1. Where is it?
2. European Beginnings
The South Australian coastline remained largely unexplored and uninhabited by Europeans until the start of the nineteenth century.
In the early 1800s, the English navigator, Matthew Flinders, and the Frenchman, Captain Nicolas Baudin, each set off on separate voyages to explore the southern coastline of Australia (then known as New Holland). On 8 April 1802, Baudin, (who was |
THE ENCOUNTER: Matthew Flinders on the Investigator and Nicholas Baudin on Le Geographe meet at Encounter Bay, South Australia in 1802. Original painting: John Ford.
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travelling west) and Flinders, (who was travelling east) unexpectedly met near Victor Harbour. The men exchanged information about what lay ahead for the other and vital knowledge about freshwater locations. The bay where they met was aptly named Encounter Bay.
Unlike many Australian states, South Australia was not settled as a penal colony for convicts. Instead, it was settled by free settlers. The first ships carrying 200 free settlers arrived in South Australia in 1836. The ship arrived from England, however many of the settlers were from Germany. By 1850, about 38,000 immigrants had settled in South Australia.
Unlike many Australian states, South Australia was not settled as a penal colony for convicts. Instead, it was settled by free settlers. The first ships carrying 200 free settlers arrived in South Australia in 1836. The ship arrived from England, however many of the settlers were from Germany. By 1850, about 38,000 immigrants had settled in South Australia.
3. Symbols
The official bird of South Australia is the Piping Shrike.
The official colours of South Australia are red gold and blue.
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The badge and flag of South Australia
Official animal of South Australia is the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat.
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The official fossil of South Australia is the Spriggina.
The official flower of South Australia is the Sturt Desert Pea.
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Official fish of South Australia is the Leafy Seadragon.
The gemstone of South Australia is opal.
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4. Adelaide
Interesting Facts About Adelaide
Did You Know:
Did You Know:
- Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia.
- It only takes 20 minutes to get from one side of Adelaide to the other.
- Adelaide is well known as Australia’s opal capital.
- Adelaide is a city of firsts – it was the first Australian city to give women the right to vote and pass laws that prevented racial discrimination.
- Another nickname Adelaide is known by is the city of churches because of the range of faiths and about 700 places of worship.
- Adelaide City is built on both sides of the Torrens River.
Things to See and Do in Adelaide
Mount Lofty
Rising 727 metres into the air, Mount Lofty is a sight to behold. The summit of Adelaide’s most famous mountain has amazing views of South Australia’s capital city, the valley to the east and the Adelaide Plains to the west.
Adelaide Himeji Garden
This beautiful garden is inspired by two Japanese styles – senzui, which is a lake and mountain garden and kare senzui, which is a type of dry garden.
Victoria Square
Also known as Tarntanyangga, Victoria Square is home to some of Adelaide’s most famous sights. This includes the Queen Victoria Statue, Reconciliation Plaza, St Francis Xavier Cathedral, and Three Rivers Fountain.
Swim with Dolphins off Glenelg Beach
After boarding a sailing catamaran, you will change into a wetsuit, mask and snorkel and hang off a flotation line in the water. Common and bottlenose dolphins will swim and play around and beneath you. Thousands of dolphins live in this bay.
Peruse the Art Gallery of South Australia
With artwork dating back to the 1800’s, the Art Gallery of South Australia provides a look at the historical and cultural side of the city.
Adelaide Central Market
The Adelaide Central Market opened in 1870 and is still going. These markets offer a range of things, including fresh fruit and vegetables, local meat and delicious desserts.
Discover the Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Zoo is the number one place to discover wildlife in South Australia. Known famously as Australia’s panda home, Adelaide Zoo is home to the only giant pandas in Australia – Wang Wang and Fu Ni.
Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Take time to smell the roses at one of Adelaide’s most beautiful spots. Check out the Australian Forest which has trees that are over 150 years old, or discover the Garden of Health which showcases 2,500 plants that have healing properties. This walk goes across man-made and bush tracks.
Mount Lofty
Rising 727 metres into the air, Mount Lofty is a sight to behold. The summit of Adelaide’s most famous mountain has amazing views of South Australia’s capital city, the valley to the east and the Adelaide Plains to the west.
Adelaide Himeji Garden
This beautiful garden is inspired by two Japanese styles – senzui, which is a lake and mountain garden and kare senzui, which is a type of dry garden.
Victoria Square
Also known as Tarntanyangga, Victoria Square is home to some of Adelaide’s most famous sights. This includes the Queen Victoria Statue, Reconciliation Plaza, St Francis Xavier Cathedral, and Three Rivers Fountain.
Swim with Dolphins off Glenelg Beach
After boarding a sailing catamaran, you will change into a wetsuit, mask and snorkel and hang off a flotation line in the water. Common and bottlenose dolphins will swim and play around and beneath you. Thousands of dolphins live in this bay.
Peruse the Art Gallery of South Australia
With artwork dating back to the 1800’s, the Art Gallery of South Australia provides a look at the historical and cultural side of the city.
Adelaide Central Market
The Adelaide Central Market opened in 1870 and is still going. These markets offer a range of things, including fresh fruit and vegetables, local meat and delicious desserts.
Discover the Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Zoo is the number one place to discover wildlife in South Australia. Known famously as Australia’s panda home, Adelaide Zoo is home to the only giant pandas in Australia – Wang Wang and Fu Ni.
Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Take time to smell the roses at one of Adelaide’s most beautiful spots. Check out the Australian Forest which has trees that are over 150 years old, or discover the Garden of Health which showcases 2,500 plants that have healing properties. This walk goes across man-made and bush tracks.
History of Adelaide
The Kaurna people have lived on the land Adelaide stands on for thousands of years. They called it Tarndanya, which means Place of the Red Kangaroo.
Adelaide was founded in 1836 by William Light, a surveyor general. The city was named after King William IV’s wife, Adelaide.
Adelaide was a settlement for free people. Many of the first settlers who came to Adelaide were from Ireland, England and Germany.
The Kaurna people have lived on the land Adelaide stands on for thousands of years. They called it Tarndanya, which means Place of the Red Kangaroo.
Adelaide was founded in 1836 by William Light, a surveyor general. The city was named after King William IV’s wife, Adelaide.
Adelaide was a settlement for free people. Many of the first settlers who came to Adelaide were from Ireland, England and Germany.
5. Flinders Range
The Flinders Ranges are to the north of Adelaide and are the largest mountain ranges in South Australia. They are part of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and stretch for 430km.
Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre of mountains, is the most notable feature of the Flinders Ranges.
The Flinders Ranges are home to many flora and fauna that adapted to the semi-arid climate, such as the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby.
Visitors can hike, drive four-wheel vehicles, camp and take tours of the Flinders Ranges.
Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre of mountains, is the most notable feature of the Flinders Ranges.
The Flinders Ranges are home to many flora and fauna that adapted to the semi-arid climate, such as the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby.
Visitors can hike, drive four-wheel vehicles, camp and take tours of the Flinders Ranges.
6. Cooper Pedy
Coober Pedy is an Aboriginal name that means "white men in a hole". The name perfectly describes the fact that about 80 % of the residents live underground to escape from the heat in summer, and the cold nights in winter.
In 1915 opal was discovered by 14 year old Willie Hutchison who was a member of a gold prospecting party. After World War I, many former soldiers came to the opal fields. It is said that they introduced the dugouts and living underground.
Since then, adventurers from all around the world have been attracted to Cooper Pedy to seek their fortune in the opal mines. This made the town a multicultural place of about 45 different nationalities. Today the opal fields produce most of the world's white opal.
Quick Facts
Population: 1,566 people according to the 2021 Australian census
Coober Pedy is a long way from other towns!
Summer: 36°C during the day, and falling to 20°C at night. January is the hottest month.
Winter 18°C during the day, and falling to 6°C at night.
In 1915 opal was discovered by 14 year old Willie Hutchison who was a member of a gold prospecting party. After World War I, many former soldiers came to the opal fields. It is said that they introduced the dugouts and living underground.
Since then, adventurers from all around the world have been attracted to Cooper Pedy to seek their fortune in the opal mines. This made the town a multicultural place of about 45 different nationalities. Today the opal fields produce most of the world's white opal.
Quick Facts
Population: 1,566 people according to the 2021 Australian census
Coober Pedy is a long way from other towns!
- Alice Springs: 688.3 kilometres (that's 7 hrs 3 mins of driving)
- Adelaide: 848.2 km (that's 8 hrs 55 mins of driving)
- Sydney: 2,085.4 kilometres (that's almost an entire day of driving 22hr 3min)
Summer: 36°C during the day, and falling to 20°C at night. January is the hottest month.
Winter 18°C during the day, and falling to 6°C at night.
Things to See and Do in Adelaide
The Big Winch Scenic Lookout This is one of the most prominent landmarks in town. The view over the pockmarked surroundings shows the extent of the opal mining activities. There is an opal shop next to the winch which has fossilised shells of opal embedded in its wall. Old Timers Mine This opal mine dates back to 1916. It is a window through time. Nobody knows why the old time miners had back-filled their shafts, or why they never returned to the mine. It was well hidden. The hidden mine was discovered in 1968 when an underground home extension broke through and revealed the wealthy mine. The opal is still there and can be seen by visitors. Saint Peter & Paul's Catholic Church This was the first underground church in Coober Pedy. In the early days the church was used by all denominations. It was built with the help of everyone in the community. Today the town has also an Anglican and a Serbian Orthodox church, both underground. Umoona Opal Mine & Museum This is a top tourist attraction. You can take a guided tour and see how they cut and polish the stone. Learn about the history in the interpretive centre, or explore an underground home. The shop offers opal stones and jewellery for sale. Mole Hills Drive around town and see hundreds of mole hills. But be careful! Always watch your step, and don't fall into a shaft. All these hills of debris and the shafts belong to someone. Be careful not to intrude on private property by stay on designated paths. Jewell Box Want to try your luck? Fossicking, or noodling is allowed in an area called the "Jewell Box" at the eastern edge of town. Get yourself a pick and shovel, and dig in the piles of debris from the mines. If you're lucky, you might find a precious piece of Australian opal! |
The big winch
Old Timers Mine
Saint Peter & Paul's Catholic Church
Umoona Opal Mine & Museum
Mole Hills
'Noodling' for opal
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7. Big Things
- first floor had a function room
- second floor had a souvenir shop and cafe
- third floor had a mural depicting the local scenery
- fourth floor had a lookout
The Big Rocking Horse
It is located in Gumeracha in the Adelaide Hills and was built in 1981. The Big Rocking Horse is Part of a complex that includes a wooden toy factory and a wildlife park. It is 18.3 metres tall and 17 metres in length. It weighs more than 25 tonnes. You can climb all the way to the top through the inside of it. |
- Dinosaur ants were discovered at Poochera in 1977
- The ants are linked to the first known ant species which formed from wasps at least 70 million years ago
- Scientists from around the globe visit to study the ants which are deemed to be living fossils
- They are 1 cm in length and a golden brown colour
- They are nocturnal
- They have a wasp like sting but are not agressive
- They forage for food alone
8. national parks - Kangaroo Island
Flinders Chase National Park
Admirals Arch is a natural rock arch created by amazing forces of nature. It's situated within Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island. You can access the boardwalk around the cliff face which leads to a viewing platform overlooking the arch. The arch is sculpted by weathering and erosion from the sea over thousands of years. Long-nosed fur seals The rocks around Admirals Arch are a popular haul-out spot for long-nosed fur seals. Watch their playful antics as they frolic in rock pools and surf the waves. Tammar Wallabies Kangaroo Island has the largest remaining natural population of Tammar wallabies. Much smaller than kangaroos, Tammar wallabies have a dark grey coat with reddish-brown arms, feet and flanks, and white cheek stripes. They’re nocturnal and best seen at dawn and dusk. Australian Sea-Lions Seal Bay is the only place in the world where you can see Australian sea-lions at close quarters and walk on a beach where pups play, bulls fight for supremacy and resting mothers suckle their young. |
Cape Willoughby Lighthouse Cape Willoughby Conservation Park
Cape Willoughby Conservation Park
Cape Willoughby once played a vital role in the shipping trade of the young colony of South Australia before the beginning of efficient forms of land transport. Cape Willoughby Lighthouse was built to assist the safe journey of ships passing through the treacherous stretch of water known as Backstairs Passage during a time of rapidly expanding coastal shipping trade between the eastern colonies and the colony of South Australia. Whales There has been 29 different types of whales recorded in South Australia. The most common are the southern right whale, humpback whale, sperm whale, blue whale and orca whale (killer whale). Of these you are most likely to spot a southern right whale along the South Australian coast. Kangaroos Kangaroo Island was named for its kangaroos, which have evolved differently from mainland kangaroos since the island has not been connected to the mainland in 9,500 years. Kangaroo Island kangaroos often rest during the day under vegetation, coming out to graze in the early morning and late afternoon. |
9. Aboriginal culture
South Australia is home to many Indigenous peoples. For example, the Murray River and the Coorong were home to the Ngarrindjeri and Nganguraku people.
The Kaurna people are the traditional owners of the Adelaide plains in South Australia. Some Kaurna place names still remain today, such as Willunga. Many parks and squares throughout Adelaide are dual named using the Kaurna Warra language. For example, Victoria Square in Adelaide’s CBD is also known by its Kaurna name, Tarntanyangga, which translates to ‘redkangaroo rock place’.
The Torrens River also goes by the Kaurna name of Karrawirra Pari.
Evidence has been found in caves beneath the Nullarbor Plains at Koonalda that Aboriginals were mining flint there 22,000 years ago. There is also evidence of Aboriginal Australians at Wyrie Swap (near Millicent) using boomerangs to hunt waterfowl 10,000 years ago.
For Aboriginal people, the lands, waters and all living things are connected and the landscape is a living body.
There are many places across the state that have great spiritual significance to Aboriginal first nations. They are all part of the Creation or Dreaming, of Country; and they are part of the Aboriginal peoples of South Australia.
The Kaurna people are the traditional owners of the Adelaide plains in South Australia. Some Kaurna place names still remain today, such as Willunga. Many parks and squares throughout Adelaide are dual named using the Kaurna Warra language. For example, Victoria Square in Adelaide’s CBD is also known by its Kaurna name, Tarntanyangga, which translates to ‘redkangaroo rock place’.
The Torrens River also goes by the Kaurna name of Karrawirra Pari.
Evidence has been found in caves beneath the Nullarbor Plains at Koonalda that Aboriginals were mining flint there 22,000 years ago. There is also evidence of Aboriginal Australians at Wyrie Swap (near Millicent) using boomerangs to hunt waterfowl 10,000 years ago.
For Aboriginal people, the lands, waters and all living things are connected and the landscape is a living body.
There are many places across the state that have great spiritual significance to Aboriginal first nations. They are all part of the Creation or Dreaming, of Country; and they are part of the Aboriginal peoples of South Australia.
Significant Aboriginal Places
IKARA – THE MEETING PLACE, FLINDERS RANGES
Located in the heart of the Flinders Ranges is Ikara - The Meeting Place, an award-winning public art space that shares an important story of the Adnyamathanha people.
The community has widely endorsed sharing information with visitors about their land to encourage a deeper appreciation of Aboriginal culture.
Located in the heart of the Flinders Ranges is Ikara - The Meeting Place, an award-winning public art space that shares an important story of the Adnyamathanha people.
The community has widely endorsed sharing information with visitors about their land to encourage a deeper appreciation of Aboriginal culture.
Arkaroo Rock is a particularly important Aboriginal art site in the Flinders Ranges, featuring ochre and charcoal images depicting the creation of Wilpena Pound.
The main cave site is at least 5,000 years old and the rock paintings are best seen in the morning light.
Sacred Canyon is a small chasm where ancient Aboriginal rock engravings representing animal tracks, people, waterholes and other symbols that have been etched into the smooth sandstone walls. The rock engravings are best seen in soft morning or afternoon light.
The main cave site is at least 5,000 years old and the rock paintings are best seen in the morning light.
Sacred Canyon is a small chasm where ancient Aboriginal rock engravings representing animal tracks, people, waterholes and other symbols that have been etched into the smooth sandstone walls. The rock engravings are best seen in soft morning or afternoon light.
people have been living around Kati Thanda for thousands of years and it plays a central role in many of their stories and songs. As Australia's largest salt lake, it is usually dry but occasionally the lake fills with water - transforming into a desert oasis, with thousands of waterbirds flocking to the area.
Nearby is Anna Creek Painted Hills, a spectacular and recently discovered section of the pristine Breakaways country in the far north of South Australia. Created more than 80 million years ago, it's a large rocky outcrop of large and small hills, which emerge suddenly out of a flat, desert landscape. The |
area can only be accessed by air, due to its fragility and natural beauty.
in the Yura Muda language, Ikara Wilpena is an important spot for cultural ceremonies and initiations.
Management of the entire Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is split between the South Australian government and the men and women of the Adnyamathanha, who do request that visitors refrain from ascending St Mary's Peak past Tanderra Saddle for spiritual reasons.
Management of the entire Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is split between the South Australian government and the men and women of the Adnyamathanha, who do request that visitors refrain from ascending St Mary's Peak past Tanderra Saddle for spiritual reasons.
10. Animals
Short-Beaked Echidnas
Kangaroo Island short-beaked echidnas appear to be abundant across the island due to suitable habitat and no significant predators. They are generally solitary. They feed day and night and sheltering in hollow logs, under piles of debris, in self-constructed burrows and among tree roots. Echidnas have exceptional hearing and a good sense of smell. They’ll freeze when disturbed and then curl into a ball, often trying to bury themselves in the leaf litter or soil. If you find an echidna, watch quietly and patiently from at least 20 metres away. If they change their behaviour while you are watching then you are probably too close. Fun Facts
Willie Wagtail
The Willie Wagtail is a small, black and white bird that has a fantail. It has a white chest and belly, with black plumage on the head, throat, back, wings and tail. The tail is long and rounded. The Willie Wagtail has a distinctive white “eye-brow”. Willie Wagtail is common throughout the Australian mainland and Kangaroo Island. The species is also found in the Torres Strait, New Guinea, Moluccas and the Solomon Islands. They can be found in almost all habitats throughout Australia, including grasslands, open woodlands, dry woodlands and forests. They can also found in urban parks and gardens, golf courses and sporting fields and and you may see them in your backyard. They are generally absent from rainforests. It hunts for insects such as beetles, larvae as well as flies, spiders, wasps, bees, ants and grasshoppers to eat. As the name suggests, they will wag their tail from side to side (as well as briefly flash its wings) when hunting. Fun Facts
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Tammar Wallabies
Tammar Wallabies are the smallest species of Wallaby, only reaching heights of around two feet and weights of 4-10 kgs. Males are typically larger than females. Their coat of fur is short and dark grey in color though their sides may be red, and they may be tan underneath. They are herbivores, which means eating grasses and shrubs. Tammar Wallabies can be found on South Australian offshore islands, like Kangaroo Island. as well Coastal southwest Western Australia and WA offshore islands also are home to these animals. They prefer to live in coastal shrublands and dry forests with dense vegetation. Dingoes are the main natural predator they face in the wild, but they also are preyed on by invasive species that were introduced to Australia, including foxes and feral cats. If they sense danger, they will give warning thumps with their hind legs. In the wild, their average lifespan is under 10 years, but in human care, they live an average of 10-14 years. It takes approximately 1 month before the female wallaby will give birth to a single joey which will stay in the pouch for 8-9 months. The joey usually doesn’t poke their head out of the mother’s pouch until they are about 150 days old. Fun Facts
Leafy Seadragon
It is a close relative of seahorses. The leafy sea dragon doesn’t live on tropical reefs, but in the cooler rocky reefs off south and western Australia. This rare fish, with its leaflike fins and frilly appendages, is perfectly camouflaged among seaweeds and seagrass beds. It can be difficult to spot among the kelp as it slowly sways back and forth with the current. Its habitat is temperate waters over sandy patches found among kelp reefs and in protected coastal bays and rocky shorelines. Its maximum length 35 cm.Leafy Seadragon eat mysid shrimp. Fun Facts
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Activities
Adelaide Questions
1. Download and print the worksheet. 2. Go to section 4 on the website for your answers. |
Colour the Opal
1. Download and print the worksheet. 2. Go to section 6 on the website to get ideas about which colours to use. |
Find a Word
If you enjoy find a words, try this one. 1. Download the worksheet and print to the library printer. 2. Highlight the words as you find them. |
Notes to Sentences
1. Download the worksheet and print to the library printer. 2. Choose 3 notes and write them in sentences. |
Distances in the SA
1. Download the worksheet and print to the library printer. 2. Look at the map and choose 3 towns. 3. Using Google search find the distance between each of the 3 towns and Adelaide - e.g. Adelaide to Cooper Pedy. 4. Record your answers. |
Map Reading
1. Download the worksheet and print to the library printer. 2. Find the South Australia 3. Colour the states that share a border with the South Australia. 4. Use section 1 to help you. |
MAKE a TIMELINE
1. Re-read Section 7. Big Things. 2. Make notes in your exercise book of 5 big things and when they were created. 3. Construct a timeline in your book. |