South Australia, Adelaide

Adelaide

Adelaide is a compact city of approximately 1.2 million people, situated between the beautiful Adelaide Hills and the long white beaches of the Gulf of St Vincent. Settled in 1836, Adelaide retains much of the charm and tranquility of the past while offering all the vigour, multicultural diversity and conveniences of a modern city. Adelaide is known for its biennial Arts Festival, its many churches and graceful stone buildings and its location within an hour's drive of some of Australia's most famous and beautiful wine producing regions.

Adelaide and South Australia offer a lower-key but often more authentic and rewarding experience of Australia than that seen in the eastern states and larger cities. Adelaide's appeal as a conference/convention destination lies in its safety, the ease of getting around, with most hotels and city sights within walking distance of the Convention Centre, in its low levels of pollution, the proximity of the airport to the city, the quality of our food and wine and lower overall costs compared to other cities.

Climate

Australia's climate varies between regions, the north being warm and tropical, the south milder. Our seasons are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere & Spring is between September & November, Summer is between December & February, Autumn is between March & May and Winter is between June & August. Adelaide's climate is mild, with warm, dry Summers and cool, wet Winters.

Clothing

Australians tend to dress informally. Light weight clothes are appropriate for spring and Summer, sweaters, overcoats and umbrellas for Winter.

Adelaide Hills

Everywhere in the Adelaide Hills, you're sure to find pleasures and experiences that appeal to you. Whether it's enjoying unique food and wine, walking a nature trail, hunting for treasures in the many art and craft shops, exploring an old goldmine, or relaxing in one of the many bed and breakfast getaways, the Hills will always entertain you. Festivals, country shows and special events are staged all year round with great opportunities to enjoy yourself with the crowd.

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is where you go when you want to see Australia but don't have time to see it all. The island is a microcosm of everything that is special about Australia. The scenery is spectacular, the climate mild and the wildlife such as wallaby, koala, possum, echidna and bandicoot are plentiful throughout the island. The world's most accessible sea lion colony can be found on the island, providing a brilliant experience for visitors. The abundance of unique flora and fauna, plus the undisturbed beauty of the rivers and coastline has resulted in much of the island being reserved as national and conservation parks.

Wine Country

Australian wines are world-renowned and South Australia is responsible for 70% of the nation's considerable output. From the vales of the Barossa Valley to the red soil of Coonawarra, there are wines to suit every palate. The Adelaide Hills, Barossa, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale region each stage an annual Gourmet Weekend when top restaurants team up with wineries to present a complete culinary experience. The heritage-rich Barossa also plays host to the world's largest wine festival, the biennial vintage Festival commencing Easter Monday. It's a week-long carnival of fine wine and food, frivolity and German culture.

Outback

Further north is South Australia's great outback, three of Australia's legendary inland tracks are to be found in this region: the Birdsville Track, the Strzelecki Track and the Oodnadatta Track. If you think deserts are dry, barren and inhospitable places you'll be relieved to see the waterholes and lakes on Cooper Creek where you can swim in perfect solitude or perhaps catch a fish for dinner. If you are looking for something different, Coober Pedy is an unforgettable experience. The area produces 70% of the world's opal and is home to some truly great Australian characters. With searing summer temperatures, many locals live in dugout homes. You too can experience life below ground in the world's first underground hotel, the Desert Cave Hotel.