Cycling The Riesling Trail Is The Perfect Way To Explore The Clare Valley

Although well-known, the Clare Valley isn't as touristy as the Barossa: that's one of its biggest attractions. When you visit Clare and the other towns in the Clare Valley, you really feel like you are visiting the heart and soul of rural South Australia, but you get the same fine wine, food and hospitality you find in the Barossa. It won't take you long to get there - an hour and a half, tops.

The Clare Valley was named after the town of Clare, in the heart of the valley. Founded in 1842 by Edward Burton Gleeson and named after County Clare in his native Ireland, Clare quickly became a major regional centre. In 1919, a railway line was established between Clare and Riverton, some 27 miles (43km) south of the town. A year later, this was extended about the same distance north to Spalding. A rich and fertile valley, the Clare Valley produced much more than just grapes and the train line was needed for transporting a number of crops and livestock.

As road travel improved, the railway line was used less frequently. In 1983, the Ash Wednesday fire destroyed the line. Rather than try to rebuild it, the locals decided to turn it into a tourist attraction and now the Riesling Trail, as it has come to be known, was born. The strategy worked and today, the Riesling Trail is one of the region's most popular attractions. The 21 mile (34 kilometre) long trail runs from Auburn on the southern end of the trail, through Clare and on to Barinia. If you don't want to go the entire distance, you can take one of three looping trails and see even more sights.

Cycling the Riesling Trail is the perfect way to explore the Clare Valley. Not only is it an easy ride, it passes by local wineries where you can take a "pit stop" in style, refreshing yourself with one of the hearty and delicious meals the area is so famous for and washing your meal down with a "drop" of the Riesling wine the Clare Valley is so renowned for producing.

Much of the architecture in Clare and throughout the Clare Valley was built in the 19th century and much of it remains intact and in use to this day. It may not be as grand as some of the buildings you see in Adelaide, but there's something magical about stumbling across a century and a half old limestone cottage in the middle of a vineyard or on the side of the road.

Less than a mile from the centre of Clare is the Old Police Station museum. Make sure you go and visit it. The best way to get there is to walk or ride a bike. Between its picturesque surroundings and the fascinating assortment of photographs, vintage clothing and other displays, the Old Police Station, though not large, is thoroughly captivating.

You won't find too many large and luxurious Clare Valley accommodations, but you will find many charming B&Bs, hospitable hotels and other comfortable places to stay. When you stay in the Clare Valley, you will be made to feel welcome and at home in a way only rural South Australia can offer. Go on, give it a go: You'll love the Clare Valley.