Yikes, school holidays are upon us! Did that creep up suddenly or is it just us? It’s time to get cracking planning some family fun during these winter holidays, and Clare Valley has got you sorted. The best part is that it doesn’t have to break the budget!
Just a 90 minute drive from Adelaide, Clare Valley offers the perfect blend of new family attractions and timeless classics. Rain, hail or shine, there’s something for everyone in Clare Valley these school holidays.
Mini golf for the minis
Tee off at the new mini golf course in Auburn! Recently taken over by new owners, this mini golf course is a fun outing for all ages. Surrounded by an extensive native garden, vineyards and an olive grove, with a full 18-hole mini golf course, Rices Creek Mini Golf is great value for money, with childrens prices starting from $5. Challenge each other to a friendly game and see who can score a hole-in-one. There’s also a children’s playground and an enclosed courtyard with free games on offer, so if the weather turns you can still enjoy some fun!
Delicious dining
When it’s time to refuel, head to The UPPSide . This recently established eatery boasts a family-friendly dining experience that will satisfy even the pickiest little eaters. The kids menu features cleverly–named dishes such as the “I don’t know” (pasta bolognese), “I don’t care” (cheesy maccheroni) and “I want to go home” (popcorn chicken). Oh, and the pizzas are DELISH! Parents can relax and enjoy local fresh produce, wines and spirits and then browse the farm shop afterwards for some treats to take home.
Camping for the non-campers
Do you want to try camping with the family but don’t have the equipment and hate the thought of bush toilets? For a unique and picturesque overnight stay, book the Pink Lake Tiny House InstaCamp. Whether you’re a solo traveller, or travelling with your family, these kid-friendly, new bell tents opposite Pink Lake in Lochiel offer stunning views and camping accommodation with a twist. The tents have beds, electrical power and private bathrooms with hot showers. There is plenty of outdoor space to relax and an outdoor fire pit where you can roast marshmallows together as you gaze at the Milky Way at night.
Image credit: Pink Lake Tiny House
Movie time
Rainy day? No worries… catch a family-friendly flick at Blyth Cinema, where animated movie tickets start from just $9. This holiday season, they’re showing Inside Out 2, Despicable Me 4, and Garfield, so there’s no excuse to be stuck at home with kids climbing the walls!
Get lost (in a good way!)
Explore the enchanting Mintaro Maze, where you can get lost in a world of winding pathways and hidden surprises. With tickets starting at only $10 for kidlets, it’s a chance for them to get off tech, stretch their legs and breathe in some fresh air as they weave their way around the enormous hedges.
Image credit: Mintaro Maze
Farm life
For a taste of farm life, stay at Bungaree Station . Here you can interact with the animals, collect fresh eggs in the morning, and enjoy the serene countryside setting. Take a self-guided tour to see the Station Store, Stableyard, Homestead Gardens, St Michael’s Church and Woolshed and learn more about South Australia’s pioneering past. For guests, this historical experience is free. Visitors are welcome from 10am-4pm daily and pay a small entry fee.
SA’s fave tiny town
Did you know Burra was recently announced as SA’s favourite town for 2024? Well, it’s time you visited to see what all the fuss is about! Take a day trip to Red Banks Conservation Park and enjoy the natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Don’t miss the Burra Heritage Passport experience, where you can delve into the rich history of this charming town.
Image credit: Visit Burra
Sip and savour
For the adults, a visit to O’Leary Walker Wines is a must. Take in the picture-perfect vineyard views as you choose from a range of tasting flights, grazing platters and luxury picnics. But the children are not forgotten at this cellar door… they offer kids flights with flavoured milks, cheese, and pretzels. CUTE! The restaurant is also open for lunch from Thursday – Sunday and they have a great kids menu too. What a way to spend an arvo!
All Aboard
Don’t miss the chance to ride the model trains, a delightfully nostalgic experience for children and parents alike. The Clare Valley Model Engineers railway is set in a 10-hectare park that also includes a large lake, playground, BMX bike track and walking paths. For just $2 per ride, you can hop aboard the train on Wednesday 10th and 17th July 1.30pm – 4.30pm and Sunday 14th and 28th July 1:30pm – 4:30pm. TOOT TOOT!
Clare Valley is the ultimate destination for a school holiday getaway, whether you’re day-tripping or planning to stay a few days. Gather the kids and get ready to explore the wonders of Clare Valley!
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