Why You Must Visit AdelaideJanuary 16, 2015

New York Times released its annual list on travelling. What are the 52 places to go this year? Many destinations (in the list) were once a no-no, mainly due to political reasons. They recently opened up to the world, which the editorial team took notice. Adelaide was the only place from Down Under to make it. No big deal, as the proximity of the capital of South Australia to the beaches and county was no secret.

Carrickalinga was named South Australia's top beach by Lonely Planet. Some locals would react with a surprise, wondering why it took so long to be noticed. (Better late than never.) What made this coastline quite special was how close it was to the McLaren Vale wine region. South Australians would boast the quality of the wine, as the region enjoyed a temperate climate. In fact, this was the main reason to travel to the countryside. (Yes, there was more to the Outback in this part of Oz.) But back to the beach. There was another reason to travel to this part of Adelaide. Some of the beaches from St Kilda to Port Noarlunga were considered the finest in Australia.

"With a natural barrier of the reef, Port Noarlunga offers a unique setting for families, divers and others looking for something different," Surf Life Saving South Australia general manager Shane Daw said.

Fleurieu Peninsula is the other place to visit. The rugged coastline will bring out the inner Heathcliff out of visitors, but that can be tamed with the South Australian wine. It will be a compliment if someone mistaken the region for the wine valleys in Tuscany. The liquor won't make bitter people (like how Rex Pickett depicted the San Ynez Valley in "Sideways").

But the editorial team of New York Times knew all of these.

Check out the art scene

Why Adelaide made the list? The team took notice of the city's art scene. This would be quite surprising, as Sydney and Melbourne have been in the forefront for years. In fact, there have been a rivalry of sort.

The list came at the right time, as Australia Day will be celebrated at the end of the month. For tourists, this will be a good opportunity to see the other parts of the Oz. And there can be no better place (to start) than Adelaide. In fact, you can go to Mount Lofty on your first night. A panorama of the bright lights of the city awaits you, and it will be disappointing if it takes you a while to gasp at such a sight. If you're interested in architecture, then this metropolis will make you satisfied. (St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral, Torrens Building, the Adelaide Town Hall. The list goes on and on.) But don't forget the festivals. (Victor Arbor Art Show, Kapunda Twilight Market, Harvest Festival Art Exhibition. The list goes on and on.)

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