Mintaro
SA 5415 • South Australia
About Mintaro
Mintaro is a historic township in the eastern Clare Valley, approximately 126 kilometres north of Adelaide and 18 kilometres south-east of Clare in South Australia's Mid North region. Established in 1849 and administered by the District Council of Clare and Gilbert Valleys, the town was originally a resting place for bullock teams carting copper ore from the Burra mine to Port Wakefield. With a population of 218 residents recorded at the 2021 Census, Mintaro was declared a State Heritage Area for South Australia in 1984 — a recognition of its remarkably intact 19th-century streetscape and built environment.
Mintaro is celebrated for its beautifully preserved bluestone architecture, with heritage cottages, churches, and public buildings lining its quiet streets. The area is also home to the iconic Martindale Hall, a grand Italianate pastoral mansion that was used as a filming location for the 1975 film Picnic at Hanging Rock. The locality sits within the Clare Valley wine region, surrounded by vineyards and cellar doors, and Mintaro slate — a high-quality stone quarried locally — has been used in buildings across Australia. It remains a popular destination for heritage tourism, weekend getaways, and wine country exploration.
Mintaro falls under postcode 5415 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Frome electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Regional Coach services (Stateliner/Premier Stateliner) — Adelaide (via Clare) Approx. 2 hr from Clare
Commute to Adelaide CBD
🛣️ Main North Road via Clare and Gawler is the principal route to Adelaide
The heritage village centre is walkable for visitors, but all shopping and services require a drive to Clare or Auburn
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Stein Street