Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

504
CHAPTER 10 . ADELAIDE & SOUTH AUSTRALIA
with both visitors and locals alike is the Earl of Aberdeen, 316 Pulteney St., at
Carrington Street (& 08/8223 6433), a colonial-style pub popular for afterwork
drinks. The Port Dock, 10 Todd St., Port Adelaide (& 08/8240 0187),
was licensed as a pub in 1864 and has kept up with tradition ever since; it even
brews four of its own beers and pumps them directly to its three bars with old
English beer engines. Most pubs are open from 11am to midnight.
TRYING YOUR LUCK AT THE CASINO
Right next to the Adelaide Hyatt, and dwarfed by the old railway station it’s situated
in, is the Adelaide Casino (now officially called SkyCity to make it sound
trendier), North Terrace (& 1800/888 711 in Australia, or 08/8212 2811). The
casino has two floors of gaming tables and slot machines, as well as four bars and
several dining options, including a fast-food station and the excellent Pullman
buffet restaurant. The casino is open Sunday through Thursday from 10am to
4am and Friday and Saturday from 10am to 6am.
2 Side Trips from Adelaide
THE BAROSSA: ON THE TRAIL OF THE GRAPE
More than a quarter of Australia’s wines, and a disproportionate number of top
labels, originate in the Barossa and Eden valleys—collectively known as the
Barossa. Beginning just 45km (28 miles) northeast of Adelaide and easily accessible,
the area has had an enormous influence on the city’s culture. In fact, Adelaidians
of all socio-economic levels partake in more wine talk than the French.
German settlers from Silesia, who came to escape religious persecution, first settled
the area. They brought with them their culture, their food, and their vines.
They built the Lutheran churches that dominate the Barossa’s skyline. With the
help of English aristocrats, the wine industry went from strength to strength.
Today, there are over 50 wineries in this area that retains its German flavor.
The focal points of the area are Angaston, farthest away from Adelaide; Nuriootpa,
the center of the rural services industry; and Tanunda, the nearest town
to the city. Each has interesting architecture, crafts and antiques shops, and specialty
food outlets. If you are adventurous, you might want to hire a bike in Adelaide
and take it on the train to Gawler, and cycle through the Barossa. Other
options are exploring the area by hot-air balloon, motorcycle, or limousine.
ESSENTIALS
WHEN TO GO The best times to visit the Barossa and other South Australian
wine regions are in the spring (Sept–Oct), when it’s not too hot and there
are plenty of flowering trees and shrubs, and in the fall (Apr–May), when the
leaves turn red. The main wine harvest is late summer/early autumn (Feb–Apr).
The least crowded time is winter (June–Aug). Hotel prices can be more expensive
on the weekend.
GETTING THERE If you have a car (by far the most flexible way to visit the
Barossa), I recommend taking the scenic route from Adelaide. (The route doesn’t
have a specific name, but it’s obvious on a map.) It takes about half an hour
longer than the Main North Road through Gawler, but the trip is well worth it.
Follow the signs to Birdwood, Springton, Mount Pleasant, and Angaston.
Public buses run infrequently to the major centers from Adelaide. There are
no buses between wineries.
ORGANIZED TOURS FROM ADELAIDE Various companies run limited
sightseeing tours. One of the best, Grayline Day Tours (& 1300/858 687;