Watervale Retreat review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

This place advertises itself as a peaceful getaway in the bush and it delivers.

In life pre-toddler, a weekend away to the Clare Valley was all about the food and wine. Arrive at your accommodation midmorning, jump on the bikes, hit up a handful of cellar doors, stop off somewhere nice for lunch and a bottle, power on to a few more cellar doors, then head back for dinner, more wine and bed.

Life with a toddler is similar, but things need to be done at a more leisurely and sensible manner. This particular trip to Clare begins with a visit to the Rising Sun Hotel in Auburn. It’s a nice sunny day and while my wife and I enjoy our meal, the two-year-old entertains herself by chasing the local birds around the table. After lunch we drop in at Clare Valley Brewing Co across the road. buy a couple of bottles of Good Catholic Girl, then head to our home for the night — Watervale Retreat.

This place advertises itself as a peaceful getaway in the bush and it delivers.

If you remember it from years ago, it’s worth another look.

Watervale Retreat changed management – and focus – in 2015.

The new owners gave the cabin accommodation a fresh facelift and taken it from caravan-park style to comfort. Good quality mattresses and bed linen make for a very comfy night’s sleep (if only it wasn’t broken by the rustling of a toddler in a port-a-cot).

Watervale Retreat. Picture: Supplied

The bathrooms, while basic, have a fresh look and are spotlessly clean. Cabins also include a kitchen with meals area and couch.

A continental breakfast is supplied, including a freshly baked loaf of bread delivered, still warm, to your door.

Our cabin backs on to an enclosure housing deer and alpacas. There are also emu chicks to visit. It’s a big winner for the toddler in tow.

The surrounding bushland is beautiful and the outdoor barbecue area is convenient, although aesthetically it seems a little out of place.

We’ve taken our bikes as our cabin is only 500m from the Reisling Trail and less than 2km from the nearest winery — a handy plus. I take the toddler for a bike ride while my wife sleeps in. After a leisurely breakfast, we pack up and head home — via a winery, of course.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

This review was first published in March 2016 and had details updated in March 2021.

• 18 Popes Hill Rd, Watervale
• 8843 0070
• watervaleretreat.com.au

• LOCATION Watervale, 126km north of Adelaide in the Clare Valley.
• ACCOMMODATION Four self-contained cabins. Three with queen bed in a separate master bedroom and a single bed. One with queen bed only. All have television, DVD player, reverse- cycle airconditioning, sofa, kitchen, coffee maker, dining table and chairs, linen, towels and toiletries supplied. Outdoor barbecue area. Several outdoor seating areas.
• PRICE: Single night $150 for two people; Two or more nights $140 for two people. Additional person $25 a night extra. Friday and Saturday nights – 2 night minimum. Includes continental breakfast provisions and a freshly baked loaf of bread delivered in the morning.