Clare

Nestled in the heart of South Australia's Clare Valley, the historic town of Clare is the perfect base for exploring one of Australia's oldest wine regions. With its charming stone buildings, cellar doors, and scenic landscapes, Clare offers a quintessential Australian wine-country experience that blends heritage, gourmet food, and outdoor adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Clare Valley Wine Region – Taste award-winning rieslings and shirazes at cellar doors like Grosset, Mount Horrocks, and Sevenhill Cellars, the region's oldest winery.
• Riesling Trail – Cycle or walk this 35-km rail-trail that winds through vineyards, past cellar doors, and over historic railway bridges.
• Martindale Hall – Tour this grand 19th-century Georgian mansion, famous as the setting for the film Picnic at Hanging Rock.
• Clare Heritage Trail – Follow the self-guided walk past historic buildings, including the Old Police Station, Courthouse, and St. Michael's Church.
• Bungaree Station – Visit this working sheep station established in 1841, offering farm stays, historic tours, and a glimpse of pastoral life.
• Spring Gully Conservation Park – Spot kangaroos and birdlife on short bushwalks through remnant native vegetation.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least two full days to experience Clare and its surrounds. Spend the first day exploring the town's heritage and a few cellar doors; then dedicate the second day to cycling the Riesling Trail and visiting Martindale Hall. If you have three days, add a trip to the nearby Burra historic mining town or relax with a long lunch at a vineyard restaurant.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Burra – A historic copper-mining town with well-preserved miner's cottages and the Monster Mine.
• Mintaro – A tiny heritage village with stone cottages and the Mintaro Maze.
• Auburn – The southern gateway to the Clare Valley, with the famous Rising Sun Hotel and the start of the Riesling Trail.
• Sevenhill – Home to the Sevenhill Cellars and the scenic Polish Hill River area.
• Kapunda – Another historic mining town with the Kapunda Museum and the iconic 'Map the Miner' statue.

Please check official sources for current details.