SAFarming
Clare
A private village grew into a wine-country hub.
1842Private village laid out · agricultural centre
WHAT STARTED IT
Pastoralist Edward Gleeson laid out a private village in 1842 to serve the surrounding agricultural country. Farming, stores and local administration underpinned Clare’s growth before wine tourism became its best-known identity.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Cereal growing, grazing and vineyards shared the valley. A brewery established in 1878 later became a winery. The railway arrived in 1918, strengthening the district’s connection to wider markets.
TURNING POINTS
1839Morphett and Horrocks claim the 15,000-acre Hutt River special survey on 2 December.
1841The official sheep return lists 3,500 of John Horrocks’s sheep on the River Hutt.
1842Gleeson lays out the village.
1878Town brewery established.
1918Railway reaches Clare.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
The Clare Valley’s main service town and a base for visiting vineyards, surrounded by wine growing, cereal crops and sheep farms.