Clare and surrounds

Clare

A pretty country town at the centre of one of South Australia's premier wine regions, Clare offers fine dining, panoramic views and secluded accommodation.

Just north of the town is one of South Australia's finest country racecourses, along with a cluster of wineries: Scarlatties Gallery, Mt Surmon, Cardinham and Phoenix Estate. Wineries in and around Clare include Leasingham (housed in the old Jam Factory), the much-lauded Tim Adams and Knappstein (in the old Enterprise Brewery). Clare is also at the northern end of the Riesling Trail. Bike hire is available from Clare Valley Cycle Hire.

Choose from a gourmet food and wine experience, to traditional pub grub. Enjoy the view from Salt 'n' Vines Bar and Bistro, or chic dining across the road at Coffee & Cork. A relaxed vineyard atmosphere is to be had at one of Clare's most acclaimed restaurants, Neagles Rock. Citadel 5453 is in the heart of town; the historic building overlooks the Hutt River.

There are three pubs in town, all within a couple of minutes walk of each other. For nightlife, the Bentleys Hotel at the southern end of the main street features live bands at weekends.

For those with a sporting interest there's the highly rated Clare Golf Course, as well as lawn tennis courts and bowling greens. Spare the time to browse through a number of specialty shops and be sure to look out for local handicrafts and produce.

If you want accommodation venues with large capacity, Clare has several motels, a very well appointed caravan park and a country club - all ideal locations for large groups. There are also a number of charming bed and breakfasts and some apartment-style accommodation for those who prefer a secluded getaway.

Visitor Information: Clare Visitor Information Centre, Corner Main North Road and Spring Gully Road, Clare. Telephone: (08) 8842 2131 or freecall 1800 242 131.

Attractions include the Riesling Trail, cellar doors, golf course, olive oil tasting, Bungaree Station and great restaurants.

Polish Hill River Valley

The drive between Mintaro and Sevenhill is especially scenic and home to the Polish Hill River Valley, a notable wine sub-region. It takes its name from the Polish settlement that occurred in the 1850s along the upper reaches of the Hill River. The local history is recorded in the restored church, which now acts as a museum.

Annie's Lane Vineyard is here, though the cellar door is near Watervale (where you can buy the famous five-gold medal 2000 Shiraz). Annie was the wife of a migrant, and as for the Lane, it was where her cart got bogged! The Wilson Vineyard and Pikes Wines nestle in the floor of the valley, while Pauletts perches high on the hill-face providing heart-stopping views.

Attractions include cellar doors, Quarry Hill lookout and Polish church.

Armagh and Blyth

The winding hills around the village of Armagh are becoming well known as the home of gourmet olive oils (tasting sheds at the Valley of Armagh olive groves and the Patly Terrace Gallery are real delights) and of Jim Barry Wines, producer of the world-renowned 'Armagh Shiraz'.

For stunning views of the western plains, continue your climb through the hills to Blyth. The scenic patchwork of colours created by different crops is a treat for all visitors, especially in spring and autumn. Pack a gourmet picnic and stop in at the Brooks Lookout to take advantage of the view. For nature buffs, there is a short interpretative botanical walking trail with up to 100 plants of remnant vegetation. Don't miss a visit to Medika Gallery housed in the original German St Petrie Kirche Lutheran Church.

Farrell Flat

To the south west of Burra is Farrell Flat, home to one of the region's two airstrips catering for light aircraft. You can discover the town's history - it was a stopover point for bullock and mule teams transporting copper ore to Burra - at the interpretative centre, located in the main street Community Gardens.

* The prices displayed on this website are in Australian Dollars (AUD) and are per person prices, unless otherwise indicated, these prices are intended as a guide only and are subject to variation without notice. All prices are quoted inclusive of a Goods and Services Tax if applicable.