What do you think of when you think of Adelaide? Do you think of the nearby wine regions, like the Barossa Valley? If so, it is understandable, but there is so much more to Adelaide. Those in the know, know Adelaide as the most cosmopolitan cities in all of Australia.

Most everyone who goes to Adelaide starts their exploration somewhere around Rundle Street. By day, Rundle Street is a laid back, trendy district just perfect for relaxing under an umbrella at a chic streetside cafe. As you relax over a great lunch and a beer or glass of wine, you can feel the pulse of the city. From your vantage point on the street, the mixture of historical buildings and contemporary sophistication are a feast for the eyes.

Rundle Street changes pace at night and becomes a vibrant center for Adelaide nightlife. On any night of the week, you can take in a movie at a cosy, intimate cinema, enjoy a gourmet meal, watch a live band at a local pub or do it all in a single evening. One of the great things about Rundle Street is that it is where the locals go, so you can get to know the real Adelaide and meet some friendly "natives."

If you want to get to know everything about Adelaide and South Australia and have a great day out at the same time, take a walk along North Terrace. Although the street is just a mile long (1.6km), you will want to give yourself plenty of time there. Outside, it is a delightful place just to take in the sights, with wonderful historical architecture, shady parks and statues honoring Adelaide's founders and historical figures.

If you're like most people, something will catch your eye as you stroll along North Terrace and you won't be able to resist taking a look inside. It might be Parliament House at the north end of the street or it might be the splendid Anglican Holy Trinity Church, built in 1838, not long after the first European settlers arrived in Adelaide.

If you wander into the South Australian Museum, don't expect to come out any time soon. There is so much to see and learn there, you will want to give yourself plenty of time. This museum is well known for its fine art collections, ranging from exquisite aboriginal art to cutting edge contemporary art. It is also the perfect place to go if you want to learn about South Australia's fascinating history.

You've come all the way to Adelaide, so be sure to get the most you can out of it. Kangaroo Island, less than two hours by road from Adelaide, should be on your "must see" list. Getting there is half the fun as you pass through the beautiful Southern Vales wine district. Then you take the Kangaroo Island Sealink out to Australia's fourth largest island. Most of the island is a protected wilderness. Some of the species that thrive there no longer exist on the Australian mainland.

Be sure to pick an Adelaide accommodation that you will be comfortable with for a long time. Once you get to the city, you won't want to leave until you've seen as much as you can. There's a lot to be seen, so give yourself plenty of time!

Get away with the family for a few days, find accommodation in Adelaide, activities and other travel related information about the area. Or visit our Australia blog http://ozblog.net.au/ for more Australian holiday ideas.