You probably only know of Adelaide because you've drunk wines from the Barossa and McLaren Vale areas, Penfolds, Wolf Blass, Jacob's Creek, and Peter Lehmann for example, or, been aware of an English cricket capitulation at the famous Adelaide Oval, one of prettiest cricket grounds. It's my first visit, and with apologies to Darwin, the last major Aussie metropolis I've yet to visit. There is also the Daddy of arts festivals here, it's been running for thirty years and is mimicked around the world. In fact, South Australia is called the festival state.
While we are here, the city is full of cycling enthusiasts who are here for the first main event of the calendar, Santos Tour Down Under which has attracted all of the worldwide teams. There are thousands of cyclists everywhere.
This is a completely different type of city than I've seen elsewhere in Australia. Other than the business district, there are few buildings over two stories, subject to a long standing council ruling. The streets are wide and tree lined. Australia is very entrepreneurial, you see thousands of sole traders and a refreshing lack of Starbucks et al. At least McDonalds has respected Oz by being called Maccas!
We went to an Italian pizza place called "Scuzzi", recommended by "The Independent". It was heaving with cyclists who, apparently, end up there every Tuesday night. We felt underdressed not wearing spandex! The owner was thrilled with the article and proceeded to start putting things on the house!
We rented a car and drove to the Barossa area visiting three fascinating one street towns called Nurooipa, Angaston and Tanunda. They are gentle and charming with people keen to help us find wineries of interest. A relaxing cheese plate, with wine, sitting on a terrace.... We then headed for the beach at Glenelg which is bathed in 30C+ but more like Weston super Mare than St Tropez! Finally, Angelka found out about Windy Point restaurant which sits above the city in the Adelaide Hills. For a city with little interest for the photographer, this makes up for it. Great food, location, staff, you know the drill. The weather is hot and dry but, very manageable. The grass is parched yellow, it's scorched earth and, not surprisingly, fires are a great concern. They can move at 60kms per hour, that's scary. The fire hazard season lasts from Dec 1-April 30 which gives you an idea of the climate. I've not mentioned just how expensive it is here in Australia. Everything is 25-50% more expensive, however, Adelaide is slightly less challenging!
Our final day involved a gentle meander down to McLaren Vale, 45 mins south of the city. The weather is nearer 100F but, still manageable. We've come to one of our favourites, D'Arenberg, who also have a highly regarded restaurant. 2 hours later, an even gentler meander back to the airport and that's it, my 7th trip to Australia, thoroughly enjoyed and if you are coming this way, stay at the beach in St Kilda and do include a trip, one day, to Adelaide.