27/04/2026
Wander through one of South Australia’s most beautifully preserved heritage villages - welcome to Mintaro🍷🌿
Mintaro is a charming historic town in the Clare Valley, about 125 km north of Adelaide. With its stone cottages and vineyard surroundings, it feels like stepping back into the 1800s.
🏛️ History
• Established in 1849 by early settlers
• A key stop for bullock teams transporting copper from Burra to the coast
• Became famous for slate mining in the 1860s
• Declared a State Heritage Area due to its incredibly well-preserved buildings
👉 Unlike many towns, Mintaro has kept its original character almost untouched.
🗺️ Things to Do
🏰 Martindale Hall
• Grand Georgian mansion built in the 1870s
• Featured in the film Picnic at Hanging Rock
• Explore elegant rooms and scenic grounds
🚶 Heritage Walk
• Self-guided stroll past stone cottages, churches, and historic buildings
• One of the best ways to soak up the town’s atmosphere
🌿 Relax & Explore
• Visit Torr Park for a picnic
• Browse the quirky local book exchange
🍷 Clare Valley Wine Tasting
• Located in the heart of the Clare Valley
• Stop by cellar doors like:
• Reillys Wines
• Matriarch and Rogue Wines
👉 Famous for Riesling and boutique wine experiences.
🧭 Nearby Day Trips
• Clare – cafés, shops, Riesling Trail
• Auburn – gateway to the Clare Valley
• Burra – historic mining town
(See end of this post for Mintaro and Clare Vallley food guide).
Where to Stay
🍺 Magpie & Stump Hotel
• Historic country pub
• Great meals, cosy rooms, relaxed atmosphere
🏡 Heritage Cottages
• Stay in restored 1800s stone homes
• Fireplaces, rustic charm, perfect for couples
🌄 Clare Valley Accommodation
• More options in Clare and surrounding areas
• Includes boutique stays, cabins, and vineyard retreats
🚗 Getting There
• Around 1.5–2 hours from Adelaide by car
• Ideal for a weekend getaway or wine escape
✨ Why You’ll Love It
• Authentic historic charm
• World-class wine region
• Peaceful, scenic countryside
🍷☕ MINTARO & CLARE VALLEY FOOD GUIDE
If you’re heading to Mintaro or exploring the Clare Valley, here’s a simple guide to the best cafés, bakeries & restaurants 👇
☕ CAFÉS (coffee + brunch)
🍳 Cafe 1871 – 245A Main North Rd, Clare SA 5453
☕ Watervale General Store & Providore – 29 Main North Rd, Watervale SA 5452
🌿 Antidote Kitchen – 308B Main North Rd, Clare SA 5453
☕ Flinders Food Co – 268 Main North Rd, Clare SA 5453
☕ Daily Grind Coffee on Main – 232 Horrocks Hwy, Clare SA 5453
🥐 BAKERIES
🥖 Clare Bakehouse – 269 Main North Rd, Clare SA 5453
🍰 Clare Rise Bakery – 12 Main North Rd, Clare SA 5453
🥐 The Little Red Grape Co. – 148 Main North Rd, Sevenhill SA 5453
🥖 Watervale Bakery & Cafe – 29 Main North Rd, Watervale SA 5452
🍽️ RESTAURANTS (pubs, wineries & dining)
🍷 Reillys Wines Cellar Door & Restaurant – Leasingham Rd, Mintaro SA 5415
🍺 Magpie & Stump Hotel – Burra St, Mintaro SA 5415
🥂 Slate Restaurant – Sevenhill Winery, 11 St Aloysius Rd, Sevenhill SA 5453
🌿 Bush DeVine Restaurant – 752 Polish Hill River Rd, Sevenhill SA 5453
🍷 Mr Mick – 7 Dominic St, Clare SA 5453
🍽️ Watervale Hotel – 40 Main St, Watervale SA 5452
🍝 Ragu & Co – 308C Main North Rd, Clare SA 5453
🌶️ Indii of Clare – 230 Main North Rd, Clare SA 5453
🍻 Sevenhill Hotel – 21 College Rd, Sevenhill SA 5453
💡 LOCAL TIP:
Mintaro itself is small—best experience is:
👉 Mintaro = history + charm
👉 Clare / Watervale / Sevenhill = cafés, bakeries & wineries.