The Riesling Trail begins in Auburn 124km from Adelaide CBD. Being so close to the city and under a 2 hour drive its the perfect city escape when you want a weekend away. The Riesling Trail is a 35 km of trail that stretches through the famous South Australian wine region known for producing excellent quality Riesling wine. The trail begins at Auburn and goes through Clare and ends at Barina. It was initially an old railway line. However, after its train tracks were destroyed during a disastrous fire known as the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfire, it became repurposed as a cycling and walking track. The trail can also be extended following the rattler trail from Auburn to Riverton.
Hire a Bike
If you have come to the Clare Valley without your own bike. There is plenty of places to Hire a bike from in the region. Bike hire from Clare Valley Cycle Hire starts from $35 for a full day mountain bike hire or Electric Bikes for $70 for a full day. Also if cycling and walking aren’t for you then an alternative is simply to spend the day visiting wineries, either independently with a nominated driver, or with a convenient group tour.
Places to Stay
Clare Valley Discovery Park– This is your usual family-friendly campground with all the facilities. Hot showers, powered sites, toilets, dogs allowed, and drinking water. Unpowered sites are from $30 a night. It’s conveniently located right across the road from the trail so is easy to get to.
Rhynie Day use area- We have spoken to the owners of this area and they don’t mind people camping here for a few nights while exploring the area. It is conveniently located. About 1km to the beginning of the Rattler trail. Facilities include toilets and a BBQ area.
Watervale free camp- Although it’s just off the main road it’s a great location for the Trail if you’re doing the trail in parts. There are no facilities here but down the road, at the oval, there are toilet and BBQ facilities.
Auburn Caravan Park– A great little caravan park It’s right at the beginning of the Riesling trail. It is powered and unpowered sites available. Amenities include showers, toilets, and laundry facilities. For 2 people on an unpowered site, it’s $20 per night and $30 for an unpowered site.
Clare Town
You’ll most likely start your ride or walk along the Riesling trail right in the heart of the Clare Valley. Whether you’re heading north to Barina or south towards Auburn you will find plenty of cellar doors along the way. In Clare center visit Inchiquin Lake and Gleeson Wetlands, you will find these trails just off the Riesling trail. If you head into Clare Centre you will find Art Murals through the streets.
Clare To Barina- 8km one way
Begin at the Old Clare Railway Station (near Pinks Reserve). The section between Clare and Barina has some of the area’s most picturesque rural landscapes. Starting with the beautiful Gleeson Wetlands just as you’re heading out of town. Leaving the main township, you’ll make your way across an old railway bridge before heading through the pine forest emerging to stunning vineyard views over White Hut. The trail does just kind of end but you will reach the large Barina sign.
Clare to Sevenhill 6km one way
From the old Clare Railway Station (near Pinks Reserve). Head south on the trail, and you’ll likely feel a slight uphill push as you make your way along. As you make your way out of town you will pass Clare Valley Art Gallery and the Clare Rise bakery. Which is a great bakery to grab some lunch before heading towards Auburn. Continue along the path along and cross the Quarry Road bridge, before making your approach to Seven hill. At the end of the trail, you can make your way to Seven hill Winery a 700m one-way detour.
Sevenhill to Watervale 9km one way
This section will have you reaching the highest point of the trail in Penwortham, with loads of picturesque farmlands. Along the way, you can stop at Crabtree Watervale wines and Watervale hotel.
Watervale to Auburn 10km one way
This section of the path will continue taking you south towards Auburn passing the beautiful country side. There is plenty of stops along the way. Some stops are Claymore Wines and O’Leary walker wines. Once your in Auburn you will go past the ‘Archway’ which is the end or the start of the trail. Some places to visit in Auburn include grosset wines, The rising sun hotel, wines by KT and Mount Horrocks Wines. From here the trail does continue to the Rattler trail to Riverton.
Rattler Trail 19km one way trail Auburn to Riverton
Taking its name from the rattling trains that once rolled their way through the area, you’ll soak in some pretty serene country landscapes.
6 wineries to Visit in the area
Eldredge Vineyards– The cellar door is open 7 days a week from 11am to 5pm. Eldredge have a small Providore Store for D.I.Y. picnics and platters.
Shut the Gate Winery– Offers wine tasting and a produce store to get picnic supplies.
Jim Barry winery– Offers wine tastings from $10 for a flight of 5 wines.
Seven hill cellar door– There is a 3km step back in history trail. Passing the Underground Cellar, old-vine vineyards, St Ignatius of Loyola Shrine and St Aloysius’ Church with its crypt. They also have a wine tasting room with tastings from $10 for the inigo range for a flight of any 5 x wines.
Pikes winery and beer co– They offer a brewery, a wine tasting room and a Restaurant. Book a tasting Here.
The Olive Bus Clare– Which was temporarily closed for the month of August.
