Travel South Australia with B&B Accommodation
South Australia is uniquely positioned so that it borders every other mainland Australian State. It is a land of huge plains and spectacular scenery combined with dramatic landforms and picturesque vistas. South Australia's coastline is 3,700 kilometres long and is made up of towering cliffs and hundreds of kilometres of pristine beaches.
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The SA inland is the majestic beauty of the ancient Flinders Ranges, the waterways of the River Murray and the Coorong wetlands.
Famous for its wine growing regions in the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley, South Australia boasts some of the world's best food and wines available at its many top class restaurants and at the cellar doors of its renowned vineyards.
Most visitors are surprised at the beauty and diversity of this magnificent South Australian State with its Mediterranean style climate and cosmopolitan capital city. To top it off South Australia is the gateway to the Australian Outback and plays host to Australia's third largest island, Kangaroo Island with its abundance of wildlife.
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Bethany Winery, Barossa Valley South Australia
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The South Australian climate is warm to hot in summer and cool to mild in winter. Average daily temperatures throughout the State rarely drop below 15c, nor rise above 32c. Rainfall patterns vary ranging from 1200mm in the Adelaide Hills to 150mm in the Outback.
In general clothing is lightweight and casual although business suits or more formal dress is worn when occasion demands.
Adelaide - Capital City of South Australia
The South Australian Capital City of Adelaide is a well-planned, friendly and safe city located within 20 minutes of the Adelaide Hills and the suburban beaches. Adelaide has been described as the 'city in the park' as its formal layout in 1836 separated the original city from its suburbs by a wide parkland belt on all four sides. This green belt of parks, gardens, sport fields, golf courses and cultural venues exists today as a proud reminder of foresight and vision by early settlers and government officials.
Adelaide is renowned for its architecture. Early settlers built the city in stone and there are many gracious examples of its architectural heritage in both public buildings and private dwellings. But Adelaide is not a city living in the past - it has managed to blend modern sophisticated architecture with earlier buildings without compromising either era. Combine this with the many parks and gardens and the River Torrens and you start to appreciate why the people of Adelaide are justifiably proud of their city.
Adelaide offers sophistication and cultural diversity. The bi-annual Adelaide Festival is world renowned for the breadth and depth of its cultural programme, its imaginative use of indoor and outdoor venues and its appeal to all ages. This combined with the accompanying Writer's Week and Adelaide Festival Fringe offers a true cultural smorgasbord.
Adelaide's title of the 'festival state' gives a hint of the many regular activities throughout the year. There are festivals celebrating the multicultural nature of the city - Greek, Italian, German, Indian, Spanish, South American, Asian and more. There are festivals to celebrate the industry and lifestyle of the State - food, wines, art, music, fishing, horticulture and agriculture and mining heritages. There are also 'world events' - Adelaide regularly hosts major opera, theatre, dance and music productions.
For those who prefer more sedate cultural pursuits, Adelaide offers excellent museums, galleries and libraries located in and around Adelaide. There is also Tandyana - the National Aboriginal Cultural Centre - which highlights the history, customs and contributions of the Aboriginal Peoples of Australia through art and other changing exhibitions.
The North Terrace 'cultural boulevard' includes the South Australian Museum which has world renowned collections on the Pacific Islands, Australian Aboriginal Culture and explorer Douglas Mawson; the State Library with its excellent collection of rare and historic books, historic photographs and, for the cricketing enthusiast, the Sir Donald Bradman Collection of cricketing memorabilia; the Art Gallery which houses outstanding 19th and 20th century Australian and European artworks as well as contemporary artworks and changing exhibitions.
Adjacent to this precinct you will also find Government House, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Zoo, the Migration Museum and the National Wine Centre of Australia. Further west, the Adelaide Festival Centre, Parliament House, the Exhibition Centre, the Convention Centre and, housed in the gracious old Railway Station building - is the casino.
For those wishing to explore the Adelaide suburbs, try historic Port Adelaide with some of the finest Victorian buildings in the State. In addition to maritime activities, visit the National Railway Museum, the Maritime Museum, Aviation Museum or Military Vehicles Museum. On Sunday mornings, visit the Fisherman's Wharf market for fresh seafood. Or seaside Glenelg with its many cafés, shopping outlets and live entertainments.
A must is the charming and diverse Adelaide Hills region. Just 20 minutes drive from Adelaide puts you in picturesque countryside, changing from vineyards to market gardens, to traditional Australian bush, rolling grazing land, orchards and small farms. The changing of the seasons is marked by the most vivid of colours and is a highlight of Autumn and Spring touring. A visit to historic Hahndorf to experience German heritage and culture (and excellent German food, wine and beer) is a must. Combine this with Cleland Wildlife Park, where kangaroos, koalas and emus abound, for a memorable day out.
Culture, People, Sport of South Australia
For the sports enthusiast, Adelaide annually hosts International events including the Adelaide International Horse Trials, Tour Down Under Cycling Race, International Cricket, Tennis and the South Australian Open Golf Tournament. Clipsal 500 V8 Super-car Racing, Sailing and Blue water Racing, Horse Racing and other Equestrian events, Aussie Rules Football, Soccer, Netball, Hockey and Athletics.
For those who enjoy the café society, alfresco or fine dining, Adelaide abounds in trendy eateries, bistros, pubs and silver-service restaurants. Adelaide's East End, West End, Gouger Street, Hutt Street, the Riverfront and Victoria Square are all popular districts within the city for enjoying Adelaide's many taste sensations.
Other nearby areas include North Adelaide, Norwood and beachside suburbs such as Henley Beach, Grange and historic Glenelg. Australian (from bush foods to modern Australian cuisine), Asian, European, South American or Middle Eastern foods abound. Combine this with local beers or one of the many fine wines and you will have a meal to remember forever.
Bed & Breakfast accommodation is readily available in and around Adelaide, in both hosted and self-contained styles. As Adelaide is so convenient and so easy to get around, distance from the City Centre does not have to be the deciding factor. Adelaide offers gracious historic homes, quaint colonial cottages, modern waterfront properties, country hideaways, romantic retreats and so much more.
Regions, Towns and Attractions of South Australia
The Wine Districts of South Australia
It does not matter in which direction you travel from Adelaide, you will come to vineyards. South Australia is the premium wine producing State in Australia in both quality and quantity. Some popular areas for visitors are:
The Barossa Valley is only one hours drive north of Adelaide. The Barossa enjoys a rich multi-cultural heritage, which is reflected in architecture, food, music and religion. It is, however, those famous names - Jacob's Creek, Peter Lehmann, Seppelts, Penfolds Grange, Yalumba, Henschke and Wolf Blass - to name a few, which confirm we are in one of the great wine districts of the world.> Only one hours drive south of Adelaide and you are in the McLaren Vale wine district. Famous for it's delicious full-bodied red wines, McLaren Vale wines are internationally famous. Try cellar door tastings - Maxwell, d'Arenberg, Wirra Wirra, Coriole, Tapestry and Fox Creek to name a few. Visit the Olive Grove for olive oil tastings too. The Clare Valley is a 90 minute drive north of Adelaide and has been described as Australia's most unblemished traditional wine-producing region. Over 30 cellar doors are open for visitors - Sevenhill Cellars, Leasingham, Pauletts, Skillogalee, Annie's Lane, Taylors and Knappsteins are all Clare Valley wineries. Whilst in the Clare District, visit historic Burra and Kapunda, two early copper mining towns.
Other notable South Australian Wine Districts include The Coonawarra (4 hours drive south-east of Adelaide); Adelaide Hills, The Riverland, Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln.
Wonderful B&B accommodation options are available throughout the South Australia wine districts - cottages in vineyards to grand mansions once owned by pastoralists.
The Murraylands South Australia
Whether it's houseboating, fishing, water sports, bush-walking or bird-watching, the River Murray and surrounding districts offers visitors a wide range of options. This district is ideal for those seeking a different experience and yet is only 60 - 90 minutes east of Adelaide.
Kangaroo Island South Australia
Kangaroo Island is Australia's third largest island - all 4500 square kilometres of it. It is well loved by visitors from around the world due to its unspoilt environment, majestic beauty, the native wildlife, fresh air and unhurried lifestyle. Kangaroo Island is easily accessible by air from Adelaide or car ferry from Cape Jervis. Organised tours or self drive touring are both popular.
Kangaroo Island is best enjoyed by staying on the island and giving yourself plenty of time to experience all the island has to offer. Some suggestions:
Kingscote - the island's largest town and of historical interest due to its establishment prior to mainland settlement including Adelaide. Kangaroo Island Lighthouses - three lighthouses built between 1852 and 1909 to protect ships from dangerous land formations. Still, over 50 ships have been lost around the coast of KI, many with loss of life. Seal Bay - This Conservation Park is home for a breeding colony of sea-lions and easily accessible.
Flinders Chase National Park - is one of the most significant conservation areas in Australia. Wildlife abounds.
Also worth visiting are Remarkable Rocks, Kelly Hill Caves, Frenchman's Rock and American River.
Bed & Breakfast accommodation on Kangaroo Island in South Australia is available at locations across the island.
Limestone Coast South Australia
The Limestone Coast encompasses the South East of South Australia from the farming lands of Bordertown, the River's edge at Tailem Bend to Mount Gambier and the Victorian border. This Region has it all - alluring beauty, changing colours, thriving contrasts, the wild coastlines, unique wetlands, underground wonders and fossil secrets.
The ancient rock foundation which gives the region its identity is also responsible for such marvels as the World Heritage Area of the Naracoorte Fossil Caves, the Princess Margaret Rose Caves near Nelson, the wetlands of Bool Lagoon, the famous Blue Lake at Mount Gambier, Coonawarra and Padthaway vineyards, and the Picanninie Ponds Conservation Park.
A coastline of ever-changing beauty and interesting townships. The historic coastal township of Robe is famous for fresh lobster and other seafood delights. Further south, Beachport was once a renowned whaling station but is now a fisherman's paradise.
Whatever your accommodation needs or desires, you'll find excellent Bed & Breakfast accommodation throughout the Limestone Coast of South Australia.
Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas South Australia
Yorke Peninsula is a favourite for keen anglers with bountiful catches of King George whiting, snapper, garfish, salmon, mullet, tommies, flathead and squid. It also offers the nature lover adventures at Innes National Park at the southern end of the peninsula and Troubridge Island near Edithburgh.
For those who enjoy history, there are the historic mining townships of Kadina, Wallaroo and Moonta (known as Australia's Little Cornwall) or museums at Bublacowie (military), Kadina (currency and dry-land farming), Port Victoria (sailing ships) and Minlaton (pioneer aviation).
Eyre Peninsula is vast - over 1000 kilometres from the Western Australian border to the city of Whyalla on Spencer's Gulf and 2000 kilometres of spectacular coastline ranging from towering cliffs to secluded beaches.
Australian Outback adventure holidays exploring the ancient Nullarbor Plain, the Gawler Ranges or Minbrie Ranges jade deposits.
Of particular interest is the Great Australian Bight - the largest indentation on the Australian coast - and at the Head of the Bight is one of the best Southern Right Whale viewing areas in the world during the June to October months.
Port Lincoln offers the visitor a modern, exciting city encircling one of the world's largest natural harbours - Boston Bay is 3 ˝ times larger than Sydney Harbour! Remember to enjoy the excellent South Australia seafoods and local wines and mild climate.
The Flinders Ranges and Outback South Australia
Traveling into the Flinders Ranges and Outback is a journey of discovery and adventure. Enjoy the many gorges and ranges, wildlife, sand dunes and salt lakes, national parks and desert landscapes.
This area is a region of small towns rich and diverse. Marvel at Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges National Park - unique geological landscapes formed millions of years ago. Coober Pedy is not only famous for opals but also for the 4000 inhabitants who live underground to avoid the extreme desert heat. Whilst there, also visit the underground churches and shops or stay in the underground accommodation.
For those requiring more adventure, experience driving the Australian 4WD outback tracks - Oodnadatta, Birdsville and Strzelecki Tracks.
More State Information for South Australia (S.A.)
The floral emblem of South Australia is the Sturt Desert Pea (sp. Clianthus formosus), is described as the most spectacular of native Australian groundcovers. Growing in the north of South Australia the 60 cm high bushes are grayish-green with woolly fern-like foliage and spread rapidly producing bunches of 20cm scarlet coloured pea-shaped flowers with a black eye. Outback areas and the Flinders Ranges are a photographers dream from winter to late spring when the Sturt Desert Pea is at its most spectacular.
The official State emblem of South Australia is a Piping Shrike or white-backed magpie and is used on the State flag and on all official government correspondence.
The Marine emblem of South Australia is a Leafy Sea dragon, a member of the seahorse family and occupying the shallow Gulf waters.
The fauna emblem of South Australia is the Hairy-Nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons), which lives exclusively within the State.
The South Australian gemstone emblem is the opal, reflecting South Australia's dominance in world opal production.
South Australia has 1.5 million people with 80% of these living in Adelaide or surrounding districts. Regional cities such as Mount Gambier (South East) and Port Lincoln (Eyre Peninsula) and the many small towns scattered across the State share the remaining 20%.
South Australia truly has something for everyone - cities, open spaces, beaches, fresh air, good food and great wine!
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