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Guides  >>  South Australia

South Australia Holidays

 South Australia Travel Guide

South Australia is bounded by other states on the west, east and north, and flanked in the south by the Southern Ocean. Most of its population of 1.5 million live in the fertile coastal area and the valley of the Murray River, which is the state's only navigable river and drains about one-seventh of Australia. The northern landscape consists largely of dry wasteland, with several low mountain ranges. The most impressive mountains are the Mt Lofty-Flinders ranges, extending about 500 miles (800km) from Cape Jervis to the northern end of Lake Torrens. The capital of South Australia is Adelaide, known as the City of Churches.

South Australia is famous mainly for its wine and opals. More than half of Australia's wine is produced here, the vineyards flourishing in its Mediterranean climate, and the State's three major opal fields, Coober Pedy, Mintabie and Andamooka, supply around 80 percent of the total world production of these sought-after gemstones.


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 South Australia Attraction

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Hahndorf
Description :
Just an easy 20-minute drive along the six-lane South Eastern Freeway from the city centre of Adelaide is the scenic Adelaide Hills region. The most popular tourist destination in the area is Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf. The town was settled in 1839 by Prussian and East German immigrants, and today is a flourishing community that attracts visitors from all over the world. They come to admire the many historic buildings, the 100-year-old elm and plane trees that line the main street, to shop for crafts, and to enjoy legendary hospitality in the many restaurants and accommodation establishments. Hahndorf is surrounded by many wineries and there are two cellars in the main street offering tastings and meals. The three local hotels have traditional German beers on tap. Just outside the town is the famous Beerenberg Strawberry Farm where visitors can pick their own in season. Hahndorf makes a perfect base for exploring the other delights of the Adelaide Hills, which include the Mt Lofty area, Norton Summit, the Torrens Valley and Onkaparinga Valley.
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16 miles (26km) south east of Adelaide
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Kangaroo Island
Description :
Australia's third largest island is home to colonies of sea lions, fairy penguins, pelicans, marine life and, of course, kangaroos, and provides so much to do and discover that visitors are advised to stay for at least two days. Kangaroo Island is situated eight miles (13km) from the mainland of South Australia. It is inhabited by a small farming community that produces speciality foods - this, combined with the fact that the fishing is excellent, means it is worth visiting for the food alone. The island separated from the mainland during the last Ice Age, and has many plants and animals no longer found elsewhere. A third of the island is protected to preserve the natural heritage. Organised tours visit the parks and protected waterways, or visitors can 'do-it-yourself' with the aid of a walking trails brochure available at the tourist office and many of the hotels. Walking close to wildlife is a unique experience - glance around at kangaroos, wallabies, goannas, echidnas, possums and platypus; along the coast watch dolphins and seals frolic while penguins come to roost.
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(08) 8553 1185 (Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre)
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tourki@kin.on.net
Website :
www.tourkangarooisland.com.au
Flinders Ranges
Description :
The Flinders Ranges, one of the few elevated landmasses in South Australia, is the gateway to the State's outback, offering rugged and spectacular scenery best seen at daybreak or sunset when the colours come alive. At the southern end of the ranges, about 25 miles (40km) from Port Agusta, is the town of Quorn which is the jumping off point for four-wheel-drive and adventure tours of the region. A vintage train runs through the nearby Pichi Richi Pass, and visitors can try rock-climbing at Warren Gorge. Further north is the small township of Hawker, which is the main point for access to the main attraction of the Flinders, Wilpena Pound. Wilpena is one of Australia's most significant Aboriginal heritage areas, enclosed in the Flinders Ranges National Park. Rock engravings can be viewed at Sacred Canyon and there are many bushwalks to be followed.
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(08) 8648 6419 (Flinders Ranges Visitor Information Centre)
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vic@flindersranges.com
Website :
www.flindersranges.com
Coober Pedy
Description :
Coober Pedy, the opal mining town located in the harsh outback of South Australia about 540 miles (850km) north of Adelaide, operates largely underground. Homes, a church, a pottery studio and various businesses consist of 'dugouts', which have been built by the locals to escape the intense heat of this harsh region. Coober Pedy is recognised as the largest producer of opals in the world, and more than 100,000 tourists from around the world make the long pilgrimage to this unique town every year. The town features a working mine with a museum and shop for visitors, who can opt to stay in the 'Desert Cave Hotel' underground. The town is located beside the Stuart Highway, Highway 87, which provides plenty of refuelling spots on the route from Adelaide in the south or Alice Springs in the north. It is also possible to reach the town by air with Kendell Airlines, or by coach.
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(08) 8672 5298 (Tourist Information Centre)
Email :
info@opalcapitaloftheworld.com.au
Website :
www.opalcapitaloftheworld.com.au
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