A Walking & Nature Day

There's more to the Clare Valley than what's in the glass. Its conservation parks, creek gorges and ridge-top lookouts offer some of the Mid North's best walking, all within easy reach of a cellar door for a well-earned finish.

The plan

Start early at Spring Gully Conservation Park, the only place in South Australia where red stringybark grows, and a riot of wildflowers and birdsong in spring. Walk the loop trails through the gullies before the day heats up.

Mid-morning, head south to walk a stretch of the Riesling Trail or the connecting Rattler Trail, flat and easy through vineyard and farmland. For something wilder, drive out to Burra Creek Gorge, a hidden swimming and picnic spot where granite boulders frame the water.

Late afternoon, climb Neagles Rock Lookout above Clare for sunset over the valley. Then reward the day's effort with a tasting at a nearby cellar door — you've earned the glass.