South Australia

South Australia is a state in the southern central part of Australia. It covers some of the most arid parts of the continent. With a total land area of 983,482 square kilometres (379,725 sq mi), it is the fourth largest of Australia's states and territories.

South Australia has a healthy Mediterranean climate with cool wet winters and hot dry summers. The average summer temperature is 29 degrees Celsius, although each year brings one or two hot periods (generally with low humidity).

Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, jealously guards its reputation as Australia’s arts capital, boasting a multitude of festivals, a vibrant live music scene, galleries, design and fashion, theatre, architecture.

The average winter temperature is a mild 15 degrees Celsius. 2,500 hours of sunshine a year means South Australians enjoy outdoor living almost year round.

Outdoor sports, eating and events are easy to enjoy because of the weather, excellent facilities and easy accessibility.

South Australia has many contrasts with rugged outback wilderness, scenic mountain ranges, an extensive coastline, offshore islands and a large, meandering river.

South Australia is known as a wine and food centre with 13 wine regions and a higher ratio of cafes and restaurants to residents than any other city in Australia.

History

1802: British explorer Matthew Flinders maps the entire South Australian coast in his ship, the Investigator, after a surprise meeting with French navigator Nicolas Baudin. Despite their respective countries being at war, the two swapped notes just off the Fleurieu Peninsula coast.

1836: The first South Australian settlers land at Kangaroo Island. Surveyor-General Colonel William Light begins his survey of Adelaide and Governor John Hindmarsh arrives on the Buffalo.

1847: The Barossa Valley’s first winery begins operating.

1854: The colony’s first railway, a horse-drawn tram, operates between Port Elliot and Goolwa on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

1872: The Overland Telegraph from Port Darwin is completed and Adelaide becomes the first Australian capital to be linked by telegraph with London.

1901: South Australia becomes a State within the Commonwealth of Australia as the first Commonwealth Parliament is elected.

1994: The Victoria Fossil Cave at Naracoorte on the Limestone Coast is announced as Australia’s eleventh World Heritage listed property.

October 2004: First mainland wilderness areas ever created in South Australia cover 136,372 hectares on Eyre Peninsula and include the Hambidge Wilderness Protection Area, the Hincks Wilderness Protection Area and the Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area.

Geography

The stunning wine country of South Australia, nestled in the valleys and rich earth are only the beginning to the wondrous landscape of the state.

From geological wonderlands steeped in history to mighty rivers feeding into vast wetlands, there is such dimension to this interesting terrain.

South of the state is dominated by rugged coastlines with dramatic peninsulas and isles whose cliff faces offer a wild backdrop to pristine beaches. Hugging the coastline and interspersed throughout the state are a glut of dense forests within national parks and nature reserves. Many of the lusher areas are due to the sustaining effects of the rivers and floodplains.

Government

The Parliament of South Australia makes the laws that govern our State. Our Parliamentary system is based on the British Westminster system, which divides the Parliament into two Houses – the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council. 

The procedures of the Parliament of South Australia are set out in the Constitution Act and in the Standing Orders as written over the years. The Presiding Officers’ decisions have also established precedents over time to meet local requirements.