Capital of South Australia
Adelaide is one of the most elegant and friendly cities in Australia. It is the only Australian capital city to be named after a woman – Queen Adelaide, wife of King William 1V. The City is set on plains between Mount Lofty Ranges (Adelaide Hills) and the sea in the most beautiful location, the City’s founder, Colonel Light, could find. The city centre is a blend of wide boulevards, bustling streets, tree lined squares, historic blue stone buildings and distinctive modern architecture with numerous shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes.
Adelaide is a planned city, surveyed as a square, and surrounded by park lands. The River Torrens meanders through the northern fringe with picnic and walking areas along the riverbanks for enjoyable relaxation. A visit to Adelaide would not be complete without a ride on "Popeye", popular launches that have been touring up and down the River Torrens since the 1930s. It's a good short cut to the Adelaide Zoo and the Botanical Gardens.
North Terrace is known as the "cultural boulevard" with Parliament House, Government House, the Art Gallery, SA Museum and SA University housed there. The War Memorial is near Government House and just west of the memorial is a statue of Captain Matthew Flinders, famous for circumnavigating Australia in 1802 and for being the first to call the land known as New Holland, Australia.
Victoria Square is a point of interest in the City with the Victoria Square Fountain taking pride of place. The fountain signifies the three rivers – the Onkaparinga, the Torrens and the Murray, the work of South Australian sculptor John Dowie. On the northern side of Victoria Square are two statues of famous South Australian explorers. Captain Sturt followed the River Murray from New South Wales to South Australia. His report to Britain was instrumental in the Colony of South Australia being formed. On the other side of King William Street stands the statue of Explorer John McDouall Stuart, the first European to Central Australia. He led subsequent expeditions and was the first to cross Australia from south to north and back again. His efforts led to the construction of the overland telegraph line across Australia to Adelaide in 1872 that brought Australia communication with the world.
Rundle Mall houses the major department stores as well as numerous speciality fashion and other shops. The "Mall's Balls" in the centre of the Mall are Adelaide's popular photography subject.
Adelaide is a very easy city to explore, being bordered by East, West, South and North Terraces. There are a number of character pubs around, one complete with an historic well.
There are numerous attractions and experiences to be enjoyed and accommodation to suite all budgets. Hotels, cafes and restaurants in the city and North Adelaide offer a range of culinary and dining experiences.
The scenic Mount Lofty Ranges (known as the Adelaide Hills), overlook Adelaide. Spectacular views from Mount Lofty take in the City and plains all the way to the sea. Adelaide is known as the 20 minute city, because that's how long it takes to drive to the hills or to the beach from the GPO. Throughout the Adelaide Hills there are villages and numerous attractions to explore as well as cellar door wineries to visit.
The wine regions of McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley are a pleasant hour's drive away.
Adelaide's climate is Mediterranean with cool mild winters and hot summers.
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