Some of you might already knew that I woke up at 3am this morning and couldn’t get back to sleep. So instead of rolling and turning, I got myself up and planned for the day for a change. First I checked the locations of all 4 vineyards that I want to visit so I can map out the route. Henschke and Saltram are 2 of my favourite Barossa cellars. I just love their Reds though they are very pricey so not a regular affair. The other 2 vineyards, Chateau Tanunda and Yalumba, I picked them more because of the estates. They were the 2 most impressive I think in Barossa. After the route was set I then went online and booked myself a motel room in Adelaide also looked at things to see and do.
It was still pretty early when I was done with the planning. I wanted a coffee and was hoping the McDonald in Gawler would be 24-hour operated. So drove to Gawler from Angaston and only found that it wasn’t open yet. Bugger! So rather than wait an hour for it to open; I drove to Tanunda where I would start my cellar hopping anyway. Parked the car next to a church in Tanunda and had a little nap. I must have fallen to sleep because it was daylight when I open my eyes again. Spoke to Greg on the phone for a bit then got myself that much needed coffee and a bacon+egg toastie.
The vineyards still wouldn’t be open for another hour or two. Rather than waiting… I just went into Chateau Tanunda before its cellar door was opened. It was OK to walk around the estate and I took many photos. The building is just wonderfully ‘old’. I love the architecture style in South Australia, the German influence. Following Tanunda, I did the same for the other 3 vineyards. Since the cellar doors weren’t opened; I had not done any wine tasting… not that I want to at that time of the morning anyway. Besides, I would buy the wines from Dan Murphy anyway as the prices are quite a bit cheaper than buying direct from the cellars.
After finishing my cellar hop, it was time to move on to Adelaide. It was such a short drive and the scenery made the trip a breeze. Arrived at the motel, Granada Motor Inn, just after midday and, to my surprise, the room is much better than I expected for the price I paid. I would recommend it to anyone if looking for affordable motel in your next Adelaide trip. It is also only a few kilometres from the city…very convenient.
Once I got myself settled, I went into the city for a walkabout. I have to admit that I like the city ‘heaps’. All the old buildings and the new all live in harmony. It has a wonderful European feel if you know what I mean 🙂
I love the Central Railway Station, it is so well preserved (if that is the right word). Rundle Mall and Central Market are great places to go shop and eat. Of course, there has to be a Chinatown. It is not as well defined as the one back in Sydney but you certainly can get anything Asian here though.
Received some suggestions from Michelle on where to go for my usual night shots. I went to Glenelg as it was quite close to where I was though there was a bit of after work traffic. I went straight into shooting mode when I got there so didn’t really look around. I spent an hour or so by the beach shooting the jetty (yes..again) and a pleasant surprise… a fire juggler was juggling on the beach. I set myself up and captured many fireballs that he created.
So that was my day… I will have another night in Adelaide and will try to go to the spots that Michelle suggested.
John @ Adelaide, S.A.
Images: 1. Chateau Tanunda; 2. Saltram; 3. Yalumba; 4. Henschke; 5-11. Street Shots of Adelaide City; 12. Glenelg Jetty; 13. Fire Ball on the Beach
