The History
The Kaurna people lived for many thousands of years in the Adelaide plains of South Australia. They were made up of independent groups living within their own lands but who came together for trade, social, ceremonial and religious reasons. The Kaurna people were pushed out of
Adelaide by the city’s development.
Colonel William Light was the first Surveyor-General of South Australia. He arrived in South Australia in 1836, with the task of deciding upon the site for Adelaide. His survey began on 11 January 1837, at the northwestern corner of Adelaide, at the junction of North and West Terraces. The Newmarket Hotel is directly across the exact location on North Terrace.
The People
Adelaide is a multicultural city with a population made up of over 100 different ethnic communities. Many of these communities proudly maintain links with their culture. The city combines interest, creativity and liveliness with a safe and clean environment. South Australians lead a relaxed but exciting lifestyle, in a State with a rich history, and a particular love of fine wine and food. By evening and at the weekend, many take advantage of the weather and enjoy
al fresco dining at one of the fine restaurants and cafés that give the city its cosmopolitan but casual feel.
The Climate
As with most other Australian cities, Adelaide enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers averaging 29°C and mild winters around a very pleasant 15°C. In fact it is the driest city in the driest state in the driest continent. Luckily for locals South Australia is also home to an incredible 4,000 kilometres of coastline and some of the country’s most beautiful scenery with unspoilt beaches within an hour’s drive of the city limits.
The Culture
Adelaide is devoted to the worship of food, wine, culture and the arts. This enthusiasm has spawned a procession of events, culminating in the biennial three-week Adelaide Festival/Fringe Festival which takes place in late February/early March and comprises live drama, dance and musical events. There is also a writers’ week, art exhibitions, and poetry readings, with guest speakers and performers from around the world. The Fringe Festival, about the same time, features alternative music and performance art. Other world-leading events include the Clipsal 500 (V8 supercar race), Jacob’s Creek Tour Down Under (international cycling race), Magic Millions Carnival (racing horse sales) and the Royal Adelaide Show.
It is also the wine capital of Australia and an incredible six out of the top ten Australian wines are made within a few hours’ drive of the city.
Many of South Australia’s great cultural institutions are located on leafy North Terrace (also known as Adelaide’s cultural boulevard). The State’s library, museum, art gallery and the Migration Museum have pride of place alongside Parliament House, the University of Adelaide and Government House.
View the best collection of early Australian art in the country, and a highly significant collection of Aboriginal dot paintings of the Western Desert, at the Art Gallery of South Australia.
The Attractions
Adelaide Botanic GardenEstablished in 1857, the 16 hectares of gardens are located on the North Terrace. A haven in the city, the gardens were established in 1857 and are
home to more than 5,000 roses and a lush tropical rainforest housed in the Bicentennial Conservatory (which happens to be the largest glasshouse in the southern hemisphere). Free guided walks of the Botanic Garden are conducted by the Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide.
Festival Centre
The world famous Adelaide Festival Centre sits in Elder Park on the banks of the Torrens River. This impressive arts complex comprises a drama theatre, a lyric theatre, an open air amphitheatre and a multipurpose concert hall. The centre holds a diverse range of interesting cultural activities throughout the year and is widely regarded as one of the best live performance venues in the world.