Clare - Places to See

Riesling Trail

This is a truly fascinating recent tourist attraction. The old railway line between Auburn and Clare has been carefully covered over with easy-to-walk-on gravel and opened up as the Riesling Trail. The idea is that people can walk or cycle up the Clare Valley away from the main road. They can experience the quiet beauty of the area and,eventually,there will be numerous sideways off the main Trail which will encourage visitors to divert to wineries and craft shops. At the moment it is just a very charming and pleasant walkway/cycleway. Bicycles can be hired in Clare.

Bungaree Station
Located 12 km north of Clare,Bungaree was first settled by Europeans when George Hawker chose the site for his head station in 1841. It grew to become one of the great South Australian properties with its own farm cottages,manager's house,shearing sheds,church (St Michaels consecrated in 1864) and local council chambers (built in 1868). It is now recognised as one of Australia's finest merino studs. It is a real living museum and visits can be made by appointment. The Bungaree Homestead,a glorious two-storey building,is a comment on the success of the property. It is one of Australia's finest 19th century houses. Visitors stay in the shearers quarters. They don't spend the night in the homestead. Contact (08) 8842 2677.

Old Clareville Museum
Located in Lennon Street this historic cooperative winery has been converted into a museum of wine making. It also has a restaurant and a gift shop. It is open seven days. Contact (08) 8842 1222.

Old Police Station Museum
Located on the corner of Victoria Rd and West Terrace and open weekends and public holidays 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. this museum is located in Clare's oldest building which dates from 1850. It has an attractive gabled porch and diamond-shaped window panes. It records the region's history through furniture,clothing and equipment. For details (08) 8842 3656.

Wolta Wolta
Shortly after the arrival of'Paddy'Gleeson in the district,John Hope,another Irish migrant,moved into the district. He built his homestead in 1846 and continued to add to it until 1870. The Hope family still own the house which has a fine collection of interesting antiques. The home was badly damaged in the 1983 bushfires but has since been restored. It is open for inspection on Sundays. It is located to the west of the town - follow Victoria Road west and turn north at Neagles Rock Road. Contact (08) 8842 3656.

Lookouts
If you continue south on Neagles Rock road you will arrive at Neagles Rock Lookout which offers an excellent view over the Clare Valley. Equally impressive is Billy Goat Hill Lookout in the middle of town - turn off the Main North Road at Lennon Street (to the east) and then turn north in Union Street until you reach Wright Street which offers access to the lookout.

Wineries
Knappstein Wines
Located 2 Pioneer Avenue,Clare this 44.5 hectare family winery was established in 1976 and specialises in red and white table wines derived from cabernet sauvignon,riesling,gewurztraminer,sauvignon blanc,Merlot,cabernet franc and shiraz grapes. It is open seven days for tastings and sales. For more details contact (08) 8842 2600.

Jim Barry Wines
Located on Main North Road,north of Clare this family winery was established in 1959 (Jim Barry started planting the vines in 1947) and specialises in quality red and white table wines,ports and sparkling wines derived from cabernet sauvignon,riesling,Merlot,Malbec,chardonnay and shiraz grapes. It is open seven days for tastings and sales. For more details contact (08) 8842 2261.

Emerald Estate
Located on Main North Road,north of Clare this 18.5 hectare family winery was established in 1989 and specialises in red and white table wines derived from cabernet sauvignon,riesling,chardonnay,semillon,pinot noir and shiraz grapes. It is open seven days for tastings and sales. For more details contact (08) 8842 2450.