Australia South Australia
Adelaide, South Australia: A Quick Guide to What’s On
Adelaide is one of the unsung heros of Australia. In the central part of the country, it is often times not on the main tourist routes. If you have a bit of time and really like a city that has amazing markets, fantastic places to eat, unbelievable wineries, and phenominal natural attractions such as the Flinders close by, then Adelaide is a Must Do! (it is also one of the closer cities to Broken Hill) The following links can give you a better idea of what is on offer.
I do have to encourage you …
Date: July 16th, 2007 |
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Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Oil Distillery
Here’s a post for you seasonal job seekers, science, and ecotourism lovers. Kangaroo Island is an extremely special place as many of my other posts have pointed out, but another one of the outstanding examples of why it is special is Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery. Run by Larry and Bev Turner, Emu Ridge, is the only commercial Eucalyptus Distillery in South Australia. More than just that, the business is completely self-sufficient, operating on solar, steam and wind- power with all by-products and most building materials being recycled. In fact…an integral part of the distilling process involves old beer kegs. You’ve got to see it to believe it. The best news for many of you- they are willing to take on dedicated seasonal workers. Please contact them first.
Date: January 15th, 2007 |
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Australian Wine Review- Tim Smith, Barossa Valley
Tim Smith Grenache Mataro Shiraz 05′, Barossa Valley.
Omigosh! Let me say that again. Omigosh! I realize that is not proper wine speak and I don’t claim to be a wine expert, however, it sums up the initial feeling that the wine created. Spicy, it completely coats the tongue with pepper and cinnamon. Make sure you get that nose in the glass! It has a lush heady nose that leaves you breathless wanting more (cheesy I know but true none the less). The finish leaves you with …
Date: January 3rd, 2007 |
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Kangaroo Island, South Australia. How to Get There
If you are going to fly all the way to Australia, do try and make some time to see Kangaroo Island. It may not be on the main tourist path but it is well worth your hard earned Travel time and dollars. Everyone I know that has gone there completely agrees. The island is an amazing piece of the Australian wilderness, with over a third of the landmass reserved as conservation purposes. But How to get there?
By Air- REX- Regional Express, operated by Qantas, operates from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport (KGC) 13 17 13 or 08 8553 2938.
Date: December 21st, 2006 |
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Kangaroo Island Accomodation, Flinders Chase Farm
Flinders Chase farm is a charming and comfortable place to crash for the night or a week. It is on the west side of Kangaroo Island almost at the entrance to the National Park. No matter your budget, Flinders Chase Farm has an ideal place to lay your weary head. Originally, and still, a working sheep station, Steven and Kerryn Childs keep busy running the accommodation part of their property as well as their sheep. My only regret is that I didn’t have longer to stay and enjoy all that the Farm and Island had to offer.
There is a Hostel style bunk house in what was their original farm house. Several rooms are available sleeping 2-10. A main lounge room with Television, shared bathrooms, and a Huge outdoor communal kitchen and bbq area are all attached. Around $20/night pp.
Date: December 17th, 2006 |
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South Australia, Glenelg: the Manly of Adelaide
A few months back I had a thoroughly enjoyable visit to South Australia. One of the places I stayed while on that trip was the lovely beachy little suburb of Glenelg. This is definately the “get away” location that isn’t really “away”. You can feel miles…or kiolmeters… away from home while still only being an old fashioned tram ride away from the city center. If you are in Adelaide and can tear yourself away from the restaurants, markets, shopping, wineries, etc and are after a …
Date: July 3rd, 2007 |
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Adelaide, Wine Bar and Tapas, The Apothecary
Major find! Tapas, Wine bar, and a super posh yet not expensive restaurant upstairs. I originally just stopped in for a glass of wine and was planning to go elsewhere for dinner. That plan went all wonderfully pear shaped (Aussie for “did not come to fruition” ). Thank goodness for that I might have missed some of the most amazing flavours I have ever encountered. The staff was extremely helpful in answering questions about food allergy friendly options.
Located in an old shop front, the owner has lovingly and painstakingly restored an antique apothecary service into a beautiful dark wood bar. The front has wrought iron furniture and little tables that make you think of an old time soda fountain. The center piece of the room, is of course, the bar itself which hosts the splendid array of fresh tapas.
Down the stairs is a cigar-room-feeling lounge that any inner city socialite would be proud to be found frequenting. Leather chairs and sofas, brick industrial walls and just the right mood lighting. I can only imagine a few romantic interludes must occur there nightly. It is perfect for looking deep into their eyes….
Date: January 8th, 2007 |
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Kangaroo Island, South Australia, How to see a Platypus
One of the Highlights of visiting Kangaroo Island is the amazing amount of protected wildlife that can be seen in such a small place. The Star of the show, without a doubt, is the Platypus. These little guys are absolutely adorable, quite rare, shy, and their numbers are dwindling. If you would like to see one in its natural habitat, There is a platypus walk located in Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island.
The best times to see the furry little guys are day break and dusk. The main visitor center did not open until 9:00 am leaving us stranded for a little bit waiting to pay for our park fee and acquire the much coveted morning coffee. The café is quite good and the visitor center is informative and well maintained.
The path begins just behind the main visitors center and is a flat easy 4.5 k return trip. There are look outs, and viewing platforms to ensure you have the best view possible. Please remember they are very shy and any noise will frighten them away. When approaching a platform please whisper to avoid scaring them.
Date: January 2nd, 2007 |
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Kangaroo Island, South Australia. General Overview
2 hours south of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is a venerable ecological utopia. The third largest island in Australia, 12 K from the mainland, it has managed to have an ecologically independent growth from even the mainland of OZ. As witnessed by many of the indigenous animals, most species have evolved just a little differently. This is a trully magical place that should be cherished.
The island, since European in habitation, has been used for sheep farming, Eucalyptus Oil distilling, and ecological conservation. New industries have popped up as sheep farming has become more and more unsustainable. Lavender farming, honey production, new wineries, and ecotourism are some of the major ones. The ferry or airplane ride over is fairly expensive, but it keeps crowds small which protects this truly unique place. It is probably the best place to see a large number of the Australian animals in natural and efficient way.
Date: December 18th, 2006 |
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Australia’s Apostles
One of nine limestone stacks that made up the famous landmark off Australia’s surf-pounded southern coast collapsed into the Indian Ocean on July 3, apparently a victim of normal coastal erosion, leaving only eight stacks for tourists to gaze at.
Even though there were only nine of the towering limestone outcrops off the coast of Victoria State, the formation was called the 12 Apostles.
I’ve never made it to this landmark site…I better hurry up if I want to see any of ‘em!
Date: August 2nd, 2005 |
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