Adelaide

Adelaide is home to more than 2 3rds of the State’s population. It has a 30 kilometres (18.6 mile) stretch of attractive coastline with brilliant white sandy beaches. The finest view of Adelaide and the surrounding countryside can be had from Mount Lofty, to the east of the city.

Adelaide is a spacious city surrounded by golf courses, parkland and the botanical and zoological gardens. The city itself has a European atmosphere, primarily because of the vast German and southern European minorities.

The streets are filled with cafes (especially lively Rundle Street), art galleries, European style churches and antique shops. Adelaide also has a lively nightlife along Rundle and Gouger Streets. 1 of the key attractions in the city is the Festival Centre complex in the parkland overlooking the Torrens River.

It houses an brilliant theatre company, and boasts a concert hall, 2 theatres, a restaurant and an amphitheatre. Another very accepted attraction is the Central Market between Grote and Gouger streets. In March of even-numbered years, the world renowned Adelaide Bank Festival of Arts is held, featuring everything from jazz to classical theatre and ballet, along with a diverse Edinburgh style Fringe Festival (please see the festivals and events section).

The South Australian Museum has the biggest collection of Aboriginal artifacts in the world as well as a huge exhibition of Melanesian art and New Guinean wildlife. There is also a new and permanent exhibition on the Antarctic Explorer, Sir Douglas Mawson. The National Wine Centre, featuring exhibitions, a tasting gallery and a restaurant, opened in 2001 in the Botanic Gardens.

Tandanya – National Aboriginal Cultural Institute provides a rounded view of Australia’s indigenous culture. The skating and swimming on Glenelg Beach are popular Adelaide activities.