Cultural Capital
A fine tradition
Adelaide is proud of its list of “firsts”.
When Colonel Light founded Adelaide in 1836 we became Australia’s first freely settled colony.
We exported Australia’s first wine in 1845.
Our women were the first to enjoy voting rights and right to stand for parliament. The state government was the first to pass sex discrimination legislation. Sir Douglas Nicholls was the first Aboriginal to become a State Governor.
Adelaide was the first Australian city to put on an arts festival.
We’ve also held world-class events like WOMADelaide, Santos Tour Down Under, Clipsal 500 Adelaide and the Formula One Grand Prix.
Proud heritage
Land rights were another Adelaide first. The early settlers recognised the Kaurna people as Adelaide’s original inhabitants. They tried to understand Kaurna language and even built a school but closed it after five years.
Disease almost wiped out the Kaurna people but their culture survived. Now it’s part of the Adelaide cultural mix, along with the many other nationalities that have shaped South Australia.
German influence is strong in the Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills. Irish founded the Clare Valley and Italians, Greeks and Asians evolved our food. You’ll also find Indian and African influence here. The choice of deciding where to eat is one of the toughest you’ll have to make.
You’ll also have a great choice of festivals and events.
Eventful Adelaide
We can’t name them all but here’s a taste: Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe, WOMADelaide, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Adelaide International Guitar Festival, Adelaide Film Festival, Come Out Festival (youth), Feast Festival (gay and lesbian), Carnevale (Italian), Glendi (Greek) and Schutzenfest (German).
Vintage car lovers; make sure you see the Bay to Birdwood Classic. It’s the world’s longest running historic motoring event.
In Adelaide, we call the festival season “Mad March”. It’s a crazy time here with the Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival, WOMADelaide and Clipsal 500 Adelaide happening at the same time. No one sleeps but it’s a good idea to book your accommodation early.
Adelaide, the festival city in the festival state. Broadening your mind has never been more fun.
Things to do
Here are some great ideas for you to try while you’re in Adelaide.
What’s on
There are plenty of events on in Adelaide. Here are some ideas you might like.
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