South Australia’s Festival of Footy in the Clare Valley

A celebration of the great Australian game, footy fever is not only bouncing into Adelaide but to our regions as well. Two matches will be hosted by our neighbours in the Barossa, a short hour's drive from the Clare Valley wine region, and whilst you can't touch the turf, the festival vibes here are all but guaranteed.

South Australia has a busy weekend ahead of itself, so make sure you book your accommodation early (that goes for most weekends this time of year!). 

For everything you need all in one place, you can't go past the Clare Country Club. In addition to the beautifully appointed and recently refurbished rooms, there are tennis courts, a pool, a gym and a restaurant on-site, plus the golf course right next door. If your base is in Burra, you can't go past Paxton Square Cottages, old miners' cottages that have been turned into great self-contained rooms, a short walk to the main street. For convenient access to the Riesling Trail (more information on that beauty here), try Riesling Trail Clare Valley Cottages or Brice Hill Country Lodge - both on the outskirts of Clare. 

If you've got your own bed on wheels, check into Discovery Parks Clare or the Burra Caravan and Camping Park, well-appointed parks surrounded by the beauty of the region. 

Want more ideas on where to rest your head? Check out all our accommodation options here ->

All of this exploring sounds like hungry work. How about a bite to eat after the game? From bakery eats to fine dining feasts, plenty of foodies are making their mark on the Clare Valley dining scene (and did you know, we were named the Best Place to Eat in the World by Conde Nest Traveller for 2025?).

A Clare Valley classic has just had a facelift, how long has it been since you visited Skillogalee Estate? Their brand new Barrel House, headed up by Chef Dan Moss (previously at Terroir Auburn), offers the food you've come to love just across the road from their original location whilst the cottage undergoes restoration. With stunning views over vineyard vistas, be sure to book into this one. Breakfast in the region's newest (and funkiest) cafe is a must-do, with fresh twists on Aussie classics, Antidote Kitchen is open daily and their staff are ready to serve you your morning caffeine fix. You can't get more Australian than a meat pie, so why not swing past the Clare Rise Bakery? While you're there, their neighbours Greg Cooley Wines are showing the games on the big screen, more on that below. If your base is in Burra, the Waters Bakery will sort you out (why not test your tastebuds with a TiddyOggy; it’s a half-sweet, half-savoury cornish pasty - a classic). Or how about immersing yourself in learning more about where your food comes from, with a unique farm tour at the Watervale Hotel? You won't find a schnitzel here, but they have won just a couple of awards (read: a lot) for their wine list (and the food is pretty good too!). If you are craving a classic pub feed though, visit the Sevenhill Hotel or the Magpie and Stump Hotel, Mintaro and you won't be disappointed. 

For more inspiration, check out our Foodies Guide to the Clare Valley here ->

So you know where you're going to stay, and where you're going to eat, but what are you going to do? May we suggest tackling some top-notch wine? With over 40 cellar doors, distilleries and breweries in the region, you're sure to find just the right beverage to enjoy with the game. Prefer not to drink or are travelling with the kids? There's still plenty to do. Why not:

- Head to the Clare Show Market and pick up some local goodies

- Visit the Mintaro Maze as they re-open for the last time

- Take the kids for a ride on the Model Trains

- Visit Bungaree Station for a taste of farm life

- Unlock the past with the Burra Heritage Passport

- Go for a ride on the Riesling Trail (the wine tastings are optional, stopping at Richardson Park Playground with the kids is not)