How I Holiday: Why Alex Frayne Loves To Take His South Aussie Visitors To The Cemetery

Alex Frayne is an absolute visionary when it comes to the South Australian art scene, and sure knows how to uncover those charming neighbourhood haunts that the locals try to keep secret.

With his new epic photographic and immersive study of the fractured psyche of modern America MANIFEST DESTINY opening as part of Adelaide Festival at ILA this week, we had to grab him to chat about his go-tos around his beloved Adelaide.

What's a local Adelaide spot you always take visitors to?

If visitors are my arts brethren I will often take them to the West Terrace Cemetery (hope this isn't too morbid!) to show them the Grainger/Aldridge plot, where the late great eccentric Australian composer, inventor and classical pianist Percy Grainger lies. He is a relative of mine, and probably more famous among the eastern states Arts crowd' than he is in SA. 

Which neighbourhood do you think best reflects the real Adelaide right now, and what do you love about spending time there?

The Western Suburbs and beachside domains are where the excitement is. From Linear Park through Fullham Gardens to the coast one can pass though post-war architecturally interesting suburbs, to Glenelg (where I play golf) to the Port and north to Semaphore. These places are on the move and culturally have much to offer. 

Image credit: Alex Frayne | Supplied

Where's the best spot for a pub feed?

I think the gold standard is the Arkaba, and it has been for decades. And those hidey hole booths! Generations of Adelaide-eans know those things, and secretly pine for them. 

Where's your local cafe, and of course, your go-to order?

The Cathedral Cafe on Kermode Street, next to St Peters Cathedral. It's run by a Vietnamese family and the pork rolls and soups are superlative and affordable. 

Image credit: Alex Frayne | Supplied

What's the best wine bar around and what are you drinking?

I'm a life-long tea-totaller, never had a drink...but if I was a drinker, Bar Septimus on Grenfell Street is great, the venue has some of my work on the walls, and Ian Coker runs a very high-end wine and cheese bar. 

Who are some Adelaide creatives, makers or small business owners you think deserve more love?

It's hard to call out individuals here. I think ALL creatives and small businesses need more love. I think those in hospo have lived through some awful times in the last 5 years and things seem to get tougher for owners and makers. A special call out to those in the Hutt Street Precinct, Jetty Road Glenelg and anybody trying to have a crack at running a business in this festival reliant city...They've survived Covid, inflation, Algal blooms and constant roadworks; they deserve a modicum of prosperity at the very least.

Image credit: Alex Frayne | Supplied

Where do you go when you want to feel inspired or get a reset, nature spot, gallery, venue, anywhere?

Port Noarlunga Beach. I spent large swathes of time in the 80's as a kid here, walking around the Onkaparinga, falling in, surviving, swimming, and shooting 8mm movies. And who could forget the Beer Garden at the pub?

Is there a community or culture space in Adelaide that means something special to you?

ILA on Light Square! (Immersive Light and Art). The multi-purpose venue par excellence, it really is brilliant, and has to been seen to be believed. 

Image credit: ILA | Website

Which local events, markets or festivals do you look forward to every year?

The Adelaide Festival of Arts is top of the tree. As a past and future participant I love our festival, the controversies, the hype, the polemics of reviews ("oh it was amazing" or "it was just ghastly!"). Government, take note - The Festival needs the attention from Treasury befitting of the nation's most renowned curated arts festival. 

If you had one day to show someone your Adelaide, what would the itinerary look like?

I would start by taking them up to Cleland to show them the koa.....oh wait - sorry, just joshing!. Ok, I think the most Adelaide-y start to a day happens at the Central Market. A wander around the West End and you'll see some modernist marvels. Hop on the Tram at South Terrace and head to Glenelg for the jetty, multiple cafes, restaurants and a round of golf. In the evening I'd be looking at the Festival Theatre or Her Majesty's for some theatre. See the sun set around the Torrens Riverside precinct and then enjoy a mocktail or three at the Hyatt. Perfect.