South Australia

Settlement history is scattered throughout the state in many facinating sites now carefully preserved by local institutions and the National Trust. The story of South Australia began in 1863 when free settlers (no convicts) were sent to South Australia and arrived on Kangaroo Island, shortly before the site of Adelaide was chosen for the capital. As soon as Adelaide was proclaimed, farming began in areas such as the Barossa and Clare valleys, and the Adlelaide Hills. Here, succesful pioneers built charming houses and substantial public buildings that now fit comfortably into the landscape. People keen to begin a new life quickly spread further and further north, even attempting to establish farms in the marginal arid regions on the edge of the desert. The sad ruins of their endeavours can be seen throughout the Outback.

A key reason for opening up South Australia was the discovery of copper on the Yorke Peninsula and the ranges north of Adelaide. This brief early mining industry was pioneered by Cornish copper miners who left their mark in the derelict mine buildings, distinctive dwellings and customs imported from home. The settlement expanded, small ports flourished along the coast servicing inland communities, sinking back to become quiet backwaters before gaining new life as modern fishing ports and holiday destinations.

A lifeline running through the dry south-east, the River Murray's history is well documented in the old river ports that line it's banks. The second phase of the Riverland's development began when the irrepressible Chaffey opened up the land along the riverbanks to amazingly successful horticulture. Touring South Australia the state by car is generally easy as all the highways gave access to the major centers and holiday regions which are serviced by good roads. However there are some dirt roads in the south that you should be aware of, notably on Kangaroo Island and at the foot of the Yorke Peinisula.

From Adelaide South Australia, 4 major highways head generally east via the coast or a variety of inland routes. Highway One links Adelaide with Port Augusta, a major junction giving access to roads going in all directions. From here the Eyre Hwy goes west across the Eyre Peninsula and the Nullarbor Plain to Noresman in Western Australia and another highway loops around the peninsula's coastline. The Stuart Hwy heads north through Central Australia and eventually reaching Darwin.

Although far from the centers of civilisation,the opal fields of Coober Pedy and Andamooka,with their unique underground homes and facinating mines,are readily accessible from this highway.Accommodation in South Australia ranges from international-standard hotels in the main centers to quaint guesthouses and old country homes found in wine-growing regions and areas of historic interest. There are numerous motels and hotels with top-class accommodation and camping is also very popular. Some of Australia's most famous 4WD routes including the Strzelecki, Birdsville and Oodnadatta tracks, across the north of South Australia through some of the driest regions in the country.

The deserts and ancient scenery of Lake Eyre (usually dry) are facinating places but anyone intending to venture into these and other isolated areas should have a well equipped 4WD vechile and make careful plans before setting out.

Lying at the edge of the Outback, the Flinders Ranges can be explored by conventional vehicles, although many of the roads to scenic highlights are dirt or gravel road. A 4WD is advisable when visiting the Gammon Ranges, even further north. South Australia's wineries are legendary the names Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale amd Coonawarra are recognised by many Australians and overseas visitors-wine buffs or not. The oldest and most celebrated of the wine-growing regions is the Barossa, a very pretty valley recognised also for its history of German settlement and scenic beauty. Further north are the gentlr rolling hills and farmlands of the Clare Valley, also noted for its fine wine, and on the eastern slopes of the Adelaide Hills there are more wineries.

Many family-owned vineyards and wineries with historic interest are clustered around the picturesque town of McLaren Vale, the center of the southern wine district on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Langhorn Creek, on the eastern side of the Peninsula is a new and thriving wine-growing region.

Far away from Adelaide in the State's south-east corner, the rich terra rossa soil of the Coonawarra region runs in a strip along the highway north of Penola. Wineries are open for cellar door sales here and some 90km further along the highway, Padthaway Estate offers accommodation and cellar door sales in its historic woolshed winery. Other winery regions includee the Eyre Peninsula, Riverland,Mt Benson and Wrattonbully. More than 21% of the States total area is taken up by parks and reserves that protect a profusion of flora and fauna species in their natural habitats. Some are wilderness parks such as Witjira, a huge desert park north of Oodnadatta, others such as Naracoorte Caves in the south-east are small and centered around a specific geological feature or endangered plant or animal.

Bushwalking is the most common activity in the parks and nearly all of them have marked trails. Photography, bird and animal watching , camping, picnics, swimming, fishing are also popular, with each park having its own particular attractions. South Australia's long relatively undeveloped coastline offers truly great fishing for amateurs and proffesionals alike, with many species prolific in the Southern Australian waters. Some regions such as Kangaroo Island and the Yorke peninsulas are particularly renowned among anglers and nearly all of the coastal towns offer excellent fishing resources.

Local people are usually happy to give advice on recommended locations and whether you prefer fishing from a boat, a jetty or casting from a beach, you will be rewarded sooner rather than later. Dropping a line in a quiet stretch of the Murray is another wonderful fishing experience with 6 manin species of fish in the river. Remember that size and bag limits do apply everywhere and fish nets are not allowed in marine waters.