Riesling Trail

Winding through the heart of South Australia's Clare Valley wine region, the Riesling Trail is a 35-kilometre rail-trail that offers a perfect blend of gentle cycling, world-class wineries, and timeless rural scenery. Once a railway corridor, this sealed path now connects the historic towns of Clare and Auburn, passing vineyards, stone cottages, and gum-studded hillsides. It's a quintessential South Australian experience for anyone who loves wine, walking, or two-wheeled exploration.

Highlights & What to See

• Wine-tasting at cellar doors – The trail is lined with renowned riesling producers, including Grosset, Pikes, and Tim Adams. Many have cellar doors right on the path, so you can hop off, sample, and buy a bottle for the road.
• Historic railway stations – Restored station buildings at Clare, Sevenhill, and Penwortham serve as trailheads and picnic spots, with interpretative signs about the line's 1920s heyday.
• Clare township – The main hub offers excellent bakeries, cafes, and the Clare Valley Wine & Food Centre for local produce and tastings.
• Mintaro Maze – A quirky detour (2 km off-trail) featuring a hedge maze and gardens, great for families.
• Martindale Hall – A grand 19th-century mansion near Mintaro, used as a filming location for the movie Picnic at Hanging Rock.
• Native birdlife – Keep an eye out for kangaroos, echidnas, and a dazzling array of parrots along the fringing bushland.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least a full day to cycle the entire 35 km one-way (about 3–4 hours riding, plus stops). Most people tackle it in 1–2 days, staying overnight in Clare or Auburn. If you're short on time, the most scenic and winery-dense section is the 12 km between Clare and Sevenhill, which can be done in a leisurely half-day. Walkers can enjoy shorter segments, such as the 5 km stretch from Clare to Penwortham.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Clare Valley wine region – The trail is the spine of this valley; explore the back roads to visit boutique wineries like Wendouree or Kilikanoon.
• Burra – A historic copper-mining town 40 km east, with well-preserved mine sites and heritage buildings.
• Mount Remarkable National Park – 90 km north, offering rugged gorges, hiking trails, and the Heysen Trail.
• Barossa Valley – 80 km south, Australia's most famous wine region, easily combined for a longer self-drive itinerary.
• Adelaide – The state capital, 130 km south, is the natural start or end point for a Clare Valley trip.

Please check official sources for current details.