Pre-European settlement The original inhabitants of the Clare Valley were the
Ngadjuri people. It is believed that they had major camping sites at
Clare and
Auburn, as well as other areas outside the valley.
European settlement The first European to reportedly explore the Clare Valley was
John Hill, who did so in early April 1839, visiting and naming the
Hutt River. Its nearby twin, the
Hill River, was later named in his honour. On returning to Adelaide, he reported his findings of potentially good farmland to his friend and associate,
Edward John Eyre. Eyre in turn informed
John Horrocks, who had only arrived in South Australia during March 1839. Eyre later explored the Clare Valley on the return journey from his
second 1839 expedition to the northern regions of South Australia. Horrocks set out with his servant, John Green and established himself in the area now known as
Penwortham. This became the first permanent settlement in the valley. By 1840,
Edward Burton Gleeson had set up the
Inchiquin pastoral run to the north which was later developed into the town of Clare and in 1848,
Jesuits were settling into the place which would become the town of
Sevenhill. Settlers came from places including
England,
Ireland,
Poland and
Silesia during the 1840s, producing a rich heritage of architecture and villages, which remain largely intact.
Vineyards were planted alongside those first villages and winemaking has continued ever since.
Modern times On 16 February 1983, the Clare Valley was affected by the
Ash Wednesday bushfires. Although there were no fatalities in the area, over 6,100 hectares were burnt out, causing $5 million worth of damage. The railway line between the Clare Showgrounds and
Penwortham was severely damaged, and resulted in its eventual demise. The old rail route has since been transformed into a bicycle and walking track known as the
Riesling Trail. This 35 km sealed trail links the villages of the valley. == Attractions ==