8 of the best places to stay in the Clare Valley

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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

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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB,  the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.