Auburn: Trails, Wine and Heritage

Explore Auburn through three distinct themes: trails, wine and local history. The Riesling Trail starts in town and runs 35 kilometres to Clare and on to Barinia. It’s suitable for walking, mountain biking and touring bikes, as well as wheelchairs and prams. Bikes can be hired in Auburn and Clare. It’s best to check bike hire locally before your trip, as this operational information may change.

Trails and choosing a route

At 19 kilometres, the Rattler Trail is shorter than the Riesling Trail. It starts in Auburn near Mount Horrocks Wine and passes vineyards, farms and points of interest. The two trails differ in both length and description: the Riesling Trail is notable for its route through Clare to Barinia and the range of uses listed; the Rattler Trail is characterised by its path past vineyards, farms and points of interest. These details provide different points of reference when deciding which trail suits your travel plans.

Wine tastings and the Auburn Wine Walk

The self-guided Auburn Wine Walk combines wine tastings with visits to food and drink venues and an exploration of Auburn’s historic streets. It’s about more than wine: local dining and the historic streetscape are also part of the walk. You can combine these interests as you explore at your own pace.

There are also specific places to visit for wine tastings. Koonowla Cellar Door offers wine tastings, wine and platters in an outdoor setting. The cellar door is open on weekends unless closed for weddings or private events. Wines by KT also operates a cellar door for wine tastings; its listed opening days are Thursday to Monday. As opening hours and private closures may change, it’s best to check the latest information before visiting.

Historic sites, gardens and culture

The National Trust brochure “Walk With History at Auburn” features a map and 24 historically significant sites in Auburn. It provides an overview of several places in town, while individual buildings and memorial sites each tell their own stories.

The Court House and Police Station Museum comprises National Trust buildings constructed in 1859 and used to present regional history. Visiting arrangements may vary, so check access if you’re planning a visit. The Henry Wylie Heritage Garden offers a different perspective on Auburn’s history. It features ornamental and fruit trees, a wide variety of smaller trees and shrubs, winding paths, a stone-lined creek and birdlife. The garden also includes a heritage-listed building commissioned by Henry Wylie in 1855. Here, the garden and the building’s history come together.

The C.J. Dennis Memorial is a blue granite fountain honouring poet C.J. Dennis, who was born in Auburn in 1876. Another cultural site is the heritage-listed Hats Auburn Courthouse Cultural Centre. Its programme includes live music, theatre, puppet shows and performances for children; the programme may change.

Patina & Bloom Gallery and Gifts showcases works by more than 20 artists from South Australia, the region and beyond. The participating artists and works on display may change over time. Together with the historic sites, performance formats and wine offerings, this gives you a varied picture of what you can explore during a stay in Auburn.

Discover more destinations: Clare, Mintaro, Watervale, Penwortham

For the broader travel overview: Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council.