A leisurely day spinning the Clare Valley's famous rail trail, with cellar-door stops along the way.
A gentle 35 kilometres of wine country
The Riesling Trail follows the bed of the old Clare-to-Auburn railway, which means it is blissfully flat by Australian standards — a former train line never climbs too steeply. That makes it the perfect way to see the valley: 35 sealed-gravel kilometres rolling past vineyards, stone cottages and the open paddocks of the Skilly Hills.
Most riders start at Auburn, the trail's southern end, and head north with the prevailing breeze at their backs. Within a few kilometres you reach Watervale, where cellar doors like Annie's Lane and Shut the Gate sit a short detour from the path. Push on through Penwortham and Sevenhill, where Sevenhill Cellars, Kilikanoon and Pikes are all within easy reach, before the trail delivers you into Clare itself.
Plan it your way
Bikes (including e-bikes) can be hired in Clare and Auburn, and several operators run one-way shuttles so you only have to pedal in one direction. Allow a full, unhurried day if you want to taste as you go — and remember that a tasting is best enjoyed lightly when you're back in the saddle afterwards.
The trail is open year-round and free to use. Spring and autumn are the prettiest seasons, when the vines are either bright green or turning gold, and the valley's big skies are at their most photogenic. Pack water, sunscreen and a basket for cellar-door finds.
