The Riesling Trail
Pedalling Clare Valley’s historic railway path

The Riesling Trail is one of South Australia’s most cherished cycling experiences and as I ventured onto this historic railway line turned cycling path, the Clare Valley’s rich heritage unfolded before me.

The 31-kilometre trail between Auburn and Clare offers an extraordinary blend of wine country views and fascinating historical markers.

Starting the adventure at Auburn

My journey began at the Auburn trail-head, where the morning air carried the crispness typical of the Clare Valley region. While finding the starting point required a bit of navigation on the northern side of town, the well-maintained trail quickly revealed itself. The gentle gradient of this former railway line made for an enjoyable ride, even for someone like me who prefers a leisurely pace.

Notable landmarks along the Riesling Trail

The trail’s first significant landmark, Meller Quarry, caught my attention near Auburn. The quarry’s fascinating history as the source of local bluestone buildings amazed me, particularly learning about the massive 4.5 x 3 metre blocks once excavated here. These were the first of many wonderful information panels along the route.

Continuing along the Clare Valley path, I discovered an unexpected literary connection. The trail markers indicating C.J. Dennis’s historical connection to the area certainly added an interesting talking point to my ride.

On the outskirts of Clare, the creative steel rod sculpture of a farmer and his sheep emerged as a striking piece of public art. Not far back down the trail, the historic Horrocks Tree stood as a silent witness to John Horrocks’s early settlement days, his cooking utensils long since gone but the story remaining. Please be aware that you can only look at this tree from the trail as it is on private land.

Natural beauty and local wildlife

The Clare Valley’s landscape proved captivating even on my winter ride. Despite the light rain, I found myself constantly stopping to admire the panoramic views across grapevines and farming land. Remnants of the original grassy woodland that once dominated the region still line portions of the trail, offering glimpses into the pre-European landscape.

Trail conditions and accessibility

The Riesling Trail’s surface alternates between hard-packed gravel and bitumen, making it suitable for various bike types. As a converted railway line, the gentle inclines posed no significant challenges. My winter journey showed me that the trail remains accessible year-round, though each season brings its own character to the Clare Valley experience.

The complete journey takes about 2-3 hours, though I recommend allowing extra time to explore the trail markers and historical sites. While the Riesling Trail doesn’t offer food stops along the way, both Auburn and Clare provide excellent options for refreshments before or after the ride.

Conclusion

The Riesling Trail offers an incredible way to experience the Clare Valley’s rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere. From its historical railway origins to its current status as a premier cycling destination, this trail captures the essence of South Australian country life. Whether seeking exercise, history, or simply a memorable day out, the Riesling Trail delivers an experience that will stay with me long after the ride’s end.