Clare Valley Riesling Trail

Meandering through the heart of South Australia's Clare Valley, the Riesling Trail is a 35-kilometre rail-trail that offers an idyllic way to explore one of Australia's premier wine regions. Converted from an old railway line, this flat, sealed path is perfect for cycling or walking, weaving past vineyards, historic towns, and cellar doors. With the Clare Valley renowned for its world-class rieslings, the trail provides a scenic and active route to sample some of the country's finest cool-climate wines, all while soaking up the region's pastoral beauty and laid-back charm.

Highlights & What to See

• Ride or walk the full trail: The 35-km path from Auburn to Clare is a gentle, mostly downhill ride from the southern end, passing through the quaint towns of Watervale, Penwortham, and Sevenhill. Bike hire and shuttle services are available in Clare and Auburn.
• Cellar door hopping: The trail passes or is within easy reach of dozens of wineries, many specialising in riesling. Don't miss iconic names like Grosset, Mount Horrocks, and Wendouree (appointment only).
• Historic towns: Stop in Clare for its heritage buildings and lively main street, or Watervale for its charming general store and old railway station.
• Sevenhill Cellars: A historic Jesuit-run winery dating to 1851, offering a unique glimpse into the region's early wine-making history.
• Bundaleer Forest: A short detour from the trail leads to this peaceful pine plantation, great for a picnic or a stroll among towering trees.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least a full day to cycle the entire trail with plenty of stops for wine tastings and lunch. Many visitors break the journey over two days, overnighting in Clare or Auburn. If you're short on time, a half-day ride from Clare to Watervale and back (around 20 km round trip) covers the most scenic and winery-dense section. The trail is easily split into shorter segments, so you can tailor it to your pace.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Burra: A historic copper-mining town with well-preserved 19th-century architecture, about 40 minutes east of Clare.
• Barossa Valley: Australia's most famous wine region, just over an hour's drive south, perfect for comparing rieslings with shiraz.
• Flinders Ranges: A spectacular outback landscape with ancient gorges and abundant wildlife, about 2.5 hours north – a dramatic contrast to the green valleys.
• Adelaide Hills: A scenic region of cool-climate wineries, artisan food producers, and charming villages like Hahndorf, a 90-minute drive south.

Please check official sources for current details.