Page 62 of Australia by Audley Travel

clare valley kangaroos at the edge of the murray river barossa valley set in a gentle hollow amidst rolling wheat fields and vines the barossa valley was originally settled by german lutherans whose small townships and church spires still survive today vineyards often with names such as `kaiser stuhl are set amongst delicatessens whose shelves groan under germanic delicacies wine is showcased in more than 50 local cellars but the valley holds a special appeal that extends into stately homes seasoned by meals in restaurants where european traditions are leavened with modern-day cuisine less than an hour s drive from adelaide the barossa valley can be explored on a tour or in your own car clare valley combining australian bush and well-kept charming vineyards clare is a lesser-known wine region but perhaps the most beautiful of all sevenhill is an excellent place to start your exploration established by the three jesuit priests who fled here in 1851 this is the region s oldest winery and much of the original stone architecture remains today the riesling trail is a picturesque route ideal for walkers and cyclists that leads to the small town of auburn where the vines are complemented by fragments of mining and settler history clare is within easy range of adelaide or an excellent place to break your journey on the way to the flinders ranges murray river the murray river is australia s mississippi with paddle-steamers passing riverside towns such as swan reach with its clifftop views and mannun with its relics of the pioneer days the first river crossing was made at murray bridge which is where many cruises start aboriginal legends surround this treasured water supply which attracts a wealth of wildlife including yellow-billed spoonbills fat-tailed dunnarts and possums walking trails line the banks and disappear deep in to the bush an array of cruising options from cruises to rental houseboats enable you to meander along the river amongst the red gums which line its banks abbotsford country house thorn park odyssey river cruise abbotsford country house barossa valley in the corner of the valley surrounded by acres of farmland this colonial georgian-style homestead is blessed with magnificent views of the vineyards framed by sun-baked ranges eight guest suites reflect australian country style uniquely decorated and furnished with antiques where each is as individual as its prominent barossa family namesake owners jane and julian are excellent hosts and idyllic days end with a game of croquet on the sunken lawn a glass of wine on the veranda and supper beautifully prepared from local produce thorn park clare valley this gracious 1850s homestead with mellow stone walls and shady verandas is set in lovely landscaped gardens amidst acres of majestic countryside elegant country living at its best your hosts michael and david have a nationwide reputation for lavish breakfasts and exquisite dinners accompanied by a wonderful selection of fine local wines the warm spacious ensuite guestrooms continue the tradition of charm and if you are looking for privacy two suites are available in the converted `old barn and the `coachhouse odyssey murray river cruising cruise the river in style onboard a delightful small craft where a friendly and knowledgeable crew entertain a maximum of eight guests on three or four day cruises or longer private charters this is a comfortable way to get upstream to explore ancient limestone cliffs deep lagoons and the prolific array of wildlife that inhabits the area sunset and sunrise presents nature at its best and frequent stops allow you to delve into the bush in the company of a crew member scratching the surface of the tranquil australian bush at a relaxed gentle pace 62

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