Auburn
The valley's southern gateway, the start of the Riesling Trail and birthplace of poet C.J. Dennis.
The southern gateway
Auburn marks the southern end of the Clare Valley and the start of the Riesling Trail, the rail trail that runs north towards Clare. The settlement dates from 1849, on land earlier known as Tateham's Waterhole, and it grew as a staging point on the bullock route that carted copper ore from Burra down to Port Wakefield. The legacy of that era is a main street of beautifully preserved colonial stone, with several buildings listed on heritage registers.
Stone, story and cellar doors
Wandering the streetscape is the main pleasure here. A self-guided heritage walk links the old shopfronts, the Rising Sun Hotel and St John's Anglican Church, while the C.J. Dennis Memorial fountain marks the town as the birthplace of the much-loved "Sentimental Bloke" poet, born here in 1876. A festival in his honour is held each September.
On the trail
Auburn anchors two rail trails - the Riesling Trail heading north and the Rattler Trail running south towards Riverton. Mount Horrocks Wines occupies the restored railway station at the trailhead, and well-regarded names such as Grosset Wines, Taylors Wines and Koonowla Wines lie close by. Hire a bike at Cogwebs Hub Cafe and pedal between cellar doors.
Visiting Auburn - frequently asked questions
What is Auburn known for?
Auburn is best known as the southern gateway to the Clare Valley and the start of the Riesling Trail, with a main street of beautifully preserved colonial stone buildings. It is also the birthplace of the celebrated Australian poet C.J. Dennis, and sits close to well-regarded wineries including Grosset Wines and Taylors Wines.
How far is Auburn from Adelaide?
Auburn is roughly 110 kilometres north of Adelaide, making it about a 90 minute to two hour drive via the Horrocks Highway. It sits at the southern entrance to the Clare Valley, around 25 kilometres south of the town of Clare.
What is there to do in Auburn?
Visitors come to wander Auburn's historic stone streetscape on a self-guided heritage walk, then visit cellar doors such as Mount Horrocks Wines, set in the restored former railway station. It is also a popular base for cycling or walking the Riesling and Rattler trails, with bike hire available at Cogwebs Hub Cafe.
When is the best time to visit Auburn?
Autumn and spring are generally the most comfortable times to visit, with mild days well suited to walking and cycling the trails. The cooler months can be ideal for cellar door tasting, though Auburn rewards a visit year-round.
Why is Auburn linked to the poet C.J. Dennis?
The poet C.J. Dennis, author of The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke, was born in Auburn in 1876. The town remembers him with the C.J. Dennis Memorial fountain and a festival held each September, and his connection remains part of Auburn's literary and cultural identity.
Things to do in Auburn
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Image credits
- Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Auburn, South Australia (2010-01-11).jpg by Mattinbgn , CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons