Things to do

There's lots to see and do in Clare so here are some local restaurants, galleries and attractions we recommend. However, if you would like more ideas for Clare and the surrounding areas please phone us on 0412 265 031, visit clarevalley.com.au or contact the Clare Visitor Information Centre on 08 8842 2131.

Restaurants

Citadel 5453

• Well-priced quality Mediterranean restaurant with casual cosmopolitan atmosphere featuring wonderful food with daily specials, tasty pasta, seafood and Italian style pizzas, delicious desserts, great coffee and of course an extensive wine list. Dine in or take away. This restaurant oozes quality and style. Usually open Wednesday to Sunday, but do phone ahead to check!
• 187 Main North Road, Clare
• Phone (08) 8842 1453

Penna Lane Wines

• Vineyard platters to share. Hearty soups in cooler weather. All served with home baked bread. Estate made gourmet produce. Open for meals Thursday to Sunday 11.00am to 5.00pm
• Follow the signs from Main North Road at Penwortham or Sevenhill
• Phone (08) 8843 4364
• www.pennalanewines.com.au

Salt 'n Vines Restaurant

• Modern Australian seafood and steaks and fine Clare Valley wines, fabulous views, balcony dining, private function room and wine bar. Open seven days for lunch and dinner, coffee and cake.
• Wendouree Road, Clare
• Phone (08) 8842 1796
• www.saltnvines.com.au

Seven Hill Hotel

• Friendliest pub in the Clare Valley for a great meal and fine dining. Open seven days for lunch and dinner either on the verandah "al fresco" in the dining room or at the bar. Huge underground cellar.
• Main North Road, Sevenhill
• Phone (08) 8843 4217

Skillogalee Winery and Restaurant

• The Clare Valley's favourite vineyard restaurant. Open daily 10.00am to 5.00pm. Verandah dining overlooking the garden and vineyards or inside by open fires in winter. Dinners/functions/ baskets by arrangement.
• Follow the signs from Main North Road at Penwortham or Sevenhill.
• Phone (08) 8843 4311
• www.skillogalee.com

Cafés

Bookstop and Beans

• Browse through new and pre-loved books while savouring excellent coffee and plunger teas with scones, jam and cream. Sit on the verandah in a garden of hollyhocks or in front of the open fire in cooler weather in this 1840's cottage. Open Friday to Monday 10.00am to 5.00pm
• Main North Road, Penwortham
• Phone (08) 8843 4040

Epic Food

• Offering fresh modern dishes with a difference filling a gap between coffee shop and restaurant. Big breakfasts, delicious lunches and a daily specials board Centrally located with great coffee and a relaxed atmosphere. Open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm. Open Saturdays 8.30am to 12.00 noon. Closed Sundays.
• Shop 4/260 Main North Road, Clare. (Mall next to Open House)
• Phone (08) 8842 2917

Wild Saffron

• Wonderful gourmet goodies, cook books and coffee. Eat in or try their take away canapés, platters or meals.
• Main North Road, Clare
• Phone 0419 838 749

Gifts

Country Clutter

• A delightful little shop with country crafts, collectables, furniture and antique bears. Open seven days a week.
• Main North Road, Watervale
• Phone (08) 8843 0277

Open House Gifts and Homewares

• Stocking a wide range of gifts homeware, kitchenware,cheese, deli meats, bread and local produce. Open seven days.
• Shop 1, 266 Main North Road, Clare
• Phone (08) 8842 3222

Sugar Shack Soap

• Since 1991 Sugar Shack Soap have manufactured handmade Australian olive oil soap especially suited for sensitive skin, baby skin, the aged and the health conscious. A fascinating shop with ideal gifts for yourself or others. Open Thursday to Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm.
• 7 Archer Street, Clare (follow the sign on the car parked near Clare Oval)
• Phone (08) 8842 1109

Galleries

Medika Gallery

• A fine art gallery, in the original St Petrie Kirche (Lutheran) Housing the studio of well known wildlife artist Ian Roberts it specializes in Australian glassware, pottery, crystal, prints and original paintings by recognized Australian artists and craftsmen. Open weekdays and Saturday 10.00am to 5.00pm, closed Sunday.
• 16 Moore Street, Blyth (follow the signs from the Clare/ Blyth Road.
• Phone (08) 8844 5175
• www.medikagallery.com.au

Murray Edwards' Corella Hills Studio

• Enjoy a friendly personal welcome and discuss both finished works and works in progress. Exhibiting distinctive original paintings, drawings, prints and cards all by Murray Edwards. Open seven days a week 10.00am to 5.00pm.
• Watch for sandwich board off Main North Road on north side of Watervale
• Phone (08) 8843 0036
• www.murrayedwards.com.au

Gardens

Morella Nursery

• Nestled around a heritage listed cottage (1847) and in a garden setting showcasing Clare Valley artwork, gifts and a range of hardy plants. Coffee and cake available Sundays during Spring and Autumn.
• Main North Road, Watervale
• Phone (08) 8843 0111

Bike Hire

• Bikes are available to hire from Riesling Trail Bush cottages right on the Riesling Trail. It is wise to book bikes ahead if possible. $25.00 per day includes helmet and bottle of water.
• Phone (08) 8842 1796

Activities

Blyth Cinema

• Wonderful venue! Movies each Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8.00pm.
• 15 Moore Street, Blyth
• Phone (08) 8844 5175

Film times for December 2008 

• Fri 5th Dec 7:30 pm                                                                                       Chronicles of Narnia-Prince Caspian (M) ***1/2
  Adventure/Fantasy - tickets for both sessions $5
• Sat 6th Dec 6:00 pm                                                                                          Kung Fu Panda (PG) ****
  All tickets $5
• Sat 6th Dec 8:00 pm                                                                                           Chronicles of Narnia-Prince Caspian (M) ***1/2
  Adventure/Fantasy - tickets for both sessions $5
• Fri 12th Dec 7:30 pm                                                                                            Kung Fu Panda (PG) ****
• Sat 13th Dec 8:00 pm                                                                                               Batman - The Dark Knight (M) ****1/2 Heath Ledger, Christian Bale
• Sat 20th Dec 8:00 pm                                                                                             Batman - The Dark Knight (M) ****1/2 Heath Ledger, Christian Bale
  

(Star ratings courtesy www.allmovie.com.)

Clare Golf Club

• Magnificent 18 hole course open all year and fully greened with watered fairways. Fine clubhouse and catering facilities.
• Phone (08) 8842 1022

Clare Valley Experiences

• Go off the beaten track in a Mercedes 4WD (up to four passengers) and visit small family wineries, artist studios, historic villages, olive oil estates, fantastic views. Your choice! Pick up and return to your accommodation.
• Phone (08) 8842 1880
• www.visitclarevalley.com.au

Clare Valley Tours

• Air-conditioned 21 seater or 6 seater tours of wineries, historic buildings, views, personalized tours, charter, weddings, birthdays, groups, sports, transfers and dinners. Guides available. Pick up and return to accommodation.
• Phone (08) 8843 8066 or 0418 832 812
• www.cvtours.com.au

Mintaro Maze and Gift Shop

• Explore a living maze with twists, turns and dead ends. Play games and browse in the gift shop for unusual gifts, then relax with an ice-cream or coffee. Open Thursday to Monday, School/public holidays or by appointment. Group bookings and weddings welcome. Easter and Christmas special features for the children!
• Jacka Road, Mintaro
• Phone (08) 8843 9012
• www.mintaromaze.com

Riesling Trail

• Travelling along the former railway line between Auburn and Clare through vineyards and picturesque countryside. The gentle gradient makes it ideal for family and friends of all ages, with most people easily completing the 25km in two to two and a half hours by bike - a little longer on foot!! However, with several excellent cellar doors and other attractions along the way it can easily become a days outing. Bring your own bikes or hire. Watch out for the newly unveiled (April 2008) sculpture by Vivian Ziersch just before Auburn.
• The trail will be progressively extended north to Barinia, a further 8.5km, taking in a host of picturesque cuttings and embankments spanning the Farrell Flat Road. This new section will be opened in stages during 2008.

Train Rides

• For the young and young at heart not to mention model railway enthusiasts. A lot of fun! April to October the second and fourth Sundays starting at 1.30pm. November to March the second and fourth Saturdays twilight rides from 6.00pm (covered footwear essential).
• Inchiquin Lake Park (on road to Clare Golf Club).

Events

A Day on the Green

• An outdoor concert series that travels to various wineries around Australia. Combining a quality musical experience with fine wine, food and music in a spectacular location.
• Usually held at Annie's Lane at Quelltaler, Watervale in January.
• (We strongly recommend booking your accommodation early!)
• Phone (08) 8843 0003

Clare Valley Cup Day

• Another great weekend - there are 5 feature race days in Clare annually, check the Racing SA website for details.
• November, Clare Racecourse.
• Phone (08) 8842 1033
• www.racingsa.com.au

Clare Valley Easter Races

• Join the other 7,000 people having the time of their lives at the largest picnic race after Oakbank. Stay for the many other events over the Easter break.
• Held Easter Saturday at the Clare Racecourse.
• (We strongly recommend booking your accommodation early!)
• Phone (08) 8842 1033
• www.racingsa.com.au

Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend

• Taste new and old vintage wines matched to restaurant food.
• Held at many of the wineries in the Clare Valley in May each year.
• (We strongly recommend booking your accommodation early!)
• Phone Clare Valley Visitor Information Centre (08) 8842 2131

Wineries

**open 1 September for 6 weeks.