Historic Arcadia House, with million dollar views over spectacular Horseshoe Bay in Port Elliot, has been transformed into funky backpacker and family digs, offering accommodation for as little as $25. Julie Paterson from Cloth (also involved in KI's Southern Ocean Lodge) created textiles and lino images exclusively for the property while custom made furnishings, Panel Pop porcelain prints and other features make this place truly special.
More information:
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February 2010 |
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In this month's SA Stories
New Accommodation and Tours
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Port Elliot Beach House YHA |
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Earth AdventureHire a single or double kayak and explore the sheltered waters of The Marina Hindmarsh Island, the Goolwa channel or even the Coorong where stunning beaches and birdlife await. With water levels rising, there has never been a better time to explore these fascinating waterways. Kayaking trips, maps and instructional courses are also available while sail boards and bikes will soon be offered from the marina for hire as well. |
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Helivista, Lady BayFor a bird's eye view of some of South Australia's most stunning coastal scenery, take to the skies with this new helicopter tour. Fly over rolling hills towards Rapid Bay on the Fleurieu Peninsula, track the coast to Cape Jervis or take a scenic ride to Victor Harbor. Helivista is also licensed to fly across the water to Kangaroo Island, offering transfers to luxurious Southern Ocean Lodge and other locations. |
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Strathalbyn VillasEnjoy stunning views of the Angas River from a private deck, relax in your own courtyard hot tub or put your feet up and enjoy the flat panel TV. These new, luxurious villas include fully equipped kitchens, coffee machines, airconditioning and barbecues and are just a short walk from antique stores and restaurants on iconic High Street. Strathalbyn is a perfect base for exploring both the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula. |
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Seafood Tour and TasteSee working fishing boats, watch seafood being unloaded, see an abundance of marine life in a giant aquarium and sample some of the freshest seafood you'll ever have the pleasure of tasting. This tour of the Port Lincoln Marina operated by Adventure Bay Charters will give you an insiders' glimpse into Australia's seafood capital. Other tours operated by the company include swimming with Australia sea lions and tuna. |
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Bremer Cottage, Langhorne CreekOozing character on the outside and contemporary on the inside, this new bed and breakfast features two luxurious queen sized bedrooms along with a plasma television, open fire, leather lounges, decadent spa and a large private deck and barbeque. There are even generous provisions for a cooked country breakfast not to mention countless award-winning wineries nearby and the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula countryside to explore. |
New Food, Wine and Lifestyle Products
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Willunga Artisans MarketWhy settle for two markets when you can have three? Joining the Willunga Farmers Market and the Quarry Market is the Willunga Artisans Market. Held in the old Willunga Show Hall on the second Saturday of every month between 9am and 1pm, this market includes about 20 stallholders selling a variety of high quality, hand-made products including photography, prints, painting, crafts, sculpture and jewellery. |
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Chapel Hill Cooking ClassesImagine cooking side by side with one of South Australia's leading chefs in one of the world's greatest wine districts at an award-winning winery. Chapel Hills offers everything from overnight a la carte cooking experiences through to hands on classes that follow the seasons. See, appreciate, learn and taste on "salt" tours or get the best out of game and poultry in All things Fowl all in a spectacular kitchen surrounded by mouth-watering views. |
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Aria Bar e RistoranteThe Air Apartments created a stir when they opened next to the city parklands in Adelaide's Eastwood and now its swanky new in-house restaurant has everyone talking as well. You don't have to live in the apartments to enjoy the Italian menu which features simple, fresh, flavours. With groovy furnishing and fabulous views (not to mention home-made biscotti), it's perfect for everything from long lunches and dinners to quick coffee breaks. |
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Hands-on wine blending at the ProducersMarch heralds the start of vintage in South Australia and at this McLaren Vale property on the Fleurieu Peninsula you can bottle your own wine after hand-picking your grapes. From tasting to baume testing, you'll be a wine expert in no time. As well as hands-on wine-making courses, Producers offers cheesemaking courses, a Farm Gate Providore, vineyard and olive grove walks and even B&B accommodation among the vines and gums. |
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Insieme RestaurantAdelaide's hottest new lunchtime destination is Insieme, a stylish restaurant that has opened in Flinders Street. Run by sisters Diana and Tania Favaro, the eatery has an Italian-style menu with a modern twist and is attracting a discerning city crowd. With a great wine list and marvellous service, the restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch and for dinner on Friday nights. |
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La Vita Ristorante CafeIf you love lamb you'll adore La Vita's signature dish Agnello: delicious loin lamb rolled with rosemary and mushroom. This new restaurant on the way to the beach in the Adelaide suburb of Kidman Park already has a loyal following. With bi-fold doors linking the main room with an impressive alfresco dining area, it's the perfect place to enjoy everything from a romantic dinner for two to a party to celebrate something special. |
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Adelaide Hills Farmers Market, Mt BarkerNo need to touch and feel every bit of fruit and veg and wonder if it will be delicious just chat to the person selling the produce who is also the grower. The Adelaide Hills Farmers Market brings together a wide range of goods grown in the healthy, pollution free environs of the Hills. Located behind the exquisite Auchendorrach centre at Mt Barker in the TAFE car park, the food is fresh, the people friendly and your meals will be tasty and healthy. |
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The Last Word Inn, Clare ValleyHow are you feeling? Cheeky? Inspired? Effervescent? At Clare's Last Word Inn, not only do they match the food to the wine, they also match the food to your mood. So, if you're "ready for anything", you'll be encouraged to try a Freedom Vegetarian pizza or Geisha salad while those feeling "a bit rebellious" are recommended a Local Carnivore pizza. To top it off, there are superb views and a friendly atmosphere. |
SA Faces
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Is Hugh 'The Rascal' or' The Mongrel'?Boasting a Cellar Door with breathtaking views of the ocean to the Mount Lofty Ranges with the vines of McLaren Vale dotted in between, it's no wonder Hugh Hamilton of Hugh Hamilton Wines is often asked why he didn't build his house on the exact same spot. "Sshh! Don't tell the wife that idea," Hugh laughs. The "black sheep" of a family that has been making wines for five generations, Hugh loves creating wines that are different, eminently drinkable and "more-ish" (which means you'll always come back for another glass). And while wine drinkers regularly come back for more of Hugh's "flock" of wines, such as "The Mongrel" (a red blend) and "The Rascal" Shiraz, it's McLaren Vale itself that keeps Hugh wanting more. With a coastal climate perfect for growing the best grapes, it also offers an idealistic rural lifestyle just an hour from Adelaide. "Each time I go away and come back, I realise just how good the place is!" Hugh says. |
Meet SA's fantastic food fanaticWhen it comes to culinary tourism, it's hard to find anyone more passionate than Mark Gleeson who runs tours of South Australia's epicentre of food, culture and lifestyle: the Adelaide Central Market. And while Mark a successful chef, restaurateur and olive oil judge - may appear to know all there is to know about the southern hemisphere's largest fresh food market, he says he still learns something new about food every day. "You'll take someone on a tour and find out they grow peaches in the Riverland or used to work in an amazing restaurants," he says. "The journey of food from the farm to our table involves many skilled and dedicated people." Meeting producers, suppliers and retailers combined with lots of tastings are all part of the culinary journey that Mark provides and it's not just people from overseas and interstate that enjoy his tours: plenty of Adelaide people are keen to learn more about their market as well. |
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Another honour for MaggieWhen you think of great Australian wine making districts, the Barossa instantly springs to mind. And when you think of Barossa legends, Maggie Beer is one of the greatest. The newly crowned Senior Australian of the Year and star of ABC television's popular The Cook and the Chef shows, Maggie began her interest in food in 1973 when she moved to the Barossa to breed pheasants and grow grapes with husband Colin. With seven books and numerous awards to her name, Maggie is famous for her innovative recipes and produce such as preserved lemons, quince pastes, oils, nuts, spices and even ice cream. And her tip to cool down during these hot Australian summer days? A plate of quivering jellies, fresh seafood, a slick of extra virgin olive oil and just plucked salad leaves, alongside a glass of her famous Verjuice on the rocks, of course! |
Upcoming Events
The popular horse racing cup carnival is Kangaroo Island's biggest tourist event of the year. The internationally renowned Adelaide Fringe festival is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and is always full of quirky fun and frivolity. Fuse is a three day Music Industry Conference and Showcase Festival. Fuse Live kicks on into the evening with two nights of export-ready original Australian Music. One of the world's greatest arts festivals celebrates 50 years in 2010 with more than 250 performances, events and exhibitions to be staged in 33 venues. Australia's favourite winery event 'A Day on the Green' returns to Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa in 2010, featuring Grammy award-winning pianist and singer Diana Krall. One of SAs leading food and wine events, attracting large crowds to Adelaide's popular tree-lined cosmopolitan boulevard, The Parade. Enjoy gourmet food and wine and entertainment. For four days, dazzling artists transport you around the globe with an eclectic mix of artistic colours, creeds, lands and languages. One of the rounds in the V8 Supercar Championship Series and, according to motor racing's legendary Murray Walker, the greatest touring car event in the world. Back at the world-renowned Adelaide Oval over three action-packed days, the Adelaide Sevens sees Australia's fasted, fittest Rugby players up against the rest of the world in heart-stopping matches. Set in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, this race meeting rivals the Melbourne Cup in size and colour. A fun day out for the whole family with a great line up of horse races, rides, entertainment and fashion parades and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny. Held on the picturesque foreshore of Port MacDonnell, patrons will be able to see everything from caravans, camping goods, outdoor gear, recreational boats, motor bikes, gardening and craft. The first annual Yorke Peninsula Wine and Roses Expo includes information sessions run over both days on - flower arranging, wine appreciation, cooking and talks from Nursery Industry Reps. A special event showcasing vessels which have been faithfully restored by their owners, demonstrating the skills and styles of boat builders from last century. Over 850 Special Olympics athletes from all Australian States and Territories will compete in 12 Olympic Sports over one week. A New Musical based on JM Barrie's classic tale 'Peter Pan'. This timeless tale of the boy who refuses to grow up is another exciting step along Faith School's Performing Arts program set in the Barossa. The nation's premier food, wine and beer festival, attracting some of the world's top chefs, sommeliers, restaurateurs and media, and general public. Events include showcase dinners, special wine tastings, cooking classes and educational presentations. |
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Story IdeasSA's wine country, with more than 200 cellar doors within and hour of Adelaide Valentines Day getting romantic in SA Culture and Arts the major events to hit Adelaide this Summer Blokes Day Out fishing, monster trucks and golf tournaments Outdoor Cinemas around the State Markets galore SA's huge range of food, craft and speciality markets |
News Updates
New Tourism CEO AppointedExperienced international business leader Ian Darbyshire has been appointed the new Chief Executive of the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC). Mr Darbyshire will replace Andrew McEvoy who is now leading Tourism Australia. |
Launch of the 2010 South Australian Shorts BookThe South Australian Tourism Commission will be launching the 'South Australian Shorts Book' holiday book on 5 February 2010 at the AFTA Sunday Mail Holiday Expo. With over 400 packages to choose from to suit every traveller, there is no better time to recharge. The book will be available from the SA Visitor and Travel Centre. |
South Australian Houseboat Holidays booklet launchedA 168-page, full colour booklet featuring 150 houseboats - ranging from budget to luxury - has been launched, making it easier than ever to book a South Australian houseboat holiday. Available at visitor information centres and consumers shows, the booklet not only provides information on houseboats, touring options and rates of hire, it also includes river code of conduct details. |
Wilderness Wanders vies for awardPort Lincoln based Wilderness Wanders has been selected as one of the six finalists in The Australian Travel & Tourism Awards 2009. Competing in the Best Adventure and Tour Operator category, the company explores the best of South Australia, embracing the local art, history, culture, wildlife and scenery. As the only South Australian tour operator to proudly reach the finals, the company is now appealing to people to vote! |
The Lane Restaurant and Cellar Door vies for top gongThe Lane Vineyard is a finalist in The Australian Travel and Tourism awards for the second year in a row, nominated in the category Best Winery Restaurant. |
Sandhill Prince wins Coonawarra Vignerons CupMore than 600 people watched Sandhill Prince take out the Coonawarra Vignerons Cup for the third year in a row in a race at Penola Racecourse on the Limestone Coast on January 14, 2010. Visitors from Victoria, Queensland and even Ireland joined in the fun in a carousel themed marquee on the day. The next cup will be held on 13 January 2011. |
New stunning look for Oaks EmbassyOaks Embassy on North Terrace is set to unveil a stylish new look in mid-March following a makeover that will set the benchmark for quality, affordable Adelaide accommodation. Floors, walls, ceilings, bathrooms, laundries and even the popular Mirage Bar and Restaurant are being remodelled in a transformation set to appeal to corporate, government and leisure travellers alike. |
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Media Gallery NewsCheck out the new photo additions to the SATC Media Gallery this month:New images of WOMADelaide have been uploaded to the Media Gallery. This annual music festival held in Botanic Park runs from Friday 5 Monday 8 March 2010 and showcases music, arts and dance from around the world. These images are the perfect accompaniment to an editorial piece covering this great event. Search by Region Coming soon Click here to visit the Media Gallery. |
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