Listly by Joanna James
Adelaide is the elegant capital city of Southern Australia which –with its museums, gardens, libraries and art galleries – woo tourists into visiting over and over again.
This ranks rather high on the list of attractions in Adelaide. The zoo is adjacent to the Botanic Garden of Adelaide and is visited by young and old alike. Its charming collection of flora and fauna fascinates its visitors while offering them the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural world.
The garden was established in 1855 with an educational focus and a view to including nature in the day to day life. The wetland meant to irrigate the garden serves as a natural habitat for many forms of endemic birdlife. Aside from that, other highlights of the garden include Australian native species, medicinal plants, a Mediterranean garden as well as a palm house and a conservatory that was built in celebration of Australia's Bicentenary.
The old wing – Mortlock Wing – is housed inside a French Renaissance style building which is the original library. The Mortlock Wing has preserved its old library setting with massive wooden bookshelves with hundreds of leather-bound books neatly stacked in, ladders that reach up and a glass dome that allows rays of natural light into the library. The contemporary library, on the other hand, stands out with its avant-garde features such as glass fronted exterior, WI-Fi with other modern facilities.
To experience the bucolic characterisation of Adelaide, head down to Barossa Valley – which is an hour's drive from the airport. Visitors can wander around the vineyards taking in the pastoral setting of the valley which is what the region is valued for. The valley also flaunts a range of restaurants and fresh produce.
A few miles away from Barossa Valley is Clare Valley which is equally celebrated as a wine-growing region.
With the largest wine tasting room in Australia, National Wine Centre of Australia features 120 different types of wine. Situated closely to Oaks Horizons – a popular name when it comes to accommodation Adelaide CBD - National Wine Centre offers its visitors guided tours. The building with beautiful architecture is an attraction in itself. Most people visit the centre to admire the charming design that sets the tone for wine tasting.
To marvel at the finest art collection in Australia, drop in at the art gallery. The collection ranges over a wide spectrum of art including sculptures, textiles, metalwork, paintings, ceramics as well as furniture and jewellery.
The market is located close to Victoria Square which is a popular spot for shopping. The oldest indoor market in the world – the Adelaide Central Market – was founded in 1870 which now on weekends burst with people who want to strike a good bargain over the fresh produce with which the market stores brim.
To complete its pastoral representation, Adelaide boats another wonderland of nature – Cleland Wildlife Park. Located on the foothills of Mount Lofty Ranges, the park shelters a charming bunch of Australian animals that include potoroos, wallabies and kangaroos.
To get away from all the commotion in the city, visit Glenelg – the seaside village. You can take the tram from Victoria Square which takes about 25 minutes to get to the village. The most alluring feature of the village is the beach while small cafes, the Beach house, amusement parks and boutique hotels perfect the touristy appeal.
The house was built in 1846 which was owned by Henry Ayers who was the prime minister of Australia for nine years. Regency architecture of the house is what's appealing to tourists. Under the administration of National Trust of South Australia, the site is frequently employed as an event venue and tourists are allowed guided tours as well.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.