Stepping off the plane the first thing you notice is the sky it goes on and on and then carries on some more, leading from the mountains to the coast the blue sky is endless and immediately reminds you of the vastness that is South Australia.
The capital city of the State of South Australia is one thats often knocked, before my journey, I was warned not to spend more than a day and that it was the most boring place to be - well to all the cynics, eat your words.
The city is small but has a sense of purpose and is well planned, your reminded of almost European cities with wide pavements and green space all over - the city is easy to navigate, one because its quite small, but equally because it seems well thought out.
What you'll notice 2nd, is the pace, its slow - refreshing slow, no one seems in a rush, however everyone gets where they are going.
I stayed at The Hilton, which from the outside looks a bit unloved, like many large chain hotels, looks like it might of seen its best day. However, once you step inside the hotel is modern and efficient and like most Hiltons the world over has a fantastic breakfast. The champagne at breakfast an added extra that was a great way to start the day.
http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/ADLHITW-Hilton-Adelaide-hotel/index.do?WT.srch=1
Sign up for Hilton Honors and you may be lucky enough to get your room upgraded.
I spent sometime wondering around the city getting my bearings and headed down to the one of the many beaches, with my local guide and very good friend Renee we went down to Glenlg which was stunning. The beach was lovely and enjoyed by all even our four legged friends which was refreshing to see. I'd recommend having a Coopers at the grand!
With only a day left, I decided that I could not be in this beautiful part of the world without heading to the Barossa Wine Region - so called it an early night ready for my 7 am pick up!
http://www.barossa.com/
I went with Groovy Grape Tours and would recommend anyone to go with them - they were great, the driver was very informative, but did not give you an information overload. we packed a huge amount into the day and even had chance to see, and climb the worlds largest rocking horse.
http://www.thetoyfactory.com.au/index.php
The Barossa is famous for its Shiraz, so if you like your wines big, bold and spicy then this is the place for you. It's also known for it's Riesling - planted by the Lutheran immigrants fleeing there homelands. Your reminded often of this German influence.
You can fly with a number of low cost airlines and if your lucky get a flight for as little as $59 each way!
There are 100's of reasons to go and none to say that you shouldn't!!
Ben
No comments:
Post a Comment