Explore the scenic landscapes, enchanting scrublands, tranquil creeks and peaceful settings of Clare Valley’s parks and lookout spots. Throw a picnic rug under a tree, lie back and enjoy the setting.

It’s a nature-lovers wonderland. Clare Valley is home to such natural treasures as Red Banks Conservation Park, Spring Gully Conversation Park, Mokota Conservation Park and Martindale Hall Conservation Park.

Rolling hills, wildflower displays, Blue Gums and Stringybark vegetation abound. You might even spot euros, Western Grey Kangaroos, Short-beaked echidnas or a Southern Hairy-nosed wombat at some of the sites.

Conservation Parks

Spring Gully Conservation Park

This natural woodland is located in the picturesque Spring Gully area near Sevenhill. It includes 400ha of grassy bushland, and an abundance of native orchids. The reserve is home to an array of different bird species, frogs, kangaroos, echidna and other wildlife.

Red Banks Conservation Park

Discover a landscape characterised by rugged earth gorges, spring fed waterholes and remnant old growth mallee trees.  Palaeontologists have called this area one of the richest megafauna sites in Australia. Up until approximately 65,000 years ago, Red Banks was home to Diprotodons, a huge marsupial that weighed between one to two tonnes, often likened to a giant wombat. The Park is located east of Burra via the Barrier Highway.

Martindale Hall Conservation Park

Situated just out of the historical town on Mintaro, Martindale Hall Conservation Park offers a fascinating insight into the lives of South Australia's wealthy gentry during the late 1800s to early 1900s. Today, the heritage-listed hall and surrounding land is open to the public for self-guided tours. For a memorable experience, stay overnight in one of the beautifully furnished guest rooms.

 

Lookouts

Spring Gully Lookout

Located next to the Spring Gully Conservation Park, this lookout provides a picturesque view of natural bushland, gullies, and authentic Australian countryside. Relax in the shade under a gum tree, admire Acacias flowering in spring, or spot some wildlife near the campground. Also features a BBQ and picnic table.

Brooks Lookout

Located 6km west of Clare, just off the Blyth Road, this is a quiet site, offering panoramic views of Yorke Peninsula, the Blyth Plains and onto the Flinders Ranges. There’s a picnic shelter and seating, plant signage, walking track, car park and flora reserve.

Neagles Rock Reserve & Lookout

Located on Neagles Rock Rd in Clare, this is a beautiful remnant of natural bushland and spectacular views from rocky outcrops. There’s also a walking trail for vigorous hikers.

Quarry Hill Lookout

Located on Quarry Rd, this is a magical spot for photos and special occasions, offering spectacular views over Polish Hill River Valley, farming land and vineyards.

Parks, BBQs and playground locations

APEX (Sanders Park), Clare

Located in Clare, this park includes a new skate park with intermediate level skate facility, trees, lawns, an electric BBQ, toilets, a fenced playground for young children and seating. It also features an underpass walk through to Lions Park and an intermediate aged children’s playground.

Auburn Recreation Park

This delightful reserve features an oval, kiosk (catering facilities), tennis courts, bowling club, cricket facilities, riding arena, Caravan Park, toilets, showers and laundry facility. Bookings and information: Ph 0417 550 781.

Catford Gardens

Just 3km south of Clare is the Catford Gardens, which includes the Christison Park picnic area, shady gums, shelter, seating, BBQ’s, toilets, playground and Fauna Park.

Centenary Park

Located on King St, Auburn, this park has picnic facilities, lawns, toilets, shelter shed and play equipment, all on banks of the Wakefield River.

Ennis Park

In the heart of Clare, adjacent to Clare Town Hall, is Ennis Park, a public space which includes a shelter, seating and bike racks. This site is home to the Annual Clare Valley Cuisine Gourmet Market and other regional events.

Inchiquin Lake

Situated on White Hutt Rd in Clare, this lake is an open-space recreation area, which includes walking trails, a BMX track, playground, lawns, picnic area and trees.

Lions Park

Lions Park in Clare includes a picnic area, rotunda, BBQ, toilets, playground, lawns and trees beside the Hutt River. Walk through the underpass to Sanders Park for younger children’s playground and skate park facilities.

Maynard Park

Just around the corner from Knappstein Enteprise Winery & Brewery in Clare is Maynard Park, an open-space recreation area, with lawns, large trees, BBQ facilities, toilets, and play equipment, beside the Hutt Creek.

Ohlmeyer Park

Located south west of Clare and south of Neagles Rock, this is a flora and fauna reserve.

RSL Playground

Located behind the Community Hall and adjacent Cinema in Blyth, the RSL playground offers colourful play equipment in a safe community setting.

Torr Park

Burra Road, Mintaro. Picnic area, play equipment, playground and toilets.

Watervale Recreation Ground

Located in Watervale, this historic recreation ground includes a picnic area, lush lawns, tall trees, toilets, playground, BBQ and shelter.Oval and Tennis Court available for hire. Ph: (08) 8843 0100.

Wetlands & Bird Watching

The Gleeson Wetlands are located in the township of Clare, adjacent to the Golf Course. More than 4000 native seedlings were planted in 2004.

The wide variety of native flora, fauna and year round water provides a safe haven for numerous birds. Observe these birds from the bird hive, which has lots of information regarding the regular species.

Marvel at the Japanese Torii, an initiative by the Yoshingaga friendship group, Bizen City Council and the Clare and Gilbert Valleys council to symbolise friendship.

 

View the Gleeson Wetlands brochure here

You can find more information regarding the wetlands by visiting here

The Riesling Trail was originally part of the railway line, which ran from Riverton to Spalding, but was abandoned after the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires.