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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
The Clare and the Barossa Valleys are two of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, yet their appeal extends far beyond the cellar door. Discover the township of Clare, a classic South Australian town with heritage buildings built predominantly out of stone during the colonial period. Ride the full length of the Riesling Trail and enjoy visiting internationally acclaimed vineyards and farmer’s markets with fresh local produce. There are plenty of opportunities to pack the panniers with a few treats to take home. Then cycle through the stunning Barossa Valley, visiting towns such as Tanunda and Nuriootpa. Enjoy panoramic views, while also cycling along old country roads nestled between gorgeous vineyards. With your luggage transferred and comfortable 3-star accommodation sorted, all you need to do is pedal your bike, listen to the birdsong in the air and take in the outstanding scenery of the Clare and Barossa Valleys. After this five-day trip, you'll have become fully immersed in these beautiful regions.
27kg of CO2-e PP per day
(107kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Depart Adelaide for Clare Valley by public coach
Today you travel from Adelaide to Clare by coach for your first night of accommodation in the Clare Valley. The bus departs Adelaide at 4pm, arriving in Clare just before 7pm. Overnight in Clare.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Explore the region along rural backroads via wineries and charming townships (36km)
Today you’ll collect your bikes from our local supplier who will fit you up for the cycling days ahead. The day begins by heading south for around 2.5 kilometres along the Riesling Trail. On the outskirts of Clare you’ll leave the trail, take advantage of the Clare Valley Food & Wine Centre to fuel up with a good coffee and snacks as you head along the Spring Gully Loop. From here you will turn onto the John Horrocks Loop, a combined section of around 15km. This part of the route takes in some wonderful wine country and vineyards before coming back to meet the Riesling Trail south of Sevenhill. Next we cross the trail and head out along an 8km section known as the Father Rogalski (Polish Hill) Loop where you'll pass pristine patches of farmland before arriving at Paulett Wines & Bush DeVine Cafe. If you are feeling peckish this is a great spot for lunch and wine tasting, or you can try the tasting flight - you wont be disappointed. This establishment is often very busy and requires pre-booking online. From here you’ll head north to meet up again with the rail trail at the township of Sevenhill. You will cycle past Sevenhills Cellar just off the trail. This winery is steeped 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. If you time it right, you can try the fortified and chocolate experience which runs daily or pop in for a tasting at Sevenhills Cellar. Finish the day heading back along the rail trail to your accommodation. Ascent and descent: +- 524m (loop) Overnight in Clare.
Day 3
Cycle the full length of the Riesling Trail, afternoon private transfer to Angaston (45km)
This morning you leave Clare via the Riesling Trail, heading south to Auburn. However, firstly the route takes you on a loop north to Barinia along the northern section of the trail, returning along rural roads with a detour to the Gleeson Wetlands. You could also choose to sleep in, or 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 branch line. The line was opened in 1918 and ran between Riverton in the south to the northern terminus at Spalding. 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 this part of the line was converted to a walking and cycling trail. Heading south you will cycle through the township of Sevenhills which you passed yesterday and if you didn't get a chance to explore Sevenhills Cellar you will get another opportunity today. Next the trail will take you through Penwortham, Watervale, and Leasingham before arriving in Auburn. Along the way you’ll have the option to leave the trail to discover bakeries, cafes, coffee shops, pubs, Art Galleries and, of course, numerous wineries. The dominant variety of grape is the aromatic Riesling, as the name of the trail suggests. If you are seeking a little side adventure, a trip to the Watervale Hotel and Crabtree Wines which is just off the trail, is recommended. From here you cycle south to the town of Auburn at the southern end of the rail trail where you will be transferred to Angaston in the Barossa Valley. Ascent 347m, Descent 453m Overnight in Angaston.
Day 4
Cycle loop through Tanunda and Nuriootpa (36km)
Enjoy breakfast in Angaston which makes for a great breakfast stop in one of the many cafes or small bakeries with delectable delights. And, if you are looking for some food for a snack, the Barossa Valley Cheese Company in downtown Angaston has an impressive range of cheese hampers, platters and pamper packs made from local produce by former winemaker now cheesemaker Victoria McClurg. From Angaston it is a leisurely day of cycling through some of the very best South Australian wine country. You’ll cycle along country roads lined with vineyards and you'll come across both the larger well known wineries such as Yalumba and Penfolds, but also stumble upon small boutique wineries with their own appeal and special unique blends and vintages. At roughly the mid point of your cycle today is the township of Tanunda, an Aboriginal word meaning waterhole. It's also a good place to stop for lunch. You’ll be passing back through this town tomorrow so you don't have to see it all today, as there is plenty to see including the iconic Chateau Tanunda. Further north, well know celebrity chief Maggie Beer’s Farm is a popular stop and is worth the small detour. The cycle then passes through the township of Nuriootpa before heading back to Angaston along a section of the Barossa Valley Trail. Ascent 310m. Descent 310m. Overnight Angaston.
Day 5
Cycle the Barossa Trail then return private transfer to Adelaide (41km)
Today you will explore this world acclaimed wine region from east to west, cycling along the full length of the Barossa Trail from Angaston to Gawler. The trail follows sections of the old Gawler Angaston Rail line as well as purposed built cycle trails. The traditional owners of the Barossa Valley are the Indigenious Peramangk people. More recently German Lutheran settlers arrived in the Barossa Valley in 1842, settling at Bethany. Passing though Tanunda the cycle today travels along and though Indigenous land, though a landscape peppered with towns with Germanic history and buildings hewn from stone. It is a region where immigrants came looking for a better life than the one they left behind. When they arrived in the harsh South Australian environment they created a wine industry of world-standing. You'll have time to amble as you pass through the townships of Nuriootpa, Tanunda and Lyndoch before arriving in Gawler in the afternoon. Here you will be met and transferred back to Adelaide. Ascent 196m. Descent 451m
What's included
What's not included
Electric bicycles are included in the trip cost. The electric bikes we provide are high quality 9 speed bikes with a step through frame. Bike hire includes a helmet, lock, repair kit, front handlebar bag, drink bottle holder, rear carrier and a waterproof pannier (pannier only provided in Clare Valley). Due to logistics, on this trip you will use one bike in the Clare Valley, then a second bike in the Barossa Valley.
It is possible to hire a mountain bike rather than an electric bike. A small discount will apply if you prefer to use a standard bike.
You will cycle on quiet rural roads which are a mixture of sealed and gravel surface. You will also cycle on well maintained rail trails which could contain the occasional pot hole and short sections of loose surface.
You’ll spend 4 nights in clean and comfortable 3 star motels. The rooms are spacious, clean, double/twin rooms with ensuite facilities.
This self guided trip involves 4 days of cycling on a sealed or maintained gravel trail surface and along rural roads. The first 2 days of cycling in the Clare Valley are over mixed terrain with sections of relatively flat terrain and a few climbs (+- 524m), 36km to 45km. The second two days in the Barossa Valley also have sections of fairly flat travel. There is an ascent into Angaston on the first day in the Barossa and a gradual descent into Gawler on the final day (-453, +347m).
Per Person, Twin Share
Adelaide is serviced by all Australian national and a number of international airline carriers as well as train services from Perth, Sydney and Darwin and a number of interstate bus services
We provide a shuttle from Gawler at the end of tour to your nominated Adelaide CBD location.
If arriving in Clare by private vehicle to begin your cycle tour speak to a reservations team member about options to return to Clare for vehicle collection.
Yes. You will cover around 160 km over 4 days of cycling. The cycling is along both dedicated cycle paths and rural roads.
Cyclists should have a reasonable level of skill and ability to complete this cycle journey.
Yes, you can use your own bike if you prefer. Let us know at the time of booking and a small discount will be applied.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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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.
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.
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.
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.
4Days
Moderate
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Introductory to Moderate