Clare Valley, South Australia

Directors and filmmakers are the most common people you will see in Clare Valley because of its excellent scenic views. And it is also not surprising to note that the region is also a destination of photographers and photography enthusiasts. The closely-knit villages, tracks along vast areas of farmlands, vineyards, and bushlands and not to mention, the excellent wineries contribute to the overall Clare Valley experience.

Walking through the villages in Clare Valley, you may observe a strong attachment to the tradition of wine making. This explains why in this rural setting you will see Jesuit priests tending their vineyards the way their predecessors have been doing more than a century ago. The dedication to preserve their tradition can be clearly seen when one can find the time to drive along the 300-kilometer stretch of the Heartland Heritage Trail. A good place to explore the history of Clare Valley is through the Heartland Heritage Trail where you will get acquainted with Gawler which is the oldest town in South Australia; Mintaro where you will find the very finely designed home of Martindale Hall; Kapunda which has a uniquely rich copper mining heritage; and Burra whose well-preserved buildings provide excellent views for the history-loving eye.

For nature-lovers, Redbanks Conservation Park is the best place to visit with its gorges which serve as a sanctuary for wombats, euros, and echidnas. If you are interested more about the past especially the dinosaurs, the archeological sites of Clare Valley will astound you even more. This is because the park has one of the world's largest diprotodon discoveries, some of which could be seen displayed at the Council Offices of the town. Another great feature of the place is the site of an aboriginal burial ground which was unearthed by archaeologists with the help of the Ngadjuri people.

Wine-lovers can visit the Sevenhill Cellars which is actually the oldest winery in the region dating back to 1851. The Terowie Railway station is where you will get to see a lot of the war memorials and museums. It was here when General Douglas MacArthur gave his well-known "I will return" speech, after the US retreated from the Philippines during World War II. A town rooted in wine-making and agriculture, you can get to see more country life in the Dryland Farming Museum and the Roseworthy and Annie's Museum that highlights the agricultural heritage of the region.

Enjoy other popular towns of Clare Valley including Clare and Auburn by booking Clare Valley accommodation online at Cheap Holiday Accommodation.