South Australia

[Prawn_86]

South Australia is a state of Australia in the southern central part of the country. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent; with a total land area of 983,482 square kilometres (379,725 sq mi), it is the fourth largest of Australia's six states and two territories. It is bordered to the west by Western Australia, to the north by the Northern Territory and Queensland, to the east by Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, and along the south by the Great Australian Bight and the Southern Ocean.

With nearly 1.6 million people, the state comprises less than 10% of the Australian population and ranks fifth in population among the states and territories. The majority of its people reside in the state capital, Adelaide, with most of the remainder settled in fertile areas along the south-eastern coast and River Murray.

[Prawn_86]

I currently live in Adelaide, and despite what some people might say there is a fair bit of touristy stuff to do in and around here.

Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills wine regions are all easy day trip.

Victor Harbour is a good beach summer escape.

Heaps of arts and film festivals on over summer, the months of March and April are a real hive of activity in the CBD, with Fringe Festival, Caberet fest, Jazz fest, performing arts etc etc

[kennas]

Isn't SA just one big desert?

With a few churches in the little town of Adelaide?

Lucky they make wine...

:)

[Prawn_86]

Yeh well the way the Murray is looking it will just be a desert soon and no wine at all :eek:

Coopers is a damn fine beer also. Locally made in SA.

If your ever in town Kennas let me know and i'll show you all the churches :p

[chrissylewis03]

i moved here from cairns so logically i should have nothing but bad things to say about this place... but... i find adelaide charming. It's a slow paced city with a kind of arty, sophisticated quality to it.

From Adelaide you can visit some delightful places, the flinders ranges, the barossa valley, kangaroo island and the pie shop at truro. You also have monato zoo which holds a mini safari.

[kennas]

the pie shop at truro.:D

I'm off to Adelaide then!

Steeped in culture.

Do they serve the pies upside down in pea soup?

LOL :)

[chrissylewis03]

oh, my apologies, i didn't realise i was talking to such a distinguished food Connoisseur. i know we offered a place at our dinner table next time you're in Adelaide but i now retract that. i think you might be more suited to The Manse just around the corner from us.

my feelings are that if you can't enjoy a humble country pie then you've been away from Australia too long!

[kennas]

oh, my apologies, i didn't realise i was talking to such a distinguished food Connoisseur. i know we offered a place at our dinner table next time you're in Adelaide but i now retract that. i think you might be more suited to The Manse just around the corner from us.

my feelings are that if you can't enjoy a humble country pie then you've been away from Australia too long!For a real pie, you need to go to the Pie in the Sky in Olinda in the Dandenong Ranges 20km east of Melbs, or the Beachworth Bakery, 30km south of Albury Wodonga.

Then we can talk pies!

:)

[Smurf]

I currently live in Adelaide, and despite what some people might say there is a fair bit of touristy stuff to do in and around here.

Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills wine regions are all easy day trip.

Victor Harbour is a good beach summer escape.

Heaps of arts and film festivals on over summer, the months of March and April are a real hive of activity in the CBD, with Fringe Festival, Caberet fest, Jazz fest, performing arts etc etc
I've never lived in SA but I've been to Adelaide quite a few times and I still haven't done any of those things. Every trip has been a blast though and I'll hopefully be back again.

Good to see they've built a replacement for the mountain thing at Glenelg as it was a shame to not have it there after they knocked the old one down. Had a go on the water slides etc at the old one (in the middle of Winter!) first time I was there and I was at the new one a couple of weeks ago. All good...

The most recent trip was largely spent at the Def Leppard concert and out and about all night partying though so I'm not the stereotypical visitor to SA. I've seen a few other bands there too - Offspring, Motorhead and Motley Crue come to mind. :)

[chrissylewis03]

yeah, that's a plus for me in adelaide. coming from cairns there are def more concerts, plays, music festivals etc.

it's great in that respect because it's a small city or a big country town (whichever way you want to look at it) but we still have most of the big events that go through australia. the one i'm looking forward to at the moment in steriosonics.

these events might not be as big or crazy as the same ones in bigger cities but they still do the job.

[Smurf]

these events might not be as big or crazy as the same ones in bigger cities but they still do the job.
The audience tends to get into it more in SA in my experience. Not sure why, but it just seems to be that way.

It's similar with the nightlife too. Smaller overall it certainly is, but the bigger clubs are still happening quite nicely well after the night has turned to knife wielding gangs and drunken brawls in a few other cities I could mention. There are exceptions of course but whilst there isn't as much nightlife in Adelaide, what they do have tends to work reasonably well in my experience.

So I'll keep turning up to major events in Adelaide instead of Melbourne etc. Being from Tas means it's no real difference in cost or time - it's a plane trip and a hotel stay either way so might as well go a bit further and avoid the hassles. The weather's nicer in Adelaide too.

[Prawn_86]

There are exceptions of course but whilst there isn't as much nightlife in Adelaide, what they do have tends to work reasonably well in my experience.


Yeh i have found that the longer I have lived in Adel (originally from the country), the more little spots/clubs/bars you find, that visitors probably wouldnt come across.

Obviously its the same in every city, but because Adel is small you can see why some people bag it has having no nightlife, whereas its really just because they dont know which dodgy alleys to walk down to find the best clubs and bars ;)

[Prawn_86]

Camping on the river Murray xmas last year. Was about 47 degrees for 3 days straight, we got too drunk and went home earlier than planned. :eek:

My mate on the 4-wheeler came back with that log, just about put his back out lifting it onto the bike, but it kept the fire going all night!

[kennas]

Nice log!

Cripes! Look at the water level!!!

If it wasn't for the Murray, you know, SA wouldn't exist!

It would just be one big sand pit!

:)

[Smurf]

Camping on the river Murray xmas last year. Was about 47 degrees for 3 days straight, we got too drunk and went home earlier than planned. :eek:

My mate on the 4-wheeler came back with that log, just about put his back out lifting it onto the bike, but it kept the fire going all night!
It's 47 degrees and you've got a fire going?:eek: Some like it hot I suppose...

[Prawn_86]

It's 47 degrees and you've got a fire going?:eek: Some like it hot I suppose...

Need something to cook with and to sit around at nights Smurf :)

[kennas]

Need something to cook with and to sit around at nights Smurf :)Could have just dug a hole in the sand and made a hungi (spelling).

But, of course, a fire is always good to sit around at night when camping no matter what the temperature.

Bloody love camping trips in the countryside; fishing, camp fires with a few beers, under the stars..... :)

[chrissylewis03]

Camping on the river Murray xmas last year. Was about 47 degrees for 3 days straight, we got too drunk and went home earlier than planned. :eek:

My mate on the 4-wheeler came back with that log, just about put his back out lifting it onto the bike, but it kept the fire going all night!

oh wow, those photos brought back some supressed memories.

[mike11]

It is great to read your experience here. It is so cool to share this, Can I have more pics? I just recall my last trip there, It was great and I will share the pics soon,

Cheers,

[Prawn_86]

SOUTH Australia is hoping the migration of grey nurse sharks to their shores will attract tourists keen to swim with the docile sharks.


http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,28318,24873669-5014090,00.html

There has been heaps of (dangerous) shark sightings on Adelaide beaches this summer, same as around the rest of the country. Perhaps they have got a taste for human now... ;)

[Prawn_86]

MEXICO, Morocco, Vietnam ... and Port Willunga? The seaside town has been named alongside some of the world's most exotic destinations on a new "hip travel" list.

It is the only Australian place to make it on to Travel + Leisure magazine's list of emerging destinations - and joins exotic locations such as the Marquesas archipelago in the Pacific, Pranburi in Thailand and Mazatian in Mexico.

Port Willunga was praised by the publication for its influx of farm-to-table restaurants and small-scale wineries.


http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24878800-5013275,00.html

I wonder how 'independent' some of these stories are. I have never been to Port Wilunga though, so probably shouldn't comment...

[Prawn_86]

At the moment in Adelaide and its surrounds is some little cycling race known as the Tour Down Under, with some guy Lance Amstrong attracting a big fuss.

I work casually for UNISA who has a cycling team and its Lance fever to be honest. Personally its one sport i never got into

[Prawn_86]

Got some free tix to go and watch the finish of the Tour Down Under tomorrow so i might head along to Elder Park for a squiz just to say i have been.

And then the Australia Day ODI cricket international between Aus and SOuth Africa on Monday, which is Australia day.

Oh, and who can forget the biggest music poll in the world, Triple J's Hottest 100 also on Monday. Its all happening :D

[Prawn_86]

Well it was above 40 degrees Celcius here in SA today and looks set to be that way for a while. Every day for the next week is forecast above 35 celcius.

Finally proper summer weather :)

[Smurf]

Well it was above 40 degrees Celcius here in SA today and looks set to be that way for a while. Every day for the next week is forecast above 35 celcius.

Finally proper summer weather :)
I hear they've been stoking the fires quite enthusiastically and have managed to warm the place up to a nice 45 degrees today. An ice cream salesman's dream come true (assuming they can sell it before it melts lol).

[Prawn_86]

I hear they've been stoking the fires quite enthusiastically and have managed to warm the place up to a nice 45 degrees today. An ice cream salesman's dream come true (assuming they can sell it before it melts lol).

Yep 45 yesterday and forecast again for today. MMM thats hot :cool:

I actually put an ice cube in our rats cage so they could have some fun and keep cool, their cage is in our house, so much cooler than outside, but the ice cube melted completely in about 5 minutes! :eek:

EDIT - Just checked the 'minimum' for the night and it was 34 celcius.

[Prawn_86]

A few facts on this heat (its really not that bad if your inside in a/c):

Train and tram lines actually warped and buckled from the direct exposure to the sun.

Temps in the sun on the local tennis courts reached 70 degrees celcius (no shade, coupled with cement etc)

Temp is >40 celcius by 9am.

[Smurf]

Just wondering where that photo was taken? Is it the tram line heading to Glenelg?

Even parts of Tassie have been over 40 degrees by the way so SA isn't alone in the heat. Hobart's missed it though - top of a bit over 28 yesterday and today.

[Prawn_86]

Its a train not a tram line, so its not the Glenelg line, but i dont know which specific one sorry.

[Smurf]

Its a train not a tram line, so its not the Glenelg line, but i dont know which specific one sorry.
Sorry I don't even know how to tell if it's train line or tram line. They all look the same to me. What in the photo identifies it as a train line?:confused:

[Prawn_86]

Sorry I don't even know how to tell if it's train line or tram line. They all look the same to me. What in the photo identifies it as a train line?:confused:

Not 100% sure myself actually, but i would presume the fact that there are no 'power' lines above it is one way of telling. Trains run on diesel (here in Adel at least) whereas trams need to be touching a power cable.

[Smurf]

Not 100% sure myself actually, but i would presume the fact that there are no 'power' lines above it is one way of telling. Trains run on diesel (here in Adel at least) whereas trams need to be toughing a power cable.
Hadn't thought of that, I was too busy looking at the tracks trying to work out what the difference was. Probably a good thing Adelaide's trains run on diesel though, judging by what I've heard in the media they've kept running a lot better during the heatwave than Melbourne's electric trains.

Only real problem with Adelaide trains is some of the windows are, well, a bit hard to see out of. Not due to dirt, but because whatever they're made from (it doesn't seem to be glass) has weathered rather badly (presumably due to the heat?).

[chrissylewis03]

wow, how much has this changed? it's now windy and cold! myself, i'd prefer the heat. at least in the heat our aircon at work stops working and if it gets over a certain temperature in our office we get to go home!

although i'm hoping it will stay cool for future music festival this monday coming! this time last year we went to it and it was over 40, sunny and unbearable out doors all day! If anyone's in SA for the long weekend make your way to future music... it should be good.

[Prawn_86]

Went to a restaurant called The Kings (formerly known as The Kings Head) last sat night. They have renovated recently and their entire menu and beer and wine list is sourced from South Asutralia.

They have about thirty different beers from various micro-brewerys around SA.

I had Venison which is farmed in the Onkaparinga Valley just south of Adelaide. Great feed and drinks all round and is something i would definitely recommend to locals, or especially tourists here in SA to see just what type of food this state has to offer.

[EverNothing]

Ah, Adelaide. It's not much, but it's home sweet home. :)

If you love excellent bars and/or pubs I suggest heading over to The Weimar Room, Bombay Bicycle Club, Highway Inn, The Oxford Hotel & The Bank Wine Bar or my local hangout - The Sailmaster Tavern (best marina venue in SA), you might even see a dolphin or two out in the water.

The grog isn't too bad either. :cool:

[Prawn_86]

Just got back from a few days in country SA, the Riverland to be exact. Didnt do too much, played a couple rounds of golf at the Waikerie Golf Club, drank a few beers, caught up with mates; all the relaxing things

[Prawn_86]

Went to Parklife in Adeladie yesterday. Really nice venue in the park between the Adelaide Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. Nice big trees for shade and lush grass. Great day all round :)

[kennas]

Went to Parklife in Adeladie yesterday. Really nice venue in the park between the Adelaide Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. Nice big trees for shade and lush grass. Great day all round :)Ooo, sounds nice. Love parks!! Especially when they involve wine and cheese, or even other tasty morsels...

[EverNothing]

Went to Parklife in Adeladie yesterday. Really nice venue in the park between the Adelaide Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. Nice big trees for shade and lush grass. Great day all round :)

Haha, I think the entire population of Adelaide was in attendence there on Monday. It actually wasn't too shabby, but I still miss the Skyshow in Bonython Park. :(

Oh well, I still have the Schützenfest to look forward to every year in summer. Sun exposure and alcohol consumption = priceless!!!

[Indyainfo]

Want to know more about Austrailia..

[EverNothing]

Have any of you guys ever travelled via the SeaLink from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island? It was my favourite childhood destination. If you're travelling to South Australia and want to get out of Adelaide for a few days I totally recommend it. The island itself is actually bigger than a lot of people realize, third largest in Australia behind Tasmania and Melville Island.

Make sure you visit the more populated Kingscote and Penneshaw but my favourite town was Amercian River. Around 150 residents or so.

Visiting Seal Bay and lying with the seal lions on the beach is a MUST. Seeing the Remarkable Rocks up close and personal is a nice sight as is Admiral's Arch and then there's Mount Thisby - which offers a 360 degree view of the entire island. It's an awesome view, you can see EVERYTHING!

Be prepared for blackouts from time to time, especially in summer and don't be suprised to see a Kangaroo or two outside your rented house looking in through the window.

If you love multiple walking trails, friendly locals and camping under the stars K.I. is the place for you. Quite affordable too.

[Aussie Cruiser]

South Australia is a great place to live. House prices are realistic for starters.
The climate has actual seasons that relect the appropriate weather.
The people are friendly and the traffic is nothing like the eastern state cities.
The state has some of the most beautiful country and not far from the City.
The City is 15 minutes from the hills and beach. Perfectly located.
It is the best laid out city in Australia. (some say the world)
Whether you want to bring up a family or retire, South Australia is the place.
There is no doubt in my mind that it is Australia's best kept secret.

See ya,
Aussie Cruiser.

[Prawn_86]

Have any of you guys ever travelled via the SeaLink from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island? It was my favourite childhood destination. If you're travelling to South Australia and want to get out of Adelaide for a few days I totally recommend it. The island itself is actually bigger than a lot of people realize, third largest in Australia behind Tasmania and Melville Island.

Make sure you visit the more populated Kingscote and Penneshaw but my favourite town was Amercian River. Around 150 residents or so.

Visiting Seal Bay and lying with the seal lions on the beach is a MUST. Seeing the Remarkable Rocks up close and personal is a nice sight as is Admiral's Arch and then there's Mount Thisby - which offers a 360 degree view of the entire island. It's an awesome view, you can see EVERYTHING!

Be prepared for blackouts from time to time, especially in summer and don't be suprised to see a Kangaroo or two outside your rented house looking in through the window.

If you love multiple walking trails, friendly locals and camping under the stars K.I. is the place for you. Quite affordable too.

I have only been to Kangaroo Island once, but loved it. A couple of friends from college are from there originally.

I agree that American River is great. We camped there and spent a few days fishing. If i remember correctly there is a Maron Farm near Seal Bay. Essentially they are like freshwater crayfish, but not the same as yabbies. Anyway, whatever they are, we tried a few of them also :)

[Prawn_86]

The climate has actual seasons that relect the appropriate weather.


I think this will be one thing i miss if/when we move to a more tropical climate. Having four seasons is nice as it always gives you something to look forward to, as each season has its benefits (and downsides!)

[kennas]

Yeah, it's the one thing I really like about the whole south east corner of Australia. Spring and Autumn are the best seasons in my opinion.Not usually too hot or cold, and when you get a fine spring day on the weekend to have a picnic in a park, whoohoo!! Miss Melbs..

[chrissylewis03]

i'm looking to dine out in adelaide on new years eve and have found that everythings happening in sydney or melbourne but not here!

i'd love to go to some sort of banquet, chinese would be preferable. the problem is that i know theres some on but don't know which ones are good, can anyone suggest anything???

cheers,

chrissy.

[Gracious_Goddess]

Hi all, I live in Adelaide too, we're building a house in Freeling, which is at the door step to the Barossa Valley. I highly recommend visiting the Barossa!

There are so many places to visit in SA, they're all beautiful. I've travelled quite a lot in SA.

If anyone would like any info, post away, I'm more than happy to help!

[ck10_9]

Hi all, I live in Adelaide too, we're building a house in Freeling, which is at the door step to the Barossa Valley. I highly recommend visiting the Barossa!

There are so many places to visit in SA, they're all beautiful. I've travelled quite a lot in SA.

If anyone would like any info, post away, I'm more than happy to help!


+1 Happy to help
I have travelled in SA even took on the mighty Birdsville track (twice!)
Ask away or have a look at our blog for SA.

http://twopomsandatruck.blogspot.com/2009/04/birdsville-track.html

[bazza]

We went on a boat on the Murray one time, it was really great. It'll be a real shame if it ever does dry completely up!