Auburn to Riverton, Clare Valley
| Location | Auburn to Riverton, Clare Valley |
| Start Point | Former Auburn Railway Station (Mount Horrocks Wines) |
| End Point | Riverton Oval |
| Distance | 19 km |
| Time | 1 day (walking) / 4 hours (cycling) |
| Difficulty | Intermediate (walking) / Easy (cycling) |
| Activity | Walking, Cycling |
| Region | Clare Valley |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Key Feature | Extension of Riesling Trail through rolling farmland and vineyards |
The Southern Extension of the Riesling Trail
Officially opened in early 2010, the Rattler Rail Trail provides a 19-kilometre extension to the famous Riesling Trail, running south from Auburn through rolling farmlands, vineyards, and a dairy to the town of Riverton. Named after the old railway that once rattled through this countryside, the trail follows the former rail corridor through some of the most scenic rural landscapes in the Clare Valley region — a journey through the kind of pastoral South Australia that inspired painters and poets.
The trail connects seamlessly with the Riesling Trail at Auburn, creating a combined cycling and walking network of over 50 kilometres that stretches from Riverton in the south to Barinia north of Clare. Together, these trails form one of the longest and most celebrated rail trail experiences in the state, taking riders and walkers through world-class wine country on a surface that is accessible, scenic, and car-free.
The Trail
The trail runs from the former Auburn railway station — now home to Mount Horrocks Wines, a fitting start for any ride through wine country — south through rolling farmland to Riverton. The intermediate town of Rhynie provides a rest point with a shelter on the site of the old Rhynie railway station and the nearby Rhynie Hotel for refreshments. The scenery is quintessentially Clare Valley — gently undulating countryside with vineyards, grazing land, and the eucalypt-lined creek crossings that punctuate the pastoral landscape.
The trail surface follows the former rail corridor, providing a mostly flat to gently undulating route that is accessible to cyclists of most abilities and walkers seeking a full day’s outing. Car parking is available at Riverton Oval, Rhynie, and in Auburn near Mount Horrocks Wines, with public toilets at all three towns.
Planning Your Trip
The trail can be walked in a full day or cycled in approximately four hours. Combine with the Riesling Trail for a multi-day cycling experience through the complete Clare Valley wine region. Accommodation and dining options are available in Auburn, Riverton, and the townships along the Riesling Trail to the north. The trail is suitable for hybrid and mountain bikes — road bikes may find some sections challenging depending on surface conditions.
The Rattler Rail Trail extends the Riesling Trail experience into the rolling farmland south of Auburn, adding 19 kilometres of pastoral scenery to one of South Australia’s most celebrated cycling trails. From Riverton to Clare and beyond, this combined network offers over 50 kilometres of car-free riding through country that is as beautiful on a bicycle as it is through a wine glass.
Where to Stay
Planning an overnight trip? See our Clare Valley Accommodation Guide for the best places to stay near this trail.
Guided Tours
Want a guided experience around Rattler Rail Trail? See our Murray River & Riverland Tours guide for recommended tour operators and experiences in this region.