The exquisite Shangalia holiday house overlooking Kangaroo Island’s pristine Emu Bay is the work of award winning designer Max Pritchard. The uber-modern design means all rooms feature stunning panoramic ocean views. The plush interior is fitted with plasma screens and the gourmet kitchen stocked with European appliances, while the landscaped backyard offers a wood fired pizza oven and deluxe dining furniture. Two outdoor covered decks look out over an amazing view whilst the coastal environment is virtually on your doorstep.

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Barossa Dreams offers guests an old fashioned pedigree of deluxe hospitality. The opulent surrounds combine the best of old and new world luxury with plasma screen TVs, suites with spas, a central swimming pool and expansive outdoor dining facilities. The historic house includes the Diamond suite with historical high ceilings and a ten seat dining table, the Emerald Suite with an open wood fire, the Ruby Suite with a corner spa in the ensuite and finally the Sapphire Suite with a full chef’s kitchen and cellar. For those who prefer chic, ultra-modern accommodation, the new Barossa Apartments feature two modern lodgings both with double bathrooms and all the necessary mod cons for a relaxed comfortable stay.

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Flinders & Pearson Island Fishing Safari, run by veteran charter operator Gavin Solly, offers a comprehensive fishing experience giving guests the thrill of a fishing adventure with the comfort of full cabin air-conditioning and an extensive electronics package. The tour involves the fabulous 65 foot Conquest tri station vessel ‘Island Lure’ which has a 12 person capcity, meaning there is more space for fishers and less line tangles. All tackle is provided with a spread of high quality tried and tested gear on board. Guests can stay at the Flinders Island Beach House, nestled in its own private bay. With stunning views and an ideal location, it is a perfect launching pad for the safari.

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One of the greatest spectacles in South Australia is the passage of water into  Lake Eyre. Desert areas have been transformed into lush green expanses with patches of wildflowers providing bright splashes of colours. Countless bird species have flocked to the region to breed and the whole area has once again been brought to life. Outback Encounters has put together a two day aerial tour of the region with guests enjoying a ride in a Pilatus PC12 aircraft after a night in the Shearer’s quarters of Angorichina Station in the Flinders Ranges. Lunch is provided at the iconic Birdsville Hotel, one of rural Australia’s landmark establishments.

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Canoe the Coorong has grown from its inception as an award winning Ecotourism assignment at Flinders University into an actual business designed to promote and raise awareness of the region’s environmental concerns. In the process it allows tourists to take a leisurely trip down the iconic coastal stretch on a canoeing expedition which takes in the Coorong, Younghusband Peninsula, the Murray Mouth and the Lower Lakes. Guests can take comfort in the fact that a contribution from each tour goes towards efforts to reconnect the wetlands of Hindmarsh Island and the revegetation of the island, thanks to a partnership with the Hindmarsh Island Landcare group.

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The Adelaide Chocolate School is built on a passion for one of mankind’s most treasured substances and aims to inspire a love of the craft of chocolate making. Courses range from basic chocolate making for the beginner through to tempering chocolate and truffle making for more experienced punters. There’s even a chocolate appreciation course for connoisseurs, educating people on the regional variances of the sweet brown stuff. The school is perfect for those who want to take their love of chocolate to the next level.

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Former Masterchef contestant Andre Ursini made no secret of his immense pride in his Italian culinary heritage. It’s certainly no surprise that a year on from impressing viewers around Australia with his passion and creativity he has finally launched his own outlet: Andre’s Cucina and Polenta Bar. With a range of Italian platters, a niche focus on polenta based dishes and an ever-changing daily specials board, his new venture will please lovers of gourmet Italian with a wholesome traditional bent.

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Siphon coffee is what’s being termed the ‘new wave’ of coffee. While it has a cult following in Japan, it's on offer at less than five places in South Australia, the latest being Rundle Street’s new attraction Madera Boutique Coffee. Madera is the only outlet in the CBD using gourmet beans exclusively supplied by the Coffee Barun. In addition, Madera specialises in Adriatic cuisine with the former Morska Villa head chef manning the kitchen. The menu includes favourites such as chevapchichi and a range of intricate Serbian deserts. With a more contemporary feel, the stylish well-lit cafe is designed for comfort and convenience with bright red couches and wireless provided for students.

Phone 08 8223 3137

In the wake of fresh demand, Endota has expanded its lavish spa facilities on Rundle Street with a new luxurious group treatment room. Perfect for bridal parties, baby showers, corporate events and hen’s days, the facility caters for groups of up to eight and offers a more social dimension to the traditional pampering experience. Facials, massages and body treatments with Endota’s signature range are on offer with additional pedicures and manicure stations in the suite. On request, guests can also further indulge with antipasto platters and champagne.

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Since its inception in mid May, North Adelaide's 'Bliss Pizzeria' has hit the ground running and in no time has already established itself as a cult hit with locals. The pick of the 30 tried and tested varieties is the signature Syriano Pizza, with boutique ingredients like scotch fillet, pine nuts, cumin, chilli and pomegranate sauce. Reflecting owner Shaki Kamleh’s heritage, this dish is an example of the joint’s edgier fusion approach on the much loved staple of Australian take-out cuisine. All ingredients, barring condiments, are gourmet, fresh and prepared on site - as was the wood oven, hand-built by Kamleh and his brother. Open all days except Sunday and late from Wednesday to Saturday, the restaurant caters for both dining and take away options.

Phone 08 8367 0244  

At just 40 years of age, Nick Mitzevich will be one of the youngest people ever to oversee a major art gallery in Australia. Mitzevich will this month take on his new role as the Director of the Art Gallery of South Australia – the youngest person to assume the role in the gallery’s 129 year history. Currently the director of the University of Queensland Art Museum in Brisbane and formerly director of the Newcastle Region Art Gallery, Mitzevich is known for his innovation, bold strategic vision and his impressive success in increasing visitor numbers, developing programs and collections and building philanthropic and corporate support.

Conny Wilson arguably has two of the most creative positions in Adelaide. As General Manager of the iconic JamFactory, and chairperson of the South Australian Living Artists Festival (SALA), Conny is at the very centre of Adelaide’s artistic heart. After majoring in psychology and politics at university, Conny was introduced to the arts via a marketing role with Windmill Performing Arts. As chair of SALA, Conny oversees the largest visual arts festival in Australia, which this year will involve 3000 artists showcasing their works across more than 500 venues around the State.

The affable Grant ‘Fuzz’ Fennell is the proud owner operator of Fuzzell’s Fishing Adventures. The charter specialises in snapper, whiting and crabbing and carries impressive credentials with some huge catches on record. Check out the massive snappers on the on the website gallery. Simply, Fuzz loves to fish and it's not uncommon to find the fishing crew back at his place throwing back a few brews around the fire and feasting upon the catch of the day.

This year’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival has drawn to a triumphant close, being declared the most successful in the event’s ten year history. The festival drew more than 80,000 attendances, up 67% on the 2009, with many events sold out. Highlights included Natalie Cole, Shoshana Bean and the rock’n’roll sideshow cabaret ‘Smoke & Mirrors’.

More information – Petrina Egan: email petrina.egan@adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au; phone 08 8216 8699

Deborah Harry and Chrissie Hynde, two of rock’n’roll’s most legendary front women, will rock a stage set among rolling vineyards later this year. Blondie and the Pretenders will perform at for A Day on the Green at Peter Lehmann Wines on 27 November.

More information - Sue Hill: email suehilll@fosterhill.com.au; phone 08 8231 3555

Unique artwork from 14 of Kangaroo Island’s finest artists will be on show at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide throughout August. The exhibition is themed around the island’s distinctive narrowleaf mallee tree, and is supported by 30 of the island’s businesses including Southern Ocean Lodge and Sealink.

More information - Fleur Peters: email neartki@bigpond.com; phone 08 8553 0448

A new week-long program showcasing the abundant native wildlife, spirited art, delicious local cuisine and fascinating history of Kangaroo Island is now on offer to guests at the magnificent Southern Ocean Lodge. The 7 night ‘Expedition Kangaroo Island’ experiences begin on 24 July and 31 July 2010, as well as 24 July 2011.

More information - Sarah Shields: email reserve@baillielodges.com.au; phone 02 9918 4355

Striking artworks formed from hand pruned vine cuttings have been installed in the vineyard adjacent to Zema Estate’s Cellar Door in Coonawarra. The installation, featuring sculptures up to four metres tall created by local Limestone Coast artists, will run through July and August as part of the Coonawarra Cellar Dwellers celebrations.

More information – Karen Ronning; email karen@zema.com.au; phone 0417 853 499

The legendary Prairie Hotel in South Australia’s Outback has unveiled its four refurbished 'Heritage Rooms' in the original part of the historic building. The internal courtyard has also had a makeover, providing a cheerful and cosy retreat exclusively for hotel guests.

More information – www.prairiehotel.com.au; email info@prairiehotel.com.au; phone 08 8648 4844

Celebrate winter in the picturesque Adelaide Hills with a range of events forming the Winter Reds festival during July. Activities include special lunches and tastings, meet-the-winemaker experiences, showcase expos and special master classes.

More information - www.adelaidehillswine.com.au; phone 1300 305 577

Taylors' 2004 St Andrews Clare Valley Shiraz has won one of ten gold medals presented at the prestigious international shiraz competition Syrah du Monde in France. The Taylors 2008 Estate Shiraz has also recently been awarded a gold medal at The Shangai International Wine Challenge.

More information - www.taylorswines.com.au

Visitors to the Adelaide Hills can now sample award winning Shaw & Smith wines in the winery tasting room on any day of the week. The room, which offers a unique guided tasting experience, has previously only been open on weekends.

More information – cellardoor@shawandsmith.com

Sinclair’s Gully, a ten hectare property at Norton Summit (20 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD) has picked up the People’s Choice Award at the National Landcare Awards in Canberra. The business, incorporating a boutique wine label, wine club, eco-cellar door and function venue, has achieved best practice environmentally sustainable operations.

More information - Sue Delaney: email relax@mintarohideaway.com; phone 08 83901995

The team behind the Barossa’s renowned Careme pastry will host a series of demonstration classes at popular Adelaide food store Mercato’s, showcasing a range of dinner party recipes and tips. The first half of the series is already sold out, with dates in October and November still available.

More information - www.caremepastry.com; Lina: phone 08 8337 1808

South Australia welcomed 361,100 international visitors for the year ended March 2010, up 3% from the previous 12 months (according to the latest International Visitor Survey released by Tourism Research Australia). 8.1 million international visitor nights were recorded, up 14% on the previous 12 months, with spending also up 13%.

More information - Chris Booth: email chris.booth@tourism.sa.com; phone 0402 218 186

Awards have been presented to top tourism operators at recent celebrations on the Yorke Peninsula, Fleurieu Peninsula and in the Clare Valley.

Please contact the following regional representatives for a list of winners:
Yorke Peninsula - Jo Barrie: email rmm@yorkepeninsula.com.au; phone 0417 838 768
Fleurieu Peninsula - Jodie Van Deventer: email Jodie@deventer.com.au; phone 0427 408 588
Clare Valley - Jodie Schroder: email marketing@clarevalley.com.au; phone 08 8842 1750

An art gallery housed in a winery, a gourmet food business and a showcase of native Australian birds have all received a funding boost from the Rann Government. Raptor Domain on Kangaroo Island will host daily bird displays, Chapel Hill in McLaren Vale will upgrade its art gallery and Kangaroo Island Source will build a new cooking and teaching kitchen facility.

More information - Chris Booth: email chris.booth@tourism.sa.com; phone 0402 218 186

Early bird registrations are now open for the Mutual Community Challenge Tour, the official public ride of the 2011 Santos Tour Down Under. A record number of cyclists are expected to take part in the ride from Norwood to Strathalbyn on Friday 21 January, 2011.

More information - Jennifer Salter: email salter.jennifer@dpc.sa.gov.au; phone 0427 846 134

Guests on the Flinders Ranges Pichi Richi Express can now enjoy exclusive access to the first class compartments and lunch in the spacious dining saloon. The Austral Luncheon Train departs on the last Sunday of each month on regular services, offering breathtaking sights along the famous old Ghan railway.

More information – email austral@ihug.com.au; phone 08 8648 6017

The iconic Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island has been honoured with the Best Lodge Award in the 2010 Gourmet Traveller Awards. Part of the new Luxury Lodges of Australia group, the lodge is also celebrating the recent arrival of new chef Jed Archdeacon.

More information – Sarah Shields: email reserve@baillielodges.com.au; phone 02 9918 4355

Professional and hobby photographers are encouraged to enter pictures that capture the heart and soul of South Australia’s National Parks in the DEH’s 'Art of Nature' photography competition. There is a $10,000 prize pool and the best entries will feature in an exhibition and a 2011 'Art of Nature' calendar.

More information - www.artofnature.sa.gov.au; Sarah Brussow: email brussow.sarah@saugov.sa.gov.au; phone 08 822 62965

For only the the second time in 10 years, the elusive Bolam’s mouse has been spotted in the Flinders Ranges. The mouse is an endangered species in NSW and extinct in Victoria, but it’s thought recent rains in the Flinders may have encouraged the mice to breed.

More information – Sarah Diekman: email diekman.sarah@saugov.sa.gov.au

This year’s Australian Cycle Tourism Conference will cover a range of cycle tourism topics including road cycling, mountain biking, extreme events, marketing and case studies. The conference will be held in the Southern Flinders Ranges Australia in October and will include trials of some of the great trails in the region.

More information - Stephen Schwer, Tourism Development Officer: email sschwer@sfrdb.com.au; phone 0428 890 350