Thriving development
CHANGING FACE
From architecture to art, laneways to liveability, Adelaide is a city in transformation, its vibrancy a major drawcard for visitors from all over Australia and the world
Over the past five years, Adelaide’s CBD has changed with a kind of ferocity – from new buildings that grace its skyline to the vibrant offerings it presents to visitors. At one time the Westpac building, the city’s tallest building, was used as a visual landmark from the air. But, over the years, it has been steadily joined by an abundance of contemporary skyscrapers; home to new hotels, city housing and major companies.
While the skyline and cityscape have been raised to a new horizon, the vibrancy and welcoming embrace for which Adelaide is renowned not only remain at the heart of the city but have been amplified.
Simply take a walk down the Linear Park Trail from War Memorial Drive and you’ll see what can only be described as one of the city’s crown jewels – the Riverbank Precinct. What was once an area disconnected by the River Torrens has become unified with the addition of the $40 million Riverbank Bridge, a project that connected the $535 million redeveloped and internationally esteemed Adelaide Oval and $42 million Adelaide Oval Hotel to the city’s major performing arts centres and CBD.
It’s this unity that has breathed vibrancy back into this precinct, from the gleaming, $330 million SkyCity Adelaide redevelopment to the revamped Adelaide Convention Centre. The landscape may have undergone immense change but it certainly hasn’t lost its loveable charm. It’s a wonderful juxtaposition of old and new: along the serene riverbank, tourist favourite the Popeye and the historic Elder Park rotunda nestle alongside breathtaking skyscrapers and cranes busily building the Adelaide of the future.
But the transformation of this part of Adelaide’s CBD has been a while in the making. “It was really triggered by the redevelopment of the Adelaide Oval, the pedestrian bridge and the extension of the Convention Centre,” says Adelaide Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor. “The new hospital that moved down to the west and SAHMRI, as well as the big research centres by the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia were all catalysts. The development along there has been extraordinary and it makes it very attractive, both from a work and visitor sense.”
Even the city’s nightlife offerings have undergone a radical renewal, especially with the introduction of small bars licencing. Bustling laneways now boast ornate small bars, eateries and venues that attract locals and tourists alike.
“I like to think of Adelaide as not being just the most liveable city, but also the most creative,” the Lord Mayor says. “People have really embraced the opportunities we are seeing on the day-to-day basis, new companies have discovered Adelaide and are coming here, new ventures, new workforces; almost going back to our roots with a real entrepreneurial spirit that hasn’t been felt I think since the 1960s and ’70s.”
While the city’s west end bursts with state-of-the-art buildings dedicated to education, health and research, it still holds space for an industry ever important to Adelaide – the arts. Where else can you walk off the main stretch of Hindley Street and watch glassblowers in action at JamFactory, view exhibitions by emerging and established artists just around the corner at ACE Open or watch bands and musicians perform at The Lion Arts Factory.
A tram journey along the tree-lined pathways of North Terrace leads to Adelaide’s major universities, with the esteemed Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australian Museum nestled in between. “Probably my favourite part is North Terrace: there’s very few cities in the world where you get a collection of cultural institutions like that plus the universities right in the heart of the city,” the Lord Mayor says. “When I bring people from overseas and take them on tours of the city, that is one of the things they comment on the most.”
For those living in Adelaide, it’s easy to overlook the impressive development of the city and the rate at which it continues to grow. For those who haven’t been here for a while, the transformation is truly breathtaking. The riverbank has become a destination filled with old and new, the laneways a place of vibrancy and intrigue, and the city streets have been filled with growing industries and incredible eateries.
And yet, after all this development and change over the past five years, historic buildings, traditional architecture, parklands and botanic gardens remain at the heart of Adelaide, creating the perfect blend of history and future that makes it such a pleasure to experience.
“There’s a lot going for the city: we are very lucky to have such an incredibly diverse cultural offering here in Adelaide,” the Lord Mayor says. “I’m always taken by the changing landscape.”
FOOD & Wine
TASTING AUSTRALIA BACK ON THE MENU
The finest ingredients are back on the menu with Australia’s favourite annual food and drinks festival – including the nation’s top chefs
The toque blanches sit proudly atop heads and freshly sharpened knived gleam on kitchen benches as Australia’s premier chefs assemble in South Australia for one of the world’s most exceptional eating and drinking festivals – Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel.
Firmly back on the menu for 2021, this 10-day smorgasbord of the best in local produce will run from April 30 to May 9 and feature around 140 events at venues throughout South Australia. Take in the sights and sounds of nature at a farm gate lunch at Yalumba in the state’s Barossa Valley, feast on authentic regional Mexican cuisine in historical Port Adelaide, just 20 minutes from the CBD, or jump on board Tasting Australia Airlines and in less than an hour enjoy fresh oysters, rare cockles and marron at Coffin Bay on the Eyre Peninsula.
Tasting Australia is truly a festival like no other, celebrating the best produce that only South Australia can offer. “We have created a program that truly celebrates everything we do so well in SA,” says celebrated Australian chef Simon Bryant, known as the “chef” alongside “cook” Maggie Beer in the long-running ABC culinary series The Cook and The Chef. “I think that more than ever before, the 2021 program has something for everyone. From free events to family programming to events for craft beer enthusiasts, we have it all.”
A respected voice in the industry, when English-born Bryant says South Australia boasts food experiences the equal to – or better than – anything in the world, you know it’s an opinion you can rely on. “When you look at this state, it has so many assets,” he says. “The Barossa Valley is one of the greatest wine regions in the world: people jump on a plane to come here.
“Tasting Australia helps put that message out to a greater audience. It amplifies what we have and shines a spotlight for 10 days on what is here.”
A feature of the program is the variety of offerings in regional areas. In particular, guests flying Tasting Australia Airlines – in partnership with Alliance Airlines – to attend events in celebrated regions such as Coffin Bay and Kangaroo Island will be in for rare experiences.
“I always like the TAA events: these feature some of our festival icons, including Maggie Beer, Emma McCaskill and Duncan Welgemoed,” he says. “It’s the 12 hours of power type-thing – get to the airport and get on a plane and you’re in either the West Coast or Kangaroo Island, you’re fed an amazing meal in situ and then back in Adelaide in one day. That’s one of the big unique selling points for the state – it’s easy to traverse. You can use the CBD as a base camp if you want and get in and out to the regions very easily.”
Other program highlights include a celebration of seasonal produce at McLaren Vale’s Coriole Vineyards as part of the Autumn Harvest Feast; a long lunch at the Farm Gate Lunch at Yalumba; and a Mexican-inspired “feast for the senses” at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, at Pirate Life Brewing in Port Adelaide.
Even the humble snag gets its moment of glory through the Festival of Sausage in Bread – a one-day event at the University of Adelaide which aims to convert even the saltiest sausage sourpuss into a kabana connoisseur – while the Tasting Australia festival hub, Town Square, will return to Victoria Square with a new look.
Drinks curator Nick Stock will serve up a strong beverage program, with wine, beer and spirits in focus across an array of events and masterclasses.
The introduction of renowned east coast chef Darren Robertson, of Sydney’s Three Blue Ducks and The Farm in Byron Bay fame – who has taken on the role as festival food curator - will help underline the event’s ethos of informal excellence. “He’s had all the fine dining experience but his food is very real and that’s really important for us that we find that balance,” Bryant says. “You can use the best produce in the world and still present it bravely and simply. Darren’s very much a fan of that and most of the chefs he’s bringing over are advocates of that style of cooking.”
For Robertson, being trusted with the position of festival food curator is a dream role. “I’ve got the very, very fortunate job of putting together a team of chefs and food types I’d like to invite to Adelaide to work with and pair up with winemakers and other producers,” he says. “It is going to be fun, interesting and enjoyable.”
Promoting South Australia as a food and wine destination isn’t difficult either. “It’s a very, very easy sell for anyone who’s into their food. The state’s globally recognised in the food world anyway so we’re just building on that,” he says. “I think Australia and South Australia are well respected for what they have on offer."
Something to whet your appetite
Serving up more than 140 events across 11 regions, this year’s Tasting Australia festival boasts a winning recipe of opportunities to feast on much more than just a slice of South Australia.
From an overnight adventure in the Flinders Ranges through to taking in unsurpassed coastal views while savouring the pick of Kangaroo Island produce, the event celebrates the very best of the state. Among the many regional highlights on this year’s festival menu are:
Flinders Experience
May 1, 9.30am.
From $1650
Immerse yourself in a gastronomic journey unlike any other, combining delicious local Flinders Ranges fare with the chance to explore an ancient landscape. The weekend adventure starts with a flight from Adelaide with Platinum Aircraft Charter to Rawnsley Park Station, a 12,000ha working sheep station on the southern side of Wilpena Pound. The itinerary includes lunch and a four-course lamb tasting dinner – complete with matched Clare Valley wines – at the station’s Woolshed Restaurant, a tour of Ikara/Wilpena Pound and overnight accommodation in the luxe Rawnsley Park eco-villas. The following day features visits to the Bunyeroo and Brachina gorges, before lunch at Parachilna’s Prairie Hotel – renowned for serving up innovative dishes with native and feral food twists – and a visit to the old copper mining town of Blinman.
Oceanview Eco Villas Kangaroo Island Producers Lunch
May 7, noon-4pm.
From $300
See Kangaroo Island’s ongoing recovery from last year’s devastating bushfires first-hand – and enjoy a long lunch at one the area’s most private and exclusive homesteads during your visit. Set on an expansive 202ha property, the Oceanview Eco Villas offer an intimate setting with coastal views taking in the best of beautiful Nepean Bay. After a Kangaroo Island Spirits cocktail on arrival, guests will enjoy a five-course meal featuring local produce. Prepared by Dylan and Yolandi Pitallo, each dish will be paired with Kangaroo Island wines. There is the opportunity to meet the locals behind the produce and watch on as the chefs plate up each dish.
Wynn’s Icon Experience
April 30 to May 8, 2pm-3.30pm.
From $450
Tasting Australia guests have an exclusive opportunity to visit Coonawarra’s most historic vineyard site – Wynns Coonawarra Estate – and sample its acclaimed Icon Collection. The Wynns team will take guests through a handpicked selection of the winery’s best, and there will be the chance to add to the wine cellar by taking home a case of six-sought after bottles. The experience also entitles participants to enjoy exclusive benefits of becoming members of the John Riddoch Club. Riddoch, a Scottish pioneer, planted the estate’s first vineyards in 1891, making them the oldest on the Limestone Coast.
Lenswood 5240
May 1, 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
From $160
Head for the hills and settle in for an evening of sweeping views, premium wines and a menu celebrating world-class ingredients found close to home. Panoramic views of the Adelaide Hills will set the scene for a luxe dining experience at Pike & Joyce, one of the region’s most iconic venues. Sitting almost 600m above sea level, the restaurant at the heart of the Lenswood property will provide the backdrop for a degustation dinner to remember. The exclusive Tasting Australia menu features eight courses made with the finest seasonal produce – each dish paired with Pike & Joyce’s award-winning cool climate wines.
Tasting Australia Airlines – Coffin Bay
May 1, 7.30am-5.30pm.
From $775
If you’re looking for fresh seafood with a side serve of new experiences, consider a day trip to remember to Eyre Peninsula’s Coffin Bay. The Tasting Australia Airlines adventure features a packed program, from return flights from Adelaide – including champagne and light snacks on board – to four-wheel-drive and boat transportation, food and beverages. Experiences include enjoying fresh oysters plucked from the ocean, raking cockles on the beach and travelling to a local marron farm. A stellar group of chefs – including SA favourite Maggie Beer and Emma McCaskill and Tasting Australia food curator Darren Robertson of Sydney’s Three Blue Ducks and The Farm, Byron Bay – will be on hand to showcase the produce. Guests must be happy to get their feet wet and are encouraged to dress for outdoor exploring.
2021 FESTIVAL STARS
MORE FESTIVAL STARS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!
Andrew McConnell
Dan Hunter
Greggory Hill
Maggie Beer
Peter Fraser
Tom Tilbury
Sean Connolly
Paul Carmichael
Alanna Sapwell
Mark Labrooy
Paul Baker
Morgan Mcglone
Karena Armstrong
Jack Ingram
Emma Mccaskill
Duncan Welgemoed
Louis Tikaram
Alejandro Huerta
Analiese Gregory
Mark Wright
Kate Laurie
Tony Love
James Lindner
Anna Flowerday
Michael Brajkovich
Rick Kinzbrunner
Palisa Anderson
Jake Kellie
Christine Manfield
Luke Burgess
tastingaustralia.com.au for updates
