Your Ultimate Guide to Clare Valley

Clare Valley in a nutshell

Just two hours north of Adelaide, Clare Valley is a pocket of pure countryside charm, lined with sweet–scented rieslings, bold reds and green hills that roll on forever.

Comprised of a cluster of wineries, tiny villages and old farm estates, Clare Valley is wrapped in wheat fields, big gums and rows of vines that change colour with every season. It’s a little bubble of its own, perfect for an easy weekend escape.

Within the valley, each town has its own mix of cafés, cellar doors and small surprises, meaning that you can easily spend a day wandering between them. In summer it’s all about finding a shady spot with a cold riesling and taking things slowly. In winter, the focus shifts indoors to stone pubs, warm cellar doors and tastings that last a little longer because no one’s in a rush.

There’s nothing overly fancy about it, just expect some good wine, wonderful produce and a charming small town vibe.

No matter what kind of trip you want, wine tasting, a family weekend, or a quiet countryside break, Clare Valley is an easy guarantee for a wonderful escape. Think of this guide as a simple way to plan your time here.

At the end, you’ll also find some information about where to stay in the region, plus, don’t miss the great-value offers waiting for you.

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Things to do in Clare Valley

Take the Riesling Trail

Probably the most popular of things to do in Clare Valley is cycling along the Riesling Trail. Equally ideal for hiking, some choose to walk sections of the trail on foot.

The 35-kilometre Riesling Trail is framed the whole way by picture-perfect views and is sprinkled with cafes, wineries and old buildings. Ultimately, it’s the best option for those who want to explore the region and its wineries (as well as get a little exercise).

The Riesling Trail starts in Auburn, meandering through stunning landscapes and a handful of little towns, before ending in Barinia. You can start anywhere along the trail, because it’s super accessible, wherever you’re staying. If you don’t have your own bike with you, no problem, there are a few locations to hire a bike from.

Spend the night at Clare Country Club, in the little town of Clare, the heart and soul of the wine region, and grab your hire bike from the hotel too.

Visit the Clare Valley wineries

Clare Valley doesn’t produce huge volumes of wine in comparison to its huge wine-making neighbours (like the Barossa and the Riverland), but its reputation reaches far beyond Australia. As one of the country’s oldest wine regions, it’s well known for skilled winemakers and standout rieslings and reds found on wine lists around the world.

Spend a day visiting a few cellar doors, many of which are easily reached by bike along the Riesling Trail.

Sevenhill Cellars

Established in 1851, Sevenhill Cellars is the oldest winery in the Clare Valley and still one of its most interesting. The cellar door sits within historic church buildings, giving you a clear sense of the region’s heritage. There’s a guided tour at 11am on weekdays, or you can book a weekend visit if you want a closer look at the grounds.

Pikes Wines

Pikes is set in the scenic Polish Hill River area and is a relaxed place to settle in for a tasting. Alongside its well-regarded wines, the estate is also home to Pikes Brewery, where you can try a selection of craft beers. Grab a tasting paddle and a small platter and enjoy the open lawns and quiet country setting.

Paulett Wines

Beautiful Paulett Wines is known for producing elegant wines with plenty of character. The cellar door has broad views across rolling hills that feel more like a European countryside scene than South Australia. Drop in for a tasting or simply take in the landscape from the wraparound deck.

Skillogalee

Skillogalee is a small, family-run winery known for its peaceful setting and consistently good wines. The cellar door sits inside a character-filled stone cottage surrounded by vines, making it an easy place to linger over a tasting. There’s also an on-site restaurant with views across the valley, perfect for a long lunch paired with their rieslings and reds.

Discover the villages of the Clare Valley

During your visit, don’t pass up on the chance to visit some of the charming towns and villages that make up the countryside region. Dotted around the green valley, you’ll come across multiple little townships, each with plenty of sightseeing, dining and shopping opportunities.

Clare

Clare is the major township in Clare Valley and was historically an important service centre for the surrounding agricultural district. Today, it is surrounded by wineries and has a number of things to do and see. Pop into the local museum to learn about the history of small the town or wander around and admire the old local buildings including churches, a courthouse and town hall. Check out Clare Historic Walk which takes around 90 minutes and which takes you to all the main sites of interest.

Sevenhill

Make sure you get to Sevenhill during your trip; a tiny little hub for locals and tourists and the perfect way to access the Riesling trail. The village has a wonderful little bakery, a number of cellar doors and a couple of excellent dining options. On weekends, pop into the market in the community hall and chat to locals.

Mintaro

Mintaro is also a must. Established in 1849, the village has a very historical English vibe. You’ll be transported back in time as soon as you arrive. Self-guided walking tours around the village and its heritage listed buildings can take up to two hours and don’t forget to drop by Reilly’s Cellar Door. Martindale Hall in Mintaro is also definitely worth a trip. This heritage Georgian style mansion doubles up a museum and offers guests a little knowledge about the history of the town.

Don’t leave Mintaro without taking the kids to Mintaro Maze; a labyrinth of 800 conifers ideal for little explorers. A selection of giant outdoor games and a cafe selling top-notch coffee and cake makes this a perfect stop for families.

Auburn

Auburn is a small town in the South of the Clare Valley and is bisected by the Wakefield River. There’s a short riverside walk you can take in Auburn which guides you along the banks. You’ll love this town, with its evident history and adorable rustic stone houses. Today, these houses are used as restaurants, local bars and cellar doors.

Follow the Clare Valley Art Trail 

The Clare Valley is home to a great deal of artists, perhaps thanks to its inspiring natural surroundings. You’ll therefore find an excellent opportunity to visit some galleries and exhibitions during your stay.

Natural landscapes and colourful open spaces have inspired lots of artists in Clare Valley, and therefore you’ll find the work of artists is often very unique to the region.

On top of visual arts, you might find that during your visit there’s a special event; perhaps a cinema showing or a performing arts show. To find all of the best art-related spots, check out the Clare Valley Art Trail and head out on a day of gallery hopping.

Get the creativity flowing and the mind inspired, by visiting a local jeweller, numerous art studios and galleries with Aboriginal art on display.

Explore the conservation parks in the Clare Valley

Not everything about your trip must revolve around food, wine, art and history (although it can if you want it to). There are plenty of things to do in Clare Valley that revolve around getting some much needed fresh air and exercise. In fact, the most natural landscapes of the region are equally as stunning, diverse and accessible thanks to a few of the conservation parks in the Clare Valley.

Hiking in Clare Valley is very much possible (and highly encouraged). Pay a visit to Spring Gully Conservation Park for a stroll through a grassy woodland. The park is framed with dramatic, steep terrain on either side. Hike through the woodland, out to the other side to find a waterfall trickling from 18 metres up and admire the sprinkling of wonderful wildflowers that bloom in spring.

Another option for hiking in Clare Valley is found at Red Bank Conservation Park. Suggested to have one of the richest sites for megafauna in Australia, the park, as the name suggested, boasts beautifully vibrant red soils and bursts with greenery. Visit Red Banks and you might also catch a glimpse of threatened animal species, as well as kangaroos, wombats and echidnas.

Take the kids to Clare Valley Model Engineers

There are plenty of things to do in Clare Valley for kids too. The Clare Valley Model Engineers set within a 10 hectare park and with a lake, playground and walking paths, has the sweetest little one-kilometre railway track. Treat the kids to a ride on the train, and pass under bridges and through tunnels.

Make sure the train is running during your visit; it operates only the second and fourth weekend of each month.

Dig into History at Burra Mine & Bon Accord Mine Museum

If you love a bit of gold rush drama and eerie mining history, Burra is your spot. The Burra Mine, once one of the world’s major copper mines, still stands impressively with its ruins and massive open-cut pit. It’s hauntingly beautiful in that “postcard from the past” kind of way.

Pop into the Bon Accord Mine Museum for a peek at old mining tools, stories of 19th-century hardship, and one of the region’s original Cornish engines. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into South Australia’s gritty, pioneering past.

Taste Local Olive Oil

Clare Valley has a small but growing olive oil scene, and two spots are definitely worth knowing about. Clare Estate opens its cellar door on weekends and lets you taste oils straight from their biodynamic grove, along with a few infused options and other pantry bits made on the farm. Bonina Olive Grove sits closer to Auburn and now has a cellar door, where you can try all their best products.

Both producers give you a quick taste of what local growers are doing beyond wine, and they’re easy stops to add between towns or cellar doors.

Stretch Your Legs on the Mount Horrocks Walk

The Mount Horrocks Walk is an easy way to see another side of Clare Valley beyond the cellar doors.

The trail is gentle with a few gradual climbs, and the views across farmland and rolling hills make the effort worthwhile. In spring you’ll spot native wildflowers along the path, and kangaroos often graze nearby if you move quietly.

This refreshing walk breaks up a day of wine tasting and gives you a real feel for the countryside that shapes the region’s vineyards.

Catch Local Creativity at Burra Regional Art Gallery

In the heart of historic Burra, this Burra Regional Art Gallery punches well above its weight. Expect a rotating selection of local and regional artists working across paint, sculpture, textiles and more. It’s housed in the old telegraph building too, which only adds to the vintage atmosphere.

Pop in, even if you’re “not that into art,” this one might surprise you.

Soak in the Scent at Shimmering Pines Farm

Shimmering Pines Farm is a seasonal stop that feels a bit different from the usual Clare Valley itinerary.

A working flower farm in the Clare Valley, Shimmering Pines is where you’ll find rows of lavender and other seasonal blooms grown for both display and harvesting. Visitors can pick their own flowers when in season, stroll through the fields and take in the fragrant surroundings.

The farm also hosts events like dinners and wellness sessions among the blooms, and there’s a small store offering handmade skincare products, essential oils and other items made from the farm’s botanical produce.

Unlock Local Legends at the Old Police Station and Courthouse Museum

The Old Police Station and Courthouse Museum is one of the simplest ways to get a real sense of Burra’s early days. The building dates back to the mid-1800s and has been carefully kept, so you can walk through original rooms once used for hearings, holding cells and day-to-day police work. Exhibits cover local stories, mining life, unusual cases and the challenges faced by people living in this remote copper town.

The museum is small and easy to fit into a morning or afternoon, and volunteers are usually happy to share extra details if you have questions. It’s a good stop for anyone who likes real, unpolished history and wants a clearer picture of how the region developed beyond the mines and heritage trail.

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Restaurants in Clare Valley

After ticking off all the many things to do in Clare Valley from your list, you’ll also have a great selection of restaurants to choose from.

Conners Restaurant

Conners has become one of Clare Valley’s leading dining spots thanks to its seasonal menu and focus on high-quality local produce. The wine list highlights Clare Valley favourites, and the bar next door has a welcoming feel with an open fire and deep armchairs for a pre-dinner drink. The restaurant sits inside one of the region’s top hotels, making it a comfortable pick for long winter lunches and relaxed evenings.

Ragù & Co

This Italian restaurant in Clare delivers a warm, rustic dining experience with exposed brick walls, wine barrels and wooden beams. The menu leans into authentic Italian fare with creative twists and a solid wine list to match.

Antidote Kitchen

Located on Main North Road in Clare, Antidote Kitchen mixes modern Australian cuisine with a global edge (think Kerala prawns or a Delhi burger with masala fries). The space is airy and contemporary, and the long gin list pairs well with the creative menu. A great pick if you want something a bit different from cellar-door dining.

The UPPside European Restaurant & Wine Bar

In nearby Penwortham, The UPPside brings European-style cuisine to Clare Valley with a clever wine bar component and a strong focus on regional produce. The setting and menu feel a little elevated while still relaxed, making it a solid choice for dinner after a day of wine tastings.

Little Red Grape

Little Red Grape is a handy stop for a quick bite, with a solid range of pastries, pies and sweet treats baked daily. The bakery is well known among locals and works well for an easy lunch between cellar doors. Grab something to go or sit outside with a coffee before hitting the road again.

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AUS Weekend Escape’s Top Hotel Pick

If you’re looking for some Clare Valley accommodation, the beautiful village of Clare is the place to be.

Check-in to Clare Country Club to get the ultimate Clare Valley experience. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, play a round of golf or some tennis between sightseeing.

The surroundings here are utterly tranquil and ideal for those craving a sense of escape.

Opt for a getaway at this countryside oasis and go home feeling rejuvenated. Spa rooms, executive rooms, kitchenette options and family-sized apartments mean that everyone is catered for. Even your fury friend is welcome at Clare Country Club.

Grab yourself a room at the gorgeous Clare Country Club this winter and spend a weekend exploring the charming wine region.

Book your stay now!

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