Visit Mintaro
Welcome to Mintaro, a jewel in the crown of the world-renowned Clare Valley region of South Australia’s Mid North. From the family friendly Magpie and Stump Hotel in the centre of town, the well preserved historic buildings, the Mintaro Maze, Martindale Hall and the many wineries and restaurants there is plenty to see and do if you are visiting or live in the area.
Mintaro is located between the Clare and Gilbert Valleys at the foot of Mount Horrocks and within the headwaters of the Wakefield River. The surrounding countryside, some of the traditional land of the Ngadjuri people, is said to resemble the best of rustic Tuscany in summer and the lush green rolling hills of Ireland in winter. Mintaro is only an hour and a half’s drive north of Adelaide and fifteen minutes from Clare.
Tiny Tourism Towns - Mintaro
Two days to combine heritage and the flavours of the Clare Valley.
You can download the full 2-day itinerary PDF below.
Heritage Town
Remarkable for the many buildings that remain from its early settlement, the town’s importance to South Australia’s early colonial history was confirmed when Mintaro was declared the state’s first rural heritage area in 1984. Conservation and thoughtful restoration under the guidance of the South Australia’s Heritage Branch, over the years since, reflect the civic pride that local residents have for the special character of their town. Take a stroll around the town or follow the historic Mintaro self-guided walk and soak up this special character yourself.
As well as a visit to the Mintaro Maze, the Public Cemetery on Slate Quarry road, or St Mary of the Immaculate Conception and cemetery on Catholic Church road, you can also visit Mortlock Park, with its entrance gates in memory of Frederick Ranson Mortlock, or relax at Torr Park, adjacent to the bowling green and tennis courts, with its BBQ, seating and playground areas. If you are looking for a longer walk you can take the Mintaro to Martindale Hall short walk (2.5 hrs return) which includes part of the Lavender Federation Trail.
Visiting
If you are staying in Mintaro at one of its many accommodation venues there are a wide range of options available for you to explore. As well as Mintaro Wines and Reillys Cellar Door and Restaurant in Mintaro, nearby are Paulett Wines, Pikes Wines and Pikes Beer Company, The Wilson Vineyard and Hill River Clare Estate. Food is available at the Magpie and Stump Hotel, Reillys, Cafe DeVine at Paulett Wines, and Slate restaurant at Pikes. If you’re at Pikes on a Sunday call into the Polish Hill River Church Museum which documents the early history of Polish migrants to the area.
Exploring the region
After taking in the spectacular views around Mintaro and the Clare Valley, you can also take day trips to many nearby regions. Spend a longer time in the car and the historic mining town of Burra, the iconic Barossa Valley, South Australia’s little Cornwall; the Copper Coast, and the beautiful Yorke Peninsula are all within easy reach.
If you’ve just arrived or got back from a day out and it’s a Friday why not join with some of the locals at the Magpie and Stump in the afternoon/evening and find out what they think of their town and what is special to them in the region.
Whether you are visiting Mintaro or live here we hope you find it fabulously enjoyable and that you take the opportunity to relax and admire our Clare Valley jewel.