Clare SA 5453 (Pop 3 200)

Clare is a charming Clare Valley township located 133 km north of Adelaide and known as the ‘Garden of the North’. It was founded in 1840s by pastoral settler, Edward Gleeson, who named the area after his home in Ireland. Today Clare is an important rural service centre supporting the surrounding vineyards, cereal and sheep farms. Clare Races (Easter), Spanish Festival (Apr), Clare Gourmet Weekend (May), Spring Garden Festival (Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Old Police Station Museum, Neagles Rock Rd housed within Clare’s oldest building (1850) a former prison and hospital with interesting historic displays, furniture, clothing and equipment. Open (2pm-4pm) weekends & public holidays. Lookouts include Neagles Rock Lookout (Neagles Rock Rd) and Billy Goat Hill (Wright St).

Nearby: 
Clare Valley Wineries over 30 wineries within this region. Watervale (12 km south) picturesque small historic town. Blyth (13 km west) small rural settlement with botanical walking trail, Brooks Lookout and interesting art gallery. Spring Gully Conservation Park (8 km south) a beautifully diverse 400 ha reserve protecting SA’s only remaining Red Stringybark trees, over 50 bird species, 9 reptile species and wildlife including kangaroos, euros, possums and bats. Blue Gum Lookout and 18 m waterfalls are also highlights of the park.

Accommodation:
Clare has a resort, half a dozen motels/hotels, 5 B&Bs, many holiday cottages/apartments/lodges, a farm stay and 2 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Town Hall, 229 Main North Rd. Tel (08) 8842 2131 or 1800 242 131.

Airport:
Adelaide Airport (ADL), 1 James Schofield Dr, Adelaide Airport. Tel (08) 8308 9211. (140 km south).

Hospital:
Clare Hospital, 47 Farrell Flat Rd. Tel (08) 8842 6500.