Hi there everyone...

Let me introduce myself, my name is Danielle. I am a 20 year old Dutchie and a trainee at Groovy grape Getaways. With this blog I would like to keep you guys updated about my life, including time at work, trips in and around Adelaide and of course, the nightlife!

I have been in Australia for 6 weeks now. I spent my first week in Sydney which was absolutely amazing and when I told people there that I would go to Adelaide to do my 5 month placement, they told me I was crazy. According to them Adelaide is one of the most boring cities in Australia. Well, I have been here for 5 weeks now and I can tell you guys it is not at all boring, it is bloody AWESOME out here!  

Adelaide is a lovely picturesque city, it is well known as the city of churches, but also has some beautiful beaches, home to great white sharks, 3 of the most dangerous snakes in the world and lovely koalas and kangaroos too.

Since I arrived, I have been quite lucky, because the weather has been pretty good even though it is winter here in Australia. I went to Adelaide Hills with my friends in a dodgy red pickup truck, which makes it even more Aussie. The Adelaide Hills are lovely and when you pass by a winery definitely go in to visit, because most of the time you can do some free wine tasting. South Australia is well known for their wine regions, as they certainly make some great wines. If you drive up the hills you might end up in a small town called Hahndorf.

Hahndorf is one of the most famous towns in the Adelaide Hills. It is a lovely small town and it is the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia and the evidence of that is still remaining in the city. You will definitely enjoy this small town up in the hills with all its nice souvenir shops, craft outlets, galleries, cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy having a drink or a bite. We definitely did, while enjoying the sun at the same time!

If you want to see some wild koalas hanging around in the trees you could go for some hiking in Morialta Falls and you will probably find them there. If the koalas don’t show up you will probably still enjoy the hike, because the surroundings are stunning. There are lots of hiking routes to explore up in the hills, so if you feel like having a sporty day and enjoying the surroundings at the same time, put on those hiking shoes and go up to the hills.

A couple of weeks ago I went to Cleland Wildlife Park in the Adelaide hills, which was really entertaining and I am sure all tourists would love it. You can feed the kangaroos (believe me, after you feed 20 of them it is not that exciting anymore) and try to touch a Joey who’s chilling in mum’s pouch, but be careful (the mum will kill you).  You can also hold a koala and have your photograph taken with one at Cleland, you have to pay $30 for it but it is definitely worth the money!!! These sessions are held daily between 2 pm and 4 pm and on public holidays and Sundays they have an additional session between 11 am and 12 pm. 

Another option is attending the Koalas in Close-Up session which is held twice a day from 11 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 4 pm.  During these sessions you can enjoy petting and photographing the koalas, but no holding.

You could also attend one of the other daily shows:

12.30 pm Lorikeets

2 pm Tasmanian Devils

2.30 pm  Dingos                                        

3 pm Pelicans/waterfowl          

3.15 pm Forest aviary                      

1.30 pm (Sundays only) Snakes and reptiles           

Cleland Wildlife Park is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 9.30am to 5 pm. No admissions after 4.30 pm.  Entry is $18 for adults, $14.50 for concession and $11 for children (3 – 14 years).

In my next blog I will tell you blokes and sheilas something about the nightlife here in Oz, you definitely don’t wanna miss out on that one. Oh and I will also tell you some more about my work experience at groovy!