Clare Valley Cycle Short Break

Cycle the gorgeous vineyards in the Clare Valley

Friends checking out the local vineyards in the Clare Valley. | Graham Cameron

Stunning skies over Sevenhill Cellars in the Clare Valley

Enjoying a tasting at Taylors Wines

Riding bikes in the Clare Valley, South Australia

Enjoying dusk on the Riesling Trail

Enjoying a break from cycling at the Eldredge Vineyards

Friends checking out the local vineyards in the Clare Valley. | Graham Cameron

Stunning skies over Sevenhill Cellars in the Clare Valley

Enjoying a tasting at Taylors Wines

Riding bikes in the Clare Valley, South Australia

Enjoying dusk on the Riesling Trail

Enjoying a break from cycling at the Eldredge Vineyards

10 Epic Australian Cycling DestinationsView list

Introductory to Moderate

Activities

2 days self guided cycle

Accommodation

2 nights motel, 1 night hotel room with ensuite

Price

4 daysfrom

$860AUD

View Inclusions

Trip Code: CVY

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Clare Valley Cycle Short Break 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
Get off the main trail to cycle the Spring Gully, Horrocks and Father Rogalski loops

The Clare Valley is a celebrated wine region not just in South Australia but nationally and internationally yet its appeal extends far beyond the cellar door. It is South Australia's harsh yet predicable climate that has made the wine regions of South Australia perfect for growing grapes and producing wine renowned around the globe. Yet despite the acclaim of the wine regions the townships that pepper the valley are equally charming and alluring.

The Clare Valley lends itself perfectly to cycling. Over two days of cycling you'll cycle the full length of the Riesling Trail, take a detour along the Spring Gully and other cycle loops and have the 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 coach transfer if your trip begins on a Friday or a taxi transfer on any day. 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 west 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 try the tasting flight, you wont be disappointed. This establishment is often very busy and require pre-booking online, but you could chance it on the less busy days. 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 try the fortified and chocolate experience which runs daily or pop in for a tasting. Finish the day heading back along the rail trail to your accommodation. Overnight in Clare.

Meals: Nil

Day 3
Cycle the full length of the Riesling Trail (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, 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 just off the trail is recommended. 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. Overnight in Auburn.

Meals: Nil

Day 4
Trip concludes in Auburn

The trip ends this morning in Auburn. Please arrange a taxi a day in advance (or we can assist) back to Clare to collect your car. If your trip ends on a Monday a coach runs between Auburn and Adelaide. We can book this for a supplement.

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

3 nights in twin share accommodation- 2 nights motel and 1 night hotel room with ensuite
1 breakfast - basic continental style
Electric bike with panniers, phone holder and repair kit
Navigational App and route maps
Luggage transfer from Clare to Auburn

What's not included

Travel to Clare and from Auburn (return transfer to Adelaide by coach or private car can be booked 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
Taxi between Auburn and Clare

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 Absolute or 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 motel accommodation in Clare. You'll then spend 1 centrally located in Auburn, staying in a stone federation period hotel with tastefully decorated heritage rooms with ensuite facilities.

Grading

Introductory to Moderate
4

This self guided trip involves 2 days of cycling on bitumen and well graded dirt roads as well as along the Riesling 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 departures 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

$860AUD

Options & Supplements*

Discount to remove bike hireAUD$-136
Discount for hybrid bikeAUD$-55
Single SupplementAUD$340
Solo Traveller SurchargeAUD$390

*Prices listed are per person and also from

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Clare Valley Cycle Short Break 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?

You can drive to Clare. Alternatively you can fly to Adelaide and take a coach to Clare. You can also arrange a taxi to bring you from Adelaide to Clare.

?What is the food like?

Breakfast is included in Auburn and you will receive a continental style breakfast - 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.

?Approximately how much is a taxi to return to Clare from Auburn?

The price of the taxi fare can vary depending if you are travelling on a weekend or a weekday, it is approximately $75 - $55

?Do I need to pre book the return taxi from Clare to Auburn?

Yes we would recommend booking your return taxi on day 2 of your trip, to secure the taxi at your preferred departure time from Auburn.

?Do I need to pre-book our cellar door and restaurant visits while in the Clare Valley?

We highly recommend booking in advance, when you can, for any tastings and meals during the day and evening, to ensure you secure a spot at your preferred dining location.

?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 discount applies for a hybrid bike.

Clare Valley Cycle Short Break Videos

The Riesling Trail - Clare Valley, South Australia

Clare Valley Cycle Short Break 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.

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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.