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

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

The ultimate guide to the Clare Valley Riesling Trail