For more information about South Australia, the tourist destination, visit Tourism SA

Adelaide is a city nestled between an arc of foothills and market gardens to the East, and the coast to the West. To the North lie the famous vineyards of the Barossa Valley which produce much of Australia's fine wines, while to the South are rich pastoral lands and the Coorong wildlife sanctuary. All these areas lies within easy reach of the city centre. The city itself and inner city areas are adorned by fine examples of gracious Victorian and Edwardian buildings which have been faithfully restored and maintained.

World class arts, educational and research facilities, and a burgeoning information technology complement the relaxed life style found in Adelaide. The climate is Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cool winters. Average temperatures vary between 28 C and 15 C - though humidity in summer can be variable. Adelaide is serviced by a Domestic and International Airport which is situated only 5 kms from the city -or 20 minutes by car. In addition, daily bus services connect Adelaide with interstate centres. The metropolitan areas are well served by public buses, trains, tram, rental cars or taxis.

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Adelaide's climate with its long summers aided by daylight saving, and its temperate winters, lends itself ideally to outdoor dining and entertaining. Cafe's and outdoor restaurants are popular venues to relax, meet friends and enjoy gourmet foods. Every two years these same streets form part of the set of the world famous Adelaide Festival of Arts, the largest performing arts festival in Australia.

Wine making has a long tradition in South Australia. Vineyards can be found to the North in the famous Barossa Valley, or to the South in the Southern Vale. The Adelaide Hills to the East are home to the cool climate vineyards, producing still and sparkling wines. Cellar door tastings and sales are a popular form of weekend outing while the wineries themselves are regular venues for food and music festivals.

To the north lie the Flinders Ranges. Within 6 hours one can glimpse the Outback, with its gorges, rivers and stately gum trees. Wilpena Pound offers camping facilities or motel accomodation. Walking trails take you pas a rich wildlife, and on to breathtaking views. This southern end of the ranges offers a gateway for four wheel driving, camping and exploring.

To the South are vast beaches, though Adelaide's metropolitan coast is dotted with long beaches, jetties for fishing, and seaside cafe's. Sailing from the local yacht clubs, swimming, diving and just plain walking are some of the activities available within easy reach of the city. Further to the South lies Kangaroo Island, a short ferry trip from Adelaide, which is home to tracts of unspoiled flora and to abundant wildlife.

The Adelaide foothills to the east are part of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Hills villages nestle in green valleys, and are a mere 30 minutes from the city. These same valleys are peppered with market gardens, vineyards, and local craft centres. Gourmet dining, bushwalking through National Parks, exploring a National Motor Museum, or placing a bet at the Oakbank racing carnival are samples of what is on offer in this area.