Clare Valley
| Location | Clare Valley, South Australia |
| Start Point | Restored Auburn Railway Station (Mount Horrocks Wines) |
| End Point | Old Barinia Railway Siding, Stanley Flat |
| Distance | 33 km |
| Time | 7.5 hours (walking) / 4.5 hours (cycling) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Activity | Walking, Cycling |
| Region | Clare Valley |
| Accommodation | Camping, mid-range and premium options — See accommodation options |
| Key Feature | South Australia’s first rail trail, through world-class wine country |
33 Kilometres Through Australia’s Premier Riesling Region
The Riesling Trail is where it all began for rail trails in South Australia. Originally a railway line between Adelaide and Spalding, first established in 1860, the line was closed after sustaining substantial damage during the devastating 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires. A group of passionate locals believed the corridor could be rejuvenated as a recreation trail, and in 1994 the Riesling Trail reopened as the first conversion of a railway line into a walking and cycling trail in South Australia. Three decades later, it remains one of the finest trails in the state.
The trail runs 33 kilometres from the restored Auburn railway station — now home to Mount Horrocks Wines — to the old Barinia railway siding north of Clare. Along the way, it passes through the heart of one of Australia’s great wine regions, past cellar doors, through historic townships, alongside vineyards, and over the rolling countryside that produces some of the world’s finest Riesling wines. It is a trail where the scenery demands frequent stops, and where many of those stops involve a glass of wine.
The Trail
Auburn to Watervale
The trail begins at the restored Auburn railway station and crosses the River Wakefield via a cycling and walking bridge before joining the railway corridor north of town. Rising through constantly changing countryside, the trail overlooks many vineyards with outstanding views. It passes through the small township of Leasingham — home to cellar doors and an art gallery — before reaching the village of Watervale with its wineries, pub, and general store.
Watervale to Sevenhill
After Watervale, the trail passes under Horrocks Highway to reach its summit at Penwortham — the first site of European settlement in the region. Nearby are the historic St Mark’s Church and John Horrocks Cottage, both linked to the founder of the village. From Penwortham, the trail descends through beautiful farmland to the restored Sevenhill railway platform. The township of Sevenhill offers a bakery and hotel, and Richardson Park features one of the best children’s playgrounds along the trail.
Sevenhill to Barinia
The trail passes through the vineyards of the historic Sevenhill Cellars and St Aloysius Church — established in 1851 by Jesuit brothers, making it the first winery in the Clare Valley. The Cellars still produce award-winning wines and supply sacramental wine to churches throughout Australia. Leaving the vineyards, the trail skirts the Clare Showgrounds, passes the old Clare Railway Station, crosses the Farrell Flat Road bridge, and enters natural bushland before reaching its northern terminus at Barinia Road.
Planning Your Trip
The Riesling Trail is accessible year-round and suitable for walkers and cyclists of most abilities. The flat to gently undulating former rail corridor makes it particularly comfortable for cycling. Combined with the Rattler Rail Trail from Riverton, the total network extends to over 50 kilometres. Accommodation and dining options are abundant throughout the Clare Valley. Cellar doors along or near the trail make this as much a culinary experience as a cycling one.
The Riesling Trail is the trail that started a movement — South Australia’s first rail trail conversion, and still one of its finest. Thirty-three kilometres through the Clare Valley’s vineyards, historic towns, and rolling countryside, past cellar doors that have been welcoming visitors since 1851, this trail proves that the best way to experience a wine region is not through a car window, but from the seat of a bicycle or the soles of your walking shoes.
Explore More Trails
The Heysen Trail — South Australia’s iconic 1,200 km walking trail passes through the Clare Valley and crosses the Riesling Trail.
The Kidman Trail — A 240 km cycling trail from Kapunda through the Mid North, connecting with trails near the Clare Valley region.
Lavender Federation Trail — Another long-distance walking trail that passes through the Mid North region near the Clare Valley.
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 Riesling Trail? See our Clare Valley Tours guide for recommended tour operators and experiences in this region.