This is a pub that happens to be out in the middle of the country. Well, okay, it does happen to be…read morein a town, so I can't necessarily say that it is in the middle of the country, though this town does happen to be rather small. The pub itself was okay, and it was sort of what I would expect from a country pub. The service was good, and it was clear that a number of regulars happened to be there as well. Mind you, after having visiting numerous such pubs, I have come to the conclusion that being a rather chatty bartender is a compulsory requirement for running such a pub.

This place wasn't bad at all, though of course it is basically a country pub, and there wasn't much…read morein the way of beers to choose from, but still, despite Clare being a major wine growing region, I probably shouldn't have expected some outstanding pub or another. However, as I mentioned, this place wasn't too bad, and it definitely wasn't all that crowded either, which is something that I appreciated. Sure, they didn't have much in the way of a beer garden, just a smokers cage, but the pub did have some charm.

We had a wedding on a long weekend during school holidays in Clare. Where do you stay with your…read morechildren and the olds that won't break the bank? We chose the discovery holiday park and it was surprisingly a great choice! There were powered sites for those with vans, big cabins for families and economy ones designed for max 2 adults. We stayed economy, with one double bed in a separate room and bunk beds. They said the bunks were too small for adults but I found it long enough and very cosy! There was fridge, kettle, toaster, oven and microwave. Everything you need to cook but the space. We used the camp kitchen and it was just right for the big breakfast cook up! The curtains were a little in disrepair, but overall it was clean and warm. We had 4 heaters to chose from, 2 bar ones, a reverse cycle and a small blow heater, oh and electric blankets too! It gets mighty cold up north so all were appreciated as well as flannel pajamas and socks! There was no hairdryer which I really missed! Wet hair and cold nights are not good! Our cabins were out the back so very private with no through traffic. The kids had a ball, I believe they have activities like discos etc. the big green grassy areas were perfect meeting, playing and relaxing areas where ball games, and lots of running around, having fun was easy. We had a fabulous time. Like camping but with out all the hassle of bringing everything from home and the comfort of your own space if you needed it! Very nicely set out and no fun police anywhere! I recommend staying here if you are with a big group and if there are small children with you! It's a fun park!

Mintaro pub lunch We had a really enjoyable lunch at this…read moreheritage listed country pub. The lamb shank was delicious and the vegetable lasagne was good. The food on the other diners' plates also looked good! We did have to wait a while for our food though!

Right, so we were in the Clare Valley on a weeknight and desperately tried to find a restaurant…read more Our guide said that Mintaro is one of the most famous towns, not only for its historic buildings but also in terms of accommodation and restaurants. Well, whoever wrote that guide should consider rewriting it - at least in what concerns restaurants. The Magpie and Stump Hotel was the only place that was open in the whole town, it was probably also the only place where we saw lights or any sign of life. Walking in, you feel like you've been transferred back into time. Seriously. We walked in and my first thought was 'Where the hell am I here?'. The place looks old and outdated, yet somehow charming because it's very different to what you'd expect. They serve traditional pub food and the only other people in there had the same food as we did: pie. You can't go wrong with pie. It was good and they have a large selection of beer and wines. Would I go back? Well, it was truly a unique experience but, unless I'd be stuck in Mintaro, I don't really see a reason to drive into the middle of nowhere just to enjoy something I could have pretty much anywhere else.

It sounds like suggesting that a pub being a typical country pub is a bad thing, but I wouldn't…read morereally put it that way. With a lot of country pubs you know what you get, and this one is no different. They tend to be jovial and sometimes rather welcoming, though their beer selection isn't always that great. Yeah, this place wasn't too bad to be honest, and the bar tender was friendly and helpful. It also had a beer garden, but it is typical of what you would find in the country.

A great example of a friendly country pub…read more Great, cold beer and awesome food, all wrapped up with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere

This is another one of those pubs that seems to pretty much be on its last legs. I say that because…read morethere isn't any tap beer available, namely because so few people come here that the tap beer would go off long before the barrel would be empty. However, the owner was still quite friendly, and there are quite a lot of nice decorations about the hotel. In fact there are a number of pop-culture things here which make is pretty cool. However, it is pretty out of the way, and I'm not sure how long it is going to last.

We chose the Riesling Trail & Clare Valley Cottages (RTCV) due to the proximity to the trail--it's…read moreliterally at your front door--and the sense of privacy the photos suggested. We were chuffed with our decision. We stayed in Daisy Cottage which is the Southern most cottage, and one of the most private. It was small and tidy--just what we needed for a weekend away. The wood fire made the cottage just perfect. In the living area there was a queen size bed and small couch, off to the side an ample kitchenette, and a bathroom with a full-size spa bath. We opted for the Getaway Package which included provisions for a hot breakfast--I told them I was vegan and was met with tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, bread; all the good stuff,--a bottle of wine, port and a few other little touches to make the stay even more enjoyable. We also got discount bike hire as part of this package. As I said earlier, the cottages are right on the trail. The bike hire place is directly across the road. We spent half a day on the Riesling Trail, visiting Kirrihill, Tim Adams, Sevenhill and Little Red Grape in Sevenhill--the adjacent homeware store is amazing. All these wineries are highly recommended. RTCV Cottages are perfect for a couple wanting to get away from the city for a weekend. Highly recommended.

I had a lovely stay at the Clare Valley Motel. Clean, comfortable and sophisticated; this really…read moreis a top notch place. I'd never been to the Clare before, Lee and Jan were very helpful and friendly in suggesting which wineries to explore. There is also a lovely dog named Chippie, big pool, BBQ, and beautiful roses!

Best family room ever!! Children really loved the swimming pool and made good use of it. The…read morerestaurant meals were well presented and generous servings. Children n enjoyed the crumbed garfish while the adults both had Poe fillet with maple sauce and apple accompanied by seasonal vegetables which left no room for desert!! All staff were most helpful and friendly!!