South Australia is so awesome that there is a Facebook group dedicated to it called South Australia, It's Heaps Good. Have a look for yourself. I live in its capital Adelaide also known as "RADelaide", "The Del" or "Adelayde". Depending on if you're a fan, too lazy to say Adelaide or just bored to death living here. South Australia is responsible for Farmers Union Iced Coffee, slow walking and hideously dry and hot summers. Seriously, in summer everyone's lawn is yellow unless they have fake lawn. My family came to Adelaide in 1985 and I consider myself to be 95% South Australian. It is well known among my peers that I have a love/hate relationship with my home town. However, I do think everyone in the world should visit South Australia as it is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places you'll ever experience. And it's cheap.

THE GOOD

Kangaroo Island: Often referred to as "overseas" as it is a small island off the mainland. Despite the name, it's actually full of Koalas, not Kangaroos. KI is one of the purest places you'll ever experience. Pristine coastlines, beautiful non over crowded beaches that you can enjoy whilst eating some of the finest gourmet foods on the planet. Ok, I may be a little bias there. But it's right up there. Try the honey. If you ever make it here you'll also have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the wild life. Penguins and whales in particular. Oh, and Koalas, lots of Koalas...plus the occasional Roo.

Mount Gambier: Famous for it's blue lake and landscape of volcanic craters is home to a plethora of underground waterways. If you are into unique natural surroundings, this is the place to be in SA. Truely beautiful and peaceful. Did I mention the wineries? Try them out.

Hahndorf: Situated in the Adelaide Hills about 30 minutes from the Adelaide CBD (nothing is really that far from the Central Business District in SA. If you drive an hour in any direction from the CBD you're technically in the "country"). Hahndorf has a strong German influence in both food and architecture. Must visit places are the German Cake Shop (you can thank me later) and the German Arms - have breakfast there. You won't need to eat again for a week.

McLaren Vale: If you have the chance to take part in the Sea & Vine festival at McLaren Vale in early June, do it. Get a bus of people together and book in the wineries to tour. McLaren Vale is renown for it's world class wines and on the day, you'll get the chance to taste the many wines and fine foods available. I was at last year's Sea & Vine and only remember snippets of it...I will however remember the alcohol poisoning for life. Please drink in moderation so you enjoy each wine. Drink a couple of glasses at each winery, not a couple of bottles. That way, you'll remember which one was good.

Barossa Valley: Much like McLaren Vale but in the opposite direction and not near the sea. They too have a Food & Wine Festival which is awesome. Same rules as above applies.

Flinders Ranges: SA's largest mountain ranges around 200KM North West of Adelaide with a scenic and unique landscape that is absolutely breath taking. A must visit place if you come here. Full of national parks and some of the best hiking trails in the country. Hire a 4x4 and have an adventure. You'll never forget the sunsets.

Fleurieu Peninsula: If you are a beach lover, SA will bring you some of the best and cleanest coastlines you'll ever experience. A good place to start is at the Fleurieu Peninsula, home to secluded beaches and untouched wildlife. Full of coastal holiday adventure ideas, you'll never run out of things to do. For at least a week.

These are just to name a few "Heaps Good" destinations. I'll need to dedicate an entire website if I went through everything. However you can have a look for yourself at www.southaustralia.com.

SA is cheap. It has a very high standard of living at a very affordable price for the majority of the population. Having visited most Australian capitals for work and living in Sydney, I must say, South Australians are very friendly. The customer service and hospitality you'll receive is excellent. Staff at Borders smile at me when I walk past them. Staff at Borders in Sydney looked at me like I was turd with legs every time I walked into the store and made me find my own books. South Australians have time for you. If you plan to live here, the rent is awesome compared to Melbourne and Sydney where you'll have to pawn your soul.

We also hold some heaps good Arts festivals and events - Fringe, Womadelaide, Clipsal 500, Tour Down Under.

Have I mentioned Guy Sebastian and Wes Carr hails from Adelaide?

Oh, and the girls are heaps pretty :)

THE BAD

It's heaps slow. The streets are dead by 9:30pm. If you're hungry at 3am, there's limited choices. McDonalds, yiros/kebab (weekend only at 3am), Villis (rocks big time), 24hr service stations (will charge you your first born son for a meat pie). It is horrendously hard for newbies to Adelaide to find a job. Businesses here like to stick with what they're comfortable with. So when it comes to recruitment of staff, they stick with what they know and those with local experience. The majority of the population is slightly risk adverse, hence it's very tough to start a business here. However, if your business thrives here, it will virtually thrive everywhere. The people also walk around very slowly around here. Make sure you pack a dose of patience when visiting. When I first moved back here from Sydney I really noticed the difference. It was so frustrating I almost moved back to Sydney. Everybody seems to be on holiday here. Every day.

THE UGLY

Home to some weird shit. Read: Beaumont Children, The Family and Snowtown.

VERDICT

You must visit the driest state on the driest continent at least once, trust me, you won't regret it. This place is full of heaps good food, heaps good places to see and heaps warm people I've lived here for almost all my life and I must say it's the only place where I can completely relax. Although I know my work will take me around the country and around the world, I will always call Adelaide home. Why? Because it's Heaps Good.