Riesling Trail

A classic, gently graded rail trail linking Clare Valley wine towns on a former railway formation.

Time to Ride: Most riders cover it in 2-4 hours one-way, or a relaxed day with winery stops. It also works well as an out-and-back.

Best Time to Go: Apr-Oct is the most comfortable window for cooler riding weather in South Australia.

Getting there: The trail runs between Auburn and Clare in the Clare Valley, South Australia, with an extension north to Barinia. Most visitors base themselves in Clare or Auburn and arrange a one-way shuttle or bike pick-up.

Costs: Access to the trail is generally unrestricted; budget mainly for bike hire or transfers, plus tastings, food and accommodation in the valley. Budget mainly for bike hire or transfers, plus tastings, food and accommodation in the valley.

Difficulty: Easy. It is on a former railway line with a gentle up-grade from Auburn to just north of Penwortham, then a gradual descent into Clare.

The Riesling Trail follows the former Spalding railway line branch through vineyard and farming country in the Clare Valley, making it a popular local walking and cycling route. It links a string of small towns and villages - including Leasingham, Watervale, Penwortham, and Sevenhill - where detours lead to cellar doors, coffee shops, and pubs.

The corridor’s railway section from Riverton to Clare opened in 1918, but services stopped after the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires damaged trackwork. Rails and steel bridges were removed in 1989, and in 1993 the route was converted into today’s walking and cycling trail.

The trail is named after Riesling, described as the most important white grape variety in the Clare Valley wine region. For longer mileage, many riders connect south from Auburn onto the Rattler Rail Trail, which continues to Riverton.

• Stage 1: Auburn to Watervale (via Leasingham) - A gentle rail-trail start through farming and vineyard country, with easy access to wineries and village stops.
• Stage 2: Watervale to Penwortham - The trail continues on the old railway alignment; this is around where the overall ride transitions from the gentle up-grade into more level riding.
• Stage 3: Penwortham to Sevenhill - A relaxed mid-section with classic Clare Valley scenery and straightforward navigation on the dedicated path.
• Stage 4: Sevenhill to Clare - A gradual descent into Clare, making this a common direction for first-timers who want an easier-feeling finish.
• Stage 5: Clare to Barinia (extension) - A quieter northern add-on beyond town, useful if you want to extend the ride past the main Auburn to Clare section.
• Stage 6 (optional): Auburn to Riverton via the Rattler Rail Trail - Adds a longer southbound leg for riders looking to turn the outing into a bigger day or a multi-trail weekend.

Apr-Oct is the most comfortable season for riding in this part of South Australia, especially if you want mild temperatures for an easy-paced day with stops.

Expect the trail to feel busier on weekends and holiday periods in the Clare Valley, particularly around popular winery and town access points. After severe weather or fire events, check local conditions before riding, as the region has a history of major bushfires (including the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires).

The route runs between Auburn and Clare in the Clare Valley, South Australia, continuing north of Clare to Barinia. Many visitors stay in Clare or Auburn and ride one-way, using a bike hire provider that offers pick-up at the other end.

A common first ride is from Auburn to Clare, matching the described overall profile of a gentle climb early and a gradual descent into Clare. If you want extra distance, you can also link south from Auburn to Riverton on the Rattler Rail Trail.

Check local signage or land managers for any access restrictions or permit requirements before you ride. Wayfinding is generally straightforward because the route follows a continuous rail corridor between Auburn and Clare, with a signed extension to Barinia.

Bike hire is available at several locations including Auburn, Clare, and the Clare Caravan Park. One-way hire with pick-up at the other end is possible, which suits riders who prefer not to return the same way. The riding surface is a dedicated walking and cycling track on a former rail formation; use a comfortable bike setup suitable for shared paths.

The easiest bases are Clare and Auburn, where you will find a range of accommodation and services, and you can access the trail directly. Smaller towns like Sevenhill, Penwortham, Watervale, and Leasingham are better thought of as stop points rather than guaranteed overnight hubs.

If you want to stay right on the route with simple logistics, the Clare Caravan Park is specifically mentioned as a bike hire location and makes a practical place to overnight in Clare. For weekends in the Clare Valley during peak season, booking ahead is sensible.