Regional Info - South Australian Pictorial

Living in South Australia is like living in the chosen country. This short pictorial shows just a few of the wonderful attractions here - the breathtaking scenery, unique events and festivals, and of course the enviable lifestyle.

BAROSSA VALLEY

One of the biggest attractions in South Australia is the world famous wine-making region of the Barossa Valley. The combination of rich European heritage and the fresh vitality of Australia is embodied in the lifestyle of the Barossa. Premium wines, fine restaurants, magnificent old churches, wineries and cottages, traditional music, butchers and bakers, all in a peaceful rural setting where each season accentuates the beauty of the vineyards and undulating hills. The Barossa comprises both Barossa Valley and Eden Valley, located approximately one hour drive north of Adelaide. It is Australia's best known wine region.

BAROSSA WINERIES

Thousands of hectares of meticulously maintained vineyards make a picture book landscape of wineries. Over four hundred grape growers, some now sixth generation, supply about sixty thousand tonnes of grapes to some fifty wineries each vintage. The industry has been built on the success of names such as Seppelt, Gramp, and Lehmann, while younger winemakers produce wines of great character and quality. A visit to each winery is a new experience, with facilities including picnic areas, winemaking displays and informal dining. It is the perfect place to relax with your favourite chardonnay, semillon, shiraz or cabernet.

RIVERLAND AND MURRAYLANDS

The Murray River dominates this region of South Australia, carving its way past steep cliffs, stately red rivergums, golden citrus orchards and vast green vineyards. The Riverland, Murraylands and Mallee cover more than five million hectares, stretching from the Victorian border near Paringa to the Coorang and Great Southern Ocean. One of the best ways to see this beautiful region is from the deck ofa luxury houseboat. You can even catch your own meal of fresh yabbies, Murray cod, callop or redfin, all cooked on a bush barbecue. Agriculture provides the regions key economy, with the Murray river being an essential component. Orchards and vineyards abound in the Riverland, while the Murraylands provide rich dairy products. There are tiny towns to explore, with quirky yet fascinating museums depicting life in the pioneering days.

SIMPSON DESERT

The Simpson Desert Regional Reserve is nearly three million hectares or hot, arid country. This area is strictly for people who love the Outback. The scenery is stark but stunning. If you have experience in isolated areas and are well equipped with a reliable 4-Wheel Drive, all spares, maps, a radio, food, water and a compass, you can travel through the Simpson Desert past the spectacular Big Red Sandhill to Poeppel's Corner on the State's border. The parallel sand dunes are spectacular, as are wildflowers after the rain. You should plan your trip with the National Parks & Wildlife staff.

YORKE PENINSULA

Yorke Peninsula is one of the most scenic coastal areas in Australia. It is reached by an easy 1.5 hour drive along Highway One. At the point of the peninsula lies the famous Innes National Park with its spectacular coastline. Recreational fishing is a big attraction, with numerous shore and boating fcilities. The peninsula is also famous for its grain crops of wheat, barley and canola and the special events of Kernewek Lowender and the Paskeville Field Days. Some of the points of interest include - the "Zanoni" shipwreck approximately ten nautical miles southeast of Ardrossan, Carribie Conservation Park near Corny Point, Troubidge Island with its penguins and terns, and the 'Copper Coast' through the towns of Kadina, Wallaroo and Moonta.

PORT PIRIE

Port Pirie is located 229 kms north of Adelaide, north of Yorke Peninsula and on the west side of Spencer Gulf. It was South Australia's first provincial city and contributes to Australia's export industry through the largest lead smelters in the western world as well as the Cooperative Bulk Handling grain silos. These are located along the river harbour, making this city an important interstate and international seaport. It forms a perfect foreground to the nearby Flinders Ranges, with its historical heritage listed buildings.

OTHER SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DESTINATIONS