The city is Adelaide, capital of South Australia, with a population of over 1 million people. While not being as big and brash as Sydney or Melbourne, Adelaide has its own definite charm and style, a placed to be savored and enjoyed at your pace.Adelaide was founded by free settlers. The site was actually chosen in 1836 by Surveyor-General, Colonel William Light, who created its classic grid-like design. Following tradition, the city was named after British royalty, namely Queen Adelaide, wife of the King William IV.
It doesn't have an Opera House, but it has the legendary Ghana railway. It doesn't have a world famous horse race, but it has an internationally renowned arts festival. It doesn't have a Grand Prix, but it has the grand Barossa valley wine region.
Over the past few years, Adelaide has been quietly shaking off its rather staid, monastic image of churches" as a holiday destination to rival the more popular capitals of the east coast of Australia. It's undergoing a tourism renaissance, with new state-of-the-art facilities at the international airport, excellent shopping and plenty of unique home grown attractions like Kangaroo Island and picturesque town of Hahndorf in the Adelaide hills.
The city itself boasts many interesting and quirky shops. Take O'Connell's Book Store in Hindley Street, Adelaide's oldest antiquarian and pre -loved book store. You can browse for hours amongst first editions and unusual collectibles, with prices from just a few dollars. Who knows what rare treasure lost in time you'll spy on a shelf!
When early colonists established the city, pale sandstone was used, constructing a solid, dignified cityscape. The solidity goes further than architecture for Adelaide was once regarded as a city of puritanical spoilsports, with an incredibly large number of churches. There is no denying that the city has a superb setting. It's surrounded by lush green parkland, and the metropolitan area is bound by the hills of the Mt Lofty Ranges and the waters of the Gulf St Vincent.
If you're organizing accommodation, Adelaide can offer you every type to match your budget, from glamorous 5 star names to smaller boutique hotels, with plenty in the mid-price range. Check out sites such as www.asiarooms.com for ideas, value and instant booking. You can make savings by booking online - giving you more to spend on sight seeing. The churches are outnumbered by pubs, cafes and nightclubs. The city hums with energy from day to night. Being quite a flat city, put on your walking shoes. Start with a touch of retail therapy in Rundle Mall with its heady mix of boutiques and major department stores. Enjoy a stroll around the Art Gallery and Botanical Gardens followed by a leisurely lunch by the River Torrens.
High's Chocolates is another classic haunt, established in 1915. Just look for Beehive Corner building on the corner of Rundle Mall and King William Street - and follow that sweet smell! stone". The mines can be found in several South Australian outback desert towns including Coober Pedy, Andamooka and Mintabie. If you have time, you can make a short trip outback to explore the mines, the history of the areas and underground houses.
The koalas aren't being cuddled for some contrived photo opportunity - they're relaxing in native trees. The seals aren't performing through hoops - they're lazing on the beach. Get the picture? You'll see echidnas, platypi, goannas, wallabies and kangaroos. All mesmerising. All for you.
Adelaide. Offering you a brilliant blend of experiences and excitement. It may not have a Harbour Bridge, but it has plenty going for it.
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