Adelaide: Postcards from my home town

Everyone has to be born somewhere, and it was here in the leafy 'middle class' Eastern suburbs of Adelaide that became my first home. I grew up in the sheltered, predominantly white, Anglo-Saxon environment of Burnside, attending local schools before deciding that the bright lights of Sydney were more attractive than early 1980s Adelaide. 

Australia Post Maxicards

The continuing rise in the cost of postage, the attractive design elements and the unique stamp and postmark make Australia Post's maxicards a great idea for spoiling our international pals.

I confess I'm a bit sporadic with these philatelic issues, but I'm always interested to see what our often-criticised postal service has on offer.  With the price of international postage included and a real stamp and pictorial postmark, these cards make a lot of sense.

With every new stamp issue, you will often find a companion set of maxicards with a fancy 'First Day of Issue' postmark. Check out the latest here: https://auspost.com.au/shop/collectables/stamp-issues/latest-stamp-issues

Here are some of my favourite sets:

Postcards from Rural South Australia

 Over the years I have driven and ridden many thousands of miles in all directions from the family home in Adelaide. Here you will find a selection of postcards sent home from family travels dating back more than 50 years.

South Australia, a state in Australia, boasts diverse landscapes, from the Outback to coastal wonders like Kangaroo Island. Adelaide, its capital, exudes a laid-back vibe and hosts cultural festivals. Renowned for wine regions like the Barossa Valley, it offers culinary delights alongside rugged outback adventures, making it a captivating destination.

Postcards from country New South Wales

Mostly from the family collection, but also from travelling friends.

The exploration of rural New South Wales unveils vast expanses of farmland, rugged terrain, and quaint towns steeped in history. From the fertile plains of the Riverina to the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley, exploration reveals agricultural abundance, scenic beauty, and the resilient spirit of rural communities shaping the state's character.

Junk shop find: vintage Aussie postcards

 Unearthed during a rummage in a Hahndorf old wares shop. These old cards fascinate me. What postcard treasures have you found in old "junk shops"?

Found postcard: MV Murray Explorer

Renmark 18 Feb 1981. This is a wonderful trip despite the extremely hot weather. It was dry heat at last and I had a marvellous time in the water yesterday. We stopped at a very pretty spot, Green lawn Red Cliffs and the white ship. At least 20 people and the crew were swimming. Today we awoke to a cool change and even a little bit of rain we have met some very nice people. lots from interstate I am trying not to eat too much but the food is pretty good and it's difficult. Just came through lock 6 between Renmark and Mildura downstream see you soon, Louise

Eucla Jetty WA

19 May 1996: Arrived here just before sunset and scampered down to the dunes to see what we could of the old telegraph station and jetty.

Receive a postcard from Christmas Island

Post by Christmas Island Tourism Association.

Old Telegraph Station, Alice Springs

FJ Holden

The successor to the original 48-215 (FX) the FJ was the iconic Australian car of the 1950s, manufactured from 1953-56 with 169,969 produced. Very few remain and are highly prized.

Bilamuk Gapal, Larrakia man, Palmerston NT 1891

Some years back, a cache of old photographic plates was discovered near Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory. The haul revealed (among other things) a wealth of brilliant portraits of Aboriginal people in their traditional attire and adornment. This card was produced by the South Australian Museum to coincide with an exhibition and is my clear favourite from the collection. Another reason to love museum issue postcards.