Rattler Rail Trail - Trail Description

Bev Hannaford, project co-ordinator, and grandchildren on the freshly finished surface near Rhynie. Lisa Redpath/Plains Producer - 2007-07

Location: Gilbert Valley north of Adelaide, 92km from Adelaide

Start/end: Riverton / Auburn

Region: South Australia

Length open: 20km

Surface: Gravel

Description

The Rattler passes a picturesque parade of rolling farmlands, vineyards and a dairy on the way to Auburn. Stop for a coffee, a riesling or a rest at either end and take in the local delights of wine, olives and art galleries.

In Auburn the trail begins at the former Auburn station which is now owned by Mount Horrocks Wines (open 10am-5pm weekends and public holidays). It is sign posted from the main street (on the right coming from Adelaide). There are also other facilities opening to cater for the increasing number of visitors.

In Riverton the Rattler trail starts by the scoreboard at the Riverton Oval. Riverton has 2 hotels, for accommodation and meals, a caravan park, an internet café, a deli/bakery and the Riverton Art Gallery

Rhynie is the intermediate town with rest shelter on the site of the old Rhynie railway station, along with a rainwater tank. Given the present weather you may also want to know that Rhynie has a hotel and Café open on weekends.

At Auburn the trail connects to the renowned Riesling Trail which continues on to Clare. Both rail trails are on a former railway which branched off the Adelaide - Peterborough line at Riverton and headed 84 km north to Spalding. The line was completed in 1922 and closed in 1984.

The Rattler also forms a loop trail within the Mawson Trail network, so cyclists and walkers can take advantage of scenic views from the hilltops on the Mawson trail, which follows the back roads to Auburn, and then have a leisurely return via the gentle rail corridor to Riverton.

Car parking is available at Riverton Oval, Rhynie and Auburn by the Station Cafe. There are public toilets at Riverton, Rhynie and Auburn. Cogwebs, in the main street of Auburn hires bikes and can deliver and/or pickup cyclists from Riverton or Clare, or any place in between

It should be noted that this is still early days for the trail, which has been constructed in a remarkably short time for a remarkably low cost. Most of the section between Riverton and Rhynie had been opened as part of the Mawson Trail so the surface is reasonably firm. However the surface from Rhynie to Auburn uses the former railway gravel and while it has been compacted, it is still best tackled by wide tyred bikes. Three bridges have been removed so low level crossings have been constructed which have steeper grades than the rest of the trail.

As of August 2007 signage has yet to be installed but the route is fairly obvious.

Click here for more information on the connecting Riesling Rail Trail.

The trail is managed by the Riverton Trail Committee and will be working to bring the surface of the trail up to the standard of the connecting Riesling Trail and restore the bridges.

August 2007 News Item Rattler Rail Trail Official Opening