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Couple
walking on beach |
Adelaide is a gracious
city. Sophisticated, yet vibrant, it exudes an aura that is difficult to match.
The city is set amongst the slopes of the Mount Lofty Ranges and along the winding
River Torrens. The Adelaide Hills surround the city, putting it near many opportunities
for recreation and exploration. As the capital of South
Australia, Adelaide is also home to several state attractions including
the Art
Galley, Museum
and Library.
Adelaide is considered the "festival capital of Australia." More festivals
and major events
are hosted here than any other city in Australia, making it a culturally diverse
and exciting visitor location.
HISTORY
The area now known as Adelaide was originally inhabited by a group of approximately
300 people called the Kaurna, until the Europeans settled in 1836. Although
little is known about the social habits of the Kaurna, it is clear they occupied
the territory spanning from Cape Jervis to Port Wakefield, and the Narungga
of Yorke.
Colonel William Light chose the site for Adelaide shortly after European settlement.
Light's choice proved to be a wise one: Adelaide has fertile soil and a nearby
water source. Adelaide is unique because it was not settled by convicts as many
Australian communities were. In 1840, when people began settling the area, there
were more than 6,500 Europeans living near the city; however, within 10 years
that number had more than doubled.
Adelaide's economic status has historically followed a "boom and bust" sequence,
similar to the economy of South Australia as a whole. A number of buildings
were erected in the 1870s and 80s, which was a result of the successful wheat,
copper and wool industries of that time. Expansion continued during and after
the First World War, when many cafés and restaurants
were opened.
South Australia is a very progressive state. Adelaide has been at the centre
of Australian social reform, particularly during the decades of 1960 and 1970.
Many changes regarding Aboriginal land rights, capital punishment, sexual discrimination
and racial discrimination are rooted here.
Adelaide's tourism industry is prosperous and constantly growing. It is the
centre for arts in the country, as well as a hub for recreational opportunities
and diverse attractions.
CLIMATE
As with all of Australia, Adelaide experiences its summer season between the
months of December and February. Because the seasons are opposite, this is the
ideal time for travellers from the northern hemisphere. Adelaide enjoys a climate
similar to the Mediterranean. The summers are hot and dry, with temperatures
averaging 28° C (82° F). There have been recorded highs of up to 46°C (115°
F); however, this kind of heat is quite rare. Winter in Adelaide, between June
and August, tends to be mild. Average winter temperatures are usually around
15°C (59° F). It is often said the best time to visit Adelaide is during the
"in between" seasons of spring and autumn when a more moderate climate can be
enjoyed. Although spring brings the most rain to the area, South Australia receives
less rainfall in comparison to other Australian states.
Regardless of the season, whether in the peak of summer or winter, it is important
to carry sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen at all times. Those planning to backpack
through Adelaide and Southern Australia should be prepared for all weather conditions.
TRANSPORTATION
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Airplane
over Adelaide |
The Adelaide
International Airport is the prime air entry for South Australia. Served
by Qantas
and Virgin
Blue, flights are offered throughout South Australia and to all the
state capitals: Canberra,
Melbourne,
Sydney, Darwin,
Perth, Brisbane
and Hobart. International
flights are also available. The airport is seven kilometres (four miles) from
Adelaide's city centre. Airport bus services operate in addition to taxi services.
Most hotels and hostels will arrange transportation to and from the airport.
Interstate and intrastate bus services are available through Adelaide's central
bus station. McCafferty's,
Greyhound
and Firefly
Express offer intrastate services. Interstate bus services are available
with Premier
Stateliner. The train is also an efficient form of transportation to
other major Australian cities. The Overland,
Indian
Pacific and Ghan
feature various routes.
Adelaide
Metro offers a public transportation system that provides excellent
coverage of the city and the surrounding areas. The City Loop (bus 99C) circles
around the Central Business District and has a stop at the Central
Market. The Glenelg Tram is also a part of Adelaide's public
transportation system. This 1929 tram runs in a single line from Victoria Square
to Glenelg Beach in the Adelaide Hills.
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS
North Terrace
North
Terrace is quite possibly one of the most beautiful boulevards in the
state of South Australia. It stretches 1.6 kilometres (exactly one mile) and
encompasses historic buildings, attractions and other notable sights. The pathways
along North Terrace are lit with antique-style gas lamps, which were donated
in 1988 to commemorate the country's bicentenary.
Several of the buildings situated along North Terrace Boulevard date back more
than 160 years. Holy
Trinity Anglican Church was built in 1838, shortly after European settlers
arrived. Government
House, one of the oldest buildings in Adelaide, serves as the residence
for the Governor of South Australia. It has been continuously occupied since
May of 1840. Ayers
Historic House, built in the 1860s, was once the home of Sir Henry Ayers
(a former South Australian premier). This exquisite bluestone house, which is
a fine example of Regency Architecture, now exists as a museum and restaurant.
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Rose
in Adelaide Botanic Garden |
North Terrace is also home to many state attractions including the Art Gallery
of South Australia, the South Australia Museum, The Mortlock Library (the State
Library) and the Migration
Museum. In addition, the boulevard features statues of Adelaide's founders
and prominent society members.
One of the most popular attractions along North Terrace is the 20-hectare (49
acre) Adelaide
Botanic Garden. It is bordered by the River Torrens and filled with
lush greenery, a colourful array of flowers, artificial lakes, a tropical rainforest
conservatory, a Victorian Glass House and more.
Adelaide Hills
The Adelaide Hills area, part of the Mount Lofty Ranges, has plenty to offer
visitors. The Hills are a wonderful day trip from Adelaide. Although the area
is not easily accessed via public transit, many organized tours are available
from the city. It is a good idea to obtain a rental car in order to see everything
the Adelaide Hills have to offer. Historic townships, natural areas of bushland,
bushwalking trails, gardens, vineyards and wildlife parks are key elements of
the area.
The Mount
Lofty Summit has been dubbed the "Window to South Australia." From the
top of the 727 metre (795 yard) summit, it is possible to see Hahndorf, Glenelg
and other towns in the Adelaide Hills. Geographical highlights such as Piccadilly
Valley, the Murray River and the coastline are also visible.
Hahndorf
is the region's main township and most popular tourist destination. This town
was settled in 1839 by immigrants from East Germany and Prussia, and is the
oldest German settlement in Australia. Hahndorf is the ideal base for exploring
the Adelaide Hills and it also offers galleries, craft shops, cafés and bakeries
featuring authentic German pastries.
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Kangaroo
in Cleland Wildlife Park |
Wildlife and conservation parks abound in the Adelaide Hills. Cleland
Wildlife Park is home to many species of native Australian wildlife
such as kangaroos, koalas, dingos, wombats and more. It is possible to pose
for a picture with a koala here for a fee. The Warrawong
Earth Sanctuary spans approximately 35 hectares (85 acres) of land and
provides refuge for many endangered species. Guided tours of the park are offered,
but must be booked in advance.
Belair
National Park is a 335-hectare (835-acre) urban park that lies in the
Adelaide Hills region. It was dedicated as the first National Park in South
Australia in 1891. An array of geographical and geological diversity can be
found within the park, as well as unique plant-life, mammals, reptiles, birds
and amphibians. The park also features a golf course, tennis courts, picnic
areas, sporting ovals and other facilities.
Festivals
South Australia is known as the "festival state" and Adelaide is the centre
for this - it is renowned for the many annual and biennial festivals it hosts.
The Adelaide
Festival Centre was established almost 30 years ago to facilitate and
encourage the arts throughout the state. Today it serves as a major arts centre,
hosting a variety of festivals and events each year.
WOMADelaide
and the Adelaide
Cabaret Festival are among the many events that are hosted by the Festival
Centre. WOMADelaide is a festival of world music, art and dance that features
performers from Brazil, Senegal, Zimbabwe and other areas. It is held every
two years in Botanic Park with entertainers performing on outdoor stages.
The Adelaide Cabaret Festival takes place annually in June. 17 days in duration,
a variety of performers are featured including entertainers from London and
Edinburgh. Several different shows take place including orchestral performances,
comedians and circus acts for children. It is highly successful with attendance
increasing each year.
The Adelaide
Festival of Arts is one of the grandest festivals in Australia. This
biennial festival happens in February or March of even-numbered years. For 17
days, arts lovers can enjoy dance, musical and dramatic performances, as well
as literary readings, visual arts and more. Writers' Week is a key component
of this festival, where authors come together to share ideas and further develop
their writing skills. The city is very busy during this time, so arranging accommodations
in advance is advisable.
The Adelaide
Fringe Festival overlaps the Adelaide Festival (taking place every two
years in February or March), and features a range of digital, alternative and
underground art. It is considered to be one of the most contemporary and innovative
arts festivals in the world with artists participating from all over Australia,
Canada, the United States and Europe.
