2012, October 29/30 - Port Augusta to Clare (via Melrose)

Not More wheat!!!!

Trip Meter Reading Start –  11711

Trip Meter Reading Finish –  11946 (235 kms)

Accommodation
Discovery Holiday Park, Clare - $31 per night x 2 adults
This park was very spacious and pretty.  Plenty of grassed areas and lovely tall trees.  Fantastic shower and toilet facilities for the disabled; camp kitchen and laundry was very functional, clean and tidy.  The kids can be entertained with the shade covered pool and jumping pillow.  Convenient with the information centre right next door.  Well worth the money  !!!.

Comments – Luke

Monday - Today we went into Port Augusta and went to the information centre were we went into the Outback experience.  It was about how the land was formed Dinosaurs, animals, aboriginals and vegetation.  We also watch short movies on how people survived in the harsh conditions.  After that we drove down to Melroes and had a drink at the pub then drove down to Clare and set up camp at a caravan park.

Me and Dad at the Wadlata Outback Centre

Tuesday – Today we had a look at the historical buildings in Clare.  We also went to wineries and breweries built in the 1800’s.  W then went to a pub and had lunch we also saw a deer antler shanderleer.  We then went back to the caravan park and had a swim in the pool.

Comments – Mum and Dad

Monday – Leaving our free camp early we headed to the tourist office in Port Augusta to visit the Wadlata Outback Centre that was recommended to us by other travellers with kids.  The centre has interactive information about the outback, Ghan, Afghans, telegraph station, early explorers such as Sturt, Stuart and Giles.  It cost approximately $35 for a family and we spent a good 3 hours in there.  It is really worth the money and for your primary aged kids a great educational experience. 

After having lunch in the town square in Port Augusta we stocked up on supplies at Coles which was conveniently near the information centre.  Heading out of the town we went back through Horrocks Pass which was much browner and drier than it was 5 months ago when we drove through on our way up to Coober Pedy.  Along the way to the Clare Valley we popped into the Mount Remarkable Hotel at Melrose to have a drink as the hotel was so old and interesting.  Jack the barman was lovely young man originally from Raymond Terrace. 

Tuesday – Clare Valley wine region  is popular for its Riesling Trail.  The Riesling Trail is one of the first rail-trails to be developed in South Australia by the Office for Recreation and Sport and the Clare Valley community; the trail runs for 27-kilometres along the old Riverton to Spalding railway line between Clare and Auburn.  It is well compacted, making it suitable for recreational walkers, off-road bicycles, wheelchairs and pushers. Named after the grape and wine variety that the region is famous for, the Riesling Trail travels past many cellar doors and other visitor attractions, making it ideal for those wanting a leisurely walk with a distraction or two!  As it was a hot 38 degrees and bike hire for the trail was (in our opinion) a costly $40 per adult for a half day, we got a map from the information centre and drove to the winery’s instead. 

 

Knappstein Winery is one of the most recognizable and popular Clare Valley wineries. This small producer manages its own vineyard, harvests its own fruit and sells its own premium quality wines. It is located in the original nineteenth century Enterprise Brewery, a National Trust building and the landmark of the Clare township – Mark bought himself a 4 pack of beer.

Sevenhill Winery – the oldest winery in the valley was gorgeous and included a winery museum and underground cellar.  This was a very family friendly with its park-like setting, extensive trees, lawns and picnic facilities; they even supply toys and games to keep the kids happy.  Bike hire is much cheaper here as well.  The lady providing the testing was amazingly helpful and very friendly – this is a great place for families to visit!!!!

mmmm...not bad

 

Luke misbehaving....lol

 

Sevenhill Hotel - We had a beautiful lunch at the Sevenhill Hotel for a reasonable $60.00 for the three of us including 3 alcoholic beverages.  Lunch was not your typical pub grub; it was restaurant quality in a beautiful setting.
Pikes – located on the Polish Hill River Road; beautiful setting; lunch can be purchased here.  This winery has a long history and was well worth a visit; by this stage Luke was a bit bored and happy to stay in the car.

Church at the Seven Hill Winery