Things to do this Summer in South Australia

Thinking of spending the year-end in South Australia? Australia's summer season stretches from December till February 2007,a great time to do everything that you’ve ever fancied and perhaps never done before. Here’s a list of fun-packed things to do and places to see during the holidays:

Drop Zone Adelaide

Experience the thrill of tandem skydiving over Adelaide, overlooking the city and its western beaches and enjoy the adrenaline of freefall without having to learn the technical aspects of the sport. No previous experience required.

Soar with the Birds

If you like soaring with the birds, then take off on a Biplane on one of the most awesome flying experiences you can ever imagine. From the joy and sheer romance of a gentle WACO biplane flight at 1,000 feet along the scenic Adelaide south coast, with a delicious sunset as your personal backdrop, this totally unique, adrenalin-pumping experience literally puts all your senses on overload.

Visit the Limestone Coast

Famed for its red wines, red soils and red rock lobster, there’s plenty to savour and do in the Limestone Coast. The spectacular Naracoorte Caves, where huge fossils have proven the existence of massive prehistoric mammals, is a good start. Or take a hike around Mt Gambier's Blue Lake, renowned for mysteriously turning turquoise every summer. The city is built on the slopes of an extinct volcano, and you can also tour limestone caves beneath the city streets and walk through stunning gardens created inside sinkholes. If you feel like having a dip, dive into the Naracoorte Swimming Lake on the banks of Naracoorte Creek. Admission is free.

Adventure Park

Take the kids to Greenhills Adventure Park in the Fleurieu Peninsula for an adventure of a lifetime. Located only 80 kilometres south of Adelaide and five kilometers from Victor Harbor, the park features an assortment of activities to keep you and the kids active for days. There are waterslides, archery, go-karts, four wheel motor bikes, 12.5 metre high climbing wall and much more. Have a barbecue in many of the shaded picnic areas.

Astronomical Nights at Star Party DownUnder

Fascinated by what messages the stars have for us? Make a date in January 2006 with the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and the Astronomical Society of South Australia who will play host to Star Party DownUnder 2007. To be held between 18 and 21 January 2007, a new moon phase, Star Party DownUnder 2007 promises an exciting range of activities planned for a possible encounter of a third kind.

Cycling in South Australia

If cycling is in your blood, South Australia is your perfect holiday destination. From the 800-kilometre Mawson Trail, to short cycling paths along city beaches, there's a track to meet every mood and motivation level. The State offers many cycling tracks that run across beautiful landscapes and wine regions. Here’s a list of cycling routes to consider during the summer:

• Adelaide City Bikes
• Gourmet Cycling
• Clare Valley Reisling Trail 
• mountgambiertourism.com.au 
• Penola and Coonawarra Cycling Trails

Scuba Diving

One of the world’s best diving spots, with its pristine, temperate waters and unique marine environment, South Australia is undoubtedly a diver's paradise. The marine life is unique. A must dive is at the location where the former Navy ship HMAS Hobart was scuttled off the Fleurieu coast near Yankalilla in November 2002. More than 7,000 divers have explored the submerged vessel, which remains largely intact. You'll still find missile launchers and gun turrets.

Cool Sand-Surfing

What’s it like sliding down a sand dune? Is the effect the same as you get when your surfboard curls on the waves? Why ponder? Carpe diem! Seize the day and ride the razorback sand ridges of Little Sahara on Kangaroo Island on a series of spectacular sand dunes that rise out of bushland in the centre of the island. It’s fun and safe and hours of joy and thrill for everyone. Don’t forget to bring your video-camera; this is something you can’t afford not to record.

Hooked on Fishing?

The pristine waters in South Australia means there's plenty of fishing action for everyone. You can try your luck at deep-sea fishing, or throw out a line and bask in glorious sunshine on the jetty, beside the river or off the beach. Spend the evening dining on your catch with a fine South Australian wine.

Underground Escapade

How does it feel to live in an underground city? Check into a hotel in the underground city of Coober Pedy and immerse into a lifestyle that’s unique. See how the population lives to escape high temperatures in summer. From bookstores to pubs – everything takes place underground. You can also have fun noodling for opals in the world’s opal capital.

Summer Action in Glenelg

Surf up at Glenelg, Adelaide’s most popular beach destination. It’s always buzzing with people who come to enjoy the sand and sea. Just fifteen minutes from the capital city, an exciting world of beach fun awaits you. A new addition to the Glenelg fun that you can’t afford to miss – The Beachouse, an exciting complex featuring the latest entertainment for people of all ages with a jolly good time on water-slides, mini-golf, and playing castle. Not to mention the dodgem cars, bumper boats and the latest arcade games.

Swim with Dolphins

Just 20-minutes from Adelaide’s city centre, Temptation Sailing cruises along the glittering shoreline of Glenelg and you can take to the water for a meet-and-greet with the dolphins.

Romance in the Barossa Summer Air

If romance is in the air this Summer, then don’t miss the Chateau Barrosa Rose Garden. With the planting of more than twenty thousand roses of over two thousand varieties, the garden covers 30 acres and is the perfect place for photo taking for couples. While still in the region, make a date at the Lyndoch Lavender Farm. Take dreamy scenic walks, taste the gourmet food range and buy an extensive range of gifts. There is also a quaint café where you can try the sweet taste of lavender – lavender ice cream, scones and biscuits are available all day.

Canoeing

One of the best ways to see South Australia is to meander on a canoe through wild backwaters of the Murray River or paddle beside dolphins in Adelaide's Port River. With 3,700 kilometres of coastline and almost 650 kilometres of the mighty Murray River, you'll find plenty of water to quench your thirst for canoeing.

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