Clare Valley Cycle Premium Explorer

Cycle the gorgeous vineyards in the Clare Valley

Enjoying a tasting at Taylors Wines

Enjoying dusk on the Riesling Trail

Cycling through Sevenhill Cellars in the Clare Valley

Picnic with a view in the Spring Gully Conservation Park

Stunning skies over Sevenhill Cellars in the Clare Valley

Enjoying a tasting at Taylors Wines

Enjoying dusk on the Riesling Trail

Cycling through Sevenhill Cellars in the Clare Valley

Picnic with a view in the Spring Gully Conservation Park

Stunning skies over Sevenhill Cellars in the Clare Valley

Cycle a Rail TrailView trips

Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

Activities

3 days self guided cycle

Accommodation

2 nights private cottage, 2 nights hotel room with ensuite

Price

5 daysfrom

$1440AUD

View Inclusions

Trip Code: CVX

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Clare Valley Premium Cycle Explorer Trip highlights

Enjoy the independence of self-guided cycling with all logistics taken care of for you
Discover charming rural towns and settlements
Cycle through the picturesque wine regions of the Clare Valley SA
Visit the historic Sevenhill Cellars winery with Mary Mackillop connection
Complimentary lunch and wine tasting at leading Clare Valley winery

South Australia's Clare Valley is a celebrated wine region not just in Australia, but internationally, with its rieslings being particularly popular. Yet, its appeal extends far beyond the cellar door. The township of Clare is a classic South Australian town that was established in 1942 showcasing heritage buildings built predominantly out of stone, a result of limited access to timber during the colonial period. The Clare Valley is typically South Australian with the burning heat of the summer months making it perfect for rising the sugar levels of the wine grape and the dry weather of Autumn perfect for preserving the fruit free from moulds in time for harvest season. It is South Australia's predicable climate that has made the region perfect for growing grapes and producing wine. Over three days you'll enjoy Clare as well as the charming townships that pepper the valley as you cycle the full length of both the Riesling Trail and the Rattler Rail Trail with detours along the Spring Gully and other cycle loops. Along the way there's ample opportunity to visit wineries and sample the local produce and perhaps pack the panniers with a few treats to take home.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Make your own way to Clare

Today you will need to make your own way to Clare. On arrival in Clare, check in to your accommodation. The afternoon is free to explore the town or visit a winery or two. If you are travelling via Adelaide we can assist with booking a taxi transfer (for an additional supplement). Overnight in Clare.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Explore the rural back roads passing wineries, rolling hills and charming townships (36km)

Today you’ll walk a few minutes to collect your bikes from our local supplier who will fit you up for the cycling days ahead. You’ll start the day by heading south along the Riesling Trail although those looking for coffee, snacks or a big breakfast may consider the short 2km ride into Clare first to fuel up for the day. Heading south just outside of Clare you’ll leave the trail and head west along the Spring Gully Loop then turn onto the John Horrocks Loop, a combined section of around 15km taking in some wonderful wine country and vineyards before coming back to meet the Riesling Trail south of Sevenhill. As a special treat on this premium tour we offer a complimentary wine tasting followed by canapes at one of the Clare Valleys leading wineries, Paulett Wines a short distance along the next section heading east along the Father Rogalski (Polish Hill) Loop. After lunch continue along the Rogalski loop passing Pikes wines and Sevenhill Cellars, two landmark Clare Valley Wineries and worthy of a detour. You’ll meet the Riesling trail again at the township of Sevenhill then finish the day of cycling heading straight back along the trail arriving at your accommodation which is conveniently located adjacent to the trail itself. Overnight in Clare.

Meals: B

Day 3
Cycle the full length of the Riesling Trail (45km)

Today you’ll leave Clare and cycle the Riesling Trail south to Auburn but before this you’ll head north to Barinia along the northern section of the trail then back along rural roads with a detour to the Gleeson Wetlands and back to where you began before heading south. You could also choose to sleep in, explore Clare and more local wineries or create your own itinerary for the morning, the choice is yours. Regardless of your morning cycle choice the remaining ride (25km) follows the Riesling Trail route which was part of the former Spalding railway line branch line which ran between Riverton in the south to the northern terminus at Spalding and was opened in 1918. It operated until 1983 and ceased after the Ash Wednesday bushfires burnt through the valley and damaged much of the track. The rails and steel bridges were removed and in 1993 and this part of the line was converted to a walking and cycling trail and has become tourist drawcard for the region for those wishing to experience the Clare Valley in an active way. Heading south you will pass through the townships of Sevenhill, Penwortham and Leasingham before arriving at Auburn and along the way you’ll pass bakeries, cafes, coffee shops, pubs, Art Galleries and of course numerous wineries many of which, as the name of the trail might suggest, produce Riesling the most important white wine grape variety of the region. The township of Sevenhill has a great winery just off the trial which you would have passed yesterday, the Sevenhill Cellars. This establishment is stepped in history with a walking trail of around 3km taking in Sevenhill’s significant wine and spiritual sites, including the Underground Cellar, old-vine vineyards, St Ignatius of Loyola Shrine and St Aloysius’ Church with its crypt. It was at this location that Saint Mary MacKillop took refuge with her brothers for an extended period. From here you cycle south to the town of Auburn at the southern end of the rail trail. Your night will be in a stone federation style country pub where you’ll spend the next two nights. Overnight in Auburn.

Meals: B

Day 4
Cycle the lesser travelled southern Rattler Rail Trail with time in Auburn and Riverton (38km)

The Cycle Premium Explorer tour incorporates the two iconic Clare Valley trails, both the Riesling Trail and the Rattler Rail Trail. Having put the Riesling Trail behind over two days today you’ll cycle further south along the lesser travelled Rattler Rail Trail with a return cycle to Riverton 19km or 38km return. This is another great cycle journey with plenty of time to set your own pace and itinerary for the day. It is an easy loop ride with plenty of time to amble, perhaps taking in a scroll around the township of Auburn in the morning, maybe stopping for a leisurely lunch in the country pub in Riverton or simply stopping off at wineries along the way. That night you are back in Auburn and the old world ambience of your federation stone hotel. Overnight in Auburn.

Meals: B

Day 5
Trip concludes in Auburn

The trip ends this morning in Auburn. You will to arrange a taxi (or we can assist) back to Clare to collect your car.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

Electric bike hire with panniers, phone holder and repair kit
4 nights in twinshare accommodation - Private self contained cottage (2 nights) and hotel with ensuite bathroom (2 nights)
4 breakfasts - basic continental style
Bike hire with panniers, phone holder and repair kit (E Bikes may be hired for additional cost)
Navigational App and route maps
Complimentary canape and wine tasting at leading Clare Valley winery
Luggage transfer Clare to Auburn

What's not included

Travel to Clare and from Auburn (a private return transfer by taxi can be booked from Adelaide for a supplement)
Accommodation before or after the trip in Adelaide
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, car parking, towel etc
Travel insurance
Meals not listed as included

Bike information

Electric bikes

We provide good quality Electric bikes. If you prefer a hybrid bike we can arrange this for a small discount. In this instance we would provide Fuji Traverse hybrid bikes.

Trail Surface

Country roads, trails and rail trails

You will cycle on quiet rural roads which are a mixture of sealed and gravel surface. You will also cycle on maintained maintained rail trails which could contain the occasional pot hole and short sections of loose surface.

Accommodation

Comfortable Accommodation

You’ll spend 2 nights in a clean and comfortable self contained country cottage adjoining the Riesling Trail. For 2 nights you'll stay in a country hotel in tastefully heritage decorated rooms in a stone building situated adjacent to the hotel centrally located in Auburn.

Country Cottage and Country Pub

On two nights you stay in a charming country cottage and two nights in a heritage decorated country pub room in a stone building adjacent to the hotel.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

This self guided trip involves three days of cycling on bitumen and well graded dirt roads as well as along the Riesling Trail and the Rattler Rail Trail with daily ascents of 182m to 447m. Some sections of the daily cycles may have traffic, including trucks. Daily activity is usually between 3 to 5 hours. The trip is graded ‘introductory to moderate’ due to the use of an electric bike. If you choose to hire a hybrid bike or bring your own bike the difficulty will increase to ‘moderate to challenging’ due to the terrain along the Spring Gully, John Horrocks and Father Rogalski Loops. The rail trails themselves are graded as introductory to moderate. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health and be a capable cyclist. Be prepared for potential variable weather conditions which can also add to the timing and comfort of a trip, for example riding into a head wind will take more time than when the wind is behind you. If bringing your own bike please ensure that your bike is fit for purpose - road bikes are not suitable for this trip unless they have been fitted with wider tread tyres. The best bike is a hybrid, gravel bike or mountain bike.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 15 Dec

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events or just tailoring a trip to suit your own needs - learn how you can tailor your own Customised Tour.

Priceper person from

$1440AUD

Options & Supplements*

Discount to remove electric bike hireAUD$-2213
Discount for hybrid bikeAUD$-91
Single SupplementAUD$530
Solo Traveller SurchargeAUD$630

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Clare Valley Cycle Premium Explorer trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?How do I get to Clare?

Adelaide airport has flights to/from all major Australian cities and a few international destinations and is also a rail hub for the Ghan (Adelaide Darwin) and the Indian Pacific (Sydney Perth) rail services as well as being connected by numerous intra and inter state coach services. From Adelaide you can drive to Clare. Alternatively you can take a coach to Clare. You can also arrange a taxi to bring you from Adelaide to Clare.

?What is the food like?

Breakfasts are simple continental style - think cereal and toast. There are cafes close by in Clare and Auburn to purchase a more substantial breakfast with good coffee. There are lunch options at a number of wineries from simple snacks to a full set lunch menu as well as a number of hotels providing pub food. Similarly there are local options for the evening meal in both Clare and Auburn from café to restaurant and a number of hotels.

?Can I drink wine while I visit the wineries

Basically no, a bicycle is a vehicle like any other and you can be charged and fined for drink driving (and lose points off your drivers licence). The consequences of falling from a bike can result in serious injury including death and most insurance policies exclusions for drink driving would extend to cycling under the influence. Most wineries promote a 'sip and spit' approach to wine tasting. It is always going to be far better if you take a bottle or two of wine home with you and celebrate your days cycling there at the end of the day.

?Do I need to be a confident cyclist?

Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. You will cover up to 45km in a day, across undulating terrain and various trail types as well as road cycling so you would need a degree of confidence on this cycle tour. Excessive rain or adverse weather conditions will always require more care while cycling. Always ride to conditions and your ability and don't hesitate dismounting for any section you are not comfortable with.

?Does the trip include bike hire?

Yes, e-bike hire is included in this trip cost. Please let us know if you would like to hire a standard bike. A small discount will apply.

Clare Valley Premium Cycle Explorer Videos

The Riesling Trail - Clare Valley, South Australia

Clare Valley Premium Cycle Explorer Trip reviews

Why cycle with us

SELF GUIDED EXPERTS

As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Australia you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.

TRUSTED LOCAL ADVICE

Our team is passionate about cycling and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for you.

Quality services

Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. We've sourced the highest quality bikes and most authentic accommodations so you can enjoy a stress free cycling trip.

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.