Riesling Trail

Some bike rides are about distance. The Riesling Trail is about pace. At 35 km, with gentle grades and a string of historic villages, cellar doors, cafes and pubs along the way, it's a ride to savour rather than to conquer. It runs through the heart of South Australia's Clare Valley, one of Australia's best-known wine regions, north of Adelaide.

This guide covers the route, the history, bike hire, the gradients and how to make the most of a day or a weekend on the trail.

Trail overview

The Riesling Trail is a 35 km walking and cycling track between Auburn and Clare, passing through Leasingham, Watervale, Penwortham and Sevenhill. It continues 8 km north of Clare to the area known as Barinia. The trail is named after Riesling, the most important white grape variety in the Clare Valley wine region.

The trail passes through vineyard and farming country, with side loops and access to wineries, cafes and pubs along the way.

History

The Riesling Trail follows part of the former Spalding railway line, a branch line that ran from Riverton in the south to Spalding in the north. The section from Riverton to Clare opened in 1918. Stations and sidings along the line included Rhynie, Undalya, Auburn, Mulkirri, Watervale, Penwortham, Tatkana, Sevenhill, Clare, Kooramo, Barinia, Hilltown, Andrews and Spalding.

Rail services ceased after the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires burnt through the valley and damaged much of the track. In 1989, the rails and steel bridges were removed, and in 1993 this part of the route was converted into the walking and cycling trail it is today, according to Wikipedia.

The route

Auburn

The trail's southern end is at Auburn, a historic village with stone buildings, a pub and cafes. From here, the trail begins a gentle climb north.

Watervale and Penwortham

The trail passes Watervale and Penwortham, small villages surrounded by vineyards. The gentle up-grade from Auburn continues to just north of Penwortham, the high point of the ride.

Sevenhill

From Penwortham, the trail gradually descends through Sevenhill, home to historic buildings and wineries, towards Clare.

Clare

Clare is the largest town in the valley, with supermarkets, cafes, pubs, accommodation and bike hire. The trail continues 8 km north of the town to Barinia.

Gradients

The Riesling Trail is gentle. According to Wikipedia, it has a gentle up-grade from Auburn to just north of Penwortham, then gradually descends into Clare. That means riding north from Auburn involves a long, easy climb for the first part of the ride, and riding south from Clare starts with a gentle climb before the long run down to Auburn. Either way, it's suitable for most riders, including families and those on e-bikes.

Bike hire and one-way rides

Bike hire is available at several locations, including Auburn, Clare and the Clare Caravan Park. According to Wikipedia, it's possible to hire bikes and ride one way with pick-up at the other end. That makes it easy to ride the full trail without backtracking. Check current options with local businesses and book ahead in busy periods.

Planning your ride

Day ride or weekend?

The Riesling Trail is short enough to ride end to end in a few hours, but many visitors stretch it over a day or a weekend, stopping at villages, cellar doors and cafes. Our ride planner includes the Riesling Trail.

Extending the ride

• Rattler Rail Trail: extends a further 19 km south of Auburn to Riverton.
• Barinia: continue 8 km north of Clare.
• Mawson Trail: the long-distance Mawson Trail passes through Auburn and Clare on its way from the Adelaide Hills to the Flinders Ranges. Read our Mawson Trail guide.

Wine and riding

The Clare Valley's cellar doors are a big part of the appeal. If you plan to taste wine, pace yourself, drink water, and consider a tour that transports purchases, or arrange to collect them later. Riding a bike under the influence of alcohol is dangerous, and road rules apply to cyclists on roads.

Seasons and safety

The Clare Valley has hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Spring and autumn are usually the most pleasant times to ride, and vintage season brings activity to the vineyards. In summer, ride early, carry water and check the fire danger rating. The 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires that ended rail services are a reminder that fire is a real risk here.

• Helmets are compulsory in South Australia.
• Footpaths: in South Australia, cyclists of all ages can ride on footpaths, unless signs prohibit it.
• Road crossings: take care where the trail crosses roads.

Read our road rules and safety guide.

Sample itineraries

These are starting points only. Adjust them with the ride planner.

• Half day: ride from Clare to Sevenhill and back, with a cafe stop.
• Full day one way: hire bikes in Clare, ride south to Auburn with stops in Penwortham and Watervale, and arrange a pick-up at Auburn.
• Weekend: ride the Riesling Trail one day, and add the Rattler Rail Trail from Auburn to Riverton on the next.

Weekends during spring and autumn, and local events, are busy, so book bikes and accommodation in advance.

Riding with kids

The Riesling Trail is one of the most family-friendly rides in South Australia. Short sections between villages, gentle grades and plenty of places to stop make it easy to tailor a ride to young legs. Make sure every child has a properly fitted helmet, take care at road crossings, and plan stops for snacks and play.

Supporting the trail

The trail is supported by a Friends of the Riesling Trail group. Spending money in valley businesses, respecting neighbouring vineyards and staying on the trail all help keep it in great condition.

Getting there

The Clare Valley is north of Adelaide by road. Auburn is at the southern end of the trail and Clare at the northern end. If you're riding one way, arrange a pick-up or shuttle at the far end.

Key points

The Riesling Trail is a gentle 35 km ride through the Clare Valley vineyards from Auburn to Clare, with an extra 8 km north to Barinia and the 19 km Rattler Rail Trail south to Riverton. It follows the former Spalding railway line, which closed after the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires, and opened as a trail in 1993. Bike hire and one-way pick-ups make it easy for almost anyone to ride.

Related guides

Ride on with the Mawson Trail, and read our guided or self-guided tours guide.