North Terrace
Adelaide Gaol, Gaol Road, western end North Terrace, is more than 147 years
old and marks the transformation of early Adelaide into a permanent settlement.
The gaol complex is an example of 19th century gaol architecture although
it was used as a place of confinement as recently as February 1988. Special
features include the Hanging Tower, the original bell and honeycomb brickwork.
Open the first and third Sunday of each month with guided tours between
10am and 3.30pm.
Newmarket Hotel, 1 North Terrace, 8216 5216, was erected in 1884 and has
a magnificent freestanding spiral staircase.
Lion Arts Centre, cnr Morphett Street & North Terrace, is the home
of the biennial Fringe Festival. The centre occupies the site of old factories,
and incorporates the Lion Factory building, open Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm.
Holy Trinity Church, cnr Morphett Street & North Terrace, on the other
side of Morphett Street Bridge underpass, is the State's oldest Anglican
Church. The tower houses the original, now restored clock, made in 1836
and shipped from London. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun from 8am, Sunday
services from 8am.
Adelaide Plaza Complex comprises the Adelaide Convention Centre, Exhibition
Hall, Hyatt Regency Adelaide, Adelaide Casino and the adjacent Festival
Theatre. The Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, 8212 4099, is Australia's
first multi-purpose convention centre, and can be transformed to accommodate
sporting events, conventions of up to 3,500, or as an entertainment venue.
Festival Centre, King William Road, is the home of the biennial Adelaide
Festival. The centre comprises a multi-purpose concert hall and lyric theatre,
a drama theatre, experimental theatre and an open air amphitheatre. An
interesting feature is the 1.2ha (5 acres) of open plaza and terrace surrounding
the complex. There is also a Bistro overlooking the river. hOpen daily
from 9.30am (excluding Public Holidays) and guided tours are available,
8212 7849.
Old Parliament House, North Terrace, was built in 1855 as South Australia's
original Legislative Council Chamber. It is now a museum of political history
and has displays and audio-visual programmes, and a courtyard restaurant.
Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun noon-5pm. Parliament House, cnr King William
Road & North Terrace, is constructed of Kapunda marble on a foundation
of granite. It was commenced in 1883 and completed in 1939. When Parliament
is sitting there are public viewings from 2pm.
Government House, cnr North Terrace & King William Road, 8203 9800,
is the Governor's residence, and is the oldest surviving Regency building
in Adelaide. Tours of the garden are advertised in daily newspapers. Continue
your walk past the Prince Henry Gardens and note the commemorative plaques
laid in the footpath naming outstanding contributors to South Australia's
first 150 years.
National Soldiers' War Memorial, cnr Kintore Avenue & North Terrace,
features a student, a farmer and a young girl, watched over by an armed
angel representing the Spirit of Duty. The memorial was unveiled in 1931,
and commemorates those who died in World War I.
Royal South Australian Society of Arts, 59 King William Street, houses
many interesting and historic paintings in its permanent collection. Open
Mon-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat-Sun 2-5pm.
Migration Museum, 82 Kintore Avenue, 8207 7580. South Australia's living
history is here to explore at the Migration Museum. The building was the
old Destitute Asylum. hOpen Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 1-5pm.
State Library of South Australia, cnr Kintore Avenue & North Terrace,
8207 7250, is an Angaston white marble building. Open daily from 9.30am,
closed public holidays.
South Australian Museum, North Terrace, 8207 7500, is a treasure-trove
of objects. Collections include Ngurunder, an Aboriginal Dreaming, and
the Egyptian Room. The Museum has its own shop and information centre.
It is open daily 10am-5pm, except Anzac Day 1-5pm.
Art Gallery of South Australia, North Terrace, 8207 7000, has a comprehensive
collection of Australian, European and Asian Art. Open daily 10am-5pm.
Museum of Classical Archaeology, first floor, Mitchell Building, in the
grounds of Adelaide University, North Terrace, 8303 5638. The museum has
some 500 objects, many dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. Open Mon-Fri
noon-3pm, closed school holidays.
Scots Church Adelaide, 237 North Terrace, 8223 1505, was opened in 1851,
the second oldest church in the city. Extensive renovations to the building
and church organ place this National Heritage Building on everyone's sightseeing
agenda. Special features include the 19th century stained glass windows,
the original organ, the pulpit and the font.
Elder Hall, North Terrace, was built in 1900, and is one of Australia's
finest concert venues. It has a spectacular pipe organ built by Casauant
Feres of Quebec in 1979. Concerts are often held and a calendar is available
free at the hall.
Ayers House, 288 North Terrace, was designed by Sir George Kingston and
took nearly 30 years to build. The central one-storey section was built
in 1846. Sir Henry Ayers, seven times elected Premier of South Australia,
later added the bow window, dining and drawing rooms. The building has
been restored and houses two restaurants. It is also headquarters for the
State Branch of the National Trust. Open Tues-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 2-4pm,
8223 1234.
Tandanya Aboriginal Cultural Institute, 253 Grenfell Street, is the first
major cultural facility of its kind and scale in Australia. Some facilities
within the institute are a performing arts area, a museum gallery, a visual
gallery and art/craft workshops. Tandanya is the only Aboriginal multi-arts
complex in Australia and is owned and managed by Aboriginals. It is open
Mon-Fri 10.30am-5pm, Sat-Sun noon-5pm, 8224 3200.
King William Street
King William Street starts at the corner of North Terrace. One of the city's
widest boulevards, it is the main street of Adelaide. Edmund Wright House,
59 King William Street, is an elaborate renaissance-style building designed
by Edmund Wright in 1876 for the Anglican Bishop of South Australia.
The building is now the office of the Registry of Births, Deaths and
Marriages. There is a lunchtime musical performance to be seen here every
Wednesday, 12.10-1.10pm.
General Post Office, cnr King William & Franklin Streets. The foundation
for the present GPO was laid in November 1867, and the building completed
in 1872. Open Mon-Fri 7.15am-6.15pm, Sat 8.30am noon, Sun 12.30-5pm, public
holidays 9am-noon for stamps and postal parcels only.
Adelaide Town Hall, cnr King William & Pirie Streets, was built from
designs by Edmund Wright, Mayor of the City, in 1859. The foundation stone
was laid on May 4, 1863, by the then Governor of South Australia, Sir Dominic
Daly, and the opening ceremony took place on June 20, 1866. The entire
front of the building and Albert Tower is constructed of freestone.
Old Treasury Building Museum, cnr King William & Flinders Streets,
parts of which date back to 1839, has a collection of exploration, surveying,
drafting and computing instruments and artifacts. The major theme of the
display is the history of land settle- ment and development of South Australia
since 1836. Open Mon-Fri 10.30am 3.30pm.
Victoria Square has some noted examples of early Adelaide architecture.
The fountain was designed by Adelaide sculptor John Dowie, and has as its
theme three of the rivers of South Australia - Torrens, Onkaparinga and
Murray.
Supreme Court, cnr Gouger Street & Victoria Square, was built in 1869
of Tea Tree Gully sandstone, and features a three arched entrance, cast-iron
gates and ionic columns.
Cathedral Church of St Francis Xavier, cnr Wakefield Street & Victoria
Square, was built in three sections, the central part in 1858, with additions
in 1886 and 1926. The cathedral is the centre of Roman Catholic life
and worship in Adelaide, and celebrates five masses a day. Open every
day.
North Adelaide
A short distance from the heart of the city, north of the River Torrens,
is North Adelaide, one of the oldest parts of the city. Away from the
shopping districts of O'Connell Street and Melbourne Street, North Adelaide
abounds in gracious and grand old homes.
Popeye Motor Launch, Elder Park, River Torrens, leaves from near the Festival
Theatre and cruises along 6km of winding waterways, stopping at the Zoo
landing. Departure times vary, phone 8295 4747 for information.
Light's Vision, Montiefiore Hill on Montiefiore Road, is a tribute to Colonel
Light who planned the city of Adelaide. The statue of him points the way
to a spectacular view of the city and hills.
St Peter's Cathedral, King William Road, took seven years to build and
was completed in 1876. The towers and spires were built and consecrated
in 1902. The Cathedral has the heaviest and finest bells in the southern
hemisphere. Open daily 7.30am-5.45pm, and conducted tours are available
on the second Sunday of each month at 3pm.
Carclew, 11 Jeffcott Street. 'The Home on the Hill' dates back to the late
1890s, and has a tower in the style of the German Rhine castles. Since
the early 1970s, Carclew has been a centre for the arts for young people,
from which the Youth Festival "Come Out" emanates biennially in May, 8267
5111.
Parklands
Adelaide and North Adelaide are completely surrounded by extensive parklands.
In many there are barbecue and picnic facilities.
Adelaide Botanic Garden, State Herbarium and Conservatory, North Terrace,
8222 9311, has numerous heritage buildings and subtropical and Mediterranean
plant displays. The Bicentennial Conservatory is the largest in the southern
hemisphere and features between 3000 and 4000 plants from Australasia and
Malaysia, including 15 to 20 medium sized rainforest trees with associated
understorey and ground vegetation. Free guided tours are available Tues
and Fri at 10.30am from the kiosk. The garden is open Mon-Fri from 7am,
Sat-Sun from 9am. The Conservatory is open daily 10am-4pm, and there is
a small admission charge, 8232 2745.
Adelaide Zoo, Frome Road, is beautifully landscaped with grassy-moated
enclosures, walk-through aviaries, a new reptile house, and a licensed
restaurant. Open daily 9.30am-5pm, admission is $13 adults, $8 children.
hFeeding times: seals 11.45am and 3.45pm daily; big cats 3.15pm Tues, Thurs,
Sat and Sun; penguins 2.45pm daily; pelicans 2.30pm daily.
The North Parklands are on either side of the River Torrens, and they also
surround North Adelaide. Bonython Park (Port Road entrance) has miniature
lakes, children's adventure playground and a round pond for model-boat
sailors. The Municipal Golf Links has two 18-hole courses, a fine club
house and public restaurant. There is also a Par 3 (pitch and putt) Golf
Course of 18 holes.
Elder Park, King William Road, is on the slopes of the south bank of Torrens,
and is the site of the Festival Centre. The Rotunda in Elder Park was erected
in 1882.
The Eastern Parklands combine natural and planned landscaping. To the east
of Rundle and Grenfell Streets is Rymill Park, which has a boating lake,
a rose garden, barbecue and picnic areas. Nearby are children's playgrounds,
a wading pool and the Adelaide Bowling Club. The National Fitness Council's "sweat
track" is in the East Parklands. The 600m course starts at the eastern
end of Halifax Street, and is sign-posted.
Veale Gardens is a feature of the South Parklands and has lawns, flower
beds, rose gardens, winding streams and weirs, grottoes and fountains,
and a conservatory.
Adelaide Himeji Garden, cnr Hutt Road & South Terrace, was built to
symbolise the bonds of friendship between the City of Adelaide and the
Himeji Region of Japan. Open 7.30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am sunset.
Linear Park has evolved into a beautiful park that graces the banks of
the River Torrens. It spans the length of the river from the hills to the
sea, a distance of approximately 30km (19 miles). It can be accessed at
any point of the river, and provides many recreation opportunities for
cyclists, walkers, joggers, bird watchers, picnickers and fishing enthusiasts.
For a pleasant way to view the park, contact Linear Park Mountain Bike
Hire, in Elder Park, on 8223 6271.
Suburbs St Kilda
St Kilda Mangrove Trail, Fooks Terrace. You can discover the marine life
of a mangrove forest along a 1.7km boardwalk. Mangroves and mudflats are
the remains of a sensitive coastal wetland system which is a valuable feeding
and breeding area for marine life. Guided walks are available (subject
to tides) Sat-Sun, public and school holidays 10am-3pm, phone 8280 8172
for more information.
Tramway Museum, St Kilda Road, preserves some of the vehicles which served
the city from 1909 to 1959. Open Sun and public holidays 1-5pm, Wed during
school holidays 1-5pm, 8280-8188.
Port Adelaide
Situated 25 minutes from the centre of Adelaide, Port Adelaide has undergone
a renaissance in recent years, and here are some the attractions: Port
Dock Station Railway Museum, Lipson Street, has 26 locomotives on various
track gauges and a re-created "break of gauge" railway platform. Two
steam trains take visitors around the museum grounds. Open Sun-Fri 10am-5pm,
8341 1690.
Port Dock Brewery Hotel, 10 Todd Street, is an historic hotel first licensed
in 1855. The building is registered with both the National Trust and State
Heritage, and award winning beers and ales are brewed on the premises.
Open daily, 8240 0187.
South Australian Maritime Museum, Lipson Street, is a living, working Maritime
Museum in the Port. There are four restored historic buildings, an 1869
lighthouse, the museum wharf, and the historic vessels moored at the wharf
house a large collection of maritime artifacts. Open Sat-Wed 10am-5pm,
and daily during school holidays, 8207 6255.
Sailmaker Gallery, 117 Lipson Street, behind the Maritime Museum's shop,
features Australian paintings and crafts. Open afternoons until 5pm.
The Port Waterfront Markets, at the end of Commercial Road, next to the
red lighthouse, has over 100 stalls selling foodstuffs, plants and crafts.
Open Sun 9am-4pm.
Falie Charters, 3 Divett Street. This 46m steel hulled twin masted ketch
was built in Holland in 1919, and was used as a cargo vessel for 60 years,
and as a guard boat in Sydney Harbour during the Second World War. She
was the Flag Ship of the Jubilee 150 celebrations. Cruises on the Falie
operate from 9.30am and 5.30pm, 8341 2004 for information and bookings.
One and All, Queens Wharf, 8447 5144, is a centreboard brigantine built
of timber. She has been built to operate a Sail Training programme in SA
waters. Day trips, half day trips and twilight cruises are available.
Aviation Museum of South Australia, Ocean Steamers Road, in the historic
Lion flour mill, has a collection of aircraft and artifacts from Australia's
colourful civilian and military air past. Open Sat-Sun and public holidays
10am-5pm, 8240 1230.
Largs Bay/North Haven
Fort Largs was built as the northern battery of the SA coast defence about
1882, and is now a police training college. Landmarks include the Largs
Pier Hotel and the old Post Office, now a coffee shop. North Haven has
Australia's largest man-made harbour, with marina docks, ten lane trailer
boat launching ramp and cruising yacht club, and a 9-hole golf course.
Semaphore
In its hey-day, Semaphore was a popular seaside resort, and holiday makers
enjoyed huge carnivals, side-shows and picture palaces. In the early days
of sail and steam it was also an important signal station and recorded
information on all ships entering and leaving St Vincent's Gulf. Today,
Semaphore is rich with historic landmarks, buildings, and antique shops.
Fort Glanville, Military Road, Semaphore South was South Australia's first
fortification, dating back to 1878. It was built to combat the Russian
scare. The fort has been restored and its re-creation of colonial life
of the 19th century includes cannon firings, rifle drills, parades and
sentry changes. Open the third Sunday of each month 1-5pm, with additional
openings during December and January. Details are printed in the local
press.
West Lakes
West Lakes provides facilities for water sports including sailing, canoeing,
windsurfing and swimming. There are several indoor centres in the area,
and West Lakes is the location of Football Park, home of the SA Football
League.
MV Foxy Lady Scenic Cruises, 145 Brebner Drive, have cruises of the West
Lakes, departing Mon-Sun 1.45pm and 3pm, 8242 3933.
West Beach
West Beach Reserve has numerous playing fields, two golf courses, a boating
lake and a large modern caravan park. The nearby Adelaide Airport is
the site of a memorial building to the pioneer aviators Sir Ross and
Sir Keith Smith. It houses the Vickers Vimy aircraft they flew from England
to Australia in 1919.
Novar Gardens
Cummins, Sheoak Avenue, 8294 1939, is an historic property which belonged
to the Morphett family. John Morphett, a surveyor, was among the party
that witnessed the Proclamation establishing the government of the colony
in 1836. In later years he became the Speaker and then President of the
Legislative Council and was knighted in 1870. The house, Cummins, was
built in 1842, and is open Sun 2-4pm, with guided tours at 2.05pm and
3.05pm.
Glenelg
Known as The Bay, Glenelg is the State's Birthplace. On December 28, 1836,
the Province of South Australia was first proclaimed beside the Old Gum
Tree, now in MacFarlane Street, Glenelg North. Jetty Road, the shopping
strip, is in the heart of the town, and, with the arcades running off
it, there are over 400 outlets.
Shark Museum, Town Hall, Moseley Square, has a 30-year collection of displays,
photographs and film of sharks, amassed by Rodney Fox. Open Wed-Sun 11am-5pm,
admission is $4.50 adults, $3 children, 8376 3373.
HMS Buffalo Nautical Museum, Adelphi Terrace, is a magnificent replica
of the HMS Buffalo, built on site between 1980-82 using the original Admiralty
plans, at a cost of $1.5 million. The museum houses illustrations and extracts
from the old log books, original diary notes, sketches and photographs,
and a host of other pieces that tell the story of the original ship's voyage
from Portsmouth to Holdfast Bay (off Glenelg) in 1836. There is also a
restaurant and an aquarium devoted to species of fish found in South Australia.
Open Mon-Sat 6.30pm-9pm, Sun 12pm-2pm. Admission is $2.50 adult, $1.50
child.
Wayville
Royal Adelaide Showgrounds, Goodwood Road, host the Royal Adelaide Show
in September each year. At other times the Show- ground hosts Expo, the
Motor Show, Home Show, Caravan and Camping, Pools and Spas and the Christmas
Earth Fair. Phone 8231 6565 for event information.
Woodville
The Brocas Historical Museum, 111 Woodville Road, Woodville, is in a classified
house built in 1840 for an early pioneer, John Newman. The house is furnished
with period furniture and contains documents, artefacts, photographs,
Services memorabilia, and a large scale model of Captain Cook's Endeavour.
Open Sun 2-5pm, 8347 3810.
Festivals
February - Adelaide Fringe Festival, a biennial festival run in conjunction
with the Adelaide Festival of Arts. The Fringe maintains its position
on the cutting edge of Australian cultural development in creating an
environment which encourages new, innovative and experimental art forms
alongside traditional art, 8100 2000.
March - Adelaide Festival of Arts, Australia's major cultural event. The
programme includes music, drama, ballet, opera, dance, art exhibitions
and light entertainment, 8216 4444.
May - Adelaide Cup Carnival, South Australia's major horse racing event
held at Morphettville Racecourse.
August - Royal Adelaide Show, a week-long family event featuring showbags,
livestock, fireworks and staged events.
Facilities
Whatever sport you are into, you'll find it in Adelaide. For information
on sporting facilities, matches and associations, contact the Sports
Institute, 8416 6677.
Adelaide Oval, King William Road, was established in the 1870s and is the
premier venue for international and interstate cricket matches. It is also
hosts local Australian Football in the winter months. The Oval is open
to visitors Mon-Fri, and organised tours can be arranged by telephoning
8300 3800.
Memorial Drive Tennis Club, War Memorial Drive, was established in the
1920s, and is set in parklands. The courts have played host to international
players since 1929, and every year hosts tournaments attracting big names.
Visitors can book courts, coaching and hire equipment, 8211 8706. There
are grass courts (in summer only), Rebound and synthetic ace courts.
The Aquatic Centre, Jeffcott Road, North Adelaide, has a new leisure pools
dimension. It is a world of warm activity pools, cascading water, fountains,
bubble beaches, river rapids and other features in a tropical landscape
setting. For further information and opening times, 8203 7203.
Mt Thebarton Snow & Ice, 23 East Terrace, Thebarton, has the world's
first indoor artificial ski slope, designed for beginners but great fun
for all. There is also an olympic size and beginners skating rink, and
all equipment available for hire. Open Mon-Fri from 9.30am, Sat-Sun from
12.30pm, 8352 7977.
Outlying Attractions The Adelaide Hills
If there is one feature that characterises Adelaide's landscape it is the
rim of hills along the city's eastern country. Within a half an hour of
the city centre is another world - a world of tranquility and greenery.
In the summer it is a refuge from the heat; in winter, a touch of Europe.
Hahndorf
The people who settled Hahndorf were emigrating from the eastern provinces
of Prussia to escape the religious persecution they were suffering because
of their staunch Lutheran convictions. Their ship, the Zebra, under the
command of Captain Hahn, arrived at Holdfast Bay on December 28, 1838,
and Port Adelaide on January 2, 1839. Captain Hahn had been so impressed
with his passengers that he was determined to see them settled together
on land they could farm. He finally decided on the spot, and the grateful
people named their village after him. Founders Day is held on the Sunday
of the Australia Day Long Weekend holiday in January. Hahndorf is 28km
(17 miles) from Adelaide, and there is a regular bus service from/to
Adelaide, phone 8391 2977 for further information.
The Adelaide Hills Information Centre is at 41 Main Street, 8388 1185,
and is open seven days. Some of the town's attractions are: the Pioneer
Memorial Gardens, Main Street, opened in January 1939, to mark the centenary
of the town; St Michael's Lutheran Church, cnr Balhannah & Church Streets,
built in 1859 (the foundation stone had been laid on September 29, St Michael's
Day, hence the name of the church); Hahndorf Oval, in Pine Avenue, was
established in 1936 to mark the State Centenary.
Early each year it is the venue for the colourful Schutzenfest (Shooting
Festival), which derived in the provinces of Germany. Traditional costumes,
steins, German style foods and beverages, together with music and dancing,
make this annual event very spectacular.
The Historic Old Mill (Wittwer's Mill) was built in 1864 by Mr F.W. Wittwer,
and first used as a flour mill. Today it is a restaurant, motel and convention
centre, 8388 7888.
German Arms Hotel, 8388 7013, was the first hotel built in Hahndorf, and
its publican's licence was issued in 1839. The site of the first hotel
is now a grocery store, and the present Hotel was built during the late
1860s.
Hahndorf's favourite son is Sir Hans Heysen, who was born in Germany in
1877, emigrated to Adelaide in 1883, and moved to Hahndorf in 1908. The
success of various exhibitions of his water colours in Melbourne enabled
him to purchase The Cedars, a property on the outskirts of Hahndorf in
1912. He lived there until his death in 1968. Many of the old barns, cottages
and trees that he painted can still be seen in and around Hahndorf. Some
of his original works are on display at the Hahndorf Academy Public Gallery & German
Migration Museum, 68 Main Street, 8388 7250.
Torrens Gorge
The North East Road from Adelaide leads to the semi rural setting of St
Agnes, and a few minutes further on at Tea Tree Gully is the 100 year
old Angoves Winery. 2km further on, turn left into Range Road North to
Upper Hermitage, on the Ansteys Hill to Gawler Scenic Tourist Drive there
are panoramic views of the city, northern suburbs and Adelaide Plains
and across the Gulf of St Vincent to Yorke Peninsula. On the way to Gawler,
you can go to Para Wirra National Park or go up over the mountains to
Kersbrook.
Glenara Wines, 126 Ran ge Road North, Upper Hermitage, 8380 5277, has a
picnic area and barbecues are available to customers at their cellar door
sales in the heart of the vineyard.
The next town is Inglewood, about 30 minutes from the city, with the Historic
Inglewood Inn, one of only three Historic Inns in South Australia. Old
Inglewood Cottage, next to the General Store, was in 1860 the local blacksmith
shop, but now it sells locally produced handcrafts and produce.
Cudlee Creek is home to Gorge Wildlife Park, which covers an area of approximately
6ha (14 acres). The park is privately owned and has a large collection
of animals, including big cats, deer and plenty of koalas. Gumeracha is
one of the oldest settled areas of South Australia, dating back to 1839.
Two historic buildings are the Baptist Church and Randell's Mill. The town
also has the Biggest Rocking Horse in the World at the Toy Factory, open
daily, 8389 2206 or 8389 2332.
Other towns in the Gorge include Birdwood, Mt Pleasant, Keyneton, Springton,
Mt Torrens, Charleston, Tungkillo and Lobethal.
Onkaparinga Valley
The Heart of the Hills is a beautiful valley, and the small river which
gives this valley its name meanders through orchards, rich pasture and
meadow land, flanked by the Mount Lofty ranges. Verdun is the beginning
of the Onkaparinga Valley, and other towns that are in the valley include
Balhannah, Oakbank, Woodside, Lenswood and Forest Range.
East Torrens
The East Torrens area is a nature wonderland with its many parks sheltering
the native wildlife and birds. The winding roads, breathtaking views,
cool waterfalls, bubbling creeks, pear, apple, cherry and plum orchards,
make a trip here a memorable experience. The parks in the area are Black
Hill Conservation Park, Morialta Conservation Park, Horsnell Gully Conservation
Park, Ferguson Conservation Park, Waterfully Gully, Cleland Conservation
Park and Montecute Conservation Park.
Marble Hill, located 6km beyond Norton Summit on the Ashton to Cherryville
Road, was a residence built as a summer retreat for early Governors. The
site commands wide views overlooking the plains and out to the sea. Built
in 1878-79, it was surrounded by a large area of garden. Marble Hill was
totally burnt out on Black Sunday (January 2, 1955). In 1967 it was offered
to the National Trust and is being partially restored. Open Sat, Sun, Wed
and public holidays (closed during August).
The waterfalls of Morialta are its best known feature, but there are also
walking trails and picnic areas in this park. The dark wooded contours
of Black Hill are easily seen behind Adelaide's north-eastern suburbs.
At the base of the hill are picnic areas and gardens. Towns in East Torrens
include Norton Summit, Ashton, Basket Range and Summertown.
Mt Lofty Area
In 1802 Mt Lofty was sighted and named by Captain Matthew Flinders from
Kangaroo Head on Kangaroo Island. Conservation and Recreation Parks in
the area include Mt Lofty Summit Lookout, Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens, Mt
George Conservation Park, Beechwood Gardens, Loftia Park, Sturt George
Recreation Park, Scott Creek Conservation Park, Brownhill Creek Recreation
Park, Belair Recreation Park, Mt Bold Reservoir and Cleland Conservation
Park.
Mount Lofty Summit Visitor Centre & Gift Shop, Crafers Court, Summit
Road, Crafers, (08) 8370 1054, open 7 days.
Blackwood Hills District
The Wittunga Botanic Gardens, Shepherd Hills Road, Blackwood, have two
lakes and a sand-plain garden. There are dazzling displays of Australian
and South African plants. hOpen Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm, 8370
8370.
The Coromandel Valley is located between Blackwood and Clarendon, and has
stands of large trees, streams and gullies.
Old Government House, in Queen Jubilee Drive, Belair, is a must for anyone
with an interest in cultural history, historical architecture, antiques
or cottage gardens. The house and gardens are open for viewing, and guided
tours on Sunday and public holiday afternoons.
Mt Barker Area
Mt Barker is the largest town in this area of the Adelaide Hills, and is
a service centre for the surrounding rural district. One of the town's
best known landmarks is the historic steam flour mill. It has been restored
and is now The Flour Mill Tea and Coffee Shop and gallery. Other towns
in the area are Clarendon, Meadows, Macclesfield, Wistow and Nairne.
Fleurieu Peninsula
Follow the Main South Road until the McLaren Vale turn-off, then detour
for a tour of the Southern Vales. McLaren Vale is the centre of the wine
coast with 45 wineries, and the McLaren Vale & Fleurieu Visitor Centre
on Main Road, McLaren Vale, has a map and opening times for all of them,
phone (08) 8323 9944, or email information@visitorcentre.com.au
Port Elliot
Situated on Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliott was originally selected as the
site for the ocean port for the Murray River trade, but it was a poor
choice as it was unprotected. Several shipwrecks followed and the port
was transferred to the lee of Granite Island at Victor Harbour. Today
Port Elliott is a popular tourist resort, and Boomer Beach on the western
edge of the town is a gathering point for the surfing fraternity.
Victor Harbour
Victor Harbour is a delight coastal resort, and the largest of the resort
towns on Horseshoe Bay. It was an old whaling base and much of its early
history has been preserved at Whale Centre, 2 Railway Terrace, 8552 5644.
An old horse tram runs out to Granite Island which has colonies of wallabies
and fairy penguins. At night you can spot the penguins in their rookeries. One
of the best known landmarks on the south coast is Rosetta Head, also
called the Bluff. It is a natural rock formation which dominates the
skyline just west of the town. There is a magnificent view from the top,
but the climb is demanding.
Just out of town is the Urimbirra Wildlife Park, Adelaide Road, 8554 6554,
with a good collection of Australian animals, and Greenhills Adventure
Park, 8552 5999, with a giant waterslide and roller sled.
Cape Jervis
The cape, 109km (68 miles) from Adelaide, is mostly known as a jumping off
place for Kangaroo Island. A car ferry takes passengers to Kangaroo Island
from its moorings nearby, 8553 1233. The Heysen Walking Trail begins at Cape
Jervis and goes all the way to the northern Flinders. You can explore the
rugged coastline around Cape Jervis, or fossick around the nearby Talisker
Mine which dates back to 1862.
Kangaroo Island
When Matthew Flinders discovered Kangaroo Island in 1802 it was uninhabited.
However, the island had been inhabited by Aboriginal people, about whom
little is known. Stone tools have been found in some areas, indicating
their presence probably over 10,000 years ago. Kangaroo Island is not
small, as most people expect, as it is approximately 145km (90 miles)
by 60km (37 miles). To fully explore all that it has to offer takes a
minimum of five days. Package tours including travel and accommodation
are available, and you should enquire at your local travel agent. There
are no foxes, dingoes or rabbits on the Island, but there are wild pigs,
which are thought to have been released by the French explorer Nicholas
Baudin, as a food source for shipwrecked sailors. The main towns on the
island are American River, Kingscote and Penneshaw, and they all have
hotels, motels, licensed restaurants, coffee shops and delicatessens.
The Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre is in Howard Drive,
Penneshaw, (08) 8553 1185, email tourki@ kin.on.net, open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm,
Sat-Sun 10am-4pm. The National Parks and Wildlife Service also has an office
in Dauncey Street, 8553 2381.
The island is home to many Fairy Penguins, who come ashore at night to
roost or feed their young, and can be seen on the foreshore at Penneshaw
and Kingscote. There is no public transport covering the island, however
there is a bus service between Penneshaw, American River and Kingscote.
You can fly to Kangaroo Island with Whale Air, 8555 4075, or sail across.
Murray Bridge
Situated about 80km (50 miles) east of Adelaide, Murray Bridge is the favoured
haunt of water skiers - the river between White Sands and Willow Banks
provides a special paradise for them. Puzzle Park in the town has Australia's
largest maze, 4.5km of passage ways, mini golf, and the Murray River
Fish Aquarium, 8532 3709. As with many South Australian towns, Murray
Bridge has great parks, and the town is also the base for trips down
the Murray River.