The Riesling Trail In Clare Valley: Everything You Need To Know

Discover Clare Valley’s Riesling Trail, a captivating route that weaves through scenic landscapes and connects fabulous wineries, restaurants, and cellar doors.

If you’re headed to the Clare Valley and considering the Riesling Trail, we have two words for you: DO IT! This 33km trail from Barinia to Auburn is one of the very best ways to see the beauty of the region, visiting wineries, cellar doors, restaurants and pubs long the way. You can choose to walk, run, or cycle the various sections of this old railway line, breaking up the activity with wine flights, degustation lunches and lazy afternoons in the winery gardens.

Below, we’re sharing everything you need to know about the Riesling Trail, including where to stay, what to eat, where to hire bikes and when to go.

How to walk the Riesling Trail

Walking the Riesling Trail is a peaceful way to soak in the gorgeous scenery of Clare Valley, while exploring the attractions this area has to offer. The full length takes around 9 hours – without including winery stops – so we recommend picking your favourite sections and treading those trails over multiple days.

The path ventures along a former railway track, so it’s largely flat and therefore suitable for both prams and wheelchairs, as well as walkers of all ages and abilities. Make sure you wear suitable shoes and bring plenty of water and sun protection – the trail can get very hot, especially in summer.

The Riesling Trail isn’t one-size-fits-all… whether you want to trace the entire distance from Barinia to Auburn (or reverse), or simply choose your favourite wineries and attractions and walk between them, there are plenty of ways to approach the trail to suit your needs and desires.

a scenic landscape of Clare Valley's Riesling Trail — It takes around nine hours to walk the Riesling Trail. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/ Adam Bruzzone)

How to ride the Riesling Trail

If you’d prefer to whizz along the Riesling Trail on two wheels, a bike is just the ticket. In our opinion, a mountain bike or e-bike is the very best way to explore the area, as you cover more ground than walking but you still get the immersive nature experience along the way.

biking around Clare Valley's Riesling Trail — Soak in the gorgeous scenery of Clare Valley. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission/ Adam Bruzzone)

Less experienced riders or those travelling with young kids can stick to the central rail route which runs directly from Clare to Auburn and enjoy a relatively flat, well-maintained track that ensures a relaxing ride.

If you want to take a walk on the wild side, you have the option to explore more challenging loops that venture out in both directions and provide access to some of the smaller towns and cellar doors in the area. Note: some of these loops include road riding, so we recommend checking them out in the car before you ride, especially if you’re inexperienced riding in light traffic.

the entrance to Clare Valley's Riesling Trail — The Riesling Trail stretches 35 kilometres from Auburn to Clare and Barinia. (Image: Jonathan van der Knaap)

Where to stay

For those wanting to explore the Riesling Trail, look for accommodation that runs along the central corridor of the Clare Valley area for easy access to the cycling and walking paths. Some of our favourite options include the Stanley Grammar Country House , an old schoolhouse which has been converted into a luxe B&B, the friendly and affordable Clare Valley Caravan Park , and The Heritage Garden , which is a few minutes drive from the designated trail car park at Sevenhill.

Some other great accommodation options include the Brice Hill Country Lodge , as well as the Riesling Trail Cottages , which both offer bike hire on site.

bicycles parked outside Sevenhill Cellars — There’s a designated trail car park at Sevenhill.

When to go

The best time to walk, run or cycle the Clare Valley Riesling Trail is autumn (March-May) and spring (September – November). The summer months can be hot and busy, while some wineries and attractions are closed during winter. In autumn, you’ll enjoy a beautiful landscape of reds, golds and oranges, while the spring sees gardens in full bloom, especially the jaw-dropping yellow canola fields which are at their best in late September.

Weekends and school holiday periods bring a busier atmosphere to the region, so you can expect more attractions and events during these times.

an aerial view of Sevenhill Cellars — Rolling hills, green fields and lush vineyards abound in this fertile area. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

What to see

The Riesling Trail is popular as it connects many of the fantastic wineries, restaurants and cellar doors in the area. So you don’t bite off more than you can chew (or drink more than you can stomach!), we recommend choosing 3-4 wineries to visit each day if you’re travelling by bike.

a cyclist arriving at Skillogalee Winery — Stop by Skillogalee Winery along the trail. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

If you’re starting at Auburn, you could visit Grossett , then head along the trail to Leasingham where you have a variety of options including O’Leary Walker , Claymore , and clos Clare close by. Closer to Clare, you’ll find Tim Adams , Shut the Gate and Sevenhill , which are all worth a visit.

a cyclist exploring clos Clare — Find clos Clare in the famed Florita Vineyard of Watervale. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Along the trail, take the time to enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, which has been described as the ‘Tuscany of Australia’. Rolling hills, green fields and lush vineyards abound in this fertile area.

an aerial view of the Sevenhill Cellars — Sevenhill Cellars is set amidst the rolling vineyards and green pastures. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Where to eat

If you’re looking for great food options along the Riesling Trail, we’ve got you covered. From relaxed fine dining to takeaway eats, there are plenty of options to keep you fueled as you walk, run or cycle along the beautiful trails of Clare Valley.

two cyclists strolling along Sevenhill Cellars — Explore the wineries along the trail on two wheels. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

The Watervale Hotel is a no-brainer for lunch. Close to the trail in Watervale, this charming pub serves up some of the best meals in the area, with a menu that ranges from gourmet snacks (stuffed olives, house-made sausage, charcuterie) to a multi-course degustation experience.

the act of preserving meat through smoking at Watervale Hotel — Watervale Hotel is renowned for cooking meat on their Asado-style barbecue. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Mr. Mick is another great option closer to Clare, dishing out crowd-pleasing classics like arancini and squid as well as hearty mains and Sunday pizzas. If you’re after a more elevated dining experience, try the fab restaurant at O’Leary Walker for sophisticated share plates, or take the loop out to Paulett Wines’ Bush DeVine Restaurant in Polish Hill for a top-notch long lunch.

a couple admiring the view from Paulett Wines’ Bush DeVine Restaurant in Polish Hill — Take in lush mountain views from Paulett Wines’ Bush DeVine Restaurant. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Where to hire bikes

If you’re after Riesling Trail bike hire, you’re spoilt for choice. Starting up north, we recommend Scoot the Valley , which has a wide range of bikes including speedy e-bikes, retro push bikes and everything in between. Another great option is Riesling Trail Bike Hire , which conveniently hires from four locations along the trail. Slightly further south you have Clare Valley Cycle Hire , which also has a good selection of bikes to suit all ages, abilities and preferences.

a bicycle at Skillogalee Winery — Pick a good bike that will accompany you throughout the trail. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Looking for more things to do in the area? Follow our guide on the Adelaide Hills

Beyond the winding bitumen and coastal views lies another side to Victoria’s most famous route.

There’s something hypnotic about this stretch of Victoria’s coast. Maybe it’s the way the road hugs the ocean so tightly, or how the cliffs catch the sun in colours you can’t name. Or, for local Victorians who drove this route as kids, maybe it’s the memories of winding through the impossibly tall trees as they seemingly guide you on your journey like wooden guardian angels. Most travellers know it for the 12 Apostles, but there are plenty of alternate experiences on the Great Ocean Road equally as worthy of your time.

So, next time you’re in that neck of the woods, park that car, stretch those legs and try these experiences.

1. Discover living culture at Budj Bim

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism — Walk across the world’s oldest known aquaculture system. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Breakaway Creek’s Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is a masterclass in educational storytelling. Join a guided tour with Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism to walk across the world’s oldest known aquaculture system, where the Gunditjmara people built sophisticated eel traps and stone channels more than 6,000 years ago.

Budj Bim’s aquaculture system predates Egypt’s pyramids by roughly 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest examples of human engineering on Earth. If that’s not enough to get your history-loving family members involved in this road trip, we’re out of ideas.

2. Unwind in the hot springs at Warnambool

woman relaxing at Deep Blue Hot Springs — Let mineral-rich water heal you.

If your legs need a break after a long drive, Deep Blue Hot Springs is your remedy. The geothermal pools sit just metres from the coastline, filled with mineral-rich water that bubbles up from deep underground. Move between open-air baths, waterfall pools and quiet zones made for meditation.

The water in Deep Blue’s geothermal pools comes from an ancient aquifer nearly 850 metres below the Earth’s surface, which, in non-scientific terms, means it’s far more likely to have healing properties than the mineral water you’d find at the supermarket.

3. Take to the air at Princetown

12 Apostles Helicopters flight alternate experiences on the Great Ocean Road — See an icon from a different view.

You may have seen the Twelve Apostles from the trusty viewing platform, but a helicopter flight with 12 Apostles Helicopters shows you just how sprawling and rugged this coastline really is.

The trip covers everything from Port Campbell to London Bridge (not to be confused with the UK’s own), giving you a rare chance to watch waves carving the limestone cliffs from above. It’s worth noting that the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles are said to erode by roughly two centimetres each year, so the longer you leave it, the less of the Apostles you’ll see.

4. Step into the past at Flagstaff Hill

Continue the tour through Warnambool at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum , a recreated 19th-century port town. Hear stories from the days when shipwrecks were as common as seagulls, with an astounding 180 ships believed to have sunk along the Shipwreck Coast in less than five years.

The night show, complete with lights, sound, and sea spray, brings the coastline’s most dramatic stories to life.

If you’re staying the night, Simon’s Waterfront offers relaxed dining with fresh local seafood and oceanfront views. Order the catch of the day and toast to the sailors who never made it ashore.

5. Learn to surf in Torquay, Lorne, or Anglesea

kid having a lesson with Go Ride A Wave — Learn how to hang 10. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Whether you’ve surfed before or can barely stand on a board, Go Ride A Wave will have you upright in no time. Torquay’s calm beaches are ideal for first-timers, while Lorne and Anglesea bring a bit more energy for those unafraid to get dunked.

Bells Beach, just down the road from Torquay, has even hosted the world’s longest-running professional surfing competition since 1962. So, for those eager to have a gander at pros using surfboards like they’re an additional appendage, the competition usually runs sometime in autumn.

6. Tackle the trails in Forrest

Barwon Flow Trails Otways Flow MTB — Hire a bike and explore MTB trails through the Otways.

Forrest is a haven for mountain bikers thanks to an expansive network of trails through stunning natural scenery. The Forrest trail network has almost 100 kilometres of singletrack across 36 trails, so there’s something for every level of rider. That’s including more than 60 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails winding through the Otways’ dense forest. Cycle through ancient myrtle beech trees and towering tree ferns, with smaller ferns and soft mosses forming a carpet at your feet.

Hire a bike from Forrest MTB Hire and take your pick from easy, scenic rides to more challenging singletracks, such as Red Carpet or Rollercoaster.

7. See wildlife up close in Apollo Bay

bush rat on Wildlife Wonders tour — Get help spotting the locals. (Image: Doug Gimsey)

If spotting koalas and kangaroos in the wild feels like winning the lottery, Wildlife Wonders gives you guaranteed sightings without cages or crowds. Every visit to the sanctuary helps fund the Conservation Ecology Centre which supports endangered species across the Otways, so your business is appreciated by humans and animals alike.

The guided walk takes you through protected Otways habitat where you might spot potoroos (or joey lookalikes for those unfamiliar with a potoroo), wallabies, and sleepy koalas lounging in the trees.

8. Visit the Cape Otway Lightstation

Towering over the sea on a cliff above the Southern Ocean, Cape Otway Lightstation has been guiding ships since 1848. Before the lighthouse was built, Cape Otway was one of the most treacherous points on the Victorian coast, with dozens of shipwrecks occurring in its surrounding waters. Pick the right day, and you may bump into a local willing to tell you about the wreck of Eric the Red .

While at the Cape Otway Lightstation, explore the keeper’s quarters, walk the coastal trails, and take in views that only stop short at the horizon.

And no, contrary to popular belief, the Round the Twist lighthouse is actually located in Split Point, just shy of two hours in the direction of Melbourne. Nothing’s stopping you from embarking on a lighthouse crawl, though.

Plan your next no-stone-unturned journey along this iconic Aussie road at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.

The ultimate guide to the Clare Valley Riesling Trail