Clare Valley facts for kids
The Clare Valley is a beautiful area in South Australia, located about 100 kilometers north of Adelaide. It's a special place known for its stunning scenery and delicious wines. The valley is formed by the Hutt River and the Hill River. As you travel through the valley on the Horrocks Highway, you'll find charming towns like Auburn, Watervale, Sevenhill, and Clare. The Clare Valley is especially famous as a winegrowing region in Australia.
Quick facts for kids Clare ValleySouth Australia |
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 Clare Valley
Location in South Australia
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| LGA(s) | District Council of Clare and Gilbert Valleys |
| Region | Yorke and Mid North |
| County | County of Stanley |
| State electorate(s) | Frome |
| Federal Division(s) | Grey |
Contents
Exploring the Clare Valley's Landscape
The Clare Valley is surrounded by beautiful hills. On the western side, you'll find the Skilly Hills and Bungaree Hills. To the east, the Stony Range rises up, creating a lovely natural setting for the valley.
A Look Back at Clare Valley's History
The Clare Valley has a rich history, from its first inhabitants to how it developed into the place it is today.
Early People of the Valley
Long before European settlers arrived, the Ngadjuri people were the original inhabitants of the Clare Valley. They lived off the land and are believed to have had important camping spots in areas that are now the towns of Clare and Auburn.
How European Settlers Arrived
The first European explorer to visit the Clare Valley was John Hill in April 1839. He explored the area and named the Hutt River. Later, the nearby Hill River was named in his honor.
John Hill shared his findings about the good farmland with his friend, Edward John Eyre. Eyre then told John Ainsworth Horrocks, who had just arrived in South Australia. Horrocks soon set up the first permanent European settlement in the valley, in the area now called Penwortham.
By 1840, more settlers arrived. Edward Burton Gleeson started a large farm called Inchiquin, which later grew into the town of Clare. In 1848, a group of Jesuits (a religious order) settled in the area that became Sevenhill. People came from many different countries, like England, Ireland, and Poland. They built many beautiful buildings and villages that you can still see today. These early settlers also planted the first vineyards, starting the long tradition of winemaking in the valley.
Modern Times and the Riesling Trail
In 1983, the Clare Valley was affected by the Ash Wednesday bushfires, a large natural disaster. While no one was hurt in the valley, a lot of land was burned, and there was significant damage. The railway line in the area was badly damaged and eventually closed down.
However, something great came out of this! The old railway route was turned into a fantastic bicycle and walking path called the Riesling Trail. This 35-kilometer trail is now a popular way to explore the valley's villages and beautiful scenery.
Fun Things to Do in Clare Valley
The Clare Valley is a popular place for visitors, especially for its famous wines and outdoor activities.
Discovering Local Wineries
The Clare Valley is well-known for its cool-climate white wines, especially a type called Riesling. There are about 50 wineries in the region! Some popular ones include Taylors Wines, Annie's Lane, and Jim Barry Wines. Two wineries, Kilikanoon (in 2013) and Jim Barry Wines (in 2020), even won the "Winery of the Year" award from famous wine critic James Halliday.
Every year in late May, after the grape harvest, the Clare Valley hosts the Clare Valley Gourmet Weekend. This three-day festival celebrates local food and wine. Many wineries and restaurants offer special events, tastings, and live music.
Exploring Trails and Nature
If you love walking or cycling, the Clare Valley is a great place to visit. It's home to parts of several famous trails, including the Riesling Trail, the Rattler Trail, the Mawson Trail, and the Lavender Federation Trail. These trails offer amazing ways to see the valley's natural beauty and charming towns.
Blenheim Music Festival
For many years, the Blenheim Music and Camping Festival was a popular two-day music event held annually between 2009 and 2018. It featured many different bands and artists. The festival took a break in 2019 to allow the land to recover from a long dry period. It was planned to return in 2020, but unfortunately, it had to be canceled due to the worldwide pandemic.
