2026 Clare Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

Recently, Pink Lake Tiny House, located by Bumbunga Lake in Clare Valley, was honored with the "2026 Australia Unique Travel Experience of the Year" award by the prestigious UK magazine LUXlife. This marks its fifth international award🏆. About a 2-hour drive from Adelaide, South Australia, you can reach the dreamy Pink Lake. Pink Lake Tiny House is the perfect place to enjoy the lake view, where guests can fully appreciate the magnificent scenery of Bumbunga Lake through large floor-to-ceiling windows and experience the lake’s colors shifting from dawn to dusk🎨. Every summer night, guests can also enjoy an outdoor bonfire and chat under the sparkling stars. Pack your dreams into your journey—this world-recognized, South Australia-exclusive romantic spot is waiting for you to check in💗~ Clare Valley

When many people think of traveling in Australia, their first thoughts are always Sydney, Melbourne, or the Gold Coast☀️. But if you ask me which place in Australia is the most easily overlooked yet most worth a serious visit, I would say without hesitation 👉🏼 Adelaide. When I was an undergraduate at Le Cordon Bleu, I interned for a while in Clare Valley, right next to Adelaide, so I’ve always had a special affection for this city. It’s not as noisy as the popular cities, nor does it immediately attract you with “must-visit” spots, but it’s precisely this unassuming charm that makes it easier to see the real Australian life🍃. The most enchanting thing about Adelaide is how it turns many things that seem “luxurious” into everyday life. Here, you’ll find a winery lifestyle so pleasant you won’t want to leave—vast vineyards🍷, comfortable sunshine, leisurely afternoons, and glasses of wine that capture the essence of the terroir🍇; There’s also the natural local food experience I’ve always loved—fresh ingredients, simple cooking, yet bringing out the best flavors of the food itself🍴. And many don’t know that quite a few famous “hat” restaurants👨‍🍳 in Australia are in Adelaide, where the art of seriously eating and drinking is fully embodied in South Australia✨. I’ve always felt that Adelaide isn’t a place for “rushing through sights.” It’s better suited for slowing down, spending a day at a winery, strolling through markets, having a serious meal at a restaurant, and then enjoying the breeze at dusk. There’s no overwhelming tourist vibe here, but a very genuine sense of life🍂. You’ll realize that “traveling to Australia” doesn’t have to be just about seeing landmark buildings; it can also be about experiencing a more relaxed, natural, and land-connected lifestyle. If you love wine, natural food, and quality but uncrowded travel, Adelaide is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. ⭐️ And now it’s even more convenient to get there: on June 20, China Eastern Airlines will launch a direct flight from Shanghai to Adelaide, letting you experience South Australia’s winery tours, rural slow life, and authentic Australia. ✈️ On June 18, China Eastern will also launch a new Shanghai–Zurich route, a great new option if you’re planning a trip to Europe. ✨ Additionally, the Shanghai–Stockholm route will resume on June 22. Seeing Adelaide again, you’ll feel even more that it’s not just a destination but a place that makes you want to slow down and live intentionally for a few days. Forgotten, but truly not to be overlooked. Adelaide is worth a dedicated trip💫. Travelers on China Eastern’s inaugural flights also have a chance to receive a limited-edition, super cute MUMUJI creative souvenir🧸

South Australia boasts world-renowned wineries, stunning scenery, adorable koalas, and dreamy pink lakes. This was the route I took during my trip to South Australia, and saving this information will definitely save you a lot of trouble! 📍Adelaide → Adelaide Hills → Barossa Valley → Clare Valley 🚗Start your joyful journey from the "20-minute city" Adelaide has a lovely nickname: "the 20-minute city." This is because from the city center, you can reach the surrounding mountains and beaches, as well as almost all the attractions within the city, in just 20 minutes. For a winery tour, I highly recommend starting with Penfolds Magill Estate. As the birthplace of the Penfolds brand, it's only a 15-minute drive from the city center, making it incredibly convenient. 🐨Achieve koala cuddling freedom in South Australia South Australia is one of the few places in the world where you can cuddle koalas. A 20-minute drive from Adelaide will take you to the Adelaide Hills, where one of the most popular attractions is the Gorge Wildlife Park, where you can apply to hold a koala! Be sure to book in advance! 🍇 Continuing north from the Adelaide Hills is the world-famous Barossa Valley. A one-hour drive from Adelaide will take you to Yalumba Winery, one of Australia's oldest wineries; St Hugo Winery's winery lunch is highly recommended, with its vast vineyards and modern architecture creating a picturesque scene; at Seppeltsfield Winery, you can experience the famous "birth year port," tasting a wine from the same vintage as yourself. If you don't drink, you can go horseback riding through the vineyards at Jacob's Creek Winery and have a picnic. There are also hot air balloon or helicopter experiences available, offering breathtaking aerial views of the rolling vineyards. In addition, activities at Shap Winery such as Segway experiences, oak barrel making, handicraft workshops, and olive oil skincare product making are perfect for families or friends. 💗Visit South Australia's most dreamy pink lake! Lake Bumbunga, located near the Garley Valley, is about a 1.5-hour drive from Adelaide. Depending on the weather and light, the lake displays different shades of pink, making it a must-see in South Australia. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time for photos! ✈️ Flights from Adelaide are now incredibly convenient: ▪️China Southern Airlines offers direct flights from Guangzhou to Adelaide year-round. ▪️China Eastern Airlines operates direct flights from Shanghai to Adelaide from June 20th to August 2nd, and from December 17th to February 16th, 2027. ▪️Cathay Pacific will resume direct flights from Hong Kong to Adelaide from November 10th, 2026.

What an incredible time we had on our Mystery Picnic adventure. Despite the heavy rain, we powered through to gather our abundant and tasty picnic provisions. Along the way, we enjoyed chatting with the friendly locals, who were more than willing to share their insights about the Clare Valley area. Matt from Sevenhills kindly recommended a sheltered picnic spot, where we dined while admiring the stunning valley view. The quizzes and challenges were so much fun, and we’re truly grateful to all the businesses that took part. Highly recommend!

Adelaide: Sun, Sand & Sips Await! ☀️🍒🍷 Kick off your Aussie adventure with vibrant city vibes, warm summer beaches, hands-on fruit picking, and famous winery stops—Adelaide is peaceful yet bursting with fun all season long. Day 1: Start with an easy city cycle around Adelaide—catch shots of Western-style architecture and modern cityscapes (try riding past Rosslyn Park for an urban, outdoor cultural landscape!). Head to Glenelg Beach for golden sand, and don’t miss Port Noarlunga Jetty at sunset for insta-worthy ocean views. Both are open all day; just pack sun protection and lots of water—summers get toasty! Day 2: Make your way to Hahndorf for Beerenberg Farm (open 9AM–5PM), perfect for cherry and strawberry picking. It’s family-friendly—bring comfy shoes for roaming the fields, and check their seasonal updates for peak picking days. Snap fun shots with your basket amid lush berry rows. Day 3: Indulge in a cellar door crawl in Barossa Valley, starting at Seppeltsfield and Marananga, then swing by Penfolds Cellar Door. Barrosa Valley is your year-round escape for rolling vineyards. The best photos? Classic glass-in-hand shots among the vines or at the stone-walled Penfold or Jacob Creek Cellars. Insider tip: The summer period (Dec–Mar) is prime—soak up the sun, but check local weather for sudden heatwaves. Adelaide’s pace is blissful; slow down and enjoy every moment. #Adelaide #BeachVibes #WineryTour #BerryPicking #SummerTravels #barrosa

Starting from Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, here are three stunning self-driving routes that combine: coastline, fine wine, and wilderness all in one trip. ✈️ About Transportation Direct flights from Guangzhou/Hong Kong to Adelaide, with seasonal resumption by China Southern Airlines or Cathay Pacific. 🚗 About Car Rental For this self-drive trip, it’s recommended to choose a reliable platform with a good reputation. Here are some practical advantages of using a platform: ✨ 24/7 bilingual customer service ready to assist anytime, so you won’t worry even if the car rental office is closed or in emergencies during your first overseas self-drive. ✨ Free online application for international driving license translation, providing a one-stop solution for your license and car rental. ✨ Transparent pricing, often offering better deals than local rental companies, saving you a considerable budget on long drives. (We suggest comparing prices and booking in advance, and choosing rental companies with high ratings for a better experience.) 🌸 About the Itinerary, Round Trip from Adelaide 🌈 Route 1: Southern Coast and Island Wonderland (Leisure Highlights) ⌛️ Recommended Duration: 5-7 days 🚗 Itinerary: Adelaide → Adelaide Hills (Hahndorf German Village, Cleland Wildlife Park) → Fleurieu Peninsula (Victor Harbor, McLaren Vale, Cape Jervis) → Kangaroo Island (Seal Bay, Remarkable Rocks, Little Sahara) → Adelaide ⚠️ It’s recommended to stay 1 night on Kangaroo Island, and ferry tickets should be booked in advance. 🌈 Route 2: Great Ocean Road Epic Coastline (Natural Wonders) ⌛️ Recommended Duration: 6-8 days 🚗 Itinerary: Adelaide → Robe (Lobster Town) → Mount Gambier (Blue Lake, Cave Gardens) → Drive along the Great Ocean Road (Twelve Apostles, London Bridge) → Through the wine region → Adelaide ⚠️ The full loop is about 1500 kilometers, so allow plenty of time for a relaxed trip. 🌈 Route 3: Red Earth Outback Adventure (Wilderness Legend) ⌛️ Recommended Duration: 7-10 days 🚗 Itinerary: Adelaide → Barossa Valley (Wine Capital) → Clare Valley → Flinders Ranges → Port Augusta → Coober Pedy (Underground Town) → Uluru (Northern Territory) 🌹 Experience: World-class wine, vast starry skies, and ancient geological landscapes ⚠️ Some parts of this route are remote, so ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry enough food, water, and fuel in the car.

#celebrateit South Australia is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be explored! Beyond the famous tourist spots, this region boasts stunning landscapes, secluded beaches, and charming towns that promise an unforgettable adventure. 🌊 Off-the-Beaten-Path Beaches Escape the crowds and discover serene beaches like Second Valley and Rapid Bay. With crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs, these spots are perfect for snorkeling, fishing, or simply relaxing by the sea. 🍇 Picturesque Vineyards Venture into the lesser-known vineyards of Clare Valley and Langhorne Creek. Enjoy world-class wines with a more intimate and tranquil ambiance than the bustling Barossa Valley. 🏞️ Hidden National Parks Explore hidden national parks like Deep Creek Conservation Park, offering breathtaking hiking trails, wildlife encounters, and panoramic coastal views. 🚗 How to Reach Fly into Adelaide and rent a car to explore these hidden gems at your own pace. The scenic drives are part of the adventure! 🌤️ Best Time to Visit Visit during spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May) for pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes. ⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 South Australia’s hidden beauty is perfect for those seeking tranquility and natural wonders. #museums #seascapes #thingstodo #travel #beachlife #naturalwonders

great hotel

When you visit South Australia in spring, nature seems to press the fast-forward button on life. Every ray of light carries the code of life, weaving between leaves and flowers, piercing through the mist, and gently waking up the sleeping valley. Choose a residence hidden in nature as your spring home and live in a corner kissed by the sun! CAVNS by CABN Seppeltsfield, Barossa CAVNS by CABN is an eco-friendly pavilion-style accommodation with a unique canvas design that allows natural light to flow freely, connecting guests with the natural beauty of Barossa. Just an hour's drive away, you can escape the hustle and bustle of Adelaide and head to the famous Seppeltsfield wine region for an eco-friendly travel experience. The area is carefully laid out with five CAVNS cabins—Kara, Louise, Billie, Amelia, and Myrtle. They are scattered in the lush scenery, about 35 meters apart from each other, maintaining privacy and harmonious coexistence with neighbors. The cabin is equipped with all the convenient facilities for self-catering accommodation, as well as high-end configurations such as a large double bed and an outdoor bathtub, to enhance the accommodation experience. Here, you can get away from the hustle and bustle, stroll among the surrounding wineries, and indulge in the aroma of aged wine. Enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace, let the warmth and tenderness embrace you, and enjoy the company of the sun and the beautiful scenery. Trestrail Cottage, Clare Valley Trestrail Cottage is quietly located in the depths of the jungle, surrounded by a unique 100-acre private territory. Every breath of air here seems to have been carefully selected by nature, pure and full of vitality, making every breath a deep nourishment for the soul. Trestrail Cottage provides a private space away from the hustle and bustle, which is loved by couples, allowing the two to reunite old dreams in the embrace of nature and let love spread quietly with the surrounding greenery. At the same time, it is also a paradise for hiking enthusiasts: the cabin is located in the beautiful Clare Valley, close to the Spring Gully Conservation Park and the famous Riesling Trail. It is only five kilometers away from the famous Sevenhill, and there are many hidden hiking trails in the territory, waiting for you to discover the brilliant forest wildflowers. You can also step into the sauna room of Trestrail Cottage, enjoy a warm and healing prelude, and then let a cool open-air stone shower take away the fatigue. In addition, remember to watch the stars on the open-air sun deck and let your soul fly freely with the rotation of the Milky Way. Yambara Tiny Cabin, Eyre Peninsula Yambara is a haven favored by nature. When the sun sets, the sky of the Eyre Peninsula is gradually dyed with a gentle orange, and you can leisurely step onto the balcony and enjoy the beautiful scenery in the best position to watch the sunset. A cup of tea or a glass of iced juice in hand, let the sea breeze gently brush your cheeks, and fatigue and troubles will dissipate with the afterglow of the setting sun. Yambara Tiny Cabin is only 100 meters away from Sandy Point Beach, which is famous for whale watching, and is also home to many kangaroos and emus. In addition, tourists can also overlook Sleaford Bay and Port Lincoln National Park here, allowing you to escape into the wonderful natural world with one click. You can choose to do yoga meditation in the morning, or share carefree parent-child time with your children on the beach. Here, every moment is a perfect interpretation of light, sea, and comfortable life. Ode to the Orchard, Adelaide Hills Ode to the Orchard exudes a strong rural atmosphere, as if time has flowed back to the warm corner of the past. It is surrounded by apple orchards and has beautiful and quiet scenery in the Adelaide Hills. The sun shines through the sparse clouds and gently sprinkles on this land, coating every scene with a golden glow, making people indulge in this tranquility and beauty away from the hustle and bustle. The interior of the cabin is warm and comfortable, and the wood-burning stove will emit warm firelight, creating an elegant resting space. It is also equipped with a new electric stove and coffee machine, as well as a traditional wood-burning heating oven, making cooking enjoyable, whether it is a simple meal or a delicate dish, it can be realized here. There is a retro clawfoot bathtub outside the cabin for you to take a bath while enjoying this rare beauty, allowing your soul to truly relax and nourish. Whether it's the blue sky and white clouds during the day or the starry sky at night, it will become an unforgettable piece in your memory. Stroll on this land kissed by the sun Feel the infinite energy given by photosynthesis Spring in South Australia Waiting for you to come to a feast About the sun, nature, and life!