Major city · Australia
Clare
Base in Clare for 2 nights with a car: wineries and the Riesling Trail by day, 90 min from Adelaide. Without a car, book a tour or skip.
Clare is the main town of the Clare Valley wine region, 136 km north of Adelaide, and the practical base for the valley's wineries, the Riesling Trail and Martindale Hall. It is a small service town, not a resort: you come for the cellars, the cycling and the quiet, and you need a car or a booked tour to make it work. Two nights covers the core; three if you add the national parks and the southern valley.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jan–Feb (hot, 35 °C (95 °F)+), winter nights (cold, wet)avoid Jan–Feb (hot, 95 °F (35 °C)+), winter nights (cold, wet)
- Airport
- ADL
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Clare000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Clare, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyA small, safe country town; the real risks are rural driving (wildlife at dawn and dusk), summer heat and fire danger…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From mobiles
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportADL Adelaide Airport (About 2 h by car to Clare; add 15–30 min in traffic.
- Getting aroundA car is the practical default: the B82 runs through Clare and sealed roads reach the wineries and parks.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Museum or sight ticketMartindale Hall entryA$20 (≈ US$14) adultA$10 (≈ US$7) child
- Budget bedHostel or caravan-park cabin bed, a night, per personA$45 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$200 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedMotel or pub double room, a night, per roomA$320 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$120 (≈ US$80) · Mid A$220 (≈ US$150) · High A$400 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ADL Adelaide Airport (About 2 h by car to Clare; add 15–30 min in traffic. No direct public transport to Clare.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jul
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Aug
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Dec
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jul (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Jan (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Clare: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Jun
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Jul
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Aug
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
12 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Nov
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
6 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical default: the B82 runs through Clare and sealed roads reach the wineries and parks. Clare Valley Taxis (24 h) also runs wine tours and has an 11-passenger minibus. Bicycles work well in town and on the Riesling Trail; hire is available in Clare, and one operator picks up and drops off at your accommodation for no extra charge.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Martindale Hall
goDoor to door: About 20 min each way
Drive 15 km (9.3 mi) south-east to MintaroDrive 9.3 mi (15 km) south-east to Mintaro
19th-century mansion with coach house; open M, W–Su 10:00–16:00, closed Tuesday; entry A$20 adult, A$10 child.19th-century mansion with coach house; open M, W–Su 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, closed Tuesday; entry A$20 adult, A$10 child.
Spring Gully Conservation Park
goDoor to door: About 15 min each way
Drive south of Clare, then walk
Short walks and valley views; go early in summer.
Auburn and the southern valley
goDoor to door: 20–30 min by car
Drive the B82 south, or ride the Riesling Trail
Wineries and the trail's southern end; pair with a cellar door lunch.
Burra
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Drive north-east on sealed roads
Historic copper-mining town; a half day, not a full one.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Clare town centre
Walk to pubs, cafés and shops; the best base without a car.
Main North Road and the southern approach
Motels and the caravan park; easy parking, 2–5 min drive to the centre.
Around Sevenhill and Auburn
Closer to the southern wineries and the Riesling Trail; needs a car.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$120–180 (≈ US$80–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$200–320 (≈ US$140–250) excl. bed
- High
- A$350 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or pub double room1 × 2 nights × A$200 | A$400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$220 | A$880 |
| Rental car, one day1 × A$90 | A$90 |
| Bike hire, one day2 × A$40 · One Clare operator picks up and drops off at your accommodation for no extra charge. | A$80 |
| Cellar-door tasting, per winery2 × A$10 · Often waived with a purchase (check) | A$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$152 |
| Trip total≈ A$418 per person per day, bed included | A$1,672≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Pub main (parma, steak, fish) | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Pizza or pasta, casual | A$18–30 (≈ US$12–20) |
| Cellar-door tastingOften waived with a bottle purchase (check). | A$0–25 (≈ US$0–17) |
| Bottle of local riesling | A$20–45 (≈ US$14–30) |
| Bike hire, one day | A$40 (≈ US$30) |
| Martindale Hall entry | A$20 (≈ US$14) adult / A$10 (≈ US$7) child |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No useful public transport from Adelaide: the bus is infrequent, so plan a car, a tour or a driver.
- Cellar doors often close by 17:00 and some shut one or two weekdays: check ahead.Cellar doors often close by 5:00 PM and some shut one or two weekdays: check ahead.
- Summer heat and total fire bans: check the CFS fire danger rating before driving out.
- Kangaroos and wildlife on rural roads at dawn and dusk.
- Book restaurants on weekends and holidays; the town is small.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From mobiles
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
ClareClare
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From mobiles112
Embassy
No embassies in Clare; consulates-general are in Adelaide (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Adelaide → Clare by car: 136 km (85 mi), about 90 min85 mi (136 km), about 90 min
- Adelaide Airport → Clare by car: about 2 h with traffic
- Clare Valley Taxis, wine tour: quote on booking (check)
Say or show
- Where is the cellar door? — Where is the cellar door?
- Can I taste the riesling? — Can I taste the riesling?
- A table for two, please — A table for two, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is there a fire ban today? — Is there a fire ban today?
- Thanks, that was great — Thanks, that was great
English is the local language; no phrasebook needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Clare. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Sep–Nov · avoid Jan–Feb (hot, 35 °C+), winter nights (cold, wet) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ADL: drive time bands, last sensible departure, taxi and tour fallback.
- Four walking and riding clusters: town centre, Riesling Trail north, Sevenhill and Auburn, Mintaro and Martindale Hall.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Martindale Hall, cellar doors, Spring Gully) and eat pages with last orders.
- Fire-ban and heat fixtures so summer gates can go green or red.