Heritage
From mega-fauna to miners to master winemakers...
Want to get to grips with our heritage? Here's some of Clare Valley's history in eight easy icons.
Redbanks Conservation Park, near Burra.
These meandering gorges are home to wombats, echidnas and euros - and the remains of extinct mega-fauna. Burra is home to one of the world's largest diprotodon discoveries; some of the fossilised remains are on display at the town's Council Offices.
The traditional owners of the land, the Ngadjuri people, initiated an excavation in Redbanks Park leading archaeologists to uncover
an Aboriginal burial ground. This was an opportunity for Ngadjuri elders to reconnect with their traditional country and ancestors.
Bungaree Station, Clare
Pastoral settlers began pushing north in the 1840s. Bungaree was one of the earliest stations in the region, established by the Hawker family in 1841. Today, it's still run by the Hawkers and still running sheep. Visitors can stay on the station in heritage accommodation.
Sevenhill Cellars, Sevenhill
Not only the region's oldest winery (wine-production began 1851), but indicative of the tolerance shown by South Australia to people of all religions.
'Map the Miner', Kapunda
Kapunda was the town that spawned an industry and saved a colony. In 1838, a pastoralist stumbled across some 'moss-coloured stones'; soon after, the colonies would have their first copper mine, yielding ore so rich it saved the fledgling South Australian colony from bankruptcy. In 1845, a deposit found in nearby Burra would give rise to the world's largest mine - the Burra Monster Mine. Migrants came in their thousands, most heralding from the mining communities of Wales, Scotland, central England and Cornwall.
The Rising Sun Hotel, Auburn
Auburn was one of the many towns that sprang up to service the Gulf Copper Trail - the route between Burra and the ships waiting at the head of Spencer Gulf. Men who drove the bullock teams, their drays loaded with copper ore or mining supplies, could be assured of a fine feed, a few cleansing ales and a quiet place to rest for the night. Bar the bullock-drays, little has changed...
Martindale Hall, Mintaro
Nutrient-rich soils and mineral-rich rock meant cash-rich people. The wealth and influence of the land (and mine) owners can be seen in stunning mansions around the region. Martindale Hall was built in 1879 by Edmund Bowman; when home to the Mortlock family, the elite of Adelaide society flocked to the place to enjoy its social and sporting occasions.
Terowie
Clare Valley men fought and died in the wars, as evidenced in the many war memorials and as documented in the quirky country museum treasure houses. At the site of the Terowie Railway station, General Douglas MacArthur, seeking to boost morale following the retreat from the Philippines, made one of his famous 'I will return' speeches.
Dryland Farming Museum, Roseworthy and Annie's Lane Museum, Quelltaler
Today, agriculture and wine-making are at the heart of Clare Valley's economy, and no small part of its identity.
A few famous sons and daughters:
- CJ Dennis (Auburn, Mintaro) - poet larrikin, Sentimental Bloke and father of the Triantiwontigongalope
- Sir Sidney Kidman (Kapunda) - cattle king and horse-trader, resident in the Kapunda area for some 40 years
- Colin Thiele (Eudunda) - author of Storm Boy and Sun on the Stubble
- Sir Hubert Wilkins (Mt Bryan East) - arctic explorer and aviator
- Monica McInerney - best-selling author of romantic-comedy fiction, and all-round Clare girl...
Clare Valley Heritage
- Heartland Heritage Trail
- Take a drive through history on the Heartland Heritage Trail. It's a driving trail like few others, following a path once beaten by Aboriginal hunters, bullock drays, stagecoaches, stockmen and steam locomotives. Read More
- Heritage Trails
- See the sun-soaked countryside made famous in Colin Thiele novels and much more, on these Clare Valley heritage trails. Read More
- Burra Heritage Passport & Museum Pass
- Buy a Heritage Passport for your key to eight locked historic sites and a guide booklet detailing both a touring route and histories of significant buildings. Read More
