Highlights
Wine, Art and River activities
Duration
5 days
Regions
Barossa, Clare Valley, Murray River Lakes and Coorong, Riverland
For something other than wine...
Seppeltsfield in the Barossa is a unique hub for craft and design in the Barossa with studio space for professional artisans working in knife making, ceramics, millinery, glass and leather.
For a bit of history head to Burra in the Clare Valley and try the the self-drive Heritage Passport tour. It takes you to Redruth Gaol, the Unicorn Brewery, the Monster Mine and the dugout homes of Creek Street.
In Renmark, Twenty Third Street - a century-old distillery offers tours and tastings of some unusual gin and whisky.
Day 1
Adelaide - Barossa
Australia’s most famous wine region, the Barossa, is a one hour drive north-east of Adelaide. Take the picturesque route through the Adelaide Hills to Williamstown. Just outside the town is the Whispering Wall. The wall has a remarkable acoustic phenomenon: messages whispered at one side can be heard clearly at the other end. On the road to Tanunda stop at Jacob’s Creek and enjoy a meal at the award-winning Jacob’s Restaurant or for some handcrafted wines and to treat yourself to some of the finest culinary offerings visit St Hugo next door. Other well know wineries include Seppeltsfield, Two Hands and Penfolds. Drive to the top of Mengler Hill, to get the best view of the Barossa. For lunch or dinner try one of the many restaurants in the Barossa.
Overnight: Barossa
Adelaide to Tanunda: 71km/44miles, 1-hour drive
Adelaide to Tanunda via Chain of Ponds: 74km/46miles, 1-hour 20-minute drive
Day 2
Barossa - Clare Valley
Continue exploring the wineries and attractions of the Barossa. Drive to Clare Valley, an easy one-hour drive through beautiful farming country. The Clare Valley is one of Australia’s premium wine regions, as well as an important pastoral region. Its oldest vineyard is Sevenhill Cellars, established by the Jesuits in 1851. Enjoy lunch at Skillogalee, (one of 40 local cellar doors) or Slate at Pikes Wines. Visit the heritage village of Mintaro: its remarkable buildings include the magnificent 19th century mansion Martindale Hall. The Riesling and Rattler Trail is an excellent walking and cycling path and links many wineries and cellar doors between Auburn and Clare.
Overnight: Clare Valley
Tanunda to Clare: 100km/62miles, 1-hour 30-minute drive
Day 3
Clare Valley - Murray River
Following a leisurely morning in Clare Valley, drive to the Murray River via Burra. Explore Waikerie, Barmera, Renmark and Berri where the region’s fruit industry is on show at roadside stalls and outlets. Take a guided tour of the century old Twenty Third Street Distillery in Renmark and try their craft gin or whiskey. A range of accommodation is available along the Murray River – including hiring a houseboat and travelling on the river.
Overnight: Murray River region
Clare to Waikerie: 171km/106miles, 1-hour 45-minute drive
Waikerie to Renmark: 75km/47miles, 1-hour drive
Day 4
Murray River
Wake up and take in the serenity of the morning on the Murray River before heading out and exploring the incredible wilderness in the area. Try bird watching, hiking and water sports which are favourite activities along the Murray River. Don’t miss Banrock Station Wine & Wetland Centre, near Kingston-on-Murray. The wetlands can be explored on a signposted walking trail and their wines can be tasted and purchased. Then finish the day trying out some of the local produce in one of the many impressive restaurants in the area.
Overnight: Murray River region
Day 5
Murray River - Adelaide
It’s a short trip to the Barossa from the Riverland, this time through the soft rolling hills that become the Mount Lofty Ranges. Enjoy more time in the Barossa or in the Adelaide Hills for some German heritage, cool climate wines, fresh local produce and the opportunity for some great bushwalks before returning to Adelaide.
Renmark to Tanunda: 180km/112miles, 2-hour 20-minute drive
Tanunda to Adelaide: 71km/44miles, 1-hour drive
Day 6
Murray River Cruise (optional)
Following a leisurely day in Clare Valley, return to Adelaide and stay overnight. The next morning transfer to Mannum or Murray Bridge. Cruise the lower Murray River by hiring a houseboat with Unforgettable Houseboats or join a cruise on the PS Murray Princess or Proud Mary Cruises. This stretch of river is known for historic towns, stunning ochre-coloured cliffs, Aboriginal sites and wonderful birdlife.