Route summary: Adelaide – Burra – Clare – Adelaide
Step back in time and soak up the country charm of Burra before rolling through the vineyards of Clare Valley. This family itinerary in the Clare Valley balances history, nature, and plenty of kid-friendly fun — from exploring mine ruins to pedalling the Riesling Trail.
Note: some meals are self-catered on this itinerary, so pack food from home or stock up in town in Burra or Clare.
Day 1
Adelaide – Auburn – Burra
Driving distance: 170km
Morning:
- Depart Adelaide in the morning, headed for Auburn, a picturesque town marking the southern gateway to the Clare Valley. Wander the character-filled streets lined with heritage stone buildings.
Afternoon:
- Enjoy lunch in the beer garden at the iconic Watervale Hotel.
- Take a scenic drive through vineyards and on to Burra, where you can check in to your cottage at Paxton Square Cottages.
- Visit the Burra & Goyder Visitor Information Centre, where you can pick up your key for the Burra Heritage Passport Tour. This key provides you with access to 11 of Burra’s most interesting sites, so you can explore the history of the town at your own pace over the next 24 hours.
Evening:
- Dinner tonight is at The Burra Hotel for classic pub fare and friendly banter.
Image credit:: Watervale Hotel
Stay: Paxton Square Cottages (one night)
This heritage-listed, boutique accommodation is a great base from which to explore Burra and beyond. Choose from studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom cottages to suit your family and they’ve even got pet-friendly accommodation upon request!
Image credit:: Paxton Square Cottages
Day 2
Burra – Clare
Driving distance: 42km
Morning:
- Have brekky in your cottage before checking out.
- Spend the day exploring the historical sites of Burra, including the Monster Mine Site, Morphett’s Engine House, and Redruth Gaol. Each site tells a story, from the bustling mining days to the town’s cultural evolution. Make a stop at Burra Creek to feed the friendly ducks!
Afternoon:
- Stop for lunch at local fave St Just Cafe before you continue on the heritage trail for the afternoon.
- Make your way to Clare, where you’ll check in to your cabin at Discovery Parks Clare, your accommodation for the next two nights.
- Stretch the legs on the short, adventurous climb to the Neagles Rock Lookout point and take in the magnificent views of the Clare Valley.
Evening:
- Dine out at The Clare Hotel in the middle of the main street of Clare, or cook your own meal at the holiday park.
Image credit:: Discovery Parks Clare
Stay: Discovery Parks Clare (two nights)
This holiday park is a stone’s throw from the town centre and the famous Riesling Trail and is equipped with all the facilities you need for an action-packed family getaway. You can choose to camp, bring the caravan or book a cabin — there’s something for everyone!
Day 3
Clare Valley Riesling Trail
All day:
- Spend the day riding the cycling trail. Start by collecting your bike or e-bike from Riesling Trail Bike Hire (book ahead to ensure availability) then hit the trail with as many stops along the way as you like.
- The Riesling Trail consists of 33 kilometres of flat, well-maintained, fully graded gravel track between Clare and Auburn. The trail offers scenic views of Clare Valley and is dotted with quaint towns, cellar doors, restaurants, and rest stops to break the journey.
- Recommendations for family-friendly stops on the trail include Sevenhill Cellars, Tim Adams Wines, Pikes Wines, Paulett Wines and O’Leary Walker Wines. These cellar doors all cater for little ones, some offer colouring packs, outdoor lawn games and yummy kids’ menus.
- Be sure to stop in at Richardson Park Playspace near Sevenhill, kids absolutely love the chance to swing and slide on the playground before jumping back on the bike.
Evening:
- After a huge day riding, it’s time to carb up at Ragu & Co., where they serve up some of the most authentic pizza and pasta in town.
Image credit :: Frame | South Australian Tourism Commission
Day 4
Clare – Adelaide
Driving distance: 143km
Morning:
- Sleep in and then enjoy a lazy brekky and a play at the holiday park playground, then check out and make a beeline for Clare Valley Model Engineers for a fun ride on a model train. Choo choo!
Afternoon:
- Head to Mintaro for lunch at Magpie & Stump before you farewell Clare Valley on your way home to Adelaide.
Image credit :: Magpie & Stump
