Adelaide, South Australia

Glenelg Beach. Image source: http://www.stamford.com.au/sga

The City of Adelaide presented a stark contrast to the sprawling metropolis of Sydney. Adelaide’s structured, wide and open roads that are easily navigable, large public squares and boulevards surrounded by parklands are the diametrical opposites of Sydney’s towering, overwhelming, city centre. If I’m being honest, I didn’t hold many expectations for Adelaide, other than a few beaches, I didn’t think this city had much else to offer me. Adelaide, however, pleasantly surprised me. Of course there were beautiful beaches, but also sweeping valleys, winsome parks, and Australia’s iconic wildlife. Adelaide is a bucolic city, a tranquil alternative from the crowded chaos of Sydney.

Glenelg Pier. Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/completelyserious/

 A small, amicable suburb about 15 minutes south of the city centre, is the place which we chose to end every night we spent in Adelaide. Perhaps it was the quaint nature of the beach that was so alluring to us. The homely and intimate ambience of the coast drew us to it night after night, the perfect summation to our day’s travels, the perfect place to wind down. The homely town square, surrounded by buzzing snug cafes and restaurants, swaying palm trees, and open fountains was popular with tourists and locals alike. Fishermen perch themselves along the pier, patiently waiting, reeling, and tugging at their lines for a small catch. Effervescent children and their light-hearted laughter fill the public square as they run around gleefully. Joggers embed their footprints into the skin of the sand as they run alongside the crashing waves. Glenelg is an intoxicating spot, a place I would recommend to anyone visiting South Australia, and even Australia itself.

Image source: https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/shared/images/travelguides/destination/6051330/Glenelg-Beach-29332.jpg

Granite Island, Adelaide. Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/111171028@N06/13812722705/

The only regret I have about my travels in Adelaide is that I didn’t spend more time here, on Granite Island. I wish I had spent the whole day here, exploring the curves and crevices of this small, peaceful island at a leisurely pace. Walking around, and hiking up the island to its peak to watch the skyline of South Australia twinkle from a heavenly summit is definitely an experience you want to take your time with. As I strolled along the coast of the island, onto the pier, spotting fairy penguins on the rocky shores, watching the setting sun cast pastel pinks that melt into glowing saffrons and blend into soothing lavenders in the sky, I felt as if I was in an ethereal dreamland, untainted by the callous affairs of the world outside. Granite Island, and the accompanying Victor Harbour and beaches, is just one of the treasures of South Australia, and undoubtedly one that you should not pass up on.

Granite Island, Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/48794184@N05/8337106234/

- Tanya.