Barossa and Clare Valley

Barossa Valley Shiraz is world famous, available in almost every wine shop worth its salt, but it tastes even better when drunk in view of the vines that produced it, surrounded by an oldie-worldie vibe brought on by the thatched buildings and wooden barns that dot the landscape. The valley is a prime spot for indulging in some locally produced artisan foods, which provide the perfect accompaniment to the wine.

The valley has three major towns. Tanunda experienced some early immigration from Silesia, now modern day Poland, and their influence manifests itself in some of the local cuisine with a few more pickled foods than you’d expect elsewhere in the country. Angaston has a more Cornish feel about it, and as you would expect focuses more on ice creams, while Nuriootpa is a mish mash between the two and has become the main economic hub in the area.

Clare Valley is a little further away from Adelaide, around 120 km. The hot days and cold nights provide the perfect climate for the white wine variety Riesling and it’s this that makes up most of the areas production. A devastating bush fire in 1983 destroyed large swaths of vineyards and damaged the local train line beyond repair. However, a 35 km long cycle route called ‘The Riesling Trail’ was built in its place linking the villages in the valley together.

Accommodation

Top Drop Motel promises to give you a quiet, cosy night’s sleep. Whether you’re a lone traveller or embarking on an adventure with friends, there are rooms to suit all on a budget. Complete with en-suite bathrooms, internet access and laundry facilities to give you everything you need on your stay, you will be right in the heart of Barossa Valley in Nuriootpa and within reach of everything the valley has to offer. For rates on all rooms, you can find contact information on www.topdropmotel.com.au.

Get the full experience of Barossa Valley at Lyndoch Hill. Surrounded by a rose garden boasting 30,000 flowers, the hotel features a world-class restaurant serving gorgeous local produce, a seasonal swimming pool, wedding facilities and 34 rooms overlooking the garden and various vineyards. Rooms range from queensize to triple rooms and family rooms, but the location would benefit a couple looking to unwind. Room prices don’t change much through the seasons, with the Barossa Style room charging $255 each weekend night in June and $275 in December.

Wuthering Heights accommodation in Clare Valley provides three secluded, self-contained cottages spaced far enough apart from each other to ensure private bliss. Cathy’s Cottage and Glen Morris would suit a couple seeking a romantic getaway while Bronte Manor sleeps larger groups wanting fun amongst the rolling hills of Clare Valley. Enjoy the surrounding restaurants, wineries and wildlife within this unspoiled and charming region.

Getting there

To Barossa Valley – Main north road from Adelaide, continue onto Stuart Highway. Turn right onto Gormersai Road and continue until Barossa Valley Way. If you’re using public transport, the Adelaide Metro rail service stops at Gawler Central, where you can catch a LinkSA bus that travels throughout the Barossa Valley.

To Clare Valley – Head to Gawler and take the Main North Road for 81km. Coaches travel from Adelaide to Clare Valley daily.

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