Official Language:
English
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Currency:
Australian Dollar
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Population:
Approximately 1, 4 mil. people call Adelaide home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Adelaide: The climate is very Mediterranean, nearly perfect. The nearby Southern Ocean produces hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters. The average summer temperature is approximately 82°F/28°C and approximately 59°F/15°C in winter.
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Adelaide is the capital of South Australia and the fourth largest city in Australia. Cruise ships dock at the Port of Adelaide, under the auspices of Ports Corp South Australia. Trains and buses travel between the port and the center of town. Bus travel is the best way to get around Adelaide. Buy a Daytrip ticket at the central bus station (101 Franklin Street, tel. 08/8415-5533). The City Loop bus is a free service that circles around the city center. Most trains travel between Adelaide and other big cities and surrounding areas. A tram runs between Adelaide and the suburb of Glenelg, the gateway to Kangaroo Island. Of course, taxis are everywhere. If you can't hail one, simply call Suburban (tel. 08/8211-8888).
This is a mutil-cultural city with a population of over 100 different ethnic communities. Adelaide is located along the southern coast of Australia. The city is safe, clean, and home to creative and lively people. There is a sophisticated heritage that is strongly reflected in the beauty and charm of this well planned city. It's parks and gardens, architecture and character makes it so different from other cities in Australia. Adelaide is renowned for great cuisine and wine. The city also has a thriving arts interest. The annual Adelaide Festival of Arts, attracts major artists from all over the world. Not far from the city of Adelaide is the historic Adelaide Hills, is one of the first regions to be settled within South Australia. Just a twenty minute drive from the City of Adelaide, this city offeres beautiful scenery with breathtaking views of Adelaide.
Adelaide was occupied by the Kaurna people, a peaceful group numbering around 300. Their territory extended south towards Cape Jervis and north towards Port Wakefield. Close ties were held with the Narungga of Yorke Peninsula. The Kaurna people had suffered epidemics of smallpox and other diseases which had swept down the Murray from NSW. The site for Adelaide was chosen in December of 1836. It was chosen by the colony's far-sighted Surveyor-General, Colonel William Light. The site was well-drained, as well as being well designed. It straddled the Torrens River, which guaranteed a ready water supply. The site was named after Queen Adelaide, who was the wife of the British King William IV. The British Government gave the colony no financial backing, so when things finally took off in Adelaide, most of the money stayed in the state. The colony then promised settlers civil and religious liberty. By 1839, Lutherans fleeing religious persecution had arrived from Prussia. In 1840, at least 6500 Europeans lived in Adelaide and by 1851 the European population grew to 14,577. Upono 1840 the town had about 30 satellite villages, including the German settlements of Hahndorf, Klemzig and Lobethal.
This is where the state's wine industry was founded. Rapid expansion took place during WW. I, the 1920's and the busy post-WW. II years. After WWII, new migrants arrived from Europe bringing with them the their knowledge and culture of café which gave Adelaide its relaxed ambience.
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Attractions |
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Fleurieu Peninsula:
Home to some of South Australia's most picturesque swimming and fishing beaches as well as walking trails, and wine regions. The seaside region of Victor Harbour offers surfing, fishing and swimming at many different beaches. Between June and September each year whale watching is popular as well as the chance to see more than 1000 fairy penguins, nesting on Granite Island.
Kangaroo Island:
Only 16km from the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island is the third largest island off the Australian mainland. It offers an abundance of wildlife! It is also home to Australia's largest sea lion colony, spectacular rock formations, and beautiful untouched sandy beaches.
Zoological Gardens:
Just a few minutes walk from Adelaide's city centre, this is one of Australia's most historic and interesting zoos. The zoo is beautifully landscaped. Visitors will enjoy the walk-through aviaries full of trees and a superb reptile house.
South Australian Museum:
Australia's largest Aboriginal history and arts collection.
Migration Museum:
A diary of the social history of the state.
Art Gallery of South Australia:
Located next to the South Australian Museum. This museum contains one of the nation's most comprehensive collections of Australian, Asian and European art. There are large displays of Australian art, including a fine selection of paintings by great colonial and contemporary Australian artists. Visitors will also find a collection of South-East Asian ceramics. The gallery also has the second-largest collection of Rodin sculptures in the world.
The Migration Museum:
(82 Kintore Avenue, tel. 08/8207-7580) is often overlooked, but this small museum has some wonderful displays recounting the stories of Australia's original settlers. The Art Gallery of South Australia (North Terrace, tel. 08/8207-7000) is Adelaide's best art gallery, with a collection of Australian art. The South Australian Museum (North Terrace, tel. 08/8207-7500) has a new Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, with a collection of Aboriginal tools and photographs. But for a more extensive selection of Aboriginal art and culture, visit Tandanya Aboriginal Cultural Institute (253 Grenfell Street, tel. 08/8223-2467). Try to be there at noon for the daily didgeridoo performance.
The Botanic Gardens:
(North Terrace, tel. 08/8228-2311) are an Adelaide highlight. The gardens do not go unappreciated, as local businesspeople often take their lunch hour here to enjoy the gardens natural beauty. You won't want to miss the Bicentennial Conservatory, a dome on the grounds of that garden that is home to rare animals found only in the rain forest.
The Adelaide Zoo:
(Frome Road, tel. 08/8267-3255) doesn't quite live up to its counterparts in Melbourne or Sydney, but it's decent. If the kids won't get off your back, let them run wild at Magic Mountain (Colley Reserve, tel. 08/8294-8199) in nearby Glenelg. While in Glenelg, you can sink your teeth into the Shark Museum (Mosely Square, tel. 08/8376-3373).
Beaches and Outdoor Activities:
The best beaches in town can be found in the suburb of Glenelg. Bike routes traverse Adelaide, and Linear Park Hire (tel. 08/844-588) will rent out bikes for the day. The City of Adelaide Golf Course (tel. 08/8267-2171) offers two 18-hole golf courses, as well as club rentals if you forgot yours at home.
The South Australia Travel Centre:
(18 King William Street, tel. 08/8303-2033) will help get you started on your visit to Adelaide, with tons of free maps and brochures to guide your way. City tours are offered by the Adelaide Explorer (tel. 08/8364-1933) or Festival Tours (tel. 08/8374-1270).
Shopping:
The Adelaide Arcade and the busy Rundle Mall are the city’s main shopping areas. For antique shoppers, head for King William Road, Norwood Parade and Magill Road. Near the city centre is Unley Road featuring specialty shops and designer fashion boutiques, as well as outdoor cafes, restaurants and antique dealers.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Adelaide:
Adelaide And South Australia Australia Travel And Tourism Guide
Adventure Tours Australia
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