South Australia »The City of Adelaide

South Australia, with it's huge semi-desert areas in the far Outback, is the driest out of all of the states and also the most urbanised.

Adelaide, the capital, has been called 'the city of churches' and is home to 80% of the regions population of roughly 1.47 million, living in 984,277 sq km. Although the churches are still in Adelaide, times are different now. The main spirit of the city is demonstrated through Adelaide's Festival of Arts. It has a liberal attitude and Maslin Beach was the first nudist beach.

The state is well-known for it's wineries. The main wine growing region is in the Barossa Valley, although other valleys include Clare, Coonawarra and McLaren. It also hosts fantastic scenery and bushwalking in the Flinders Ranges, as well as wonderful landscape in the Adelaide Hills. It is possible to watch whales at the Head of Bight along the Great Australian Bight. The wild coast offers plenty for the tourist, as well as the relaxing Kangaroo Island.

The agricultural regions include include the Fleurieu, Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas which also offer beautiful beaches and some good surfing spots. Beaches continue along the Far South East of South Australia, while inland there is more agriculture in the Mid North. The Murray River is extremely important. It runs through the Australian Alps and joins the sea at Lake Alexandrina. Due to lack of rainfall the river water is often piped long distances to a number of communities. In total, 90% of the states population depend on the water for general living.

A LITTLE HISTORY

In 1836 Colonel William Light arrived at Holdfast Bay (now named Glenelg) to claim the region as a British colony. Adelaide was chosen for a capital, and the first Governor (Captain John Hindmarsh) named it after the King of Englands wife. The colony nearly went bankrupt, due to slow progress, but British funds saved it. By the mid 1840's the colony was able to support itself, and was self-governed by 1856.

POINTS OF INTEREST
Flinders Ranges
Offers superb bushwalking, aboriginal rock paintings and wildlife.
Full directory of things to do in South Australia

SOUTH AUSTRALIA FACTS

South Australia Area: 985,335 square kilometres
South Australia Population (2005): 1,542,033
South Australia Capital: Adelaide
Major Industries: Agriculture, Fishing and Aquaculture, Manufacturing and Mining
South Australia Unemployment Rate (2005): 5.0%
Average Weekly Earnings for Employees (2006): $696.00
South Australia Births (2004 - 2005): 17,400
Adelaide's Mean Maximum Temperature (Summer 2005): 29.1°c
Adelaide's Mean Minimum Temperature (Summer 2005): 16.8°c
Adelaide's Mean Maximum Temperature (Winter 2005): 15.7°c
Adelaide's Mean Minimum Temperature (Winter 2005): 7.7°c

Hotels
Adelaide Travellers Inn (Hostel)
ADDRESS: 220 Hutt street, Adelaide CBD
TOWN / CITY, COUNTRY: Adelaide, South Australia - Australia
DESCRIPTION: The Adelaide Travellers Inn is a fun, friendly hostel with a relaxed 'no stress' attitude. We offer affordable accommodation, tours & travel and help finding work.We are located at 220 Hutt Street in the eastern part of the city of Adelaide. This Beautiful tree-lined street has everything a traveller needs including cafe's, pubs, post office, take-away foods, supermarket & banks.

Annie's Place Adelaide (Hostel)
ADDRESS: 239 Franklin Street, Adelaide CBD
TOWN / CITY, COUNTRY: Adelaide, South Australia - Australia
DESCRIPTION: Adelaide's most popular hostel Annie's is a beautiful, 137 year old building that has a warm, friendly mix of old world charm and modern funky vibes located on the Paris end of town just 3 blocks from the GPO City Centre.Being a heritage building, the rooms are large with high ceilings and most rooms have ensuite bathrooms, some with baths. All rooms have televisions and are air condition

Transport
Avis Australia Car Rental (Vehicle Rental)
ADDRESS: 136 North Terrace, Adelaide CBD
TOWN / CITY, COUNTRY: Adelaide, South Australia 5000 - Australia
DESCRIPTION: Avis Australia Car Rentals has over 240 locations Australia wide and is Australia's leading car rental company. Our average vehicle is less than one year old and we have a range of vehicles from economical to luxury. We have 4WDs, 8 Seaters and Commercial vehicles.

Budget Rent a Car Australia (Vehicle Rental)
ADDRESS: 274 North Tce (cnr Frome Street), Adelaide CBD
TOWN / CITY, COUNTRY: Adelaide, South Australia 5000 - Australia
DESCRIPTION: Budget is renowned for meticulously maintained vehicles and quality service. We offer a wide range of cars, 4WDs and minibuses as well as Australia’s largest fleet of trucks and commercial vehicles.