A statue of Adelaide's founding father, Colonel William Light, stands atop Montefiore Hill and gazes proudly across the city he helped to create. Below him rolls an expanse of attractive green parkland, resplendent with rose beds, peppered with trees and dominated by the ivy-clad Adelaide Oval. To the rear of the cricket ground lies lazy Torrens Lake, its southern foreshore replete with grand bluestone buildings that contrast starkly with white concrete extrusions of the Festival Centre. Further south, modest towers mark the heart of Adelaide's central business district, while to the east a corrugated line of hills defines its inland boundary. To the west, the coastal plain slips gently away into the rich blue waters of St Vincent's Gulf.

So it is easy to see why there should be a flicker of pride on Colonel Light's weathered face. It is also wholly appropriate that the city of Light should become the city of churches mighty St Peter's Cathedral lays testament to that. However, as all Adelaidians know, there is much more to their captivating city than things ecclesiastical. In modern day Adelaide, festivals, food and fine wine are just for starters.

The City Center

Despite these enlightened days of metrication, Adelaide's central business district still measures exactly one square mile. And it is packed with goodies, all within easy walking distance of each other. This is especially true along North Terrace, where there is ready access to the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Adelaide Casino plus the imposing granite and marble Parliament House building. Moving east, grandiose buildings queue for attention the State Library, South Australian Museum, Art Gallery and Ayers House (the mansion of Sir Henry Ayers, an early state premier who later had a very large rock named in his honor). Further along North Terrace, the weary wanderer can relax amidst the blooms and flowering shrubs of Adelaide Botanic Garden.

Shoppers flock to the ever-festive Rundle Mall, historically the first traffic-free shopping mall in Australia. Many of the big retail players can be found here, as can a variety of street entertainers. The Mall leads eastwards onto Rundle Street, which throbs with a cultural mix of diners and thirsty pub-goers. It is also the primary venue of Adelaide's Fringe Festival. Across the eastern parklands from Rundle Street lies the fashionable inner city suburb of Norwood with its ever-popular dining precinct, The Parade.

Shoppers in search of bargains, or simply fresh herbs and vegetables, head for the Central Market and Chinatown. Neighboring Gouger Street is alive with yummy restaurants; Asian, of course, plus a wealth of other cuisines. In the heart of the city stands the symbolic fountain of Victoria Square. A handy landmark for several hotels, the square also provides a terminus for Adelaide's only tram, which trundles its way to the beachfront at Glenelg.

North Adelaide

Both the city and elegant North Adelaide are isolated from the surrounding suburbs by a leafy moat of parklands. A jewel in Adelaide's crown, this "figure-of-eight" greenery enhances a unique and enviable lifestyle for city-dwellers. It is small wonder, therefore, that some of the state's grandest homes grace the streets of North Adelaide. Along O'Connell Street lies the lure of many fine restaurants, with pavement dining under lacy iron verandas a specialty.

Port Adelaide and District

The generously wide streets, sturdy stone buildings, and uncompromising wharf side warehouses tell tales of a proud and historic past for Adelaide's ocean port. The plethora of street-corner pubs also suggest that this history has been amply laced with rum and brandy! Port Adelaide lies less than half an hour's drive north west of the city and today it remains a modest working port. Tourism through Port River cruises, Sunday markets, twee cafés and informative museums such as the excellent Maritime Museum fuel the local economy. The region as a whole is a fascinating mix of heavy industry, recreation and residential boom, exemplified by the award-winning West Lakes residential development.

The Coastal Fringe

Spanning nearly 70 kilometers north to south, the Adelaide coastal fringe runs from North Haven marina to the sumptuous white sands of Sellicks Beach. Whether viewing or doing, there is beachside fun a plenty. Not to mention sunsets to die for! Explore Adelaide's maritime heritage around Semaphore, follow discerning diners to Henley Beach or enjoy the hive of activity and history at Glenelg.

When there is a swell in the Gulf, knowing surfers head for the mid-south coast, while sail-boarders test their skills off Seacliff Beach. Even nude bathing is catered for on this eclectic coast. Just grab a towel and head for Maslin!

The Adelaide Hills

Rising around the eastern rim of the coastal plain, the Adelaide Hills offer a favorite fresh air treat. Delightful forests of stringy bark gums carpet many slopes, while in Belair National Park, and conservation parks, such as Scott Creek, Cleland and Warrawong Sanctuary, native flora and fauna abound. So watch out for kangaroos, koalas and bandicoots! Farming and market gardening are important industries with vineyards blossoming on many hillsides. Tourism has also taken off, with enchanting villages, such as Stirling and the "little Germany" that is Hahndorf, dotted throughout the hills. Of course, no visit to the hills would be complete without experiencing that breathtaking view over Adelaide night and day from the summit of Mount Lofty.

The Wine Districts

Adelaide is unquestionably the wine capital of Australia, simply because it lies within an hour's drive of some of the finest vineyards in the southern hemisphere. To the north, you will find the world-renowned Barossa Valley with its proud Teutonic heritage, rich soils and exquisite flavors. Equally appealing to many wine-lovers is the quality of product from the south of the city the boutique wineries of McLaren Vale. Indeed, what better way to spend a lazy afternoon than drinking fine wine amidst gentle hills, fertile flats and tinkling creeks?