Looking for an affordable, family-friendly, and 'easy to get to' place for your next family break from the city? Discovery Parks Clare is a caravan and cabin park with plenty of space set among tall gum trees at the southern entrance to Clare on the Horrocks Highway. It's ideally situated for exploring the Clare Valley region and has heaps of things to do for the kids.
On arrival, check in at the front kiosk for a map to your cabin or site. You can also get a range of supplies from the kiosk and hire bicycles for a ride along the Riesling trail or even pedal carts for the kids to ride around the park.
The cabins are reasonably spacious and most have big balconies. They are very clean and tidy - most come with almost full kitchen facilities, including a microwave. The TV reception is okay and there's a DVD player for the indoor type kids. Linen is supplied and there's a laundry on-site.
If you're planning on caravanning there's plenty of sites to choose from on the southern end of the park with paved and grassed sites available. I will say that the grassed site area is much quieter and more peaceful than the central play area and has excellent facilities, including a well-appointed camp kitchen.
Christison Park
Along the fenceless northern boundary, the park merges into the adjacent public Christison Park with an old fauna reserve across the creek.
The cabins in the middle are spaced out and arranged neatly to overlook the central open area of the park. I call this the 'kid-stadium'. There's a pool and spa overlooking the obligatory bouncing pillow and a popular pump-track for the kids on scooters and bikes.
Pretty much all the family cabins have balconies overlooking this area, which is why it's so popular for families with young kids. If you're looking for peace and quiet then try booking outside of school holidays. Having said that, the park and the road nearby are both very quiet at night.
The park is very close to the Riesling Trail which is just over the other side of the adjacent showgrounds It's about a five-minute drive from the park to the centre of Clare where you'll find everything you'll need, including full supermarkets and a 24-hour service station. There's plenty to see and do around Clare, so make sure to spend some time having a wander around the historic streets and parks if you can.
Discovery Holiday Park Clare is only an hour and 45 minutes from Adelaide and it's ideally located in the busiest part of the Clare Valley. The Clare Valley visitor centre is right next door to help you find things to do and see nearby. The park staff are friendly enough and clearly work hard to ensure you enjoy your stay. Give them a go one day soon.
