Adelaide 5 – 9 March 2007

Off to a cool, cloudy start and wandered the streets of another cute wine town, Tanunda. The op shops are over and replaced by Antique shops. Still fascinated by old things and German Bakeries! The clouds lifted and we enjoyed time out at the Tanunda Estate. Eventually we made our way to Adelaide and marvelled at the fact that the centre of this city is so close to the country. The road in was not flash and in poor condition for a major road. Settled into the caravan park under lots of shade - nice little compact park close to the city centre. Off in the early evening before dark to drive all over the city without the traffic and really enjoyed the first taste of Adelaide! We were impressed with the northern parks and North Adelaide and the enormous amount of heritage houses in beautiful original condition. The parks are surprising very green in this very dry time!
Caught the bus into North Terrace to explore the city. First stop was the National Trust property, Ayers House This was an amazing Victorian home right in the middle of the city and was originally the home of the SA Premier. It is very elaborately decorated house, with ornate cornices and ceilings. The sense of the original founders’ lifestyle is very evident in this house and was reflected in the quality of the furnishings/ decorations.
We wandered the city centre exploring the arcades and side streets – a very enjoyable afternoon!
Spent another day in the city to visit some of the many attractions. First stop was the National Treasures Exhibition that is touring Australia. It has been to Sydney already so it was lucky to catch it here and it is absolutely fabulous because it has the original Ozzy icons that we never expect to personally see. Highlights included Henry Lawson’s original pen and writings, Banjo Paterson’s original writing of ‘The Man from Snowy River’, original score of ‘Waltzing Matilda’, Cook’s and Bank’s original Journals, Finder’s original maps of Australia, Jorn Utzon’s original concept models for the Opera House, Dame Nellie Melba’s Menu from the opening of Parliament House (signed drawn on by Charlie Chaplain) and much more. We bought the catalogue which is very comprehensive and informative. Stopped off to hear the rabble of state Parliament – the only interesting thing was the beautiful building!
Home in the evening for a most pleasurable reunion with a friend of Heather’s, Liz Kennedy. Natter natter! Giggle giggle! Chat chat! Not as much fun for Peter but wonderful for Heather! We planned a few more meetings and look forward to them.
N ext day, another visit to a historic house, Carrick House, with a very different set up from Ayers House. It was built by a very wealthy Adelaide family, the Heywoods and Barr Smith who built a Tudor style mansion with material and furniture purchased in England whilst on their honey moon for a year. The materials were purchased from an old castle that was being demolished and built a replica of a 16th Tudor house with 1930’s mod cons. The couple did not have children and decided to donate the house and grounds to the people of SA. We had a picnic lunch in the grounds that were lovely but fairly dry, understandably. Must be beautiful when the rains come!
The start of the Fringe Festival is marked by a big street party in the city on the Thursday evening. Joined in and had a few laughs. Lots of people milling around creating a festive ambience. On Friday night we went to a comedy show with a variety of performers – very funny