Mon.24/9.

Off touring the Valley today. First stop a lookout just outside town with beautiful views over farmland & vines. The canola looking stunning! Next stop was at Seven Hills Winery – the first winery in the valley established by the Jesuits. Beautiful old church (St.Aloysius) & cellar door. Have a taster of course – the Tokay is highly recommended. Short drive east of the valley to Mintaro with a couple of spots for shopping & sipping! Next stop is the old mining town of Burra. Have lunch by the creek & then a bit of a wander through the town centre. Again old well maintained buildings everywhere. Visit a cidery & of course sample the wine & cider which were all very good. Then have a look at the old copper mine which in its heyday was one of the largest & richest mines in the world. The old abandoned buildings were very reminiscent of Cornwall. Head back to Clare & stop at a brewery/winery. Much to the disappointment of the boys they can’t sample the beer – the wine was ok though. Visit another winery north of town – Mt.Surmon – situated high on the hill with stunning views over the valley & beyond.

(Poor Luca had his tonsils & adenoids out today – get better quickly!!)

 

View over the canola fields.

 

St.Aloysius Church. Seven Hills.

 

Magpie & Stump Hotel in Mintaro.

 

Tues.25/9.

Tour the other side of the Valley today. Start at Neagles Hill Lookout which involved a steep walk to the top of the hill. Lovely views over a valley. Carried on to Spring Gully Lookout – spectacular views over the farming country down on the plains. Have a very enjoyable cuppa taking in the beautiful scenery & watching many different birds in the trees. Back track to Eldredge Winery - quaint little cottage with lovely deck over a small lake. Try & buy some white port. Head south along the gravel road & then back on to the highway at Watervale & go on to Auburn. Another interesting historic town. Go for a quick walk looking at some of the old buildings & then have lunch in the park. Return to Clare along the highway stopping at Annie’s Lane Winery. Beautiful building set in lovely gardens. Finally wined & tasted out head for home. Do a quick shop for supplies for the next few days & then back to the pub for dinner.

 

Spring Gully Lookout.

 

Eldredge Winery.

 

Annie's Lane Winery at Quelltaler.