CLARE VALLEY – THE AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLER GUIDE

100 Incredible Travel Secrets #65 Thorn Park, SA

Clare Valley

100 Best Towns In Australia #58 Clare Valley, SA

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The Clare Valley is located about an hour and a half north of Adelaide in South Australia. The distinctive towns offer character and charm to a magnificient Australian wine region.

This well-known winemaking district prides itself on its many cellar doors, where the guest is often greeted by the winemakers themselves.
The Clare Valley is best known for its Riesling, however the Valley also produces Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon varieties.

Where to stay

The wide variety of accommodation options available in the region include; country guest houses, B&B’s, motels, cottages and retreats.
With many other options available, the Visitor Information Centre’s are always happy to help you choose.
http://www.southaustralia.com/ClareValley.aspx

What to do

Apart from the obvious, visiting unique cellar doors and strolling through quiet vineyards, there are plenty of activity options in the Clare Valley.

There are many Heritage buildings with long, fascinating histories within the walls. Sevenhill Cellars, the regions oldest winery, boasts a very interesting history. The winery was established by Jesuits in 1851 to produce Sacramental wine. Not only does this tradition continue, Sevenhill also produces fine quality table wines.

There are also many walking and cycling trails to keep you busy. Bikes are available to hire for the whole family. Many trails have signs to point you in the right direction, and let you know when something of interest is coming up. The Riesling Trail is the pick of the lot, taking about three hours in full swing, but its recommended you take it slow and enjoy what the trail has to offer!

For family fun, why not try the Mintaro Maze. The traditional hedge maze will keep the kids busy for hours!
In Burra, the Monster Mine, which operated during the mid-19th Century, is now an open air museum of mining history.
For a rainy day, the Blyth Cinema offers feel-good films to keep the family entertained.

When to travel

Summer in Clare Valley holds beautifully warm days with cooler breezes coming in from the ocean in the afternoons.

Winter and Spring are when the region gets most of its rainfall.
Wine, cheese, food and music – the Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend, hosted in May, invites leading chefs from around the region to cook up a storm over two days. The Valley’s vineyards serve their best wines to taste and live music sets the scene at many venues.
In August, the Clare Valley hosts the South Australian Living Arts Festival. This community based, visual arts festival celebrates diversity, and prizes are awarded in many categories.
Community markets are held across the region on weekends, offering everything from arts and crafts to wines and local produce.

Transport

Coaches from Adelaide and other regional places arrive in the Clare Valley daily.
Hiring a car is another option, especially if you want to sightsee in your own time.
Guided tours of the region are offered, ranging from half day to a week, in a 4WD, minivan or luxury car.
Another popular option to get around the area is cycling or by foot. The many trails allow for easy access to most towns within the region.