The Riesling Trail is a 35km, grade 1 hike located in Clare Valley, South Australia. The hike should take around 2 days to complete.
Hike overview
The Riesling Trail follows the contours and curves of the former railway from Auburn to Clare, providing ever-changing views of vineyards, mixed farms, natural bushland and world-renowned wine region. A quality, compacted surface and easy gradient makes it ideal for walkers and cyclists of all levels, as well as wheelchair and pram users.
There are wooded sections that feel like English laneways and embankments that give sweeping views of villages and the hills. Along the way there are picnic spots and storyboards about the history, the landscape, the Ngadjuri people, the communities and local heroes.
At 35km, the Riesling Trail walked one-way in about 9 hours (or ridden one way in about 2.5 hours). To do the lovely countryside justice, and enjoy the hospitality of the wineries, attractions and accommodation close by, give yourself more time and make the trail a leisurely pursuit. You can start your journey from a number of sign-posted side roads in each town (and even between towns). There are car parks close to the trail in Auburn, Watervale, Sevenhill and Clare.
Water tanks are provided at the Watervale and Sevenhill shelters.
The trail markers you encounter along the way feature distances, directions, services and stories. View some history on notes on rieslingtrail.com.au.
Read a hiker's account of walking sections of the Riesling Trail on ozhike.wordpress.com.
Extend your walk options by continuing south from Auburn on the Rattler Trail, 19km to Riverton.
View some of the follow suggestions on rieslingtrail.com.au:
GPX file courtesy of Walking SA. File may not contain elevation data and may only represent half the length on return hikes.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 494 m
Min elevation: 302 m
Total climbing: 254 m
Total descent: -160 m
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
Trail location
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Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
There are so many things to see, do and taste in the Clare Valley. First stop: the beautiful town of Auburn where you can pour yourself a glass at Mount Horrocks wines and dine on sumptuous local produce at Terroir Auburn. Lose yourself in the historic Sevenhill Cellars or sip prized Riesling at Pikes Wines. Step back in time, exploring the historic mining township of Burra, following the self-drive Heritage tour through to Redruth Gaol, Unicorn Brewery, Monster Mine and the dugout homes of Creek Street.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
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.
3 Reviews on “The Riesling Trail Walk (35km)”
Sharon Gallagher we should definitely do this trail!