Adelaide - A Creative and Progressive Collaboration

	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

	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.

	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.

	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.