Clare Valley

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Clare Valley

Valley

The Clare Valley is a river valley and wine region in South Australia about 100 km north of Adelaide; travellers come for cool-climate wines, cellar doors and easy cycling on the Riesling Trail.

Clare Valley AdelaidePort AugustaCoober PedyWhyallaPort LincolnMount GambierMurray Bridge, South AustraliaPort PirieClare Valley

Clare Valley essentials

Address: Clare Valley, Clare and Gilbert Valleys, South Australia, Australia

The Clare Valley is the river valley formed mainly by the Hutt River (and associated with the parallel Hill River) and is flanked by the Skilly Hills and Bungaree Hills on the west and the Stony Range on the east; much of the area is temperate grassland.

European settlement in the 1840s created a string of villages along what is now the Horrocks Highway - Auburn, Leasingham, Watervale, Penwortham, Sevenhill and Clare - and many of those towns retain characteristic 19th-century architecture. The Ngadjuri people were the valley’s original inhabitants.

The valley has developed into a recognised cool-climate wine region, especially known for Riesling, with an estimated 50 wineries and many cellar doors spread through the villages and surrounding hills.

The old Clare railway route has been converted into the sealed Riesling Trail, a 35 km walking and cycling trail linking villages; the valley also hosts events such as the Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend (late May) and has previously hosted music festivals at private properties.

  • Riesling Trail: A sealed 35 km walking and cycling trail following the old rail corridor and linking the valley’s towns and many cellar doors.
  • Cellar doors and vineyards: Numerous wineries offer tastings and sales, with a strong emphasis on Riesling and other cool-climate whites.
  • Historic villages: Auburn, Watervale, Sevenhill and Clare feature 19th-century buildings, small galleries, cafes and local produce stops.
  • Scenic hill views: Lookouts on the Skilly and Bungaree Hills give panoramic views over the vine-lined valley floor.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Clare Valley#

The Clare Valley is pleasant much of the year; spring and autumn are especially favorable for outdoor activities and wine events, while winter is cooler and wetter.

Autumn (best for harvest and festivals)
March - May · 7°C - 26°C (45°F - 79°F)
Autumn brings harvest activity, cellar-door events such as the Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend in late May and generally mild, settled weather for tasting and walking.
Spring (pleasant and scenic)
September - November · 6°C - 24°C (43°F - 75°F)
Warmening temperatures and spring growth make this a good time for cycling the Riesling Trail and enjoying village gardens and country drives.
Winter (quiet, wetter)
June - August · 4°C - 14°C (39°F - 57°F)
Winter is the coolest and wettest season with fewer visitors, so accommodation and cellar doors can be quieter but expect more rain and cooler conditions.

Weather & Climate near Clare Valley#

Climate

Clare Valley's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 29°C. Moderate rainfall (575 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
46°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 14° - 29° 21° 26 mm mostly sunny 41% 4.2 m/s 3.0 extreme 13.9h
February Ideal 14° - 29° 22° 22 mm mostly sunny 44% 4.1 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.2h
March Ideal 12° - 26° 19° 23 mm mostly sunny 50% 3.6 m/s 1.9 very high 12.2h
April Excellent 9° - 22° 15° 39 mm some cloud 58% 3.4 m/s 1.1 high 11.1h
May Very Good 7° - 17° 12° 53 mm partly cloudy 71% 2.8 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.3h
June Good 5° - 14° 7° 70 mm partly cloudy 78% 3.7 m/s 0.4 low 9.8h
July Good 4° - 13° 7° 75 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.4 m/s 0.4 low 10.0h
August Good 5° - 14° 8° 73 mm partly cloudy 74% 3.5 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.8h
September Very Good 6° - 17° 11° 69 mm some cloud 68% 3.7 m/s 1.2 high 11.8h
October Very Good 8° - 20° 14° 61 mm some cloud 59% 4.0 m/s 1.8 very high 12.8h
November Excellent 10° - 24° 17° 39 mm some cloud 51% 4.1 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.7h
December Ideal 12° - 27° 20° 25 mm some cloud 45% 4.2 m/s 2.8 extreme 14.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Clare Valley#

The nearest major city is Adelaide about 100 km to the south; Clare is the valley’s main service town and a convenient base for exploring nearby wineries and trails.

Adelaide is served by Adelaide Airport and regular road links; the Horrocks Highway runs through the valley and the last stretch is easiest by car, rental, regional coach or taxi from Clare or other larger centres - passenger rail no longer serves the valley and the former line is now the Riesling Trail.

Tips for Visiting Clare Valley#

  • Book popular cellar-door tastings or winery experiences ahead at weekends and during festival periods.
  • If you plan to cycle the Riesling Trail, bring a helmet and water; bike hire is available in valley towns but check locally for locations and opening times.
  • In summer bring sun protection and carry water; in the cooler, wetter months pack a waterproof layer.
  • Check local opening days and seasonal events before you travel, and be aware of any regional fire or access restrictions in hotter months.