Road trip: Broken Hill to Clare Valley

Clare valley vineyard
Clare valley vineyard

Trip Summary 
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 395km

        Activities
Historical sites – Wine tasting – Cycling
  View the route
View the itinerary
       

Highlights
Steamtown sound and light showWine and dine at Pikes 
Visit R.M. Williams birthplace 
– Cycle the Riesling and Rattler trail


Take the Barrier Highway west from Broken Hill and you’ll soon be in South Australia, driving through a seemingly endless, flat landscape that eventually gives way to the verdant wine regions north of Adelaide. 

You’re headed for the Clare Valley; a boutique wine region that’s home to some of Australia’s oldest vineyards and best Riesling.

Note: We recommend having a designated driver for this road trip to keep everyone safe.

Day 1: Broken Hill to Peterborough

283km | 3hr 10min

Stop 1: Where two states meet 
Pull yourself away from beautiful Broken Hill to start your outback adventure. If you’d like to stand in two states at the same time, jump out of the car at Cockburn, right on the NSW/SA border. Only about 100 people live in the village, but there’s still a pub – the Coburn Hotel, dating back to 1889 and now managed by the community.
Abandoned house in Broken hill
An abandoned house in outback Broken Hill
Stop 2: Push on to Peterborough 

There’s not much else to see along the way except sandy plains and mallee scrubland. The next outpost of civilisation is Peterborough, a small town just off the highway that was once one of the nation’s major railway hubs.

More than 100 trains passed through here each day in the 1950s and 60s, transporting ore from Broken Hill to be processed at Port Pirie. Learn more about it at the Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre. Book in to see the mesmerising sound and light show at Steamtown, followed by some much needed rest at the Peterborough Motel.

Day 2: Peterborough to Clare Valley

116km | 1hr 15min

Stop 1: Visit the birthplace of a legend 
Reginald Murray “R.M.” Williams grew up on a farm near Jamestown in the early 1900s. He rose from a humble stockman to become a millionaire, giving his name to the iconic R.M. Williams boots still worn around the world today. Stop at the open-air RM Williams Centre to learn more about his legacy.
Stop 2: Sip your way through the Clare Valley

It may have a global reputation, but the Clare Valley is one of the state’s smallest wine regions, covering less than 700 square kilometres. It sits high in the Mount Lofty Ranges, making for hot summer days tempered with cool afternoon breezes and the potential for frosty-cold winter nights.

Riesling is the real star here – the Clare’s signature drop, a light, fresh and citrusy sip. Many of the Valley’s wineries are small and family-owned, meaning you could very well end up chatting to the winemaker over a glass.

Must visit cellar doors include Pikes Wines (which also has a brewery on-site), Mr. Mick, Jim Barry, O’Leary Walker, Shut the Gate and Sevenhill Cellars, which has been producing wine since 1858.

Food and wine at Pikes wine
Dining at Pikes Wines in Clare Valley
Stop 3: Check into the retreat 

The town of Clare is in the centre of the Clare Valley Wine Region and the Mill St. Retreat is the coolest place to stay.

Its four luxurious one-bedroom apartments are all California Palm Spring chic, complete with cacti, Mid-century modern lines and a pastel colour scheme. The property is run by Jim Barry Wines, so you can also expect a couple of complimentary bottles in the mini bar.

Day 3: Clare Valley

Stop 1: Sip and explore the day away in Clare Valley

There’s time for one more Clare Valley adventure along the Riesling and Rattler Trail. This 33km trail follows the route of the historic 1860 Barinia Railway between the Auburn railway station (now home to Mount Horrocks Wines) and Barinia station. 

Grab your bike and set off, stopping in at some of the cellar doors along the way. Drink responsibly and don't cycle when intoxicated.

hikers on walking in Clare valley at sunrise
Hikers in Clare Valley 
Images: Tourism Australia

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