–Located on the doorstep of Adelaide, South Australia, the Clare Valley is a world-class wine region, with a winemaking legacy spanning over 160 years. It is also a cyclists’ haven, with plenty of trails to ride such as the famous Riesling Trail. Exploring the area by bike will help you live out the Clare Valley’s motto: Breathe It In.
The Riesling Trail
Perhaps the most iconic, bucket list destination in the Clare Valley, you absolutely must check out the Riesling Trail on your next visit. Following an old railway line, the trail is relatively flat (the trains didn’t love big hills, and neither do we, meaning no big hills to climb). It was developed in 1994 after the Ash Wednesday Bushfires of 1983 damaged the line beyond repair. The trail runs for 33kms from Barina down to Auburn, passing by many vineyards, eateries and historical sites.
The Rattler Trail
The Rattler Trail is an extension of the Riesling Trail, officially opened in 2007. It runs from Auburn to Riverton via Rhynie for 19kms traversing ever-changing agricultural landscapes. In spring, golden yellow canola fields dot the landscape like a patchwork quilt. Want to make this trail even more exciting? Head one way on the Rattler Trail, then loop back via the Mawson Trail.
Mawson Trail
As one of the longest trails in South Australia, the Mawson Trail is 900kms in length and runs all the way from Blinman in the Flinders Ranges to Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills. It passes through Burra via White Hut Road into Clare and then down to Riverton, and is designed for mountain biking, particularly in the sections north of Burra.
Shamus Liptrop Trail
The Shamus Liptrop Cycling Trail runs from Halbury to Balaklava for 10kms. It is named after a local cyclist born in Halbury in 1992, who unfortunately suffered a cycling accident and died as a result at the age of 19. The trail was constructed along a disused railway line so is flat and relatively easy.
So the only question to answer is: which trail will you choose?
This article is adapted with permission from Clare Valley Wine, Food & Tourism Centre.
Photos supplied by Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council.