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 ultimate 8-day Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip itinerary

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island
Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast
Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary
Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Rockhampton Museum of Art
Take it all in at Rockhampton Museum of Art. (Image: TEQ)

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland
Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland
Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool
Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple
Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

 Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.