South Australia (SA) Tourist Information

South Australia is Australia's 5th most populous state, occupying the southern central part of the continent.

The capital city is Adelaide (also known as the "City of Churches") and is a planned city, designed by the first surveyor-general of South Australia, Colonel William Light. His plan, now known as Light's Vision, arranged Adelaide in a grid, with five squares in the inner City of Adelaide and a ring of parks known as the Adelaide Parklands surrounding it.

South Australia's origins were unique in Australia as a freely-settled, planned British province rather than a convict settlement. Official settlement began on 28 December 1836 when the state was proclaimed by Governor Hindmarsh. The guiding principle behind settlement was that of systematic colonisation, a theory espoused by Edward Gibbon Wakefield that was later employed by New Zealand.

The aim was to establish the province as a centre of civilisation for free immigrants, promising civil liberties and religious tolerance. Although its history is marked by economic hardship, South Australia has remained politically innovative and culturally vibrant. Today, the state is known as a state of festivals, and of fine wine.

Today, South Australia is a popular destination for festival goers and wine lovers, having much to offer tourists looking for these sorts of attractions. In addition, her role in Australia's economy is primarily based around manufacturing, defence technology and research, commodity export and corresponding service industries.

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Here's The SA Articles:

more to follow soon...

• Exploring The Barossa: See the wonderful Barossa Valley wine region through the eyes of English Tourist Jill March.