Adelaide

Where is it?

Attractive and with a small town feel to it, Adelaide is capital of South Australia and lies at the centre of most everything that occurs in the State. Adelaide is to be found on the eastern shores of the massive, sheltered harbour of the Gulf St Vincent, within sight of the inland mountain ranges.

What is it like?

In a word, easygoing. The philosophy of equality and toleration on which the State was founded still holds true today. In Adelaide, a freewheeling relaxed atmosphere underpins an outwardly conservative framework.

A gently attractive place without the feel of a large city, Adelaide is more of an overgrown country town. With the backdrop of the Mt Lofty Ranges and the ocean on it's doorstep this well laid out city with it's green parkland belt wreathed around some fine old buildings is well worth a visit.

What to see and do.

Based around a simple grid system the city centre is an easy place to walk and navigate around. The towns numerous squares define life here. Victoria Square is the heart of the town with four smaller squares around it. For museums and galleries, head to North Terrace, for social life head to Rundle St with nearby Rundle Mall for shopping. The Victorian architecture is solidly built, of stone in the main, and is of a more conservative nature than in some other Aussie cities. A stroll along North Terrace is a must for fans of this building style although examples are to be found across the city.

The Migration Museum gives a fascinating insight on the people who made the city what it is. Personal stories mingle with larger themes, giving a picture of the struggle to build a new life far away from the roots of the 100 plus nationalities that have settled in SA over the last two centuries.

To get the other side of the coin visit the Aborigine run 'Tandanya'. This tells the story of the indigenous peoples of SA.

The largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts is held in the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, which is in the east wing of the South Australian Museum. The west wing contains geology and natural history exhibits including an Australian Dinosaur section. Nearby is the State Library, a big old collection of books, unremarkable except for one thing; it houses the Brahman Collection. This consists of memorabilia collected over the years by Australia’s most famous sporting son (sorry Campo!).

The Art Gallery of South Australia is an eclectic collection of everything from Aboriginal through Colonial to International art, all of the highest order. For art of a less traditional kind, seek out the Light Square gallery, the Experimental Art Foundation or the Jam Factory Craft and Design Centre. There is also a fair amount of art on public display, as you wander the streets just keep your eyes open.

With it's famed green spaces you are never far away from a place to stroll and relax, especially notable is the Adelaide Botanic Garden and if plant life is your thing then you should head for the Bicentennial Conservatory, the biggest greenhouse down under.

To find the beach you will need to head to suburbs, the most significant of which is Glenelg. Very popular with the locals, the best way to get to Glenelg is on the tram, an original 1920's trolley car, and the ideal way to arrive at this traditional seaside town. Whilst you are there check out the Rodney Fox Shark Experience. Rodney is something of a local celebrity and an expert on the creatures he has spent his lifetime chasing and filming.

Further out of town you may want to go on one of the organised tours into the wine country, don't miss the Penfolds Magill Estate with it's great views back towards the city and even greater restaurant.

Over the years, Adelaide has made quite a name for itself as a festival city. Hardly a month seems to pass without they're being some huge gathering or another. These include the Bay Sports Festival in December, Octobers Glenelg Jazz Festival and in August is the Royal Adelaide Show. The best month has to be March with Womadelaide - a massive world music gathering that lasts three days and nights - and every other year (even numbers only), the Adelaide Festival of Arts and the Adelaide Fringe. Just like Edinburgh but not so wet and chilly.

Eating, sleeping and drinking.

There is a plethora of places to stay all good value and with a range of choice at all levels. Generally you won't need to book in advance, although demand does rise for the waterfront in mid season (Dec and Jan) and all over during Womadelaide and the bi-annual Arts Festival.

There is a comprehensive range of cuisine on offer, again good value and high quality. Adelaide is a city that has taken eating out experience to its heart and there are more restaurants here than in any other Aussie city.

South Australian wine features high on the wine list everywhere you go but real ale buffs will enjoy the locally brewed Coopers.

Adelaide is a sophisticated city that takes the arts very seriously. As such, there is a wide choice of entertainments after dark with nightclubs and live music, comedy clubs, opera and a symphony orchestra, what ever takes your fancy.