Glenelg Beach is a pretty beachfront suburb, about 20 minutes from the centre of Adelaide, popular with locals who want to escape at the weekend. The golden sandy beach, quaint jetty and side-walk cafes are paired with coastal reserves, nature trails and boats off on dolphin cruises.

The Glenelg Beach Hostel is like much of Glenelg beach, modern and funky with a kitsch seaside feel. The hostel is housed in Alexander Terrace, a Victorian house that has been converted into dormitories and private rooms. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and refreshingly bunk-bed free. You also get a free breakfast served alongside brilliant beach views, and with a brand-spanking new lounge bar and beer garden (complete with DJs!), you can return home to a pint of Pale Ale after a day's sightseeing.

www.glenelgbeachhostel.com.au/

Google map: tinyurl.com/n34oej

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A gastro-pub worthy of Islington in the middle of nowhere. The Prairie Hotel has good rooms, great outback food (kangaroo is particularly good) and its own beer. The best thing about the place are the owners and staff though. Sit watching the sunset with them and at 10-ish the mile long coal train will rattle through as well.

Probably the best hotel-experience we have had in Australia. Strongly recommended.

Parachilna on the alternative route up to Alice Springs from Adelaide.
www.prairiehotel.com.au/home.htm

Google map: tinyurl.com/mq3w9r

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About 60km from Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is one of Australia’s major wine-producing areas. It's home to big names like Jacob’s Creek, Penfolds and Wolf Blass as well as over 70 smaller producers. Most vineyards do cellar door wine tastings and some have really good bars and restaurants.

Tours to the Barossa run from Adelaide but it’s a good place to explore for a few days. You can base yourself in one of the towns amd hire a bike and cycle around the vineyards – maps are available from the local tourist information office, which can also book local B&Bs for you (often individual country cottages where you get left the food to cook your own breakfast).

www.barossa.com

Google map: tinyurl.com/kn2qfy

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Set on the edge of Adelaide's Botanic Gardens in a fantastic modern building, the National Wine Centre has info about wine production all over Australia. There are interactive exhibits where you can make your own 'virtual wine' as well as tastings from their huge range.

Corner of Botanic and Hackney Roads, Adelaide; tel: 08 8222 9222;
www.wineaustralia.com.au

Google map: tinyurl.com/n22kw8

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