Clare Valley Accommodation To Suit Every Taste And Budget

From a luxe historic farmstead to a pet-friendly caravan park, we’ve rounded up the best Clare Valley accommodation to suit every taste and budget.

As one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, the Clare Valley in South Australia is home to some of the most beautiful and historic accommodation options in the state. Think charming B&Bs, luxurious old homesteads and restored 19th-century schoolhouses, as well as pet-friendly caravan parks, gorgeous garden cottages and tiny homes immersed in nature. To help find your perfect pairing, we’ve pulled together a list of the best Clare Valley accommodation on offer.

1. Country Haven Tiny Home

Best for: A secluded, romantic getaway

If you want your Clare Valley accommodation to be surrounded by nature, this tiny home in Kybunga delivers in spades. After a day spent exploring the wineries, walks and wonders of the area, Country Haven Tiny Home is a beautiful place to unwind.

the property exterior of Country Haven Tiny Home — Escape to charming Country Haven Tiny Home in Kybunga.

Located just 20 minutes from Clare, you’ll enjoy the sounds and sights of the Australian bush, plus amenities including an outdoor bath, fire pit and all the luxe comforts you’d expect from a flashy hotel.

a close-up shot of pillows at Country Haven Tiny Home — Unwind in beautiful surrounds.

Address: 670 Eldredge Rd, Kybunga

2. Anlaby Station

Best for: A luxe, heritage experience

Experience true country luxury at Anlaby Station , a working property breeding stud sheep and producing some of the finest merino wool in Australia.

the property exterior of Anlaby Station — Anlaby Station is steeped in historic charm. (Image: Cameron Bloom)

This heritage estate – established in 1839 – offers a wide variety of Clare Valley accommodation options, including the Manor House, the Head Gardeners Cottage and the Coachman’s Cottage, as well as concierge services to help you plan your ideal holiday.

the Anlaby Station property under the shade of tree — Experience true country luxury. (Image: Cameron Bloom)

Address: 829 Anlaby Road, Hamilton

3. Clare Valley Million Estate

Best for: Families and large groups

If you’re headed to the Clare Valley with a family or large group, put Million Estate on your list, stat. This outstanding property sleeps 10 guests, and includes a private pool, tennis court, and fully-equipped kitchen.

the dining area painted in light red at Clare Valley Million Estate — One of the estate’s main draws is its vintage interior.

Plus, it’s less than 10 minutes from town, making it a great base for you to enjoy one of South Australia’s most spectacular wine regions.

a tropical-themed interior at Clare Valley Million Estate — Inside, you’ll find huge windows and rustic furniture.

Address: 117 Boconnoc Park Road, Armagh

4. Stanley Grammar Country House

Best for: Old-school hospitality

Stanley Grammar Country House is definitely one of our top picks when it comes to Clare Valley accommodation. With an extraordinary history dating back to 1863, this former school has been lovingly refurbished into a cosy and elegant country manor, offering old-school hospitality from hosts Denise and Frank. Plus, its location in Watervale puts it smack-bang in the centre of the Reisling Trail, and a short walk from the fabulous Watervale Hotel.

the lounge room at Stanley Grammar Country House — Relax with a book in the lounge room.

Address: 7 Commercial Road, Watervale

5. Clare Valley Caravan Park

Best for: Cheap and cheerful digs

If you’re after something a little more low-key, the Clare Valley Caravan Park is an excellent choice for Clare Valley cabins, camping and pet-friendly accommodation.

This privately owned park has recently enjoyed some lovely upgrades, offering friendly and cost-effective accommodation options from which to enjoy the stunning area. Amenities include showers, a coin-operated laundry, a camp kitchen and a communal fire pit – plus you’ll find some of the Clare Valley’s best wineries within walking distance.

the bedroom with chairs, table and modern amenities at Clare Valley Caravan Park — Book a stay at Clare Valley Caravan Park.

Address: 8 Wakefield Road, Leasingham

6. The Heritage Garden

Best for: Garden lovers

If you’re a lover of gardens, you can’t miss this gorgeous B&B in the Clare Valley, hosted by the extraordinarily passionate Walter and Kay Duncan. The lovingly restored cottage is over 140 years old and includes charming touches such as quilts handmade by Kay herself, country breakfast provisions and, of course, Walter’s extensive rose gardens to explore. The Duncans have poured their heart and soul into their beautiful garden and cottage for guests to enjoy.

guests arriving at The Heritage Garden, Clare Valley — This gorgeous B&B is perfect for garden lovers. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Address: 12 McCord Lane, Sevenhill

7. Reilly’s Heritage B&B Cottages

Best for: Location, location, location!

The historic town of Mintaro is one of our favourite places in South Australia, making Reilly’s Heritage B&B Cottages a great pick for your Clare Valley trip.

The town is known for the fabulous Mintaro Maze, as well as Martindale Hall, a meticulously restored Georgian mansion that featured in the 1975 film Picnic at Hanging Rock and nowadays gives serious Bridgerton energy. Plus, you’ll have Reilly’s cellar door and restaurant just steps away from your cottage, so you can leave the car in the drive and focus on sampling the local wines.

the front facade of Reilly’s Heritage B&B Cottages — Spend the weekend with living your best Bridgerton life.

Address: Cnr Hill St & Leasingham Rd, Mintaro, Clare Valley SA 5415

8. Casa Barbera

Best for: Modern luxury

While the Clare Valley is known for its historic homesteads, sometimes we just want a dose of slick modern luxury on holiday. Enter Casa Barbera . One of Clare’s most outstanding contemporary properties, this architect-designed home is a peaceful place to put your feet up with a crisp glass of riesling in hand.

the interior of Casa Barbera in Clare Valley — Casa Barbera is one of Clare’s most outstanding contemporary properties.

Address: 39 King St, Mintaro

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

I step out onto the sand and it cries out underfoot. Kweek! I take another step and there’s another little yelp. Screet! Picking up the pace, the sounds follow me like my shadow, all the way down to the water. It’s obvious how this spot got its name – Squeaky Beach – from the rounded grains of quartz that make the distinctive sounds under pressure.

For many, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the gateway to Gippsland , and the best way to explore it is by walking its network of hiking trails, from coastal gems such as Squeaky Beach through to the bushland, among the wildlife. But it’s still just a taste of what you’ll find on foot in the region.

Venture a bit further into Gippsland and you’ll discover the lakes, the rainforest, and the alpine peaks, each changing with the season and offering summer strolls or winter walks. Just like that squeaky sand, each step along these trails has something to tell you: perhaps a story about an ancient spirit or a pioneering search for fortune.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

sunset at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Wilsons Promontory National Park is a sprawling wilderness with many coastal bushland trails. (Image: Mark Watson)

Wilsons Promontory National Park (or ‘The Prom’, as you’ll end up calling it) is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, but you might ditch the car when you arrive, with much of the park’s 50,000 hectares accessible only by foot. From the inky water of Tidal River (dyed dark purple by abundant tea trees), I like the easy walks along the coast, among lichen-laden granite boulders, to golden beaches and bays.

a couple on Mount Oberon — Panoramic views from the summit of Mount Oberon. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

The trail to the panoramic views at the summit of Mount Oberon is a bit harder, up steep timber and granite steps, but it’s a popular 6.8-kilometre return. The more remote hikes are found through the open banksia and stringybark woodland of the park’s north, or along the multi-day Southern Circuit , which ranges from about 35 to 52 kilometres, with sunrises and sunsets, kangaroos and cockatoos, and maybe even whales.

a golden sand beach at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Walk ‘The Prom’s’ golden sand beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

You might also see whales on the George Bass Coastal Walk , even closer to Melbourne on the western edge of Gippsland. This dramatic seven-kilometre trail along the clifftops takes in sweeping views of the wild ocean, occasionally dipping down from grassy green hills to coastal gullies and a secluded beach. It also now links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail for an extra 14 kilometres.

Over at the eastern edge of Gippsland, in Croajingolong National Park, you can wander along the lakeshores beneath koalas and around goannas (I keep my distance since one chased me here!). For those who are even more adventurous, the park is also the starting point for the 100-kilometre Wilderness Coast Walk , usually done over seven days.

the Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland — Wander along the lakeshores in Croajingolong National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

the Baw Baw National Park — The alpine heath of Baw Baw National Park. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Deep in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla, mining guide Richard tells me how this small town in the mountains east of Melbourne boomed when prospectors found gold here in 1862. These days, you’ll find most of the town’s treasure – its heritage – above ground, with the Walhalla Tramline Walk a wonderful way to explore it.

Just seven kilometres long, the walk takes you through decades of Gold Rush history, following the original rail trail from lush bushland to the mining sites, and through the charming village of just 20 residents with its wooden cottages and old shopfronts adorned with turn-of-the-century advertising posters. Blazing a trail where trailblazers once opened up the region, this is also the starting point for the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track.

Nearby, Baw Baw National Park has walks through gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths that show off the colourful wildflowers in summer and the pristine carpet of white in winter. Several trails are perfect for snowshoes, including a 45-minute route from St Gwinear up to vast views across the Latrobe Valley.

Further up into the mountains, the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk is an easy 2.2-kilometre path that serenades you with the sound of flowing water as you pass mossy rocks and tree ferns en route to two sets of waterfalls cascading over boulders in the remote wilderness.

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

the Mitchell River National Park, Gippsland — Hike the Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

Across a pool in a natural sandstone amphitheatre, deep within a cave behind a waterfall, it’s said the Nargun has its lair. A fierce creature, half human and half stone, that abducts children and can’t be harmed by boomerangs or spears, the story of the Nargun has been told around the campfires of the local Gunaikurnai people for generations.

As a culturally significant place for women, hikers are asked not to go into the Den of Nargun, but a 3.4-kilometre loop walk leads you through a rainforest gully to the entrance where you can feel the powerful atmosphere here in Mitchell River National Park , along Victoria’s largest remaining wild and free-flowing waterway.

the bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park — Bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

The Den of Nargun is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail , a series of important traditional Gunaikurnai sites through central Gippsland. Another location is Victoria’s largest cave system, Buchan Caves Reserve, with trails to important archaeological sites of human artefacts up to 18,000 years old. The FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk includes the naturally sculpted white limestone steps of the 400-metre-long Federal Cave, while the Granite Pools Walk goes among tall timber and moss-covered gullies.

the ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park — The ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park. (Image: Josie Withers)

Also important to the Gunaikurnai people is Tarra-Bulga National Park , known for its ancient myrtle beeches and enormous mountain ash trees. Just 40 minutes return, the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk offers a taste of this verdant landscape, while the Grand Strzelecki Track takes you deep into the lost world of forest giants on an epic 100-kilometre trail rich with tradition.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the WildernessRetreats in The Prom — Wilderness Retreats in The Prom. (Image: Christian Pearson)

Wilderness Retreats in Wilsons Promontory offers glamping-style tents with luxurious queen beds. Star Hotel is a reconstruction of a Gold Rush-era hotel from 1863 in the heart of heritage Walhalla. Caves House is a historic three-bedroom house with views over the Buchan River.

Eating there

the Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — Enjoy a post-hike lunch at Carrajung Estate. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Kilcunda General Store serves great coffee and meals of local produce at the George Bass Coastal Walk. Alpine Trout Farm is located near Toorongo Falls in Noojee. Fish for your own lunch and barbecue it with the provided cookware.

Carrajung Estate is a short drive from Tarra-Bulga National Park. The winery’s restaurant offers a seasonal menu of regional ingredients and you can stay at The Lodge.

a seafood feast at Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — The table is set for a seafood feast at the estate.