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MAC Adelaide - Neighborhood Guide
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A statue of Adelaide's founding father, Colonel William Light, stands atop Montefiore Hill and gazes proudly across the city he helped to create. Below him rolls an expanse of attractive green parkland, resplendent with rose beds, peppered with trees and dominated by the ivy-clad Adelaide Oval. To the rear of the cricket ground lies lazy Torrens Lake, its southern foreshore replete with grand bluestone buildings that contrast starkly with white concrete extrusions of the Festival Centre. Further south, modest towers mark the heart of Adelaide's central business district, while to the east a corrugated line of hills defines its inland boundary. To the west, the coastal plain slips gently away into the rich blue waters of St Vincent's Gulf.

So it is easy to see why there should be a flicker of pride on Colonel Light's weathered face. It is also wholly appropriate that the city of Light should become the city of churches--mighty St Peter's Cathedral lays testament to that. However, as all Adelaidians know, there is much more to their captivating city than things ecclesiastical. In modern day Adelaide, festivals, food and fine wine are just for starters.

The City Centre

Despite these enlightened days of metrication, Adelaide's central business district still measures exactly one square mile. And it is packed with goodies, all within easy walking distance of each other. This is especially true along North Terrace, where there is ready access to the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Adelaide Casino plus the imposing granite and marble Parliament House building. Moving east, grandiose buildings queue for attention--the State Library, South Australian Museum, Art Gallery and Ayers House (the mansion of Sir Henry Ayers, an early state premier who later had a very large rock named in his honour). Further along North Terrace, the weary wanderer can relax amidst the blooms and flowering shrubs of Adelaide Botanic Garden.

Shoppers flock to the ever-festive Rundle Mall, historically the first traffic-free shopping mall in Australia. Many of the big retail players can be found here, as can a variety of street entertainers. The Mall leads eastwards onto Rundle Street, which throbs with a cultural mix of diners and thirsty pub-goers. It is also the primary venue of Adelaide's Fringe Festival. Across the eastern parklands from Rundle Street lies the fashionable inner city suburb of Norwood with its ever-popular dining precinct, The Parade.

Shoppers in search of bargains, or simply fresh herbs and vegetables, head for the Central Market and Chinatown. Neighbouring Gouger Street is alive with yummy restaurants; Asian, of course, plus a wealth of other cuisines. In the heart of the city stands the symbolic fountain of Victoria Square. A handy landmark for several hotels, the square also provides a terminus for Adelaide's only tram, which trundles its way to the beachfront at Glenelg.

North Adelaide

Both the city and elegant North Adelaide are isolated from the surrounding suburbs by a leafy moat of parklands. A jewel in Adelaide's crown, this "figure-of-eight" greenery enhances a unique and enviable lifestyle for city-dwellers. It is small wonder, therefore, that some of the state's grandest homes grace the streets of North Adelaide. Along O'Connell Street lies the lure of many fine restaurants, with pavement dining under lacy iron verandas a speciality.

Port Adelaide and District

The generously wide streets, sturdy stone buildings, and uncompromising wharfside warehouses tell tales of a proud and historic past for Adelaide's ocean port. The plethora of street-corner pubs also suggest that this history has been amply laced with rum and brandy! Port Adelaide lies less than half an hour's drive north west of the city and today it remains a modest working port. Tourism through Port River cruises, Sunday markets, twee cafés and informative museums--such as the excellent Maritime Museum--fuel the local economy. The region as a whole is a fascinating mix of heavy industry, recreation and residential boom, exemplified by the award-winning West Lakes residential development.

The Coastal Fringe

Spanning nearly 70 kilometres north to south, the Adelaide coastal fringe runs from North Haven marina to the sumptuous white sands of Sellicks Beach. Whether viewing or doing, there is beachside fun a plenty. Not to mention sunsets to die for! Explore Adelaide's maritime heritage around Semaphore, follow discerning diners to Henley Beach or enjoy the hive of activity and history at Glenelg.

When there is a swell in the Gulf, knowing surfers head for the mid-south coast, while sailboarders test their skills off Seacliff Beach. Even nude bathing is catered for on this eclectic coast. Just grab a towel and head for Maslin!

The Adelaide Hills

Rising around the eastern rim of the coastal plain, the Adelaide Hills offer a favourite fresh air treat. Delightful forests of stringybark gums carpet many slopes, while in Belair National Park, and conservation parks, such as Scott Creek, Cleland and Warrawong Sanctuary, native flora and fauna abound. So watch out for kangaroos, koalas and bandicoots! Farming and market gardening are important industries with vineyards blossoming on many hillsides. Tourism has also taken off, with enchanting villages, such as Stirling and the "little Germany" that is Hahndorf, dotted throughout the hills. Of course, no visit to the hills would be complete without experiencing that breathtaking view over Adelaide--night and day--from the summit of Mount Lofty.

The Wine Districts

Adelaide is unquestionably the wine capital of Australia, simply because it lies within an hour's drive of some of the finest vineyards in the southern hemisphere. To the north, you will find the world-renowned Barossa Valley with its proud Teutonic heritage, rich soils and exquisite flavours. Equally appealing to many wine-lovers is the quality of product from the south of the city--the boutique wineries of McLaren Vale. Indeed, what better way to spend a lazy afternoon than drinking fine wine amidst gentle hills, fertile flats and tinkling creeks?







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

City Centre


 Adelaide
Australia
 Despite these enlightened days of metrication, Adelaide's central business district still measures exactly one square mile. And it is packed with goodies, all within easy walking distance of each other. This is especially true along North Terrace, where there is ready access to the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Adelaide Casino plus the imposing granite and marble Parliament House building. Moving east, grandiose buildings queue for attention--the State Library, South Australian Museum, Art Gallery and Ayers House (the mansion of Sir Henry Ayers, an early state premier who later had a very large rock named in his honour). Further along North Terrace, the weary wanderer can relax amidst the blooms and flowering shrubs of Adelaide Botanic Garden.

Shoppers flock to the ever-festive Rundle Mall, historically the first traffic-free shopping mall in Australia. Many of the big retail players can be found here, as can a variety of street entertainers. The Mall leads eastwards onto Rundle Street, which throbs with a cultural mix of diners and thirsty pub-goers. It is also the primary venue of Adelaide's Fringe Festival. Across the eastern parklands from Rundle Street lies the fashionable inner city suburb of Norwood with its ever-popular dining precinct, The Parade.

Shoppers in search of bargains, or simply fresh herbs and vegetables, head for the Central Market and Chinatown. Neighbouring Gouger Street is alive with yummy restaurants; Asian, of course, plus a wealth of other cuisines. In the heart of the city stands the symbolic fountain of Victoria Square. A handy landmark for several hotels, the square also provides a terminus for Adelaide's only tram, which trundles its way to the beachfront at Glenelg.

Review © 2007, Wcities
City Centre photo by G0Da
Photo: G0Da
City Centre photo by Stella Val
Photo: Stella Val
 

 
Eastern Suburbs & Norwood


 Adelaide
Australia
 Norwood and the Eastern suburbs are popular residential areas for those who work in Adelaide, but do not want to live in the city. After World War II many Europeans moved to the area, including a large number of Italians, evidenced by the large number of Italian restaurants and businesses along the Parade. The Parade is a popular street for shopping and dinning which runs east-west from Norwood, into town. The area of Norwood closer to the Parade is much wealthier and more bohemian than the neighbourhoods further from town.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Eastern Suburbs & Norwood photo by Cloudia Newland
Photo: Cloudia Newland
Eastern Suburbs & Norwood photo by Matt
Photo: Matt
Eastern Suburbs & Norwood photo by Matt
Photo: Matt
Eastern Suburbs & Norwood photo by Lara Amelia Quinlan
Photo: Lara Amelia Quinlan
 

 
Northern Suburbs


 Adelaide
Australia
 The green jewel of the city, the northern suburbs do more than just enhance the coastal city of Adelaide. With vast parklands, gardens and sports facilities, it is no wonder many choose to reside within the realm of nature. A wildlife buff's heaven, the St. Kilda Mangroves Aquatic Reserve counts on hundreds of rare bird species, not to mention the curious white-bellied sea eagle and a two-kilometre boardwalk perfect for an early morning stroll. An elaborately decorated Dixon's is the ultimate venue for European dining with an Australian flair. Relax with a fat Havana cigar in the lounge with the sounds of 1930s-style music.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Northern Suburbs photo by Evangeline Lam
Photo: Evangeline Lam
 

 
Southern Suburbs


 Adelaide
Australia
 The area south of the centre of Adelaide is made up of a handful of neighbourhoods. Several sport facilities, parks, theatres and libraries are found in Unley, just a short trip south. Pedestrians and bikers will be happy in the area, as traffic is restricted to 40km an hour throughout Unley, and bike lanes are widely marked. Retail outlets and a handful of good restaurants are also located conveniently throughout the area, and if nothing suits your taste, Adelaide's business district is not far away.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Southern Suburbs photo by Dey Alexander
Photo: Dey Alexander
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Adelaide - Neighborhood Guide"
Adelaide
Adelaide - Historical Background
Adelaide - Where to Stay
Adelaide - Dining & Drinking
Adelaide - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Melbourne (658 miles)
Canberra (958 miles)
Sydney (1161 miles)
Hobart (1163 miles)
Brisbane (1592 miles)
Perth (2133 miles)
Christchurch (3062 miles)
Wellington (3222 miles)
Auckland (3248 miles)
Kauai (9101 miles)

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