Clare Valley is often seen as a more refined alternative to the Barossa and is known as one of Australia's top wine regions, especially for its Riesling. With over forty cellar doors and many great restaurants, it's a welcoming spot for anyone who loves wine and good food.
We don't usually choose caravan parks, but this time it made sense. Staying nearby let us stay close to the heart of the valley and enjoy everything it had to offer.
On our first day, which was cold and rainy, we enjoyed lunch at the Sevenhill Hotel, just down the road from where we were staying. Ros enjoyed her mushroom gnocchi, and I my calamari.
As the weather improved and the rain stopped, we decided the following day to make the most of it. We drove into Clare, parked, and took a relaxed walk along both sides of the main street. Many of the town's late nineteenth-century buildings still retain their original charm, offering plenty of photo opportunities and a real sense of local history.
We stopped for a relaxed meal and chose an all-day breakfast at lunchtime. After eating, we continued exploring and drove south to Sevenhill Cellars, which has been around since 1851. Ros enjoyed a tasting, and we spent time in the underground cellar, taking photos of the stone walls, vaulted rooms, and softly lit barrels. We picked up a few bottles to enjoy later.
Next to the cellar and surrounded by vineyards is St Aloysius Church. The Jesuits own and run it. The Gothic-style building, built of local stone with a slate roof, was completed in 1875. There's also a crypt where 42 Jesuits are buried.
Today we drove north of Clare, winding past golden fields and rolling hills, to visit Bungaree Station. Founded in 1841, the property is still home to the 4th, 5th, and 6th generations of the Hawker family, who continue to fill it with warmth and tradition. Our visit gave us a chance to learn more about the station's origins and history.
George C Hawker and his brothers, James and Charles, chose this spot for their main station. They bought 2000 ewes from New South Wales and, following the advice of explorer Edward John Eyre, travelled along the Hutt River in search of land. They found water at 8 feet and named the property "Bungaree," echoing the area's Aboriginal name. At one point, over 100,000 merino sheep filled these fields; during our visit, we watched a flock move to fresh pasture.
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