TRAVEL: CLARE VALLEY
NOT ONLY IS IT A TREAT FOR YOUR BELLY, YOUR HEART AND MIND CAN ALSO JOIN THE FUN.
Photos: SATC.
Pop the bubbles! WORDS Em Worthington The winner is… Clare!
W
hile not surprised, we’re jumping for joy that Clare was recently crowned in the 2021 South Australian Top Tourism Town Awards. This gorgeous gal and true all-rounder sits in the glorious Clare Valley and took out the voters’ choice, notching up over 10,000 nods from across the globe. Less than a two-hour drive from Adelaide, the region stretches from Tarlee up to Burra and is home to a few of SA’s most iconic names in food and wine — some that are celebrated worldwide. Whether it’s a day trip, a weekend to recharge or a long, leisurely getaway, the Clare Valley will always delight with over forty cellar doors and boutique wineries, award-winning restaurants, artisan cafés and some of the most gifted producers going. Not only is it a treat for your belly, your heart and mind can also join the fun as
you soak up charming villages, remarkable vistas, history, art, walking and biking adventures, all while meeting salt of the earth people who offer up genuine country hospitality. There’s so much to explore, let’s start with a few pared-back highlights — nature, history and jaw-dropping scenery... Walk this way – Strap on your boots to get down and dirty with the Clare Valley Short Walks. There are options for all kinds of trekkers — from one hour family-friendly strolls right through to serious slogs of four hours. And to sprinkle in a little indulgence, some have stops for a bite and a drop — it’s all about balance! Lay your eyes on spectacular sights, including Neagles Rock, the seasonal waterfall at the Spring Gully Conservation Park and plenty of rolling vineyards. Check the online maps to get going. I want to ride my bicycle – The famous Riesling Trail is 35km of the best riding (or walking) you can imagine. It’s ripe for recreational walkers, mountain and touring
bikes, as well as wheelchairs and pushers; and there’s just the right amount of distraction along the way, including cellar doors and more. Hire bikes from Clare, Auburn or chat to your accommodation provider to get rolling. Step back in time – For lovers of ye olden days, there’s history and architectural delights in heritage listed towns, like Mintaro and Burra. Head to Mintaro to take in the magnificence of Martindale Hall — a sandstone mansion, which was completed in 1880 and has 32 rooms AND our dream... a seven-room cellar. Chin-chin! Still a working farm today, Bungaree Station was established in 1841 and became its own little village — it even has the old District Council Chambers and a church. Nice and natural – The Gleeson Wetlands and Melrose Park are the perfect stop-off for fam-friendly fun, including a lakeside model railway track, a cracking BMX bike park, plus picnic spots, bird watching and public art on offer.
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