Clare
· AU

Clare

Clare, South Australia, Australia

Step Back in Time in Clare, South Australia Escape the ordinary and discover the charming town of Clare, nestled amongst the rolling hills of South Australia's renowned Clare Valley wine region. Just a 90-minute drive no…

#wine region#vineyards#countryside#cellar doors#historic buildings
1/23

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Clare.

Top Hotels in Clare

Top Flights to Clare

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Clare.

Tours

Clare Valley Wine Tasting

Explore the exquisite wineries in Clare Valley, known for its Rieslings.

Mintaro Maze and Martindale Hall

Experience a charming maze and tour the historic Martindale Hall.

Historic Mintaro Tour

Step back in time with a tour of one of South Australia's heritage towns.

Clare Valley Food Trail

Taste the region's best local produce, cheeses, and gourmet foods.

Art Galleries of Clare

Explore art galleries featuring local and international artists.

Clare Valley Lavender Farm

Visit a picturesque lavender farm with stunning views and aromatic experiences.

Shopping

Antique Shopping in Clare

Discover unique antiques and collectibles in local shops.

Outdoor

Riesling Trail Cycling

Cycle through picturesque vineyards and charming villages along the Riesling Trail.

Bushwalking in Clare Valley

Explore walking trails filled with native flora and fauna.

Skydiving over Clare Valley

Experience an adrenaline rush with breathtaking views of the valley.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Clare.

Currency
$ | AUD | Australian Dollar
Population
Not Available
Languages
English, Irish, English
Average weather
Clare
Jan
rain
8°2°
Feb
rain
8°2°
Mar
cloud
10°3°
Apr
cloud
12°4°
May
cloud
15°7°
Jun
sun
18°10°
Jul
sun
20°12°
Aug
sun
20°12°
Sep
cloud
18°10°
Oct
rain
14°8°
Nov
rain
10°4°
Dec
rain
8°3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Clare.

What people love

Clare, located in South Australia, Australia, is a charming town known for its stunning vineyards, historic buildings, and scenic landscapes. Here are some detailed pros of traveling to Clare:

  1. Wine Region: Clare Valley is famous for its world-class wineries and vineyards. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy wine tastings, cellar door experiences, and learn about the winemaking process. The region is known for producing exceptional Riesling, Shiraz, and other varietals.

  2. Scenic Beauty: Clare Valley offers picturesque landscapes with rolling hills, lush vineyards, and charming country roads. Travelers can explore the stunning scenery by driving, cycling, or even hot air ballooning over the vineyards.

  3. Heritage Town: Clare is a historic town with well-preserved buildings dating back to the 19th century. Visitors can stroll along the heritage-listed main street, visit local museums, and learn about the town's rich history.

  4. Gourmet Food: In addition to its renowned wines, Clare Valley is also a food lover's paradise. Travelers can indulge in gourmet dining experiences, visit local farmers' markets, and sample fresh produce from the region.

  5. Outdoor Activities: Clare offers plenty of outdoor activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. From hiking and bushwalking in nearby national parks to exploring the Riesling Trail on a bicycle, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

Overall, traveling to Clare in South Australia offers a perfect blend of wine, heritage, nature, and culinary experiences that will delight any traveler.

Enjoy your trip to Clare!

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Clare, South Australia, Australia could include:

  1. Remote Location: Clare is located in a rural area, which may result in limited access to certain amenities or services compared to larger cities.

  2. Limited Public Transportation: The public transportation options in Clare may be limited, making it more difficult to get around without a car.

  3. Seasonal Variability: The weather in Clare can be unpredictable, with hot summers and cool winters. Travelers may need to pack accordingly to be prepared for varying conditions.

  4. Limited Nightlife: Clare is a smaller town, so the nightlife options may be more limited compared to larger cities with a more vibrant nightlife scene.

  5. Accommodation Availability: Depending on the time of year, accommodation options in Clare may be limited, so travelers should book in advance to secure lodging.

These are some general considerations to keep in mind when traveling to Clare, South Australia.

Clare is a town in South Australia, situated in the Clare Valley, a renowned wine-producing region. The town and the valley have a rich history, with developments primarily in agriculture and viticulture. Here is a detailed history of Clare, South Australia:

Early History

  • Indigenous Heritage: The original inhabitants of the Clare Valley were the Ngadjuri people. They lived in the region for thousands of years before European settlement.

  • European Exploration and Settlement: The area was first explored by European settlers in the 1830s. John Horrocks, an early settler and explorer, is credited with being one of the first Europeans to explore the area. He established a settlement in the region in 1839.

Development of Clare

  • 1840s: The town of Clare was officially surveyed in 1842. It was named after County Clare in Ireland, reflecting the Irish heritage of many settlers.

  • Agriculture: The fertile soil in the Clare Valley made it suitable for agriculture, and the area became known for its wheat and wool production during the 19th century.

  • Viticulture: The Clare Valley is one of Australia's oldest wine regions. The first vineyards were planted in the 1840s. Jesuit priests at Sevenhill established one of the region's earliest wineries in 1851, which remains operational today.

Significant Events and Developments

  • Railway: The arrival of the railway in the early 20th century helped boost Clare's economy by improving the transport of goods and people.

  • World Wars: Like much of Australia, Clare contributed significantly to the war efforts during both World Wars, with many locals serving overseas.

  • Modernization: In the latter half of the 20th century, Clare's infrastructure and services continued to develop, supporting its growth as a regional hub.

Historical Figures

  • John Horrocks: An early explorer and settler in the region. He played a significant role in the early European exploration of the Clare Valley.

Important Landmarks

  • Sevenhill Cellars: Established in 1851 by Jesuit priests, it is the oldest winery in the region and remains a popular tourist destination.

  • St Aloysius Church: Located at Sevenhill, this church is notable for its historical and architectural significance.

  • Mintaro: A nearby heritage-listed town known for its historic buildings and the Mintaro Slate Quarry, which has been in operation since the 19th century.

  • Riesling Trail: A popular walking and cycling trail that follows a disused railway line, offering scenic views of the Clare Valley.

Clare and its surroundings are rich in history, particularly in viticulture, and the region remains a vibrant part of South Australia's agricultural and tourism sectors.