South Australia

South Australia is a bit of a hidden gem for Kiwis who have traditionally visited the eastern gateways on their holidays to Australia. In fact, a direct flight to Adelaide from Auckland is only 50 minutes longer than flying to Melbourne, and it’s well worth the extra time in the air. Known as the ‘20 minute city’, Adelaide is the gateway to all there is to see and do in South Australia. It is both cultural and cool, and its superb shopping, beaches, history and restaurants are not to be missed.

It seems like all roads lead to wine and food in South Australia. From Adelaide there are nine distinct wine regions within 90 minutes drive, none more famous than the Barossa wine region located less than an hour drive from the CBD.

Known as the ‘20 minute city’, Adelaide is the gateway to all there is to see and do in South Australia. It is both cultural and cool, and its superb shopping, beaches, history and restaurants are not to be missed.

Foodies love the sights, tastes and smells of the Adelaide Central Market. Regarded as the ‘pantry of the city’, it’s the perfect place to stop and pick up supplies for your stay.

Shopaholics feel right at home on Rundle Mall, Adelaide’s shopping heart. At the end of the day you can soak up the atmosphere in one of more than 700 restaurants along Adelaide’s eat streets – try Gouger St, Rundle St or Hutt St.

Take a wander down North Terrace, regarded as Adelaide’s cultural boulevard and home to the city’s grandest treasure houses. It’s a heartland of art, history, knowledge and people. You’ll fi nd the State’s Art Gallery, SA Museum (home to the largest collection of Aboriginal artifacts in Australia), Library and Botanic Gardens, which are all free to visit.

From the city centre it’s just a 20 minute tram ride to the beachside suburb of Glenelg. This seaside playground is always buzzing with people enjoying the sand, sea, foreshore parks, cafés and local entertainment. Stroll along the jetty, browse through the hundreds of shops and dine at sidewalk cafes along Jetty Road.

In the Adelaide Hills, a stop at the German village of Hahndorf is recommended. Lined with jacaranda trees, the main street’s quaint and historic stone buildings are fi lled with art and craft galleries, cellar doors, antique shops, German bakeries, chocolate shops, pubs, cafés and a fantastic cheese cellar.

Another popular region just 1 hour from Adelaide is the majestic Murray River. Take an escorted river cruise on an historic paddlewheeler or, if you feel like creating your own adventure, get a group of friends together and captain your own luxury houseboat as you cruise the Murray River.

Whatever you choose to do on your holiday, South Australia boasts an outstanding variety of places to see and experiences to enjoy. You’ll find vast landscapes, dazzling uncrowded beaches, varied wildlife and friendly locals who always have time for a chat. So what are you waiting for? Pick up a few bottles of local wine, stock up on local produce and pack your cossie because in South Australia you’ve got all the elements of a perfect holiday!