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

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.

The ultimate guide to the Clare Valley Riesling Trail