Region Mid North | Federal division Division of Wakefield | |
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Similar Barossa Valley, Riesling Trail, Fleurieu Peninsula, Mount Lofty Ranges, Coonawarra wine region | ||
Clare Valley is a valley located in South Australia about 100 kilometres (62 mi) north of the Adelaide city centre. It is located both within the South Australian Government region of Yorke and Mid North and the local government area of District Council of Clare and Gilbert Valleys. The main towns along the Horrocks Highway are (from north to south) - Clare, Penworthham, Sevenhill, Watervale and Auburn. It is notable for being the location of the wine region of the same name - the Clare Valley wine region.
Contents
- Map of Clare Valley Clare SA 5453 Australia
- Pre European settlement
- European settlement
- Modern times
- References
Map of Clare Valley, Clare SA 5453, Australia
Pre-European settlement
The original inhabitants of the Clare Valley were the Ngadjuri people. It is believed that they had major camping sites at Clare and Auburn, as well as other areas outside the valley.
European settlement
The first European to reportedly explore the Clare Valley was John Hill, who did so in early April 1839, discovering and naming the Hutt River. Its nearby twin, the Hill River, was later discovered and named in his honour. On returning to Adelaide, he reported his findings of potentially good farmland to his friend and associate, Edward John Eyre. Eyre in turn informed John Horrocks, who had only arrived in South Australia during March 1839. Eyre later explored the Clare Valley on the return journey from his second 1839 expedition to the northern regions of South Australia. Horrocks set out with his servant, John Green and established himself in the area now known as Penwortham. This became the first permanent settlement in the valley. By 1840, Edward Burton Gleeson had set up the Inchiquin pastoral run to the north which was later developed into the town of Clare and in 1848, Jesuits were settling into the place which would become the town of Sevenhill. Settlers came from places including England, Ireland, Poland and Silesia during the 1840s, producing a rich heritage of architecture and villages, which remain largely intact. Vineyards were planted alongside those first villages and winemaking has continued ever since.
Modern times
On 16 February 1983, the Clare Valley was affected by the Ash Wednesday bushfires. Although there were no fatalities in the area, over 6,100 hectares were burnt out, causing $5 million worth of damage. The railway line between the Clare Showgrounds and Penwortham was severely damaged, and resulted in its eventual demise. The old rail route has since been transformed into a bicycle and walking track known as the Riesling Trail. This 35 km sealed trail links the villages of the valley.