Jet Venue

Automotive enthusiasts and tourists that find themselves in the Adelaide, Australia vicinity may want to schedule a factory tour of the Holden plant in nearby Elizabeth. That plant might be considered a shrine to certain Pontiac and Chevrolet faithful as Holden builds cars there that are exported to North America. Previous models include the Pontiac GTO and G8, and the current Chevrolet Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle. It will soon also build another car for export, the Chevrolet SS, a model that is based on the rear-wheel-drive Holden Commodore.

Holden Elizabeth

The Holden plant in Elizabeth is one of two in Australia, the other is located in Melbourne. However, if you are a Pontiac or Chevrolet performance sedan buff, then contact the Elizabeth facility to see its cars roll off of the assembly line. The plant is a 45-minute drive northwest of Adelaide, with easy access to local businesses and shops.

Holden is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, founded in 1856 as a saddlery manufacturer. In 1908, Holden branched out into the automotive realm and was acquired by General Motors in 1931. Cars are built in Elizabeth and engines are manufactured in Melbourne. Is primary markets are Australia and New Zealand with exports of select models to Canada, the United States, South Africa, Brazil and the Middle East.

Factory Tours

Contact Holden’s public relations department by visiting holden.com.au. Factory tours are not held every day and you must make an appointment.

School groups commonly tour the factory, but other visitors are also welcome. Expect to spend a few hours on the grounds with tours of much of the plant except for the paint room.

Visiting Adelaide

Adelaide is the capital and largest city in the state of South Australia. The area is rich in natural habitat and is home to a number of prized wildlife areas and nature preserves.

Topping most lists is the River Torrens Linear Park Trail. This free entry trail crosses right through the center of the city with easy access to the convention center and zoo. It also take you from leafy suburbs to the beach, with picnic facilitie and rest rooms available.

Speaking of the Adelaide Zoo, make certain to make stop there too. A tip: if you want to visit on a hot day, please know that some animals will be beyond your view. Just like humans, they want some shade! The zoo is home to more than 1,800 animals and includes native birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, mammals and invertebrates. It also features dazzling horticulture and a children’s zoo to keep the wee ones occupied. They can touch the animals too!

Natural Highlights

Besides the Adelaide Zoo, a visit to the Botanic Park may simply surprise you. It is located in the center of Adelaide and offers meandering paths, sparkling lakes and lots of secluded areas to read a book or spend time with a loved one. It is considered one of Adelaide’s joys, a place where families bring kids and picnic lunches to take in the tropical rainforest, botanical gardens and the old grounds.

Not every event in Adelaide must center on nature. But, chances are that wherever you travel, you’ll find something of natural interest too.

At the National Railway Museum in Port Adelaide, you will have the opportunity to take in Australia’s rail way history. That history extends all the way back to 1854 when the first iron rails were put down. Two years later the state-owned railway was formed with interstate travel initiated in 1936. Learn about rail growth down under and compare that with other modes of transportation including what is being manufactured in nearly Elizabeth, courtesy of Holden.

Author Information

Elizabeth Bailey is an avid blogger with a penchant for car vacations. She enjoys sharing her tips and insights on various driving blogs. See this page to find out more about saving money when on holiday.