CLARE VALLEY

In February 1879, Ned Kelly, Victoria's most notorious outlaw and his gang vanished into thin air. They remained in hiding for over a year, resurfacing in June 1880. Ned's sister Kate lived in the Clare Valley, and Kellytown ruins are on the highest point of this most Irish of all South Australian Counties.

Fast forward to the present, and the Clare Valley, located an hour north of the Barossa Valley, is a destination that offers natural beauty and authenticity. According to Wine Australia, it has more vines planted than the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, and Tasmania combined. It's a place where you can spot kangaroos, indulge in gourmet delicacies, and meet some of the quirkiest characters you'll ever come across. Here you'll find some of Australia's "Ancient Vines," with vines from Bordeaux cuttings in 1860 still producing grapes for wine in this phylloxera-free environment.

Brian Croser AO, Andrew Mitchell, Jeffrey Grosset, Nick Ryan, and Rob Geddes MW are just a few Australian wine industry legends who have roots in the Clare Valley. So stay for a few days, unwind, and book a tour with us to experience the region.

Some Recent Questions we have Answered:

Q* Is Lake Bumbunga in the Clare Valley?
A* No. The 'Clare Valley' designates a wine growing region which is geographically limited by rainfall and valleys. It is part of 'the Mid-North' of South Australia. Lake Bumbunga - "the Pink Lake", is a salt lake, and not a part of the Clare Valley. Some city boffin has mapped this region of flat plains and seaside towns and called the Mid-North the Clare Valley. Facts are irrelevant to well paid public servants.

Q* Can you take us on a day-trip to the Barossa Valley from the Clare Valley?

A* Yes. Find your Clare Valley accommodation and book 3x nights. It's like being on a cruise ship where the next day is a different place for you to explore. You won't be the first guests who have booked a Clare Tour and a Barossa Tour for the following day. 

Q* Do you know the Polish Silesian and Prussian History sites?

A* Yes, and I have managed to gain private access to museums and religious sites on short notice for Polish tourists and heritage-chasers. If you are interested in tracing your family history, visit the Clare Valley.

Together we will have some fun as we travel around some of South Australia's boutique wine country.

Let's make those memories!

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You want to plan for two or three nights on your Clare Valley trip. One - to recover from your journey, Two - to spend your day with me on your Valley Wine Tour, and Three - to have a spare day for bike riding or going to the Barossa for the day on another of our tours. Where can you stay? Try these links to places we often collect passengers from; Mulberry Cottage, Battunga Cottages, Neagles Retreat Villas, The Mill Apartments, St Helen's Cottages, the Riesling Trail and Clare Valley Cottages, the Clare Country Club, Sevenhill Cottages, O'Briens of Clare, or the Clare Valley Motel. For Caravanners there are a few options too; families love the Discovery Park near Clare, while a central location is the Clare Valley Caravan Park in Leasingham, and there is a Community Caravan Park in Auburn. Burra is a wonderful historical location, and the Burra Caravan Park (incorporating the historical Paxton Square Cottages) is very popular. We collect tour passengers from all the caravan parks. There are more accommodation options, so if you have 'forever' to search, try the local Tourism Information Website on places to stay.

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Looking to plan your tour lunch or a venue for dinner? We get fantastic feedback about the local eateries from our guests: Try the local Tourist Information website on places to eat.