Get sporty in Adelaide this weekend with the start of the Santos Tour Down Under and the end of the Adelaide International, or embrace the arts with the annual Victor Harbor Art Show.

Words Elisabeth Marie

Wheelie good time

The world’s best road cyclists will ride into South Australia from January 13 to 22 for the Santos Tour Down Under. Cycling enthusiasts will rejoice after a two-year hiatus for Covid, as elite cyclists once again race through some of South Australia’s most scenic backdrops to win the coveted Tour Down Under. Running concurrently to the men’s and women’s races will be the Festival of Cycling, hosted out of the Tour Village in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, where there will be a family zone, live music and pop-up bars. On January 20, amateur riders can pull on the lycra for the Challenge Tour, which this year runs from Norwood to Campbelltown.

Under the stars

Enjoy theatre under the stars as Open Gardens SA and Blue Sky Theatre present the literary classic, The Scarlet Pimpernel in three South Australian Gardens this summer. Based on the 1905 novel by Baroness Orczy, The Scarlet Pimpernel is the story of a foppish English aristocrat who is secretly a swashbuckling hero and elusive master of disguise who rescues French aristocrats and smuggles them out of France to safety during the French Revolution. The Scarlet Pimpernel will be staged at gardens in Victor Harbor from January 13 to 15 and then performed at The Cedars in Hahndorf from January 20 to 22 and Wittunga Botanic Garden in Blackwood from January 26 to 28.

Melt in your mouth

Glenelg’s Ice Cream Festival will be taking over Jetty Road from 4pm on Saturday, January 14 with an abundance of sweet treats for the whole family. Cool down by the beachside with a variety of stalls selling ice cream and gelato from vendors such as Barossa Valley Ice Cream Co, Freeze n Roll and Golden North. The festival also boasts a range of kids’ activities, fashion parades and live entertainment in the evening as restaurants sprawl onto the street with food and beverage offerings.

Get served

The final serve of the Adelaide International will take place on Saturday, January 14. Take your place in the grandstands and watch as some of the world’s best battle it out for the title of champion on the court at The Drive. See your favourite players take on the court in Adelaide for their final games before the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Giddy up

The whole family can enjoy a day at the races on Sunday, January 15 with the Fleurieu Family Day held at the Strathalbyn Racing Club. Get close to the action with amazing views from the grassed trackside where families are invited to set up a picnic and soak in the sunshine as they watch live horse racing. There will be plenty to keep the kids entertained between races, including face painting, a giant sand pit and an animal petting zoo.

Framed by the ocean

The 44^th Victor Harbor Art Show will be held at Warland Reserve in Victor Harbor from January 14 to 21. The annual event promotes local and interstate artists by allowing them to display and sell their work in the largest outdoor art exhibition in Australia. More than 1400 pieces are displayed throughout the event, with more than 10,000 people visiting Victor Harbor to enjoy the exhibition. Take a stroll by the seaside and enjoy the talent that Australian artists have to offer; maybe even taking your new favourite piece home.

For more of what’s on around South Australia this month, pick up the January issue of SALIFE, which is on sale now.