Australia is widely regarded as a popular tourist destination because there is simply so much to see. Adelaide, however, gets a rather unfair rep. Ignored by most tourists and scorned by most Australians, it is called 'Radelaide' in, I think, 'hilarious irony' because people claim there isn't much to do here.

Well, as a traveller of the world, and indeed, a newly established resident of South Australia, I - and Howard of course - would like to dispell that rather cruel myth by offering you our own version of 'Things to do in Adelaide when you're strapped for cash'.

Forget Kangaroo Island and the Barossa Valley; just follow our example of how to live it up in Adelaide and you'll be booking your flights here in no time.

1. Soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches
A mere 10km west of the city centre is the idyllic Henley Beach. There's a fish and chip kiosk, which also mysteriously sells a lot of Greek food; there's a Copenhagen ice cream shop; and there's a big, empty beach. What more do you need? Head down to 'The Reject Shop' on Rundle Mall and pick up a bargain deck chair for a mere $12, then head to the beach and watch the endless turquiose ocean turn pink at sunset. Rather splendid.

2. Join your local library
Never one to balk at the thought of free stuff, Howie and I made it our first action in Adelaide to join both the Adelaide City Council Library and the Henley Beach Library. Cool? No. Old beyond our years? Yes. But we care not, for where else can Howie read all of his Seth Godin books for free, and can I indulge myself in reading both Harry Potter 7 (again) and the autobiography of Major Winters at the same time as watching another BBC Jane Austen triumph. Quite.

3. Cycle to Glenelg and stuff your face
We did this today. Glenelg is actually rather close, and despite a prevailing southwesterly headwind and the fact that my bike is falling apart to the extent that Howie said before we left 'It'll be fine, as long as you keep the wheels on the ground', it was a rather pleasant ride to and fro. There's also a great chocolate cafe in the mabber of Max Brenner that fulfills all choco needs, and a marvellous doughnut place. Plus Nando's, which keeps everyone happy.

4. Purchase goods in Central Market
A wise move. Central market is great for fresh goods and we got them cheap and half the price. We had some bargain pasta at the infamous Lucia's and purchased some excellent ingredient with which we made out lovely landlady and her friend a sumptuous feast last night. Plus, if you hang around the market long enough, there's the possibility of free samples. But that's just a rumour.

5. See who can purchase the most horrendous postcard
I thought I was the master of horrendous postacards when I found a classic one for Heather in Sydney. In was a 1970's view of a horrible, concrete part of Sydney, and someone had rather crudely photoshopped in a giant koala straddling the Sydney tower. The caption at the top read 'Sydney! What a sight.' I was the undisputed master of the horrible postcard. Then we came to Adelaide. Howie trumped all the world's awful postcards today by purchasing a 20cent postcard from the 1970's of a derelict shack in Queensland called 'The Butcher's Shop'. No information, no nothing. Just a derelict shack in the middle of the outback. It's the most completely brilliant postcard yet and was possibly the highlight of my day. That, and seeing 5 or 6 pelicans on the cycle back home.

So next time you're in Oz, don't bypass Adelaide for the bright lights of Melbourne or Sydney. Come on down to Adelaide, where every hour is happy hour.

Adelaide! What a sight.