Heritage Itinerary

A Clare Valley History & Heritage Day

Slate villages, copper mines and grand colonial halls in one rewarding loop.

1 day History lovers and slow travellers 6 stops

The Clare Valley is famous for riesling, but its stone towns and mining past are just as compelling. This day swaps tasting flights for slate cottages, copper-era relics and one of South Australia's grandest colonial mansions.

The plan

Begin in historic Auburn, the southern gateway township, with its handsome stone church and the birthplace credentials of poet C J Dennis. Drive north to Mintaro, a slate village so intact the whole town is heritage-listed, and lose an hour wandering its quiet streets. Nearby, the imposing Martindale Hall rewards a stop for its sheer colonial grandeur. From there, continue toward Penwortham to see the Horrocks monument and St Mark's churchyard, among the oldest European sites in the valley. Finish the day in Clare itself, tracing the township's railway heritage walk before a well-earned dinner.

Day 1

6 stops

1

St John the Evangelist Church Auburn

Auburn

Start in historic Auburn at this fine stone church, the township’s heritage anchor.
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2

Mintaro Village

Mintaro

Wander the National Trust-classified slate streets of Mintaro.
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3

Martindale Hall Grounds

Mintaro

Take in the grandeur of the 1880s Martindale Hall and its grounds.
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4

Horrocks Monument

Penwortham

Pause at Penwortham for the explorer Horrocks monument.
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5

Penwortham St Marks Church

Penwortham

Visit one of the valley’s oldest churchyards nearby.
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6

Clare Railway Heritage Walk

Clare

Finish with Clare’s railway heritage walk into town.
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On the map

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