Riesling and Rattler Trails

The Riesling and Rattler Trails combine to create a superb 53 km rail trail through South Australia’s Clare Valley and Gilbert Valley, running from Riverton through Rhynie, Auburn, Leasingham, Watervale, Penwortham, Sevenhill and Clare to White Hut. Following the former railway corridor that once connected these communities, the route features a generally excellent fine compacted-gravel surface, gentle railway gradients and largely traffic-free riding, making it ideal for gravel bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, touring bikes and e-bikes. The southern Rattler Trail covers approximately 19.5–20 km between Riverton and Auburn. This quieter section travels through broad farming country, grazing land and rolling hills, passing Rhynie and the former Undalya siding along the way. Old railway bridges, station sites and interpretive signs provide reminders of the original line, while the former Rhynie Railway Station site has a shelter and makes a useful rest point. Auburn provides the seamless transition from the Rattler onto the Riesling Trail. From Auburn, the Riesling Trail continues approximately 33 km north through the heart of the Clare Valley wine region to White Hut, passing Leasingham, Watervale, Penwortham, Sevenhill and Clare. This is the best-known section and one of South Australia’s signature recreational cycling experiences, with vineyards, cellar doors, historic villages, railway cuttings, bridges, sculptures and food stops scattered along or close to the trail. The climb from Auburn is gradual rather than steep, with Penwortham forming the highest point of the main trail. From there, riders enjoy a predominantly downhill run towards Clare, passing Sevenhill and its historic St Aloysius’ Church. North of Clare, another roughly 8 km section continues to White Hut, offering quieter riding through open farmland and vineyards. The trail corridor has a long railway history. Rail reached Riverton in the 19th century, while the branch north through the Clare Valley opened to Clare in 1918 and eventually extended to Spalding in 1922. The line closed in the 1980s and was subsequently dismantled, with community efforts transforming sections of the old railway into today's cycling and walking trails. The Rattler Trail opened in 2010, connecting with the established Riesling Trail at the former Auburn Railway Station. For riders wanting an even bigger adventure, the Riesling and Rattler Trails intersect with other major South Australian cycling routes, including the Mawson Trail and Lavender Cycling Trail, making Clare Valley a fantastic base for gravel riding, cycle touring and bikepacking. RTS Tip: Don’t try to rush the full 53 km — this is a trail worth exploring. Auburn to Clare is the classic Clare Valley ride if you want vineyards, historic towns and plenty of places to stop, while Riverton to Auburn offers a quieter rural rail-trail experience. If riding south to north, expect a gradual climb towards Penwortham, then enjoy the downhill run into Clare. For a multi-day trip, stay in one of the towns along the route and break the trail into sections; for a shorter ride, Auburn–Watervale, Watervale–Clare or Clare–White Hut all make excellent standalone options.