Welcome to wine country

South Australia's capital was built with plenty of stone and style. Not to mention airiness and aesthetics. Adelaide's regal city centre buildings are surrounded and encircled by open green parklands and the centre hosts a number of events through the year, celebrating the city's thriving arts community and its high spirits.

Bordered by the beautiful hills of the Mt Lofty Ranges and long, sandy beaches of the Gulf St Vincent, pretty, leafy Adelaide is a cultured, cosmopolitan hub. While the city has a distinctly European feel, the passion for sports is unabashedly Australian, perhaps more than in any other city in the country. From cricket to motor racing to Australian Rules footy to water sports, Adelaideans enjoy their weekends at the beach or at the cricket.

The city's streets are very safe, tolerance levels are high, and Adelaide as a whole is proud of its liberal values, as exemplified by annual queer festivals of culture as well as Australia's first nudist beach. The respect for the right to choose is visible in the variety of multi-ethnic restaurants as well. The neighbouring vineyards ensure that magnificent wine flows at the flimsiest of excuses. This city truly knows what it means to have a good quality of life.

The World Cup matches will be played at Adelaide Oval, which has gone through a recent refurbishment. Witness to some of cricket's most tempestuous moments - this hallowed ground was where Bert Oldfield was hit in the head by a delivery from Harold Larwood during the infamous 1932-33 Bodyline Ashes series - it is also home to the Bradman Collection, an exhibition dedicated to Sir Don Bradman, including vintage footage, interactive displays and personal memorabilia.

What to pack: Sunscreen, swimming gear, beach wear, your scuba diving card, smart casuals and a light jumper. Temperatures range between 28 and 14 degrees C. A hat and good walking shoes are essential too. Packing a Kindle or a book to read is a good idea, as you might want to lounge on the beach and read. It is quite the Aussie beach thing to do.

Cycling is a good option in this lovely city. You can hire cycles for a day or a week from Glenelg Cycles.

Adelaide has an integrated transport system covering all metropolitan buses and trains as well as the Glenelg tram. Time tables and fares can be looked at as well as tickets booked online at Adelaide Metro. The Bee Line and City Loop buses are free.

On Saturday nights, the Adelaide Metro offers an after-midnight service, making it safe and easy for party animals to get home after a night out.

For a nostalgia ride, hop on to the classic old trams that rattle their way between Glenelg and Victoria Square in the city every 15 minutes.

High-end: Crowne Plaza Adelaide is located in the heart of the central business district. Overlooking the gardens of Hindmarsh Square, the hotel is a 20-minute walk from the Adelaide Oval. Hotel Grand Chancellor on Currie, also in the central business district, is a 20-minute walk from Adelaide Oval. Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury has various apartments with kitchenettes and is a good choice for a large group.

Mid-range: Quest on King William has immaculate and comfortable apartments right in the city centre. Adelaide Park View Apartments lies to the south of the city centre. The 3.5km distance from the Oval is covered by a 22-minute bus ride. Buses are available every 15 minutes.

Budget: Glenelg Beach Hostel is a 45-minute bus ride from the Oval, but right on the beach, and is quite the party place. Backpack Oz , a family-run hostel, is not far from Rundle Street, which is crammed with restaurants and pubs.

High-end: Celsius is rated as one of Australia's finest dining experiences. Chef Ayhan Erkoc's take on modern Australian cuisine finds inspiration from his family's farm produce; he uses heirloom vegetables and superior meats in his contemporary menu. Both degustation and a la carte dining options are on offer. Auge serves food and wine with a strong Italian accent in a warm and spacious dining room, backlit by the contemporary Spuntini bar. Chef Daniel Milburn's playful menu, with delicate flavours, is handled well across all courses.

Mid-range: Bistro Dom is a "come as you are" French bistro. Chef Duncan Welgemoed's simple menu is prepared with care, while an extensive wine list pays homage to the Bistro's French inspiration. Chianti Classico, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serves classic Italian food, accompanied by with an enticing wine list. Jolleys Boathouse, located along the banks of the Torrens river, is an elegant, glassed-in space. Chef Tony Carroll's modern Australian menu has hints of Asia and the Middle East. The wine list is balanced, with an array of Australian and international wines. Kenji Modern Japanese (Shop 5, 242 Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000. Ph 08 8232 0944) offers a variety of sushi, sashimi and tempura classics, but Chef Kenji Ito's specialties include some modern "east meets west" creations. Much like the menu, the décor combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with playful colour.

Budget: Besides these fine-dining restaurants, Rundle Street is the place to head to for a wide array of choices. It has a number of lively alfresco Italian and Thai restaurants serving snacks, light meals and coffee and cake throughout the day. Close to Rundle Street in Hindmarsh Square is Jasmin Indian Restaurant, which has won many awards in its quarter century of existence. Caos Cafe and Bar on 188 West Hindley Street is known for its all-day breakfasts.

Housed in the grand old train station in on North Terrace, Skycity Adelaide has a wide range of gaming machines and tables. There are two bars, two restaurants and a cafe. Smart casual dress is required. Jive is a great place for live music. Belgian Beer Café has a European beer garden-like atmosphere and delightful beer on offer. Universal Wine Bar, 285 Rundle Street, has a great selection of wines by the glass.

Visiting the Central Market, buzzing with sounds, colours and wondrous smells, it is truly the destination for food lovers. Offering not only fresh fruit and vegetables but also one of the largest ranges of meat and fish along with gourmet specialities, it is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Making your own wine at Penfolds, Barossa Valley, in the heart of Australia's wine industry, the home to gourmet delights and an area blessed with a rich cultural heritage. Barossa is a good excursion from Adelaide. Rows of vineyards connect rolling hills, interspersed with charming villages and hamlets, and pristine working farmlands.

Doing a tour of Kangaroo Island, one of Australia's great natural wonders, as well as one of its best, and most surprising, tourism destinations. It's a wildlife sanctuary without fences, where visitors can see Australian animals in their natural habitat. Around 30% of the island is protected as parks, and its 541km coastline includes excellent swimming and surfing beaches, a spot where visitors can walk among sea lions, spectacular cliffs, and amazing rock formations such as Remarkable Rocks. The island also has a growing reputation as food and wine region, renowned especially for its honey, eucalyptus oil, marron and sheep dairy farms.

Driving through Adelaide Hills, a treasury of quality food and wine, an abundance of wildlife, and spectacular postcard scenery around every bend. An easy 20-minute drive east of Adelaide, the region is home to historic and picturesque villages, well-marked walking trails, art and craft galleries and antique shops. As a renowned cool-climate wine region, its many cellar doors are also popular with visitors. For nature lovers, Cleland Wildlife Park and Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary offer the chance to get close to an array of Australian native animals.