Clarendon is a historic village where the Adelaide Hills meet the Fleurieu Peninsula, just 28 kilometres from Adelaide. Set alongside the Onkaparinga River, it makes an easy first stop on a journey south, combining heritage buildings and country landscapes with food, wine and contemporary visitor experiences.
Follow the heritage trail through the village to see carefully preserved 1800s buildings, including the original school, Oddfellows Hall, police station, courthouse and general store. Clarendon Bakery is a popular stop for pastries, while galleries, museums and vintage stores offer plenty to browse.
The surrounding landscape opens up into vineyards, forest and rolling hills. Nearby Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard and its historic Guest House have also featured in Tasting Australia, adding to Clarendon's growing food and wine offering. For a different kind of local experience, The Farm offers hands-on encounters with Highland cattle, including opportunities to brush, feed and lead the animals through the paddock.
Add a walk or cycle through nearby Kuitpo Forest, enjoy a picnic beside the Onkaparinga River, or continue towards the McLaren Vale wine region. Clarendon sits neatly between Adelaide and the Fleurieu, making it an easy place to slow down and explore before continuing south.
