South Australia

Two things will come to Australians mind immediately at the mention of South Australia: wine regions and festivals. However, considering the size of South Australia it is only the fourth one, in terms of population it is the fifth in the row of the States and Territories. What this state really special for is the fact that this state was not founded as penal colony, but it was civil community even at the beginning.

South Australia figures

Major cities: Adelaide (1,040,719 inhabitants), Mount Gamber (23.494 inhabitants), Whyalla (21.122 inhabitants)
Area: 1,043,514 km2
Population and population density: 1,644,642 people - 1.67 / km2

Weather and Geography

The climate is Mediterranean at the Southern part of the state, the average annual mean temperature is 29 ° C in summer and 15 ° C is in winter, although sometimes it can be even 48 ° C in the summer.
As we go further to the north of the states, the climate is getting drier and drier.
Geographically, South Australia is in a unique position since it is neighboring states to all other, except of course the Australian Capital Territory.
The most important river is the Murray in the state. The capital and the largest city, Adelaide can be found at the side of River Murray.
The banks of the Murray - unlike the rest of the national territory – have very good topsoil. A significant part of the state is mostly bare, downhill, but also we can find some mountains. Besides three of the continents famous deserts can be found here: the Great Victoria, the Strzelecki Desert and the SturtStony.

Curiosities, Sights

South Australia is the most favorable to those who love nature safari, roaming to deserted land, or those who would like to get to know the Aboriginal culture more closely.
Still, we think perhaps the most interesting part of South Australia is the Kangaroo Island not far from the coast of Adelaide.
This 4.405 km2 island is home to many unique species of animals, like kangaroos, seals, koalas and possums that are native only here.
Much of the island is national park, but there are many services to entertain tourists as well.

History

The modern history of the state began on 28 December, 1836, when Admiral Sir John Hindmarsh has declared the area as British province.
Interestingly, not in Adelaide, but the Kingscote, Kangaroo Island was the first established town in the state.
South Australia was not intended to be penal colony. They followed the principle of systematic colonization. They well planned and founded the cities. The aim was to give home to all those free immigrants seeking religious and cultural freedom, and is highly respecting human freedoms.
Following these principles, we can say that South Australia is politically innovative and culturally active.