Most people who’ve experienced a Clare Valley weekend away will tell you the same thing: it is one of those trips that makes you wish you’d come sooner.
Just two hours north of Adelaide, the city traffic gives way to winding country roads, rolling vineyard hills, and cellar doors that feel more like visiting old friends than typical tourist stops.
Having hosted hundreds of guests in our cabins, we’ve seen too many either rush through their itinerary or overlook the best spots because they lack insider knowledge.
Here’s our insider guide with practical itinerary tips and handpicked places to visit and stay for your Clare Valley weekend getaway.
Why Clare Valley is Perfect for a Weekend Away
Here are some reasons Clare Valley has become one of South Australia’s most beloved wine regions.
• More than 50 cellar doors in a compact region mean you can visit three or four without rushing.
• The Riesling Trail winds 33 kilometres through vineyards, old rail lines, and gum trees. Perfect for cycling or slow strolls with plenty of stops for a glass or two.
• Towns like Auburn, Sevenhill, and Watervale have that relaxed, small-town charm. It’s the kind of place where locals wave when you drive past.
And because it’s only two hours from Adelaide, you’re not wasting half the weekend in the car.
Best Things to Do in Clare Valley
A weekend away in Clare Valley works best when you balance wine, food, and a bit of fresh air. Here’s what we recommend you do when you land in the Clare Valley.
Wine and Food Experiences
Start at Sevenhill Cellars, the oldest winery in the Clare Valley wine region. Built by Jesuit priests in 1851, it continues to produce sacramental wine for churches worldwide. The underground cellars and old stone buildings feel like a step back in time.
For lunch, head to Skillogalee Winery. Sit under the trees, order a tasting flight, and try their slow-cooked lamb with a Clare Valley Shiraz. Their new Barrel House offers floor-to-ceiling vineyard views.
Couples on travel forums rave about smaller spots like Jim Barry Wines, too, where the winemaker might pour your glass himself.
Other excellent winery stops include Kilikanoon Wines with its shady gardens perfect for tasting bold Shiraz and Riesling, and Mitchell Wines where you can enjoy their Rieslings with a gourmet cheese and charcuterie platter on the patio while learning about their sustainable, dry-grown vineyards.
Here are other stops worth a look:
• Watervale Hotel: Crowned Australia’s best regional restaurant in 2022. Go hungry; the paddock-to-plate menu is no joke.
• Slate Restaurant (Pikes Wines): Enjoy gourmet Modern Australian cuisine with French, British, and Japanese influences using local produce, all while overlooking the vineyards.
• Indii of Clare: Award-winning Indian cuisine open for lunch (11:30 am–2:30 pm) and dinner (5–9 pm Sun–Thu, 5–10 pm Fri–Sat).
• Ragu & Co: Authentic Italian serving dinner from 5 pm (Tue–Sat). Both restaurants use high-quality local ingredients.
• Local markets: This is great for morning coffee, fresh sourdough, and cheeses to take back to your Clare Valley cabin.
Outdoor Adventures and Trails
Hire a bike from Clare Valley Cycle Hire and roll along the Riesling Trail. The route links Auburn to Clare with plenty of cellar doors along the way. It’s flat, easy riding, and you can stop wherever you fancy.
Walkers should try Spring Gully Conservation Park. In spring, the wildflowers turn the hills into a carpet of colour. Take the Blue Gum lookout trail for the best valley views.
At night, bring a blanket. Away from city lights, the stargazing here is unreal. Many travellers say it’s the first time they’ve really seen the Milky Way.
Better still, you can join CABN for an exclusive tour of the Clare Valley.
Historic Sites and Scenic Attractions
Martindale Hall (Mintaro) is a grand 1879 Georgian mansion nicknamed a “mini Chatsworth House.” Explore this impressive heritage building and the charming stone village of Mintaro surrounding it.
Redruth Gaol in Clare (established 1856) is now a fascinating museum showcasing early colonial prison life.
Hidden Local Recommendations
Locals often mention a few spots in travel forums that visitors sometimes miss:
• Polish Hill River: Home to small family-run wineries known for the Rieslings. It’s quiet, with fewer tour buses and a more relaxed tasting experience.
• Lake Bumbunga: A bright pink salt lake near Lochiel that changes shade depending on the weather and time of day. Best visited mid-morning when the colours pop for photos.
• Trestrail Cottage bush tracks: Scenic walking trails near the historic Trestrail Cottage. Early mornings here often bring kangaroo sightings and birdsong.
These places rarely make the big travel guides, which is why they feel special when you find them.
Where to Stay in Clare Valley
Finding the right base can make or break your weekend stay.
For those wanting the full experience, the CABN Clare Valley location sits right near the best wineries and trails, with three cabins waiting for you.
Secluded Off-Grid Cabins in Clare Valley
For couples chasing peace and quiet, CABN Minnie is tucked among gums with big vineyard views, with the capacity to sleep two to three couples.
Designed for slow mornings and uninterrupted stillness, Minnie is tucked away just 100 metres from her neighbouring cabins, CABN Lily and CABN Sadie, close enough for a group stay, but private enough to feel like your own. It’s one of those Clare Valley accommodation spots where you wake up to birdsong instead of phone alerts.
And if you’re travelling with mates, CABN Lily & Sadie are ideal group accommodation Clare Valley options. Plenty of space, proper beds, and you can still wander to a cellar door without needing the car.
All CABN stays are off-grid. With solar power, rainwater, compost loos – you’re leaving a lighter footprint without roughing it.
Sample Weekend Itinerary for Clare Valley
Here’s a Clare Valley weekend escape plan that works well for first-timers.
Day 1
• Leave Adelaide mid-morning.
• Lunch at Skillogalee Winery or Watervale Hotel.
• Afternoon tastings at Sevenhill Cellars and Jim Barry Wines.
• Sunset drinks back at your cabin.
Day 2
• Ride or walk part of the Riesling Trail.
• Lunch near the Polish Hill River at a boutique winery.
• Stargazing after dinner – blankets, wine, and quiet skies.
Day 3
• Brunch at a local café for great food and coffee.
• Photos at Lake Bumbunga.
• Quick stop at Martindale Hall, often called a “miniature version of Downton Abbey.”
• Drive home after lunch.
Tips for Planning Your Clare Valley Getaway
• When to go: Spring for wildflowers, autumn for golden vines. Summers get hot, winters are crisp but cosy.
• Book early: Weekends fill fast, especially during wine festivals.
• Pack right: Walking shoes, a wine cooler bag, and a decent camera go a long way.
Your Clare Valley Weekend Escape Awaits
A Clare Valley weekend away means slow mornings, friendly cellar doors, and hidden spots you’ll remember for years.
Ready to see it for yourself? Explore CABN Clare Valley accommodation and plan a weekend filled with wine, nature, and good company waiting just up the road.
Book now to secure the best views before the most popular cabins are gone.
