Clare Valley
Culture, heritage
and history short break

Martindale Hall

Martindale Hall, Mintaro. Nineteenth century high sheep prices and booming trade in copper contributed to local fortunes. Edmund Bowman’s mansion is a stunning example of the wealth of this period. Built in 1879, in the Italianate style it has 32 grand rooms and an extensive cellar, over 7 storage areas. Martindale also offers guests accommodation, a chance to immerse yourself in the grand rooms of a rural mansion. Check the website for more information for opening hours.

DETOUR

Family friendly Mintaro, child friendly activity is the Mintaro Maze: Home.

Auburn Institute & Town Hall @WeekendNotes

Located on the Main North Road at the northern end of town, the Auburn Institute and Town Hall was built in 1866 by a group of private individuals. The southern facade was completed in 1884. It is a fine example of Joseph Meller’s stonemason skills. Look for the individual chisel marks on the exterior, very difficult to locate due to the stonemason’s patient work. No power tools, simply hand-held chisels.

Facts

Old Police Station and Courthouse 1860, Auburn

Court House & Police Station Museum, volunteers are the custodians of these heritage buildings. The building is a National Trust. Contact volunteers to view the artifacts and collectables of the district as well as the elaborate interiors. The building construction is a variety of stone was used in the construction of the buildings, as well as hand sawn Redgum and three different types of paving; flat slate paving, pitch paving and cobble work. No admission fees, contact telephone number, (08) 8849-2262. The information centre can assist if necessary.

Facts

Iron Bridge, Undalya @airbnb

National Trust, “A bridge for the future. Undalya’s amazing single span iron bridge across the Wakefield River in the Clare Valley is 140 years old. This masterful piece of Victorian era engineering is in need of care and conservation to ensure it remains intact and usable in the future. Undalya, is a small settlement in the Clare Valley. Its name, meaning water holes, is taken from the local Ngadjuri people who occupied the area at the time of European colonisation. Explorer Edward John Eyre camped there during one of his expeditions into the interior.
Being an early thriving township, Undalya consisted of the usual business houses and hotels, with the first local post office opening in 1848.

Before the two churches were built or the one at Penwortham, a local property occupier, a JP, conducted a wedding in the property Head Station front room.” Excerpt from National Trust online brochure

Facts

Knappstein Winery @knappstein

Knappstein Winery heritage building (1878).While brewing stopped in 1916 aerated water and cordial production continued with the Clare Mineral Waters Company. In 1976 the premises were purchased by Knappstein Wines. An excellent stop for a gift bottle or perhaps for yourself. If you have time for only one wine experience the location fits into your heritage exploration of Clare. Sevenhills Jesuit Winery is another heritage vineyard check Clare travel guide for details.

Facts

Clare Town Hall

If you have relatives, family or friends who are originally from the Clare region and you wish to find out more this is the place to head to. As the community website states, “Housed upstairs. this extensive range of local church, school, council, cemetery and BDM records, photographs, newspapers and publications covering the history of Clare and the surrounding villages has been gathered… since the  1980s. As well as local records and newspapers, the collection includes an extensive library of books published about the area, as well as family and district histories.”

Facts

Redruth Gaol 1856 Located in Burra @ Flickr

Redruth Gaol erected in 1856 was the first gaol in South Australia outside of Adelaide. A must do site which is fascinating for all age groups. The personal narratives of the individuals who were incarcerated. Harsh penalties were the norm and the contrast compared to present day becomes a real event when faced with people’s stories. Redruth Jail / Reform School, with its list of crime and punishment such as stealing a loaf of bread or being drunk and disorderly, got you serious jail time in the 19th century. I found the names of the punished, their sentences and the gloomy surroundings thought provoking.

The solid stone buildings, the clunk of the iron key and fortress interior make for a compelling visit.

The old closed Redruth Prison, Burra

Burra Police Lockup and Stables, Burra Miners Dugout and other sites will quickly absorb your day. Pick and choose as both the Copper Mine and Redruth Gaol while highlights there is a considerable number of sites worthy of attention.

Burra Regional Art Gallery

Burra Regional Art Gallery

Burra’s former post office, with its original jarrah floorboards is worth a visit just to gawp at the floor. Exhibits are changed regularly with a focus on local artists, artisans creating ceramics and jewellery as well as local photographers. Remember to check out the original telephone exchange machine in the back room.

TIP: The gallery is managed by volunteers, check the website for opening hours.

Roseworthy Agricultural Museum @Geoff Nowak

Sheep farming and wheat growing are two planks at the heart of Roseworthy’s economy. Roseworthy Agricultural Museum houses vintage farm implements, working tractors, and stationary engines with an emphasis on the evolution of farming methods, and Roseworthy College history. Roseworthy Agricultural Museum University of Adelaide Roseworthy Campus Mudla Wirra Road, Roseworthy Open March to November 10.00am–4.00pm each Wednesday 1.30pm–4.00pm third Sunday of each month Free entry.