South Australia

Australia and New Zealand

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South Australia

South Australia is not named the Festival State capriciously. While the biennial Adelaide Festival of Arts is internationally recognized as second only to Edinburgh's, with the acclaimed 'Come Out' youth festival held in even-numbered years, the states festivities are not confined to its capital.

Adelaide does, however, host Glendi, the southern hemisphere's largest Greek festival.

Two thirds of the state is part of the Outback. The brilliant spectacle of its desert beauty - sunrise and sunset - is breathtaking. Cooper Pedy produces 90% of the worlds opals and is well worth a visit. Underground mines, a bookshop, pottery, shops, restaurants and hotels. It has been the setting for 3 Australian movies.

South Australia is one of the largest wine producing areas in Australia. As more visitors from all over the world discover the surprises of South Australia, where pleasure can be varied adventures or the easy elegance of its capital, tourism is emerging as a major industry. Adelaide has been cited as the second-fastest growing convention city in the world, next to USA's Richmond Virginia

South Australia's most spectacular mountain range is the Flinders Ranges stretching northward 250 kilometres north of Adelaide. The beauty of this eroded landscape is equaled only by its geological significance as one of the oldest landscapes on earth. In spring native flowers carpet the semi-arid landscape with stunning displays.

Near the center of the state is Coober Pedy, the small town famous for its Opal production. (70% of the worlds supply) Buildings are constructed underground to protect residents against the extreme temperatures.

Lake Eyre is Australia's largest salt lake and lies 15 meters below sea level. A few times in each century the dry lake fills with water and hundreds of thousands of birds flock to the area to feed and breed.

Kangaroo Island is a popular tourist destination 16 kilometers off the coast south of Adelaide. Its abundant native wildlife live in undisturbed natural habitats.
Two famous passenger trains pass through Adelaide. The Indian Pacific going west to Perth across the Nullarbor Plain and the Ghan going north to Darwin.

Travelers Notes:

We journeyed by car from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road to Victor Harbour a coastal town in South Australia. We stayed two nights on the way at a bed and breakfast and a motel.

In Victor Harbour we telephone a Bed and Breakfast place near the ferry that would take us to Kangaroo Island. The B and B was run by a husband and wife team who were in their eighty plus years. They were great people residing on a sheep station running more than 3000 sheep.

Next morning we were driven the three kilometers to the ferry plying to the island, by the proprietor. We spent the day journeying by bus and seeing all there is to see on the island, and then back in the ferry to the mainland where the proprietor was waiting to take us back to our accommodation. The lady of the house pre pared dinner and afterwards we talked into the night on the verandah enjoying the solitude and port wine.

Tourism Links

southaustralia.com