Where to stay in Clare Valley
From 1850s homesteads and heritage cottages to vineyard cabins and revived country pubs, here is where to base yourself in the Clare Valley.
The Clare Valley rewards an overnight stay. With cellar doors strung along the Riesling Trail and a handful of historic towns to wander, where you bed down shapes the whole trip - whether you want a grand homestead, a self-contained cottage or a pub with a good kitchen below your room.
Pick your base
The region is compact, so most stays put you within easy reach of the trail and the wineries. Clare itself has the most beds and services, while Sevenhill, Watervale, Auburn and Mintaro offer quieter, more characterful options. Burra, a little further out, is worth it for its restored miners' cottages and heritage streetscape.
Something for every traveller
We have chosen a spread of styles to suit different trips. Couples after a romantic escape will find boutique cottages and gracious country houses; families and trail riders are well served by holiday parks and vineyard cabins; and food-minded visitors can settle into revived country pubs where the kitchen is the main event. All the places below are real, published stays in the valley.
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1
ClareBungaree Station
A historic 1840s pastoral station north of Clare, run as a self-contained heritage village with accommodation across its original buildings. Ideal for families and groups who want space, history and a working-property atmosphere.
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2
WatervaleStanley Grammar Country House
Watervale's landmark 1858 Stanley Grammar School is now heritage-listed country house accommodation. A characterful, self-contained base for travellers who appreciate restored historic buildings and a quieter corner of the valley.
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3
SevenhillClare Valley Cabins
Self-contained vineyard cabins set in Sevenhill, central to the valley's cellar doors and the Riesling Trail. A practical, relaxed choice for couples and cyclists who want to be in the heart of the wine country.
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4
MintaroMintaro Mews
Boutique cottage-style accommodation in the heart of heritage Mintaro, with a cellar door and restaurant on site. Suits couples and food-and-wine lovers wanting a self-contained stay in one of South Australia's prettiest historic towns.
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5
BurraPaxton Square Cottages
A row of restored 1850s miners' cottages in Burra, now heritage self-contained accommodation. A good base for history buffs and walkers exploring Burra's mining heritage and streetscape.
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6
WatervaleWatervale Hotel
A revived 1847 country pub at Watervale with a paddock-to-plate kitchen, kitchen garden and rooms upstairs. Perfect for food-minded travellers who want to eat well and walk straight up to bed.
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7
AuburnRising Sun Hotel Auburn
A historic stone hotel in Auburn with a well-regarded kitchen and cosy rooms, a classic Clare Valley pub stay. Great for couples and trail riders wanting good food and an easygoing overnight at the southern end of the valley.
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8
SevenhillSevenhill Hotel
A friendly heritage pub in the heart of Sevenhill, a handy refuel for Riesling Trail cyclists, with rooms to stay the night. A laid-back, central choice for those who like to be among the action.
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9Clare
Clare Country Club
A resort-style hotel on the edge of Clare with golf, a pool and views across the valley. Suits travellers after hotel comforts and on-site facilities, including golfers and those who prefer a single, full-service base.
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10
ClareClare Caravan Park
A holiday park just south of Clare offering cabins and powered sites near the Riesling Trail. An affordable, flexible option for families, caravanners and cyclists wanting easy trail access.
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11
ClareRiesling Trail and Clare Valley Cottages
Self-contained cottage accommodation in Clare, well placed for the town's shops, eateries and the surrounding wineries. A comfortable home base for couples or small groups exploring the valley at their own pace.
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