ADELAIDE & its Surround
Adelaide,
capital of South Australia, is gracious,  spacious and green - its central
square mile ringed by protective parklands. Stroll along North Terrace, an elegant boulevard, where you'll find a number of grand old buildings such as Parliament House, Government House and Old Parliament House. Visit the Bradman Collection in The Institute Building for the story behind one of Australia's most famous sporting heroes. Further along is the Art Gallery of South Australia which houses the state's collection of Australian, European and Asian art. Next stop, the South Australian Museum for an insight into the state's natural, geological and anthropological history. Of particular importance are its ethnographic collections of Australian Aboriginal and early Pacific cultures. The Botanic Gardens are home to subtropical and Mediterranean plant species as well as a collection of fine heritage buildings. Here too is one of the largest conservatories in the southern hemisphere with a spectacular display of tropical rainforest plants including orchids, palms and ferns. Nearby is The National Aboriginal Cultural Institute - Tandanya. It is a museum and  venue for fostering
and developing Aboriginal art, culture, visual and
performing arts. Authentic arts and crafts are on sale.
Exhibitions are changed regularly with special programs
designed and developed for school holidays. A short ride
on the free City Loop bus service will bring you to
Adelaide's Central Markets. Here you may indulge your senses
with a stunning range of fresh produce from South
Australia and beyond. Neighbouring Gouger Street offers
cuisine from around the world. Chinatown is located in
the heart of this precinct with an eye-catching gateway
and lanterns beckoning shoppers and diners alike. Further
afield is The JamFactory Craft and Design Centre. In
addition to its two galleries and two superb retail
shops, the JamFactory has four training workshops
involving glass, ceramic, metal and furniture design.
Guided tours are available on request. In the way of
wildlife, there is Adelaide Zoo, which has more than 1,500 native
and exotic mammals, birds and reptiles. Ride the famous
Glenelg Tram from the centre of Adelaide to the seaside
suburb of Glenelg. Wide, white beaches, stately homes and
a vibrant shopping and eating district will greet you on
arrival. Light's Vision on Montefiore Hill, so named
after the city's founding planner, offers splendid views
across the parklands, over the River Torrens and the city
centre. Spend some time in North Adelaide, an attractive
area of beautifully restored bluestone cottages, grand
homes, old hotels, lacework balconies and verandas,
antique shops and art galleries. After dark, activities
largely involve Adelaide's heralded pubs. Many have been
restored to their past glory and now offer a diverse
selection of food, wine and ales - in particular the
famous, family-owned Coopers. The Casino, housed in a
classic 1929 sandstone building, offers full gaming
facilities, nightly entertainment and an excellent
restaurant. The nearby Adelaide Festival Centre is a contemporary
performing arts complex with five theatres used for
dance, music, drama, opera, mime and film as well as
conventions and trade shows. It is venue for the biennial
Adelaide Festival, the largest festival of its kind in
Australia. Adelaide prides itself on providing the finer
things in life - from fabulous restaurants to world class wines. Home of over a
million people, cafe society, designer shopping and a
vibrant nightlife, Adelaide is what a city is meant to
be. Framed by parklands, hills and sea, its green, wide
and welcoming. |
