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Live in Adelaide, South Australia!

(Sources: www.southaustralia.com, www.adelaidefringe.com.au, www.unisa.edu.au)

Total Metropolitan Area: 870 km²
Population:  1.16 million 
Telephone Area Code: 08

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Climate in Adelaide
Location and Population
Areas Within Adelaide

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is the only Australian capital founded colonised free settlers around the mid 1830's.
Located on the Torrens River and surrounded to the east by the Mt Lofty Ranges and to the west by the Gulf St Vincent, it prides itself on its live music and arts scene, its historic building heritage and its central location to one of Australia's best known wine growing regions, the Barossa Valley.
Adelaide is an elegant city that has preserved its heritage and links with the past and offers a wealth of tourism experiences that are readily accessible from the city. Adelaide is not only South Australia’s premier tourist destination but also a true gateway to the many other tourist regions within the state.

Adelaide is superbly equipped to provide a focus for the 'good living' tourism experience with which the state is so closely associated. The food and wine experience starts right in the city centre with the National Wine Centre, Adelaide Central Market, vibrant cafes, restaurants boasting some of Australia’s best chefs and events such as Tasting Australia.

Climate in Adelaide

The wonderful, Mediterranean-style climate in Adelaide provides mild weather, combined with year-round sunshine. The weather in Adelaide's winter and spring months, between June to November, tends to be wetter and there is more chance of rain at this time of year in Adelaide, although sunny weather usually returns fairly quickly.
The city and suburbs have been built on flat, fertile plains with the Mount Lofty Ranges forming the perfect backdrop to the metropolitan area. Due to the height of the hills, Adelaide is free from sleet and snow, and even during the mid-year winter months, an overcoat and umbrella is the only protection you will need from the elements. In fact, Adelaide's weather is refreshingly mild with a cool 15 C average in July and a comfortable 29 C on average over the short summer period.

South Australia is the driest state in Australia and it is for this reason that the locals describe the Adelaide climate as being similar to a Mediterranean climate.

Winter

Winter is mild. Now and then the temperature falls to freezing point, but this usually happens at night. During the day, a sweater, light coat and umbrella will provide enough protection from the weather. It does not snow in Adelaide (although some light snowfalls occur in the nearby Hills). If you are interested in winter sports such as skiing or skating, the winter ski resorts in Victoria are easily reached from South Australia.
South Australia is known as the driest state in the driest continent but we do have some heavy winter rainfall. When it does rain it is usually only for short periods and a dry sunny day is never far away.

Summer

Summers are hot but the true heat waves are usually short and periods of cooler weather always provide welcome relief. If you are a student from northern Europe you will find the summers hotter than at home where as if you are a student from Asia and used to humid conditions, you may find the South Australian heat quite dry. Wherever you are coming from, it is a good idea to be aware of the damage that the sun can do to your skin. The Survival Skills seminars offered by the International Students Services will provide you with simple strategies to enjoy the Adelaide summers safely.

Summer – December to February

Mainly hot and dry (temperatures 25C – 35C, during daylight hours)
Light clothing such as shorts and t-shirts are usually worn to keep cool
Summer is a great time for the beach and outdoor activities 

Autumn – March to May

Mainly dry (temperatures 20C – 25C, during daylight hours) 
Clothing such as a sweater or a light coat may be useful in the evenings 
Autumn weather is usually good for walking on the beach, in parks or in the Hills.

Winter – June to August

Cool and wet (temperatures 10C – 15C, during daylight hours) 
Few houses in Adelaide have central heating, so you will need warm clothes 
During winter you will need coats and umbrellas but long periods of heavy rain do not happen often.

Spring – September to November

Some rain (temperatures 20C – 25C, during daylight hours) 
Although the weather changes very quickly, spring is usually good for outdoor activities 
Light clothing is suitable at this time of the year but keep your jackets and sweaters handy in case the weather changes suddenly. 

Climate in Adelaide
Location and Population
Areas Within Adelaide

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Location and Population in Adelaide

Adelaide's population of just over one million enjoys a Mediterranean climate and a relaxed lifestyle.

Despite its million plus inhabitants, Adelaide can feel more like a large town - there is a great deal of open space and parkland.

The city is well laid out in planned, rectangular blocks with lots of straight roads and green spaces.

Adelaide's suburban streets are wide and uncluttered - there is space for everyone to park their car off-street in driveways and/or garages.

According to the Bureau of Statistics, people from the UK are Adelaide's biggest migrant group, making up 10 percent of the population. The next biggest groups are Italians (2%), Greeks (1%), Germans (1%) and Vietnamese (1%).

About 2.5% of the population is South-East Asian and 0.5% come from the Middle East or North Africa. Aboriginal Australians represent 1% of Adelaide's population.

Overall, about one-quarter of Adelaide's residents were born overseas.

Adelaide has the highest proportion of retired people of Australia's cities and, although there is plenty to do, it's not considered a trendy city in the way Sydney is.
Adelaide is located north of the Fleurieu Peninsula, on the Adelaide Plains between the Gulf St Vincent and the low-lying Mount Lofty Ranges. The city stretches 20 km (12 mi) from the coast to the foothills, and 90 km (56 mi) from Gawler at its northern extent to Sellicks Beach in the south. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Adelaide Metropolitan Region has a total land area of 870 km2 (340 sq mi), and is at an average elevation of 50 metres (160 ft) above sea level. Mount Lofty is located east of the Adelaide metropolitan region in the Adelaide Hills at an elevation of 727 metres (2,390 ft). It is the tallest point of the city and in the state south of Burra.

Much of Adelaide was bushland before British settlement, with some variation - swamps and marshlands were prevalent around the coast. However, much of the original vegetation has been cleared with what is left to be found in reserves such as the Cleland Conservation Park and Belair National Park. A number of creeks and rivers flow through the Adelaide region. The largest are the Torrens and Onkaparinga catchments. Adelaide relies on its many reservoirs for water supply, with Mount Bold Reservoir and Happy Valley Reservoir together supplying around 50% of Adelaide's requirements.

Climate in Adelaide
Location and Population
Areas Within Adelaide

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Areas Within Adelaide

Adelaide is a friendly city that's easy to explore.

North Terrace, city centre

South Australia's history lives on North Terrace. Not just in museums and the South Australian Art Gallery, but in memorials, statues, plaques - and the bricks and mortar of many splendid historic buildings. Beginning at the western end, is the University of South Australia's Hawke Building featuring the Anne & Gordon Samstag Museum of Art and the Kerry Packer Civic Gallery. Across the road from the University of South Australia campus, you'll find the City Sk8 Park. Watch spectacular feats performed on skateboards, roller blades or bikes. Opposite, there's the Lion Arts Centre and JamFactory Contemporary Craft & Design and it studios and galleries.

The stone church just past the Morphett Street Bridge - the Anglican Holy Trinity Church - is Adelaide's oldest, built in 1838. Opposite is Adelaide's Convention Centre and Exhibition Hall, surrounded by some of Australia's best hotels. SkyCity Adelaide casino is set inside the grand Adelaide Railway Station and provides ultramodern gaming facilities, dining and entertainment.

Parliament House stands on the corner of North Terrace and King William Street, while at the other side of this central intersection in front of the Governor's residence, stands the impressive Boer War statue. Further along, explore the State Library or the South Australian Museum is home of the world's finest Australian Aboriginal collection. And the Art Gallery of South Australia boasts the best display of Australian colonial art in the country amongst its collections.

On the opposite side of North Terrace is the beginning of the city retail heart, with department stores Myer and David Jones fronting both North Terrace and Rundle Mall. Relax under the shade of old Moreton Bay fig trees at the Adelaide Botanic Garden, at the eastern end of North Terrace. Dine at the restaurant, or enjoy a snack while watching the ducks. Or taste some wines and wander through the National Wine Centre of Australia, the showcase for Australia's wine industry. It's just beyond the entrance to the Botanic Garden along North Terrace.

Take a tour of nearby Adelaide Oval, renowned as one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world. It's also home to the Bradman Collection, a tribute to the world's greatest batsman and containing much of his personal collection.

Rundle Mall and the East End

Rundle Mall is home to Australia's most concentrated collection of department stores, boutiques and specialty shops - matched with free live entertainment and an excellent range of food courts and dining venues. Designer label creations, unique gifts, flower stalls, and some of the best duty free deals anywhere are poured into a layered shopping strip just over 500 metres long.

The eastern extension of Rundle Street lives and breathes historic charm with modern sophistication. The epitome of contemporary city living ideals, Adelaide's East End features original 19th century architecture contrasting with ultramodern interiors. Relish the range of design shops, cafes, wine bars, welcoming pubs and arthouse cinemas screening the latest release films. Be sure to allow time to explore the galleries and shop at Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute. Every Sunday, between 10am and 4pm, the street is given over to the Rundle Street Market.



 
Adelaide Central Market, Gouger Street and Chinatown

Buzzing with sounds, colours and wonderful aromas, Adelaide Central Market is truly a gourmet heaven. In the market proper, there's more than 80 traders selling fresh produce like fruit, vegetables and flowers, as well as seafood, meat and poultry. It's easy to explore on your own - it's even more rewarding to take a tour and meet the traders and do tastings. Around the market, in arcades, plazas and laneways you'll find more shops and stalls: specialty chocolate makers, bookshops, vintage clothes, souvenirs, jewelry, Asian groceries, gift shops and myriad places to eat.

Gouger Street is Adelaide's key 'eat street' where cultural diversity is delicious. It is the gateway to the market and the exotic, bustling mall and foodhalls of Chinatown. Take a five-minute stroll and you'll be embarking on a world tour of restaurants. Traditional Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian and Japanese, Asian fusion, noodle bars, regional Chinese and yum cha, French and Argentine cuisine, and a number of first-rate seafood restaurants.

 Port Adelaide

The Port, as it's often called, is a seaport city and the historic maritime heart of South Australia, with some of the finest collection of colonial and Victorian buildings in Australia. The best way to experience the area is to take a walk along the docks and through the old heart of the Port. Self-guided tours are available or a local volunteer can be booked through the Port Walks program. Port Adelaide is affectionately known by some as the 'museum capital of Australia', boasting the Maritime Museum, National Railway Museum and Aviation Museum, all open seven days a week. The Sunday market next to Port's icon, the lighthouse, is also popular with those hunting antiques, books and bric-a-brac. Down next to Torrens Island, local fishermen and market gardeners sell their fresh produce every Sunday morning.

Glenelg and the Bay

Glenelg and the City of Holdfast Bay are synonymous with festivals, sandy beaches, stunning sunsets, seven-day shopping, great restaurants and cafés, plus fascinating museums, galleries and attractions. You can be here in just five minutes from the airport, or take a trip on a moving  icon - the City to Bay tram. With its excellent accommodation and facilities, plus easy accessibility to both the airport and Adelaide city centre, Glenelg is a year-round coastal holiday.
The Bay Discovery Centre tracks the history of Holdfast Bay. The Rodney Fox Shark Experience is where the world famous underwater and shark adventurer provides his own piece of living history, while the Town Hall Wine Bar is just the place to kick up your heels at sunset. Nearby is the Beachouse amusement park, while further along the foreshore the new Holdfast Shores marina and complex provides stylish dining and shopping at the water's edge. Temptation Sailing's dolphin cruises operate from the marina. And Jetty Road is Glenelg's main street and an attraction by itself, always buzzing with people browsing through hundreds of shops or dining at sidewalk cafés.




 Marion

Marion's coastline provides a stark contrast to the sandy beaches further north. At various points, a coastal walking trail takes hikers along rugged cliff-tops, through small coves and past important geological sites, including the world-renowned  Hallett Cove Conservation Park and Marino Conservation Park. This coastline features prominently in the Tjilbruke legend of the Kaurna people. To discover this ancient Kaurna Aboriginal story, go inland to the peaceful Warriparinga Reserve, where a self-guided tour meanders past the tranquil wetlands, and symbolic art gives rise to the Dreamtime character, Tjilbruke and the area's cultural significance. The Kaurna Living Cultural centre in the reserve shares the stories. For many people a visit to Marion means Marion Shopping Centre, South Australia's largest shopping centre.

Climate in Adelaide
Location and Population
Areas Within Adelaide

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