Hike at a Glance

Australia > South Australia > Clare Valley

Quick overview: Discover the beauty of South Australia's Clare Valley with the Riesling Trail, a 35km one-way track ideal for keen hikers and cyclists. The trail, graded as Hard, serves up stunning views of vineyards, farms, and bushlands, dotted with charming villages. Enjoy the flexibility of multiple access points, informative storyboards about the local heritage, and the chance to explore renowned wineries. Remember to pack water, as it's only available at designated shelters in Watervale and Sevenhill.

Length:

35km

Duration:

1-2 days

Grade:

Style:

One way

Max elevation: 501m

Min elevation: 311m

Total Ascent: 264m

Start: Clare

End: Auburn

Clare Valley

South Australia

Nearby town: Clare

From state capital: 150km

Latitude: -33.77120132081534

Longitude: 138.62481236457828

5 Reviews

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Essential information

This hike is classified as Grade 4 (Hard) primarily due to its distance exceeding 20km. The terrain itself is relatively easy and suitable for most abilities. However, the long distance requires a good level of fitness and preparation. Feel free to turn back at any point for a shorter adventure.

Hike overview

The Riesling Trail, a scenic 35-kilometre track traversing Clare Valley in South Australia, offers a flexible walking or cycling experience. Choose to complete the trail in one-way journeys taking 1-2 days, depending on your pace.

The trail caters to walkers and cyclists of all abilities, including wheelchair and pram users, thanks to its well-maintained, compacted surface and gentle incline. It follows the converted railway line, revealing ever-changing views of vineyards, farms, natural bushland, and the heart of the renowned Clare Valley wine region.

The path winds through sections reminiscent of hidden English lanes and open areas with sweeping views of charming villages and rolling hills. Take a break at designated picnic spots, and delve into the informative storyboards scattered along the way. These provide details about the region's history, landscape, and the traditional custodians, the Ngadjuri people. The storyboards also highlight local communities and even some local heroes.

While the one-way journey can be completed quickly (around 9 hours walking or 2.5 hours cycling), truly appreciate the Clare Valley's beauty by allowing ample time. Savor the hospitality of wineries, explore nearby attractions, or even consider an overnight stay.

The trail offers multiple access points for a flexible experience. Clearly marked side roads in each town (and even between towns) allow you to choose your starting point. Car parking is conveniently in Auburn, Watervale, Sevenhill, and Clare. Remember that water is only available at designated shelters in Watervale and Sevenhill, so plan accordingly if starting elsewhere. Markers along the trail provide helpful information, including distances, directions, nearby facilities, and historical snippets.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA or The Riesling Trail website.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Walk map and GPX file
The Riesling Trail Walk (35km)

Total distance: 32340 m
Max elevation: 501 m
Min elevation: 311 m
Total climbing: 264 m
Total descent: -354 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Explore safely

Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Leave a trip plan

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.

Planning checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Clare Valley.

Accessing the Riesling Trail is straightforward with several convenient starting points. Situated approximately a two-hour drive north of Adelaide, the trail stretches 35 kilometres from Auburn to Clare, and can even be extended further onto Barinia Road. Public car parking is available in all major towns along the trail: Clare, Sevenhill, Watervale, and Auburn. If you’re planning a one-way walk from Clare to Auburn, the trailhead is located near the junction of Barina Road and White Hut Road. Conversely, if you prefer to walk from Auburn to Clare, the starting point can be found at the corner of St Vincent Street and Horrocks Highway in Auburn, conveniently positioned near the Auburn CWA Club rooms. This location also marks the beginning of the Rattler Trail, offering you the option to continue your exploration by bike.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Accommodation nearby

Find Accommodation

Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.

Nearby towns: Auburn, Clare, Mintaro, Penwortham, Sevenhill, Watervale

About the region

Clare Valley, nestled in South Australia, offers a delightful escape for those seeking a taste of authentic Australia. This region slows the pace, inviting you to immerse yourself in exceptional wines, a rich past, and captivating landscapes. Whether you yearn for a break from daily routines or a chance to reconnect with nature and loved ones, Clare Valley promises unforgettable experiences.

For millennia, the Clare Valley was home to the Ngadjuri people, also known as the "peppermint gum people." Their vast territory stretched from Gawler in the south to beyond Carrieton and Bimbowrie in the north, encompassing the low saltbush country to the east and the ridges of hills from Clare to Orroroo in the west. The eucalyptus forests they inhabited provided an abundance of plant and animal foods. The Ngadjuri people lived in harmony with nature, adopting sustainable practices to ensure the resources they relied upon continued to thrive.

Auburn, the charming southern gateway to Clare Valley, boasts historic cellar doors housed in beautiful stone buildings lining its streets. Explore the renowned Sevenhill Cellars, renowned for its historic significance, or savor award-winning Riesling at Pikes Wines. Mount Horrocks Wines beckons with delectable local produce to complement its fine wines, while Terroir Auburn offers a culinary experience centered on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Beyond Auburn, delve into the history of Burra, a former mining town. Explore its heritage charm on a self-guided tour, visiting the Redruth Gaol, the Unicorn Brewery, the fascinating Monster Mine, and the unique dugout homes along Creek Street.

For the active traveler, Clare Valley offers a network of fantastic hikes and bushwalks. Kickstart your exploration in Auburn, where the rolling green vineyards mark the entrance to South Australia's premier wine region. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Adelaide, this charming village provides the perfect base for exploring the valley. Hire a bike and enjoy a scenic 35-kilometer journey along the Riesling Trail, which begins in Auburn. This path winds through stunning wine country, with opportunities to sample local delights along the way.

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Trail Features (select all that apply)Aboriginal ArtAlpine HutsAlpine RegionBeach & CoastalBicycle TrailConcrete PathDog FriendlyDrinking WaterExposed LedgesFishing SpotsGoldfields & MiningGorgesGravel PathHeritageHorse RidingLakesLighthouseManual WheelchairMotorised WheelchairMountain Bike TrailOff TrailOvernight CampsitesPrams & StrollersRail TrailRainforestRiver CrossingsRiversRock ScramblingRough TrailSandy TrailScenic ViewpointsSteep TerrainSwimming SpotsTimber BoardwalkTrail RunningUndefined TrailUntreated WaterUrbanWaterfallsWell Marked Trail

Access Conditions (select all that apply)2WD Access4WD AccessAccessible ParkingAccessible ToiletBBQ FacilitiesBitumen RoadCampfire PitCamping AreaDrinking WaterEntry FeeGravel RoadLarge Car ParkPicnic ShelterPicnic TablePublic ToiletsPublic TransportSmall Car ParkSpeed BumpsSteep RoadUntreated WaterVehicle FordWinding Road

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Reviews
The Riesling Trail Walk (35km)

5 Reviews on “The Riesling Trail Walk (35km)”

Overall rating

Kylie Crawford

Sharon Gallagher we should definitely do this trail!

24/03/2022, 05:24

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Acknowledgement of Country

The riesling trail walk (35km) trail hiking australia

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Essential information

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
The Riesling Trail Walk (35km)

The Riesling Trail Walk (35km)

Explore safely

Leave a trip plan

Planning checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

About the region

Similar walks nearby

The Riesling & Rattler Trail Walk (54km)

Southern Flinders Rail Trail Walk (34.5km)

South Para Grand Hike (9.5km)

Devils Nose Hike (5km)

Gallery

Suggest an edit

Reviews
The Riesling Trail Walk (35km)

The Riesling Trail Walk (35km)

5 Reviews on “The Riesling Trail Walk (35km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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