The Clare Valley bakes in summer — but tucked into its gorges and creeks are a handful of swimming spots that locals have always known about.
Summer in the Mid North is no joke. When the mercury climbs past forty and the vineyards shimmer in the heat, even the most dedicated wine traveller starts looking for water. The good news: the Clare Valley and its surrounds hide a few cool, green places to take the plunge.
Burra Creek Gorge
The pick of them is Burra Creek Gorge, east of the copper town. Here the creek has carved a path between tumbled granite boulders, leaving deep, shaded pools that hold water well into summer. It's a popular picnic and camping spot, with red gums for shade and rock ledges for jumping (check depth first). The drive out is a small adventure in itself, through rolling sheep country.
Creeks and reservoirs
Closer to the vines, the seasonal creeks that thread the valley fill and empty with the rains, offering the occasional paddling spot after a wet winter. Local knowledge helps here — ask at your accommodation, as access and water levels vary year to year.
Swim smart
A few words of caution. Many of these spots are unpatrolled and conditions change. Never dive into water you haven't checked, watch for submerged rocks and be mindful that creek levels can be low or stagnant by late summer. After good rains, though, there's no finer way to break up a hot day of cellar-door touring than a cold dip in a hidden gorge.
Pack a picnic, throw the towels in the car and make a day of it. The Clare Valley isn't only about what's in the glass — sometimes it's about what's in the creek.
