OVERVIEW
When the early colonists arrived and began building Adelaide they used stone. They wanted to build a solid, dignified city, a civilised and calm place, with a manner no other state capital in the country could match.
Nowadays, much to the wowsers' chagrin, pubs and nightclubs outnumber the churches.
WEATHER
Adelaide has searing summers, with temperatures rocketing up to 40°C (104°F) and beyond.
Winters can be a bit gloomy - not really cold, but chilly and damp. Spring and Autumn are generally balmy and pleasant.
GETTING THERE AND AWAY
International flights arrive in Adelaide from all over the world, many of them flying directly to the city.
Adelaide is a long way from Australia's other capitals, so flying is often the best option. Australian airlines fly into Adelaide from every other capital city, although you may have to make a stopover if you're coming from Brisbane or Sydney.
An airport bus runs from the airport to the city centre - the bus also calls in at the interstate train station if pre-booked.
Bus travel is cheaper than flying, but be prepared for a long haul. Services run to all major cities - you can go with one of the major lines and do the quick-but-dull trip, or take a smaller bus and meander around a bit. Buses also run to Alice Springs and to regional centres in South Australia.
Interstate trains run from Adelaide to Alice Springs, Perth, Darwin, Melbourne and Sydney.
GETTING AROUND
Adelaide has an integrated local transport system that includes metropolitan buses and trains, as well as the tram that operates between the city centre and Glenelg, and the O-Bahn busway which runs on concrete tracks between the city centre and the Tea Tree Plaza shopping centre.
The airport is 8km (5mi) west of the city and is serviced by an airport bus. Adelaide is a relatively cyclist-friendly city, with good cycling tracks and bicycle lanes on many city streets.
Copyright © 2013 Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.