Adelaide is a city surrounded by 900 hectares of luscious green known as the Park Lands. Originally, however, it was calledTarntanya, which means ‘red kangaroo place’, in the language of theKaurna people, who are the original custodians of the land in this area.
Adelaide has a population of approximately 1.2 million people and is consistently voted in the top 10 most liveable cities in the world by the Economist. The city enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean-like climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. It averages highs of 25-35°C in summer and 15-16°C in winter. This enviable weather allows residents and visitors alike to enjoy the city all year round.
Adelaide – which also known as the ‘City of Churches’ – is famous for its old fashioned charm and rich culture. With excellent shopping and culinary brilliance at every turn, there’s nothing more you could want in a compact city that can be easily explored. Visitors to Adelaide are always impressed by its CBD. In the heart of the city, the prestigious Rundle Mall shopping district is home to the most expensive real estate in South Australia. Here you’ll find an array of luxury shops on a street that is perfect for people-watching, while soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the public art and sculpture.
Throughout the year, Adelaide has a jam-packed cultural calendar, playing host to a number of live events that transform the city with an infectious festive atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the world. Popular festivals worth checking out include WOMADelaide, Tasting Australia, and the ever popular, Adelaide Fringe Festival.
Explore Adelaide in a hire car and ensure you see it all
It would be a shame to visit Adelaide and not indulge in some world-class food and wine. It’s a pastime at the very heart of Adelaidean culture. After all – South Australia accounts for 60% of Australia’s total wine exports – so you’re guaranteed to encounter some exquisite wine lists when dining in the city.
The Adelaide Central Market has been at the heart of Adelaide’s fresh produce for nearly 150 years, making it the perfect place for foodies to visit. Other food and drink icons of Adelaide include iconic brands like Haigh’s Chocolates, FruChocs, Charlesworth Nuts, and Australian behemoth – Coopers Brewery.
Outside the confines of the city, Adelaide is swelling with an abundance of things to see and do. Hire a car and drive 20 minutes to Port Adelaide where you’ll find a unique harbour town with bags of charm and a growing reputation as an artistic hub.
Last, but by no means least, for those looking to drive a little further out, Adelaide is great for day trips. Wine lovers will enjoy the multiple celebrated wine regions that surround the city. From the McLaren Valley to The Barossa Valley, visitors to Adelaide are spoilt for choice when it comes to wine. Just make sure to have a designated driver!
