Australia by Car

South Australia’s Clare Valley is an authentic slice of Australian country and is the perfect destination for your next driving holiday. This working rural community upholds traditions that have been passed on for generations, giving it a loving heritage and culture. While visiting the Clare Valley you will not only enjoy the stunning scenery that surrounds you, but you can listen to stories of life on the land and soak up the festive harvest season atmosphere that lingers in the year all year round.

While exploring the winding country roads and stunning native bushland you simply won’t be able to help falling for the region’s natural charms. The Clare Valley is known as one of the best wine producing regions in South Australia, and is home to many award-winning wineries. Here you will learn about the meticulous craft and care that goes into making these amazing wines and you will be given opportunities to sample some of the local produce at a farmhouse tasting room. This is a place where wine and food means people, which add to the region’s warm, rustic flavour and a certain feeling of belonging.

The Clare Valley is home to a handful of lovingly restored heritage towns that will draw you in and welcome you with open arms. One of the highlights of the region is the township of Clare, which is a pretty country town at the centre of the premier wine region. Clare is home to fine dining, panoramic views and secluded accommodation, with a relaxed vineyard atmosphere hanging loosely in the air. Clare is also home to some of the country’s finest racecourses and is the perfect place to experience gourmet food and wine. Clare is the ideal place to base yourself when you are exploring the valley as you simply won’t be disappointed with the atmosphere and hospitality.

The best way to explore the hidden valleys of Clare is through car hire. The freedom of having your own car will allow you explore this enchanting region at your own pace and soak up the beauty that surrounds you in your own time!

The historic settlement of Lobethal is located just 33 kilometres from Adelaide, making it the perfect place to escape to on the weekend for locals and visitors alike. This pleasant township is an important centre in the agriculturally rich valley’s behind the Adelaide hills and is home to acres of orchards of stone fruits, grapes, apples and pears. There is also a large presence of market gardens and dairy and beef farms that give this town a very agricultural feel.

Another important atmosphere of Lobethal is the strong presence of historic churches and buildings. It is no wonder that Lobethal translates into ‘Valley of Praise’ as this is essentially what gives it its historical ambience. While strolling the pleasant streets the most noticeable feature you will find in town is the Lutheran Church Complex. This historically rich complex is home to the first Lutheran Seminary in Australia, the oldest original Lutheran church, the Lobethal Archives and a historical museum. Wandering among and through these historic buildings will give you an idea on how the town has developed and depict the strong presence of religion in the community.

If you are in town mid-October be sure to drop in at the Lobethal Grand Carnival. Here you will see up to 300 historically significant cars and motorcycles in controlled demonstrations on the Lobethal Circuit. This is a weekend not to miss out, drawing in thousands each year.

While staying in Lobethal you have two choices of accommodation. Choose to stay in the local motel or treat yourself and book into one of the quaint Bed & Breakfasts in the area. Wherever you choose to stay, you are sure to have a pleasant visit.

The best way to get to and around Lobethal is with a car rental. The friendly team will help you find the best deal which will essentially help make you trip to Lobethal a pleasant and comfortable one.