Adelaide Australia, what to see and do down-under

Adelaide is the fifth largest city in Australia, as well as the Capital of South Australia. It was founded in 1836 as the planned capital of a British Providence for the settlement of free immigrants, as a result of this it does not have the "convict history" that many other Australian cities have.

Located in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to those of us in the northern hemisphere, which in a way is a good thing. When it is winter in our part of the world, we can vacation in Adelaide and enjoy the summer weather, which has the added benefit of getting most of the rain in their winter months.

Over the years Adelaide has grown into a very cosmopolitan city and one that is easy to get around, The Metro serves the greater metropolitan area with trains, buses and trams, and the Metro ticket can be used on most of the transportation system. Visitors who wish to visit the seaside town of Glenelg can ride the trams for free. For those who wish to get around on foot, they will find that most of the attractions - best cafe strips, shopping, boutiques and nightlife - are centered around the blocks between North Terrace, Victoria Square and king William Street.

1. Flower lovers will find many Botanic Gardens in the city.
a. The Rhododendron Gully has the best collection of Rhododendron Blooms along with an extensive range of Chinese trees and shrubs. The Gully displays this collection through Spring and into summer.
b. Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens is for rose lovers, where they can thrill to the display of colour in the International Rose Garden and the Rose Trail Garden which have over 5000 species.
c. The Adelaide Botanic Gardens in the center of the city is free for all to visit. Just outside the gardens are the city parklands where ball games and picnics are usually the focus.

2. History buffs can check out the ancient churches and cathedrals and marvel at the stylish architecture. Among them
(a) the "stained glass windows" in the Lady Chapel at St. Paul's Cathedral, which were installed in 1916 in memory of those who gave their lives in the war.
(b) the 150 year old Christ Church which still retains many of its old structures and architectural features including the "original bishop's chair" dating back to ancient times.

Explore Fort Glanville, a seaside suburb, the 19th century fort was the first colonial fortification built in the state and still remains in its original condition.

3. the North Terrace Walk is a 1 mile historic walk that showcases the best of Adelaide; Government buildings, the Lion Arts Center, Churches, the celebrated Mercury cinema, the best hotels and restaurants and the famous Adelaide Casino which is located inside the "Grand Central Railway Station".

4. Located nearby are the Parliament Building and Government House, The famous State Library of South Australia, the South Australia Museum, and the War Memorial.

5. Victoria Square, a busy area in the heart of the city, was named after Princess Victoria on May 23 1837. Among the many places of interest is:
(a) a statue of Queen Victoria and a Water Fountain which was built in 1963 to mark the visit of Elizabeth, her great-granddaughter.
(b) the Campus of Carneigie-Mellon University.
(c) the famous Adelaide Central Market which sells everything - if you can't find what you are looking for here, you probably don't really need it.

6. the Adelaide Zoo Australia's second largest zoo and the only one in a metropoilitan area. The Zoo houses 3400 animals including 300 species of native and exotic mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. This is one of the most recommended places for visitors due the extensive things to see.

7. the river Torrens is another famous attraction, flowing from Mount Pleasant - a town in the Adelaide Hills - it meanders throught the city of Adelaide before falling into the ocean at West Beach. It is bordered by parks, walkways and bicycle tracks, as well as a variety of lovely flora and fauna.

8. Glenelg is a seaside town, esily accessible on the free tram from the center of Adelaide. It was established in 1836, and apart from spending time on the beach, the towns architecture is worth the visit as this is the oldest European settlement in South Australia. Visitors who want to spend a few days will find many different types of accommodations, restaurants, bars and shopping in the fashionable clothes ans surf stores.

a. Beachhouse, in the town of Gleneg, has attractions for both adult and child - drive
the Soli Italian Formula one cars; climb the five stories of Play Castle, or enjoy the
waterslides.
b. The Fairy Bay takes one into dreamland, filled with pirates, fairies, and witches,
buy magic spells, fairy dust, and collectible fairy pieces.
c. Penfield Park Model Railway has a model railway track, radio operated power and
sail boats, and racing car exhibits.

With so much to do in the city, visitors may find it hard to venture into the surrounding area. For those who take the time to do so, they will be glad they did.

1. Flinders Ranches and the Outback, is one of the most popular areas for visiting. At Port Augusta is the Wadlata Interpretive Center where all your questions about Geology and Mining can be answered. Visitors can enjoy a ride on the The Pichi Richi Railway - which is 115 years old - and runs between Port Augusta and Quorn; fly above the lush green valleys and ramparts of Wilpena Pound, or see the famous Aborigine artworks in the Yourambulla Caves and Sacred Canyon

2. A little further out, but well worth the visiti, Coober Pedy the Opal Capital of the world is a
unique place. Here residents live in underground houses, and visitors staying in one of the few hotels, will find themselves in an underground room. One can take a tour of the town which will include visits to the underground homes, museun, shopping areas, churches, Art Galleries, and of course the Opal Mines.

3. No visit to Adelaide would be complete without taking a tour of the famous Barossa Wineries. The region has a strong German heritage, and is well known for it's Chardonnays, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Semillon. Only 70 km north of Adelaide, the vine-covered plains and hills surround the township and the distinctive square spiries of the Lutheran Churches dot the landscape. Visitors, can taste the many varities of wines from the -over 60 Cellar doors - that criss-cross the valley and also learn about how each vineyard produces their speciality. Take one of the six Trails - that make up the valley - whether on your own, or with a guided-tour, taste the wines and eat the locally made cheeses - then buy some to take home with you.



When planning a trip to the lands-down-under, and Adelaide in particular, allow lots of time to see, what the folks who live in the southern hemisphere are all about. You cannot do it all in a few weeks, so plan on returning and visit those places you missed the first time.