Although houseboating is an ever popular way to experience the Murraylands, sleeping on dry land can provide you with an equally fabulous holiday - especially if you stay at the luxurious Balcony on Sixth Lodge, in Murray Bridge. The stylish lodge has recently undergone major renovations, adding three new luxury suites to its collection of seven existing premium suites, as well as upgrading its two popular, self-contained luxury executive apartments. Just an hour's drive from Adelaide, The Balcony on Sixth is the perfect base from which to explore the Murraylands' many charms, including river cruises, bushwalks, great golf courses and the world's largest open range zoo - Monarto. More information
 |
 |
September 2010 |
 |
The seasons are changing and we've got a spring in our step in South Australia!
New Accommodation and Tours
 |
Balcony on Sixth |
 |
Brown's HouseFor those who want to indulge in a rural retreat that combines country charm with plenty of comfort, Brown's House is the ultimate holiday destination. The pressed tin workman's cottage was built in 1905, and today has been lovingly restored and sensitively updated to offer all the modern conveniences travellers expect, without the loss of any of its original historic charm. The retreat is nestled among gardens on the farming property of Boconnoc Park, which has been owned and run by the Brooks family for more than a century. Visitors are invited to share the Brooks family's farm, history and hospitality, all located in the renowned Clare Valley wine region. More information |
.gif) |
Barossa PavilionsStrictly for couples looking for some quality time away from work, city life and everyday stress, Barossa Pavilions is a stunning hillside accommodation retreat combining privacy and tranquility with easy access to some of Australia's best wine and food destinations (it is in the Barossa after all!). Each of the property's six self-contained chalets boast 180 degree views of the Barossa Ranges, total privacy, and is luxuriously appointed with modern furnishing including a spa built specially for two. Fresh local produce is provided for guests' breakfasts as part of the package. More information |
 |
One Tree Bed and BreakfastThis new bed and breakfast is not only luxurious, romantic and located in the heart of the Clare Valley, it's also proudly chemical-free, eco-friendly, sustainable and organic. A weekend away here starts with local wine and chocolate dipped strawberries served alfresco, overlooking the Wakefield River. Enjoy a breakfast of homemade organic bread, croissants and fresh fruit, and at night enjoy the luxury of organic linen, towels and bathrobes, as well the range of organic shampoo, body wash and lotion on hand in your bathroom. Your hosts can arrange the delivery of all you need to create your own gourmet barbeque dinner and bring your bathers too - this bed and breakfast comes complete with your own private outdoor heated swimming pool. More information |
 |
Flinders Ranges Guided Walking ExperienceIf you've always wanted to explore the Flinders Ranges in safety with an experienced guide but don't want to rough it, then Australian Walking Tours' (formerly known as Soulfree Adventures) new tour is the walk for you. Over six days, you will explore astounding primal landscapes as your guide leads you through Wilpena Pound, Brachina Gorge, Wilkawillina Gorge and Parachilna Gorge. Each night you'll sleep in the comfort of a four-star hotel room and at each meal you'll enjoy gourmet cuisine (including quandong pie). The trip even includes a stop-off for some tasting at a world-class winery. The guided walking experience will operate on a monthly basis from May to October starting in 2011 and can be booked now. More information |
New Food, Wine and Lifestyle Products
Celsius Restaurant and BarFollowing stints in world-famous restaurants interstate and overseas, one of Adelaide's most exciting young chefs, Ayhan Erkoc, has launched his own establishment, Celsius Restaurant and Bar, at 95 Gouger St in the heart of Adelaide. Joining Ayhan at Celsius is a dream team of chefs from establishments including Magill Estate, Auge and Sparrow. Opened last month and already causing a huge stir among the State's foodies, Celsius reflects Ayhan's passion for local produce and classics with an experiential twist. You'll find dishes on the menu such as 'Hahndorf venison with celeriac, chocolate, wild garlic leaves and hazelnut', as well as 'bubbled pork crackling with yoghurt and fennel pollen'. The Celsius team are so serious about sourcing the best local produce that they have established a dedicated farm in the Murraylands, with 70% of the restaurant's ingredients to come from their own 'kitchen garden'. The Celsius menu caters for everyone and includes gourmet bar snacks for those who pop in for an after-work drink, plus tapas, an a la carte menu and an eight-course degustation with matched beverages for serious food lovers. Its wine list features local boutique wines and respected international varietals, plus beers, ciders, sake and spirits. Celsius is also seriously good value for money, offering a three-course lunch special for $40, a six-course degustation lunch special for $55 and charging only $120 for its eight-course degustation dinner. More information |
 |
 |
Indica SpaThis complete service day spa in metropolitan Adelaide, just 15 minutes' drive from the CBD, offers everything from facials to hot stone massages and acupuncture, all designed to relieve stress and relax clients as they are pampered in a calm, serene atmosphere. Indica Spa is the only Adelaide spa to use Guinot beauty products in its treatment facials - the leading brand of beauty products in France used by well over half the country's day spas. For an indulgent treat, Indica offers five luxurious spa packages, perfect for you or as a gift to someone special. True to its branding as a "complete service" spa, Indica also has a resident Chinese doctor and cosmetics surgeon on hand for traditional Chinese remedies and cosmetic medical procedures. More information |
 |
The Joyful BuddhasThis new health and wellbeing studio on the Fleurieu Peninsula offers tools to help balance, heal and rejuvenate your mind and body, providing a haven and escape from everyday stresses. Located a short drive from Adelaide in the seaside town of Victor Harbor, visitors to the studio are encouraged to slow down, savour the moment and regain their love of life at The Joyful Buddhas. The studio offers a program of group yoga, meditation and stretching, plus personal yoga sessions and therapies including massage, reflexology, reiki and energy balancing. The Joyful Buddhas team can also organise a tailored weekend retreat for one to 10 people, including all accommodation, meals, classes and treatments. Plus, the studio is family-friendly, offering classes designed especially for teenagers and for children as young as four, which teach relaxation skills and empowerment in a fun way that incorporates dance, games, stretches and massage. More information |
Sorby Adams Wine Room & PantryA fantastic new Barossa food and wine destination with an Adams family flavour has opened its doors in Angaston. The Sorby Adams Wine Room & Pantry is a place to enjoy a morning coffee, taste Sorby Adams wines, share an antipasto plate or cheese board, stock up the larder with artisanal produce or enjoy a leisurely lunch. Simon "Sorby" Adams, who has amassed more that 65 trophies and 300 gold medals in his stellar 30-year career as a wine-maker for companies including Yalumba, has now turned his hand to creating his own brand of wine from his two boutique, "backyard" vineyards in Eden Valley. In keeping with the Adams family theme, his flagship Old Vine Shiraz is called 'The Thing' and his Sparkling Shiraz goes by the name 'The Morticia'. His wife, Helen, is the brains behind all things culinary, from the daily lunch menus to the mouth-watering treats for sale from The Pantry, which is designed as a store where visitors staying in a Barossa B 'n' B can buy all the ingredients needed to prepare themselves an evening meal. It's also sure to become a "must visit" weekend destination for foodies from Adelaide and beyond, who will be lured by its stock of cult brands including Firefly Tonics and Fudge by Rich. More information |
 |
 |
Erin Eyes Cellar DoorFormer Neagles Rock winemaker Steve Wiblin has opened a cellar door in a former corn store to showcase his own brand, Erin Eyes, which offers classic Clare Valley wine varieties and styles. The cosy new cellar door, housed in a beautifully renovated 1860's building in Auburn town, means wine lovers can now enjoy a glass of Erin Eyes Shiraz paired with a steaming bowl of soup, home-made by Steve's wife Lynette. When the weather warms up, visitors can take a glass of Riesling outside to enjoy in the sunny courtyard or linger over a platter of local cheese, dukkah and other locally-sourced gourmet delights. More information |
 |
Tomich Wines' Adelaide Tasting RoomTomich Wines has unveiled a new boutique wine experience in the heart of Adelaide. The Tasting Room on King William Road at Unley will bring Adelaide Hills wines and gourmet delights to the city - just minutes from the CBD. Tomich Wines is a family owned and operated company which produces premium cool climate wines from their vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, including its signature Tomich Hill brand, the select Tomich Hill Reserve range and the new light, consumer-friendly Marlborough Park brand, to be launched nationally in October. The new Tasting Room offers wine tasting, hands-on classes for wine lovers run by John Tomich, sales, gourmet delights including an Adelaide Hills cheese platter, and coffee. A private room will also be available for VIP tastings, business lunches and intimate celebrations. More information |
SA Faces
 |
Bradd Johns, Head Chef of Redsalt Restaurant and BarHe's catered for the Queen and Prince Charles, but Bradd Johns says his new role at the helm of Crowne Plaza Adelaide's Redsalt Restaurant and Bar is one of his greatest challenges yet. Born and bred in Adelaide, Bradd has spent the past 18 years travelling and working in some of London's most prestigious eateries, but his passion now is creating uniquely South Australian cuisine. "We have wonderful vineyards, fantastic food regions and so many people in South Australia who are passionate about food and wine," he says. "I am looking forward to working with people who love what they do and are as excited about South Australian produce as I am." Redsalt serves modern Australian cuisine, but Bradd will also be spicing up the menu with a dash of the flavour and flair he experienced in some of Europe's best Michelin Star kitchens. "At the end of the day, whatever the dish, it will be fresh, lovely, modern and delicious. What I always ask myself is 'does it taste good?'" |
Sue Pearson, Founder and Owner of 2 Birds and a Squid Food CompanyImagine spending a week on Australia's iconic Kangaroo Island, sampling the freshest cheeses, honey, lobster, marron and olive oil and discovering one of the country's newest and most exciting wine regions. And now imagine being hosted by two of the country's top foodies - Maeve O'Meara and Sue Pearson. Formerly from Sydney and with experience in some of London and Sydney's leading restaurants, Sue moved to KI in 2000 where she established the 2 Birds and a Squid Food Company, which offers high quality food catering to the island's residents and visitors. Sue also runs Fish in Penneshaw, regarded as one of KI's (and Australia's) premier seafood outlets, and the twice yearly Gourmet Food Safaris with SBS TV host Maeve O'Meara. |
 |
 |
Garry Stewart, Artistic Director of Australian Dance TheatreGarry Stewart has packed a lot into the past decade. Since taking over the artistic reins of Adelaide-based Australian Dance Theatre 10 years ago, he has thrilled tens of thousands of people across the globe with his productions as part of his quest to "extend the boundaries of the art form". His first full-length work with ADT, Birdbrain, went on to become the most performed contemporary dance work in the history of Australian dance. Under his leadership, ADT has cemented its place as Australia's pre-eminent contemporary dance company, garnering 21 industry awards and becoming the only Australian company to be invited to perform at Theatre de la Ville in Paris, the world's most prestigious contemporary dance venue. |
Upcoming Events
More than 3,000 competitors and 30,000 spectators will converge on Murray Bridge to see teams pedalling their hardest and breaking world records in their unique pedal-powered vehicles. The seaside town of Victor Harbor is set to rock with two stages and two large dance floors plus Hot Rods, classic cars and motorbikes. Adelaide Festival Centre's annual OzAsia Festival celebrates the richness and diversity of our Australian and Asian cultures, presenting a diversity of contemporary and traditional works. Come and watch this sporting phenomenon, reputedly the fastest growing team sport, at the Adelaide Super-Drome. Lovingly restored vintage vehicles will travel from the beach to the National Motor Museum in Birdwood. South Australian and interstate live, alternative country, blues and roots bands will perform in the seaside setting of historical Semaphore. Restaurants, wineries and foodies come together with local KI artists for a series of special events. Discover the life and heart of the Riverland with spectacular wine and food, multicultural fun and festivities. Help celebrate the quality of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and the craftsmanship of the region's winemaking community. More than 200 clowns and 1000 other characters join a magical Christmas parade through the streets of Adelaide. Feast Festival is a lesbian and gay event offering theatre, cabaret, comedy, film, forums, literature, dance, visual arts and community events. The city parklands host Olympic standard, 4 star equestrian competitions, including dressage, showjumping and cross country. Slava Grigoryan is the Artistic Director of this biennial festival featuring Australian and international guitar virtuosos. |
 " |
Story IdeasSpring is here and wildflowers are springing up in the Flinders Ranges Pretty in pink: jockeys and horses set to dress in pink for breast cancer research Winter rains have the Murray River and Mannum waterfalls flowing freely Spring clean yourself with a renewing day spa or health retreat How to spend Father's Day around South Australia The real people behind the Christmas Pageant's colourful characters |
News Updates
Gordon Ramsay trained chef now at the Adelaide Convention CentreInternationally-trained chef Derek Salmon has taken over the role of Head Chef at Regattas Bistro at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Derek has previously worked at England's Michelin Three Star restaurants, Fat Duck, Gordon Ramsay and the Waterside Inn, plus The Royal Garden Hotel and Mayfair Intercontinental. More information - regattas@adelaidecc.com.au; 08 8210 6785; www.adelaidecc.com.au/regattas |
Appellation picks up two new wine list awardsThe Barossa's renowned Appellation Restaurant has received two new major awards for its wine list. For the third year in a row, Appellation is credited as having the State's best list in the Wine List of the Year Awards. Also, for the second year running, Appellation's wine list was included in Wine Spectator magazine's World's Best Wine Lists. More information - Ruby Stobart: ruby@arbutus.com.au; 08 8562 2722; www.appellation.com.au |
More recognition for Willunga's Fino restaurantThe Fleurieu Peninsula's Fino Restaurant has been awarded Best Small List for the third year in a row in Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards (sponsored by Fine Wine Partners and Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine). Chef David Swain was also awarded 'Outstanding use of Regional Produce by a Chef' in Delicious magazine's Produce Awards. More information - info@fino.net.au; 08 8556 4488; www.fino.net.au |
SA shines in Delicious Produce AwardsMcLaren Vale has been named Australia's best region in Delicious magazine's annual Produce Awards. Other SA award winners included chef David Swain of Fino Restaurant in Willunga, Pristine Oyster Farm in Coffin Bay, the Australian Caper Company, Mayura Station and SchuAm Berkshire. More information - www.taste.com.au/delicious/article/whats+new/winners+medallists+produce+awards,508 |
Kangaroo Island Spirits wins international awardsThe Kis Anisette Liqueur has picked up a Silver Medal and the Kis Wild Gin a Bronze at the prestigious International Wine and Spirits Competition in London this week. Kangaroo Island Spirits is a boutique distillery not far from Kingscote. More information - 08 8553 9211; www.kispirits.com.au |
Twilight wine tastings and wildflower walks in the hillsAward winning Adelaide Hills eco wine destination Sinclair's Gully will host Friday twilight wine tastings around a campfire throughout September. Then, in October, wine and wildflower walks will be led through the endangered Candlebark forest each weekend. More information - wine@sinclairsgully.com; 08 8390 1995 |
Jimmy Barnes to rock McLaren Vale wineryRock legend Jimmy Barnes will head up a stellar 10-artist line-up at A Day on the Green at Leconfield Wines, McLaren Vale, on Sunday, 7 November. Other performers will include Vanessa Amorosi, Tex Perkins, Mark Seymour, Ian Moss, Ross Wilson & the Peaceniks, Richard Clapton, Dan Sultan, Michael Spiby and Swanee. More information - Sue Hill: suehill@fosterhill.com.au; 08 8231 3555 |
New Director at the JamFactoryPrue Venables has been named the next Creative Director of the Ceramics Studio at Adelaide's iconic JamFactory. Prue has received widespread acclaim for her work, which spans a career of more than 30 years, and she also has extensive teaching experience. Meanwhile, Barossa-based collage artist Ilona Glastonbury has been named this year's JamFactory Studioworks Award winner. More information - Sophie Guiney: sophie.guiney@jamfactory.com.au; 08 8410 0727 |
Adelaide Zoo entrance up for world architecture awardAdelaide Zoo's new gateway has been short-listed in the Best Display category of the World Architecture Festival Awards, which will be staged in Barcelona this November. Designers Hassell has already picked up a swag of State awards for the zoo project. More information - Emily Rice: erice@zoossa.com.au; 08 8230 1237 |
Outback Air Adventures made easyTravellers keen to see South Australia's diverse Flinders Ranges and Outback landscapes from the air can now use the new 'Air Adventures' brochure to plan their trip. The booklet lists all properties with their own airstrips that can be used by private or charter pilots, as well as containing accommodation, tour and activity options in the region. More information - Peter Cahalan: mm@flindersoutback.com; 08 8641 3455; www.southaustralia.com/images/PDF/Air_Adventures.pdf |
New Red Gum Lounge carriages on Great Southern RailNewly refurbished 'Red Gum Lounge' carriages have joined The Ghan and the Indian Pacific rail journeys. Fitted with comfortable, movable lounge chairs and booth seating, the Red Gum Lounges provide more space to relax and enjoy the journey. More information - Jessi Greer: jgreer@gsr.com.au; 08 8213 4383; www.gsr.com.au |
Clare Country Club expandingFresh from a recent upgrade to its existing 44 spa rooms, The Clare Country Club has announced it will now build an additional 10 one bedroom spa suites and 10 two bedroom apartments. The four star Country Club is the largest accommodation provider in the Clare Valley and the new apartments are expected to be available from June 2011. More information - 08 8842 1060; www.countryclubs.com.au/clare |
Record nominations for this year's SA Tourism AwardsA record number of nominations have been received for the 2010 South Australian Tourism Awards for the second year in a row. A total of 184 SA businesses have been nominated for the awards, the winners of which will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday, 18 November. More information - Bianca Borrett: bianca@satic.com.au; 08 8110 0125 |
 |
Media Gallery NewsTour McLaren Vale's cellar doors on the Media Gallery!Cellar Doors in McLaren Vale including Wirra Wirra, Samuel’s Gorge, Alpha Box & Dice and Primo Estate are featured in the latest collection of images from around South Australia just uploaded to the Media Gallery. We have also just uploaded more than 300 new images of Adelaide showcasing some great shopping and dining hot spots, the new Crowne Plaza Hotel in Hindmarsh Square and a tour of the Jam Factory. A recent scenic flight over the Eyre Peninsula, the Flinders Ranges and Outback regions also produced some magnificent aerial shots. In particular, some spectacular Lake Eyre images are now available to download. There are also great new images of the popular Gilles Street Market and the Willunga Farmers Market.
|
|
 |