A welcome sight

At last! On Friday workers were removing the temporary barriers from the Patawalonga marina lock. The lock has been out of action for six weeks while they have been doing major maintenance on the lock gates. Maybe a day's sailing will be in order this week!

Largs Pier Hotel

This hotel has quite a history; built in 1882 it became a popular seaside resort as it was linked to the City by train. It became the first port of call for many European migrants during the 50's and 60's. Also it is renowned as a live music venue for some top bands during the 70's and 80's.

It has recently been beautifully refurbished and offers very pleasant dining. On Sunday we enjoyed lunch in one of the function rooms; a farewell to a couple of friends from England.

Click here to see more of the Largs Pier Hotel on their website.

A SALA Festival exhibition opening

South Australia's SALA festival, a celebration of the visual arts, runs from August 7th to 23rd; over 400 exhibitions in and around Adelaide and across the state.

Yesterday we attended the opening of Likeness, a photographic exhibition by Angie Bate. This is Angie proudly posing in front of part of her display.

You can see Likeness in the foyer of Flightpath Architects at 101 Hindley Street, Adelaide. The exhibition is open for viewing from 9am to 5:30 Monday to Friday.

Full details of the SALA festival are available on www.salafestival.com

Friendly rivalry

At the launch of Digital Radio on Thursday morning local radio station rivals worked alongside of each other.

Matthew Abraham from 891 ABC took the opportunity to gain members for his fanclub ... even rival station Nova 91.9's presenter, Fitzy.

Digital Radio Launch

Yesterday was the Australia wide launch of digital radio. In Adelaide many of our local radio stations broadcast their breakfast programs from Victoria Square.

Current stations 5AA, MIX, SA-FM, TRIPLE M, NOVA, CRUISE, ABC & SBS stations will all be transmitting their programs digitally; their current AM and FM transmissions will also continue.

New digital stations Radar, Pink Radio, NovaNation, Koffee and The EDGE will also be transmitting.

As well as seeing broadcasters at work you could see and hear the programs live in this booth; quite a broad range of digital receivers was on display.

Australia has adopted the DAB+ format for digital radio; crystal clear sound - particularly a big bonus for AM listeneners. Digital radio offers new features like pause and rewind, digital displays of stations by name and program information.

Go platinum on The Ghan

If you thought the Ghan's Gold Class accomodation looked comfortable, then take a look at the newly commissioned platinum class cabins.


The only catch is they cost about 1.5 times that of the Gold; Adelaide to Darwin for $2987. We can dream can't we or we could splash out for a real treat.

Wining and dining on the Ghan

This is the Queen Adelaide Restaurant, the dining carriage for the Gold Class passengers.

And if you just want to relax with a drink or two you can come here to the lounge.

As part of the Ghan's 80th Birthday celebrations, all of this is available as a free upgrade to the Red Kangaroo Service. So what are we waiting for - Adelaide to Darwin for $1312; even less for concession holders.

The Ghan's 80th birthday

The Ghan has been servicing Adelaide to Alice Springs for 80 years. In 2004 we saw its extension to Darwin.


This morning, courtesy of local radio station Five AA, we partook in a tasty breakfast and then had a guided tour of the train.

This is one of the cabins in a Gold Service carriage. Each cabin has its own ensuite bathroom.

By night the cabin offers comfortable sleeping accomodation.

I will be posting more photos of the Ghan over the next few days. Also for more of The Ghan, see one of my previous posts here.