Hints & Tips
Climate
South Australia has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm dry summers. Very hot conditions can be experienced during summer, especially in the northern parts of the State, such as the Flinders Ranges and Outback regions. With much of these regions being desert, the days can be extremely hot, however the nights can be quite cold. Rainfall is experienced mostly during the winter months of June, July and August.
The sun can be extremely intense in Australia. To avoid skin burn, seek shade whenever possible, particularly between the hours of 11am and 3pm. When out in the sun, wear a wide brimmed hat to protect the face, ears and back of the neck, and use a maximum protection, broad based spectrum sun screen of at least SPF30.
Average daily winter (June-August) temperatures, Adelaide - Max 15.9 degrees Celsius, Min 8 degrees Celsius
Average daily spring (September-November) temperatures, Adelaide - Max 21.7 Min 11.6
Average daily summer (December-February) temperatures, Adelaide - Max 28.3 Min 16.5
Average daily autumn (March-May) temperatures, Adelaide - Max 22.4 Min 12.5
Travel Information
Stop in at the South Australian Visitor and Travel Centre at 18 King William Street for loads of suggestions on what to see and do in Adelaide. They can also help you make all your travel and accommodation bookings - and there's hundreds of brochures and booklets to peruse.
Talk to an Adelaide City Council City Guide for tourism information or directions. They're dressed in green and roving the city's core retail area around Rundle Mall.
Personal Protection Program
South Australians enjoy a very safe environment and you can play your part in reducing crime. When travelling, close your vehicle windows and conceal all valuables including your purse, handbag, shopping, phone and laptop. When parking, lock your vehicle and don't leave your keys where they can be found.
Emergency Telephone Numbers
If you notice anything unusual or anyone acting suspiciously, report it to the police. Phone 131 444 for police assistance or 000 for emergencies. From mobile phones, the emergency telephone number is 112.
If you have information relating to a crime, contact BankSA Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Water preservation
While you're on holiday in South Australia, we need you to help us preserve our precious water. You can do this by keeping your showers short (less than five minutes), washing boats or vehicles with a bucket instead of a hose, cleaning fish in basins rather than running water, and adhere to any water restrictions that may apply during your holiday. For more information, please visit the Watercare website.
Fires
A fire danger period exists between November and April each year in South Australia. This can be extended, depending on the seasonal weather conditions. During fire danger periods there are fire restrictions that apply, including total fire ban days. For up to date details of fire bans, visit the Country Fire Services's fire bans page or telephone 1300 362 361.
Keep SA Phylloxera Free
Each year thousands of visitors come to South Australia to sample and savour some of the world's finest wines and to marvel at the beauty of the gnarled and twisted old vines of the wine regions. Both vines and wines could be at risk because of phylloxera (fil-ox-era), an insect that attacks grapevine roots.
If visiting wine regions outside of South Australia, clean your shoes and remove mud from your vehicle before coming to South Australia. Don't walk on vineyard soil. Do not bring any plant material or soil into South Australia. Stay on roadways when visiting vineyards. For further details, you can visit the Phylloxera website.
Keep SA Fruit Fly Free
South Australia is the only mainland Australian state without a permanent population of fruit fly and we aim to keep it that way. Please don't bring fruit or vegetables into South Australia. Use the dumping bins and signs around the state to prevent being penalised.
