Adelaide and South Australia

There's always something going on in Adelaide; from world-famous arts festivals and roaring V8s to the living history of North Terrace, South Australia's 'cultural boulevard'.

Foodies will love the sights, tastes and smells of the Adelaide Central Market and shopaholics will feel right at home at Rundle Mall, Adelaide's shopping heart.

Adelaide Zoo is the home of the city's newest attractions - giant pandas Wang Wang and Funi, while the nearby National Wine Centre is a 'must-do' for visitors heading out to the neighbouring wine regions. Glenelg, Adelaide's favourite beach, is the perfect place for a relaxing swim before heading out for an evening meal on one of Adelaide's many 'eat streets' - try Gouger Street, Rundle Street or Hutt Street. Read More

Photos: Victoria Square, Adelaide, South Australia; Giant Pandas at Adelaide Zoo, South Australia

Adelaide has a rich history of European settlement, which you'll notice as soon as you sample the superb wines and delicious regional cuisine.

Entire streets are devoted to dining, and the Adelaide Central Market hosts a large variety of multicultural stalls and fresh produce.

If it's wine you're into, there are 260 cellar doors across the state's 17 wine regions, and most are within 90 minutes of the city. Start in the Adelaide Hills, just a short 20-minute drive away, then continue north to the Barossa and Clare Valley, or south to McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Held mainly on Saturday mornings, the local farmers' markets offer a wonderful insight into each region's local specialties and are not to be missed! Discover your chosen region with a cheese and wine trail, or roll up your sleeves and get 'hands on' at a wine blending or cheese-making class. Read More

Photos: Strolling through the Vines, McLaren Vale, South Australia; Wirra Wirra Winery Tour, McLaren Vale, South Australia

The best way to experience the Murray River is from the water itself. Escorted cruises range from a few hours to 7 days and allow you to experience the breathtaking river scenery and unique wildlife with the help of onboard experts.

Or, if you feel like creating your own adventure, get a group of friends together and captain your own houseboat. With onboard features including king and queen-size beds, ensuite bathrooms, Jacuzzis, gourmet kitchens (complete with dishwasher and microwave) and a BBQ on the deck, you'll enjoy all the comforts of home on your 'floating bach'.

Off the water, there's golf, wine tasting, bushwalking, Aboriginal art sites, bird watching, nocturnal wildlife tours and much more. Read More

Photos: PS Murray Princess cruising the Murray River, South Australia; Unforgettable Houseboats, Murray River, South Australia

Adelaide is the closest Australian city to the Outback, so it's easy to discover this vast and stunning landscape.

Located in the Flinders Ranges, just 4.5 hours from the city, is Wilpena Pound - an incredible, ancient rock formation, best viewed on a scenic flight or hot-air balloon ride.

Camel safaris, Aboriginal cultural tours, mountain biking and bushwalking trails and 4WD tours are just a few more ways to discover the unique wildlife and scenery of the area.

The Gawler Ranges are home to many species of rare birds, animals and plants, with a wildflower display each Spring that's not to be missed. The Ranges' scenery is dramatic - brilliant white salt lakes, including Lake Gairdner, set against a stunning back drop of red sand and volcanic rock hills. Best experienced on a guided tour from Port Lincoln.

Or, visit opal country. Stay in an underground hotel in Coober Pedy and fossick, or 'noodle' for opals, then discover the secret and spectacular landscape known as the Painted Hills. Read More

Photos: Scenic flight over Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges, South Australia; Lake Gairdner, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia