A Roadtrip Around Clare Valley, South Australia
A Roadtrip Around Clare Valley, South Australia, is an unforgettable experience—especially for wine lovers. Known for its beautiful landscapes, award-winning wineries, and charming country atmosphere, Clare Valley is the perfect place to unwind and explore.
How to Get There:
Clare Valley is only 1.5 hours from Adelaide, making it the perfect detour when travelling to the Eyre Peninsula or Flinders Ranges. The most direct route is via Port Wakefield Road, Northern Expressway, and Horrocks Highway. Alternatively, you can take a coach service from Adelaide to Clare Valley, or simply hire a car for the scenic drive.
Using GPS from Adelaide to Gawler:
- Take Main North Road from Adelaide to Gawler.
- Turn off to the Clare Valley along the Horrocks Highway to Roseworthy, Tarlee, Rhynie, Auburn and finally, Watervale. Access Penna Lane, Skillogalee, Kilikanoon, Mitchells and Jeanerret from Watervale. (eg Skillagalee Vineyard is 8mins north)
- If you turn left at St. Vincent Street from Watervale and follow this road up and over the hill, this section of road becomes Popes Hill Road.
- At the T-junction on Upper Skilly Road, turn left and you’ll find Battunga Cottages B and B 600 meters on the left hand side.
Travellarks highly recommends you spend several days in the region to truly experience the region’s hospitality. From historic buildings to lovely vineyard stays and B and B’s, you’ll be embraced by the warmth of the locals at every stop.
There’s pride that shines out of every cellar door, cafe, restaurant, original historic buildings and stay. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your road trip around Clare Valley South Australia:
Day 1: Roadtrip around Clare Valley: Arrival
- Morning: Start your day with a visit to a local café for breakfast. Then head to the Clare Valley Wine, Food, and Tourism Centre to gather information about the wineries you want to visit.
- Afternoon: Visit wineries like Kilikanoon Wines, Reillys Wines and Restaurant, Shut the Gate Wine and the lovely people at Neagles Estate Cellar Door.
- Enjoy wine tasting sessions and learn about the winemaking process. For those partaking the hops of beers, discover Pikes Beer Company. Maybe a distillery is your choice, no worries, try Sawmill Gin located in Sevenhill SA.
Day 2: Exploring the Vineyards
- Morning: Visit Top Clare Valley Wineries
Start your day by visiting renowned wineries such as Sevenhill Cellars, Knappstein Wines, and Pikes Wines. Don’t miss the chance to taste Clare Valley’s signature Riesling, which the region is famous for such as Sevenhill Cellars, Knappstein Wines, and Pikes Wines. Crabtree, O’Leary Walker. - Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the local Riesling, a specialty of Clare Valley.
- Afternoon: Picnic at Vineyards and Scenic Spots
Relax with a picnic at one of the many picturesque wineries in Clare Valley. Blue Gum Lookout at Spring Gully Conservation Park has a stunning sanctuary of native bush covering approximately 400 hectares. Or head to Hill River Clare Estate, family owned vineyard in the Polish Hill River Valley, 10kms South-East of Clare, servinng mouth watering nosh while you unwind on the deck. Melrose Park, Inchiquin Lake and Eldredge Wines offer more picnic areas. - Evening: Relax at The UPPside and Enjoy Clare Valley Cuisine
For an unforgettable dinner experience, head to Caity & Christian’s The UPPside, a multi-award-winning restaurant, wine bar, and farm shop in Penwortham. Featuring locally sourced, farm-to-table European dishes, it offers the best of Clare Valley’s wines, beers, gin, and vodka, including the region’s very first vodka and limoncello. Take home some fresh produce from their on-site farm shop to savour later. - Visit the Watervale Hotel for Award-Winning Dining
Don’t miss a meal at the renowned Watervale Hotel, which has earned accolades such as ‘Best Restaurant in a Pub’ and ‘Best Wine List in Australia’ with SA Chef of the Year in the kitchen.
Day 3: Roadtrip around Clare Valley: Find Nature and History
- Morning: Visit the Clare Valley Wine, Food, and Tourism Centre again. Consider taking a hot air balloon ride for a breath taking view of the valley.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic, an impressive Georgian-style mansion. The famous ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ 1975 film featured this Georgian-style 1879 mansion which today lures visitors from the area’s vineyards with its intriguing history, ever present whispers of the past and stories from behind sandstone walls. If you enjoy outdoor activities, you can go bushwalking in the nearby Spring Gully Conservation Park.
- A couple of scenic drives to recommend are to drive the Spring Gully Loop and another is to drive the Mintaro Loop. Out this way developing an appetite and a thirst, you can’t go past the legendary Magpie and Stump Hotel to save the day – lunch or dinner!
- Of course if you’re a cyclist, even a novice, the Clare Valley is nirvana with a 33-kilometres of flat, well-maintained, fully graded gravel track between Clare and Auburn, and a cruisy, picture perfect ride for just about anyone. Need a bike? Not a problem. Try one of these: Riesling Trail Bike Hire, Clare Valley Cycle Hire or Scoot the Valley.
- Evening: Attend a local event or festival if there’s one happening during your visit. Alternatively, have a quiet dinner and relax.
Day 4: Departure and Local Attractions on your Roadtrip around Clare Valley
- Morning: Before leaving, visit a local farmers’ market to pick up fresh produce, local crafts, and souvenirs. Or join the Watervale to Mount Horrocks Short Walk (3 hours 11.5km return) an easy hike through the hills rumoured to be Kelly gang country. You’ll reach a 360-degree view at the lookout. Or head to the shorter Spur Loop Trail (900m) for spectacular views.
- Afternoon: On your way out, stop by the historic mining town of Burra. For a great meal, try Jumbucks Restaurant, known for its fresh, locally-sourced dishes and warm ambiance.
Clare Valley views, South Australia, NSW
Additional Tips for Your Roadtrip around Clare Valley:
- Wine Tasting: If you plan to indulge in wine tasting, appoint a designated driver or consider hiring a local guide.
- Seasonal Considerations: Be mindful of the weather—summers can be hot (December to February), while winters are chilly (June to August).
- Accommodation: Book your stay in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
- Local Etiquette: Respect the wineries’ tasting etiquette and enjoy the local experience.
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