Here in South Australia we manage to pack in hundreds of race meets at 24 Country Race Clubs throughout the year, so sometimes it's hard to know where to start. Around the state there are so many towns and regions offering something for everyone, whether you're a lover of fine wine and food, hope to experience South Australia's beautiful beaches, or prefer the hustle and bustle of the city.
So many of our race clubs are nestled right in the heart of so many incredible regions of the state, offering the perfect centrepiece activity in a weekend away. Enjoy SA racing one day, and an afternoon of wine tasting, wildlife exploration or fantastic food experiences the next.
Whatever your flavour, there's a race club for you...
YOU LOVE... BEING BEACH SIDE AND THE BEST SEAFOOD IN THE COUNTRY
You are... Port Lincoln Race Club
Lovers of seafood should be including a visit to Port Lincoln on their bucket list. Known as the Seafood Capital of Australia, Port Lincoln is a beautiful coastal town on the Eyre Peninsula with a booming population and incredible food and wine scene.
Sitting right on the coast line, the Port Lincoln Racing Club has beautiful ocean views as the backdrop for plenty of race days throughout the year. You can take the drive over there or get there by plane to experience the best of the Eyre Peninsula, along with some great SA racing. See all the Club details here.
YOU LOVE... RIESLING AND SPENDING TIME IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
You are... Clare Valley Racing Club
As one of SA's most notable wine regions, the Clare Valley is a picturesque patchwork of vineyards and farmland that produce, amongst a range of quality wines, the best Riesling you can taste. Home to the famous 'Riesling trail', it's easier than ever to spend a weekend in the Valley at one of the area's many B&Bs, including the trail on your weekend activities list. Do it by foot, car, or even bicycle!
Just a few minutes up the road from the town centre, the Clare Valley Racing Club sits amongst rolling hills providing a beautiful view of the area with a country feel about the race course. The Clare Cup is the perfect inclusion on a weekend away in November to experience the region, but the Clare Easter Races are certainly one of the most popular meets in the SA racing calendar. For more info on the Clare Valley head here.
YOU LOVE... A WEEKEND AWAY IN THE BAROSSA VALLEY
You are... Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club
You don't have to be a wine lover to enjoy the Barossa, but it certainly helps... As one of the best wine regions in not just Australia, but the whole world, the Barossa Valley hosts some of our state's best wineries and producers. Even if you're not a shiraz aficionado, you can feast on the region's best produce from Maggie Beer, Hentley Farm, Seppetlsfield and more.
The region is also home to one of our most beautiful race courses as well, with upgrades in recent years to the Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club providing high quality facilities and grounds for race days throughout the year. With plenty of meets throughout the year it's hard to choose, but the biggest meeting of the year is the 2022 Twilight Holdfast Insurance Brokers Gawler Cup. Hit the races, and the next day spend your time exploring the Barossa and everything it has to offer. Check out the full calendar here.
Fly high over the Barossa via Balloon Adventures
YOU LOVE... A TASTE OF THE COUNTRY LIFE
You are... Penola Racing Club
Layered in history, the Penola Racing Club is one of the oldest in the state, and attributed with holding South Australia's first race day back in the 1800s. The Club is located right outside Coonawarra in the heart of the Limestone Coast, a region home to more incredible SA wineries including DiGiorgio, Katnook Estate, and Koonara.
You'll instantly feel the calm of the countryside as you drive down to the region, hours from the hustle and bustle of the big city and nothing but fresh air and the South Australian landscape. To get a taste of the region, you can't go past Coonawarra Vigneron's Day in January, where the region comes together to showcase the local produce and wines amongst a day of racing at the Penola Racing Club. Head here to find out more.
YOU LOVE... BEING A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
You are... the Kangaroo Island Race Club
As one of Australia's most unique towns, Kangaroo Island is rich in agriculture, tourism and wildlife, and the ideal destination for a holiday just a couple of hours from Adelaide. Make your way there by car, via the ferry, or by plane, and take your pick of accommodation options on the Island.
The Kangaroo Island Race Club has one of the largest membership bases in the state, hosting thousands annually for the Kangaroo Island Cup in February. The Cup event is always a big one, with thousands of locals and visitors from both SA and interstate gathering for a day of racing and fine South Australian hospitality.
There are plenty more Race Clubs around the state to check out in every corner of the state; head to the Country Racing South Australia website find out more about South Australian Racing and all of the events on offer.