Adelaide
Adelaide is still often referred to as a city of churches, and with good reason, there are lots of them around here.
But this has meant that Adelaide's other characteristics, which combine to create this city's appealing atmosphere, are often overlooked. The charm of this place is that it seems to have adopted the best qualities of other Australian cities: it has the air of a close- knit town like Brisbane; it unashamedly celebrates its love of good food and wine like Sydney; and, like Melbourne it has a European look about it with its wide streets and squares.
Eating out is an obsession for Adelaidians, and you'll find the standards comparable to Sydney, while the prices are considerably cheaper. It'd almost be a crime not to take advantage of this and embark on a glutinous tour of the town's most popular gastronomic districts.
You've got Rundle Street East in the city for starters with an abundance of cafes and alfresco experiences. Feeling like a bit of Asian? Then Gouger Street, a couple of blocks down from the Central Bus Station, will provide you with the inspiration required. North Adelaide has some excellent fare to offer, particularly Melbourne and O'Connell streets.
As for wine, almost every cafe and restaurant is licensed, but being so close to the Barossa Valley means you could make a day of frolicking among the vineyards and sipping from glasses full of velvety reds and clear, crisp whites. The Barossa is, like any premier wine producing district, dripping with culture, history and fabulous scenery (which is made all the more fabulous after a couple of glasses of really lovely Chardonnay). There are some lovely little towns to visit in the region, try not to miss out on Lyndoch, Tanunda or Angaston.
And while you're out and about you might think about visiting a little town, founded by German settlers in the 1800’s, called Hahndorf. It sits quite happily in the pretty Adelaide Hills, about twenty minutes drive from Adelaide, and made all the more picturesque with its nineteenth- century look and its Bavarian- style coffee houses. As with all quaint little towns you'll find more than a fair share of kitschy shops and arty- crafty fare.
If it’s sun, surf and sea that you're hanging out for, then you should try the Fleurieu and Eyre Peninsulas. Fleurieu Peninsula is the closest to town, being only about forty minutes drive from the city. There are countless long sandy beaches around there at your disposal. Or further along the coast, in a westerly direction, you will find yourself driving along the Eyre Peninsula. If you're looking for a break away from city life, then this is the area to be. Lose yourself in the dramatic scenery, and indulge in brilliant fishing, beaches and surfing.
Travelling around this area means you're going to need vehicular transportation, a car. If you haven't got access to one for your holiday, then you can get a great car hire Adelaide deal by booking online with Carhire.com.au. This site pools all the deals and specials of Australia's most popular car rental companies, so you can directly compare the prices and options and choose the rental that's best for you. Because Carhire has negotiated special deals with Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty, there will sometimes be specials on offer that are not available anywhere else on the web.
Visit South Australia Tourism for further information on travelling tips, attractions and accommodation.
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