Adelaide Walkabout

‘Roos, Moos, Maggies, & Gums in A... Bologna

Adelaide Walkabout

Adelaide Walkabout

Sunny afternoon in Adelaide

South Australia had been suffering extreme heat through January causing bush fires throughout the state with some towns reaching record temperatures, 47 – 49 C ( 118 F). It was the kind of heat the smacked you in the face as when you walked out the door. All days weren’t as bad, but the heat affected what you’ll do that day.

On a day when there was a bit of break from the heat, we drove a half hour from the Adelaide Hills into Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. Adelaide is on the Fleurieu peninsula on the Southern Ocean.

Adelaide is an easy to navigate; the urban center is concentrated on a grid of four main streets that form a square. Inside the square all streets are parallel or intersect with the border streets. Confusing? Not really, it’s like the city was laid out by engineers tasked with coming up with the most logical and streamlined way to plan a city.

On the north end is the Torrens River and War Memorial drive, a popular place for families to relax and enjoy the views.

Governor General’s residence

We were most interested in the historic area along North Terrace which forms one of the boundaries of the city. Along North Terrace are Adelaide’s historical buildings: Old Parliament House, Parliament House, Government House, the ANZAC memorial, Science Museum, State Library, Art Gallery of South Australia, and campus of South Australia University.

ANZAC Memorial

Gallipoli Memorial

South Australia University

Walking along North Terrace is like taking a journey through the early history of Adelaide when it was settled by immigrants, many from Germany and the UK. Prisoner labor did a lot of the early infrastructure work, building roads and erecting buildings that have lasted more than 100 years.

Art Gallery of South Australia

Art Gallery of South Australia

We ventured into the State Library, the Science Museum, but spent out most time in the Art Gallery which had an impressive collection works mostly from Australian artists Many paintings portrayed the history of the settlement of Australia and it’s diverse and colorful landscapes.

One of many ship disasters in Australian history

Australian landscape

Many works were modern, like you’d find in American or European galleries or museums.

Chagall like isn’t it?

Torrens River

Pelican along Torrens River bank

The small Torrens River borders the North Terrace street and its many historical buildings. The area is a popular city park with footpaths, shade trees, children’s’ playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Is that a yawn or is she showing off?

American tourists enjoying Tenance River

American tourists on Torrens River bridge

Tenance River behind Governor General's house

Torrens River behind Government house

Australia Day

Wendy and Lucy wearing their little Aussie flag caps

We celebrated Australia Day January 26 with our Aussie friends. We spent the day with Wendy, Malcolm and their family, eating the traditional meal of scrambled eggs, beans, bacon, lamb, toast, and salad. Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the British Navy into Sydney harbor on January 26, 1788, when the British flag was raised the first time declaring the territory part of the British Commonwealth.

Traditional Australian Day brunch

Three families on Australia Day

Cheers Mate!

Malcolm, Ethan & Ava

And of course, we had to don some of festive garb that Aussies wear to celebrate their national day. Don’t laugh, we do the same in the US on July 4th, eating barbecue and fried chicken, wearing flag shirts, shorts, Uncle Sam hats while we shoot off fireworks and drink too much beer. The Aussies have the beer thing down pretty well.

Americans celebrating Australia Day. Silly enough?

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Next: Geraldton, West Australia

We’re spending winter Down Under, returning to places we visited in ’12 and visiting new destinations. We look forward to your comments as we travel in Queensland, South Australia, and SW Australia on the Indian Ocean.

As many of you know, I also write mysteries and romantic suspense novels. I recently published my first international thriller, Thirteen Days in Milan, which is available on Kindle as well as other ereaders, tablets, and smartphones. Please share links with writers or readers who might be interested.