Adelaide and South Australia

Twenty minutes drive from the Adelaide GPO are the Adelaide Hills and the vineyards of McLaren Vale, where you can sample fresh, organic produce, experience the changing seasons and enjoy the panoramic views of the hillsides draped with steep vineyards and orchards. And only an hour's drive brings you to the Barossa Valley, home of some of Australia's finest wines. Discover this region's heritage in local restaurants, over 60 cellar doors, galleries and other attractions. Continue your journey slightly further afield to visit South Australia's other major wine regions - the Clare Valley, the Coonawarra and the Limestone Coast.

The Fleurieu Peninsula sweeps south from Adelaide. This is good wine country with over 60 cellar doors, restaurants and produce outlets. There are well signed conservation parks, and the coastline offers vast beaches for walking, surfing and swimming. From Cape Jervis you can catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island, one of the world's last unspoilt wildernesses. One third of the island is conserved in National and Conservation Parks. With 450 kilometres of spectacular coastlines, the island offers rugged and spectacular coastal scenery, secluded beaches, and an abundance of wildlife.

TOURING OPTIONS

South Australians are justly proud of Adelaide, their capital city, and its surrounding countryside. Visit the official South Australian Tourism site (www.southaustralia.com/home.asp) for suggestions for short holidays in the Flinders Ranges, along the Murray River or in one of the many wine-growing districts.

Kangaroo Island is one of the world's last unspoilt wildernesses, with 450 kilometres of spectacular coastlines. The island offers rugged and spectacular coastal scenery, secluded beaches, and an abundance of wildlife. The highlight will be Seal Bay, the only place in the world where you can take a guided walk amongst a colony of wild Australian sea lions. Kangaroo Island Sealink offers a choice of tours from one day tours by air or coach to two or three day holidays with accommodation and self-drive facility. Contact them by phone on 13 13 01 (within Australia only) or visit their web site www.sealink.com.au to find the option that will best suit your time and interests.