Adelaide Hills Country CottagesLess than half an hour from the city, these fivedelightful country cottages are hidden in theAdelaide Hills. Each is a self-contained, distinctivelydecorated retreat set in seclusion overlooking thelake or the orchards. The Adelaide Hills are theperfect city alternative from which to explore thecity itself as well as the enchanting regions of theBarossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Your hosts, Steveand Mandy, will ensure that your stay is memorable. SOUTH AUSTRALIA59ROBELocated on South Australia's magnificentLimestone coast, Robe was one of the firstsettlements in South Australia. But while othersettlements grew into cities, Robe simply relaxedin its glorious coastal isolation, and today youwill find a charming seaside village and fishingport where the main preoccupation is lobster:fishing for lobster, preparing it in a variety ofways, choosing the wines to complement eachdish, then talking about what to do with thenext day's catch. The lovely main street leads toGuichen Bay which reveals stunning oceanviews. Robe is a small town with a unique andfriendly atmosphere - the perfect place to breakyour journey. Apple Tree Cottage, Adelaide Hills Country CottagesPort Nurlunga, AdelaideGrey Masts, RobeThis delightful heritage-listed building has beenrestored to offer distinctive accommodation in theheart of Robe. The property has a somewhatmaritime feel, with polished floorboards taken fromthe ballast of a shipwreck artfully melded withmodern furnishings to create luxuriously comfortablerooms. Your view overlooks beautiful Guichen Bayand you are just a stroll from the fine restaurantsfor which this haven has become famous.TOURABOUT ADELAIDEArmed with a wealth of knowledge and perhapsmore importantly, a love of all things SouthAustralian, a Tourabout Adelaide guide willdesign a day to suit you and your individualinterests. A walking tour of the compact citycentre, built on a level floodplain, will enableyou to discover the history, culture and cuisineof one of Australia's most tranquil cities withoutstruggling up any hills. Additionally guides arealso quite happy to take to the road to showyou the best of the Barossa Valley, the MclarenVale, or the quaint Adelaide Hills.Grey MastsAdelaide

COORONG NATIONAL PARK A chain of stunning, shallow lagoons aredelicately separated from the Southern Oceanby a narrow sandy dune peninsula almost ahundred miles long in this beautiful park. Thefragile ecology is fed by the rich waters of theMurray River and supports an array of bird lifefrom pelicans to migratory waders and otherwaterfowl. This area is of tremendous spiritualsignificance to the local Ngarrindjeri people andthere are a number of fascinating Dreamtimesites well worth exploring. It is a delightfuldeviation from the road on your journeybetween Melbourne and Adelaide and there arehalf or full-day cruises available aboard the sleekand powerful 'Spirit of the Coorong' - anexcellent way to explore.60Fleurieu PeninsulaKANGAROO ISLAND Revelling in a thriving wildlife population,encircled by a coastline of towering cliffs andsheltered beaches washed by turquoise seas androcks aptly named 'Remarkable' for theextraordinary shapes they have been fashionedinto. Mix this with acres of dense bush andforest covering the red interior and it is clearwhy Kangaroo Island is considered to beAustralia's finest natural reserve. At the westernend of the island Flinders Chase National Parkpreserves some of the finest areas of scrub andtall forest, with a resident population of koalas,echidnas, possums, and platypus which, if youare lucky and patient, can be seen inabundance. Ravine des Casoars has a lovelywalking trail, the wild and towering cliffs ofremote Cape du Couedic are topped by alighthouse from which you can walk to thenaturally formed 'Admirals Arch' where NewZealand seals nurse their pups. There are alsohundreds of sealions at Seal Bay, southwest ofthe main town of Kingscote, who seem to enjoymeeting their human visitors. Although dayvisits from Adelaide are popular the majority ofbirds and animals feed at dawn and dusk sostaying overnight is highly recommended.Kangaroo IslandFLEURIEU PENINSULA Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula is thehopping off point for the ferry crossing toKangaroo Island. Known for its wineries, lovelycoastline, scenic hinterland and fresh localproduce, this region and its close proximity toAdelaide makes it a popular getaway. Theremote southern coast is lined with ruggedheadlands and bubbling creeks that cut deepinto the rock and offer clifftop views toKangaroo Island. The western coastline on GulfSt Vincent is just as spectacular with manybeaches and the holiday towns of Normanvilleand Aldinga Beach. Some of the villagesscattered on the peninsula date back 160 yearsand McLaren Vale, at the heart of the wineregion, produces olives and fine wines.