Adelaide 29/1 to 6/2

We spent a week in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. Our camp site was only 2km from the city centre next to the River Torrens. This was a handy base from which to travel around the city and beyond.



For the first time since we left Brisbane the sun has shone for eight consecutive days (the previous best is about 3) and temperatures were in the mid to late 30's. This is the Australian summer we expected and hopefully we will see more of. However late 30's is too warm when your camping, although we do have air-conditioning in our caravan.



We spent some time walking and cycling around the city. We visited the Immigration Museum, the Don Bradman Exhibition, and the State Library where we finally caught up with Ned Kelly's helmet, after viewing his body armour in Melbourne. His helmet is currently on a tour of duty of the whole country. The centre of Adelaide is bordered by grassy parklands such as the Botanic Gardens below.



This is the view from North Adelaide over the city with the cricket ground at the forefront. We visited the city back in 2002 on our honeymoon and our hotel with scenic views has now been demolised to make way for luxury apartments. Damn developers !



Don Bradman is the greatest batsman the cricket world has ever seen with a test batting average of 99.94% and he is honoured with a statue and a stand named after him at the Adelaide Oval. Adelaide is also known as the city of churches and this is St Peter's Cathederal in the background.



David attended the one day match between South Australia and Western Australia at the Adelaide Oval. It was a day/night match and the ground is very attractive.



The day before this, England had finally beaten Australia in a one day match. At last we could celebrate after a summer of ridicule.



Here's Jayne at Mount Lofty which overlooks the city where you can see for miles.



We ventured further into the Adelaide Hills driving through picturesque towns and countryside. The Big Rocking Horse is a major attraction. This is another 'Big Thing' and the Biggest Rocking Horse in the world. However it doesn't actually rock, so it's not really a rocking horse but they still get away with it as a tourist attraction. David climbed up to the top. There is a toy factory and wildlife park next door.



There are a number of seaside resorts near to Adelaide. At Semophore the sand dunes featured creatures that you wouldn't find in St Annes on Sea. As you can probably guess we decided not to venture onto this beach.



Glenelg is the major resort and there are luxury apartments, restaurants and a marina.



It was a good place to relax for a few hours whilst the locals were at work. There was a refresing sea breeze to cool the 38 degrees sun.