8 of the best places to stay in the Clare Valley

Bella Westaway Bella Westaway
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From a luxe historic farmstead to a pet-friendly caravan park, we’ve rounded up the best Clare Valley accommodation to suit every taste and budget.

As one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, the Clare Valley in South Australia is home to some of the most beautiful and historic accommodation options in the state. Think charming B&Bs, luxurious old homesteads and restored 19th-century schoolhouses, as well as pet-friendly caravan parks, gorgeous garden cottages and tiny homes immersed in nature. To help find your perfect pairing, we’ve pulled together a list of the best Clare Valley accommodation on offer.

1. Country Haven Tiny Home

Best for: A secluded, romantic getaway

If you want your Clare Valley accommodation to be surrounded by nature, this tiny home in Kybunga delivers in spades. After a day spent exploring the wineries, walks and wonders of the area, Country Haven Tiny Home is a beautiful place to unwind.

the property exterior of Country Haven Tiny Home
Escape to charming Country Haven Tiny Home in Kybunga.

Located just 20 minutes from Clare, you’ll enjoy the sounds and sights of the Australian bush, plus amenities including an outdoor bath, fire pit and all the luxe comforts you’d expect from a flashy hotel.

a close-up shot of pillows at Country Haven Tiny Home
Unwind in beautiful surrounds.

Address: 670 Eldredge Rd, Kybunga

2. Anlaby Station

Best for: A luxe, heritage experience

Experience true country luxury at Anlaby Station, a working property breeding stud sheep and producing some of the finest merino wool in Australia.

the property exterior of Anlaby Station
Anlaby Station is steeped in historic charm. (Image: Cameron Bloom)

This heritage estate – established in 1839 – offers a wide variety of Clare Valley accommodation options, including the Manor House, the Head Gardeners Cottage and the Coachman’s Cottage, as well as concierge services to help you plan your ideal holiday.

the Anlaby Station property under the shade of tree
Experience true country luxury. (Image: Cameron Bloom)

Address: 829 Anlaby Road, Hamilton

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3. Clare Valley Million Estate

Best for: Families and large groups

If you’re headed to the Clare Valley with a family or large group, put Million Estate on your list, stat. This outstanding property sleeps 10 guests, and includes a private pool, tennis court, and fully-equipped kitchen.

the dining area painted in light red at Clare Valley Million Estate
One of the estate’s main draws is its vintage interior.

Plus, it’s less than 10 minutes from town, making it a great base for you to enjoy one of South Australia’s most spectacular wine regions.

a tropical-themed interior at Clare Valley Million Estate
Inside, you’ll find huge windows and rustic furniture.

Address: 117 Boconnoc Park Road, Armagh

4. Stanley Grammar Country House

Best for: Old-school hospitality

Stanley Grammar Country House is definitely one of our top picks when it comes to Clare Valley accommodation. With an extraordinary history dating back to 1863, this former school has been lovingly refurbished into a cosy and elegant country manor, offering old-school hospitality from hosts Denise and Frank. Plus, its location in Watervale puts it smack-bang in the centre of the Reisling Trail, and a short walk from the fabulous Watervale Hotel.

the lounge room at Stanley Grammar Country House
Relax with a book in the lounge room.

Address: 7 Commercial Road, Watervale

5. Clare Valley Caravan Park

Best for: Cheap and cheerful digs

If you’re after something a little more low-key, the Clare Valley Caravan Park is an excellent choice for Clare Valley cabins, camping and pet-friendly accommodation.

This privately owned park has recently enjoyed some lovely upgrades, offering friendly and cost-effective accommodation options from which to enjoy the stunning area. Amenities include showers, a coin-operated laundry, a camp kitchen and a communal fire pit – plus you’ll find some of the Clare Valley’s best wineries within walking distance.

the bedroom with chairs, table and modern amenities at Clare Valley Caravan Park
Book a stay at Clare Valley Caravan Park.

Address: 8 Wakefield Road, Leasingham

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6.  The Heritage Garden

Best for: Garden lovers

If you’re a lover of gardens, you can’t miss this gorgeous B&B in the Clare Valley, hosted by the extraordinarily passionate Walter and Kay Duncan. The lovingly restored cottage is over 140 years old and includes charming touches such as quilts handmade by Kay herself, country breakfast provisions and, of course, Walter’s extensive rose gardens to explore. The Duncans have poured their heart and soul into their beautiful garden and cottage for guests to enjoy.

guests arriving at The Heritage Garden, Clare Valley
This gorgeous B&B is perfect for garden lovers. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Address: 12 McCord Lane, Sevenhill

7. Reilly’s Heritage B&B Cottages

Best for: Location, location, location!

The historic town of Mintaro is one of our favourite places in South Australia, making Reilly’s Heritage B&B Cottages a great pick for your Clare Valley trip.

The town is known for the fabulous Mintaro Maze, as well as Martindale Hall, a meticulously restored Georgian mansion that featured in the 1975 film Picnic at Hanging Rock and nowadays gives serious Bridgerton energy. Plus, you’ll have Reilly’s cellar door and restaurant just steps away from your cottage, so you can leave the car in the drive and focus on sampling the local wines.

the front facade of Reilly’s Heritage B&B Cottages
Spend the weekend with living your best Bridgerton life.

Address: Cnr Hill St & Leasingham Rd, Mintaro, Clare Valley SA 5415

8. Casa Barbera

Best for: Modern luxury

While the Clare Valley is known for its historic homesteads, sometimes we just want a dose of slick modern luxury on holiday. Enter Casa Barbera. One of Clare’s most outstanding contemporary properties, this architect-designed home is a peaceful place to put your feet up with a crisp glass of riesling in hand.

the interior of Casa Barbera in Clare Valley
Casa Barbera is one of Clare’s most outstanding contemporary properties.

Address: 39 King St, Mintaro

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8 Northern Territory secrets the locals don’t want you to know

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

    Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

    Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

    1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

    Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park, just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

    Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory.
    Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

    2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

    Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole, open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

    Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park
    Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

    The Tiwi Islands, a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

    Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

    A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space.
    Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

    4. Dine in Darwin

    Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets, Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets.

    Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

    A bowl of Laksa.
    Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

    5. Up close with Uluṟu

    The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

    There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

    A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory.
    Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

    6. Drive the Red Centre Way

    From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

    Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

    SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT).
    Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

    7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

    Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa. This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

    Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

    The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden.
    Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

    8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

    Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen.

    Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory.
    Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

    Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

    Clare Valley Accommodation To Suit Every Taste And Budget | Australian Traveller