Clare valley & Mid north: A bastion of Australian Life
The home base of Piping Shrike Trackwork, a relaxed base to explore our traditional blend of vineyards set amidst agriculture.
The Clare Valley and Mid North regions are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts that seeka blend of accessible trails, unique natural phenomena, and the opportunity to experience both viticultural landscapes and more rugged, historical country. The emphasis is often on self-guided exploration, particularly cycling and walking, with significant opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting within the various conservation areas. Bring your own gravel weapon, ride where you want and have Trackwork pick you and your bikes up wherever you end up.
Clare valley
Cycling
Across the valley, a network of perfect gravel roads beckon cyclists to roam through the surrounding hills. Beyond, the plains stretch toward the ocean and inland with low-traffic roads perfect for gravel cyclists and bikepackers. The region is renowned for its excellent cycling trails, most notably the Riesling Trail. This 33-kilometer (21-mile) mostly flat path follows an old railway corridor between Clare and Auburn, passing numerous cellar doors and offering a scenic way to explore the vineyards.
The Rattler Trail extends this further from Auburn to Riverton, showcasing farmland landscapes. There are also more challenging side loops for avid cyclists. We have mapped loops and direct connecting roadways between established trails, and can provide these on request. No matter where you end up, Trackwork can transport you back from wherever you are.
Bushwalking + Hiking
Beyond cycling trails, the Clare Valley has a variety of walking and hiking opportunities. The Clare Valley Wine & Wilderness trail is a central feature, covering over 100km of trail and six stages throughout picturesque countryside.
Conservation Parks
Other Trails
The region also includes sections of the longer Lavender Federation Trail (a 325km path) and a series of “Clare Valley Short Walks” that vary in length and landscape, incorporating parts of the major trails and conservation parks.
Spring Gully Conservation Park
Located south of Clare, this park is a haven for wildlife and unique vegetation, featuring rocky sandstone outcrops, natural springs, and a seasonal waterfall. It offers bushwalking tracks, picnic areas, and opportunities for birdwatching and spotting kangaroos, euros, and possums.
Red Banks Conservation Park
Around 50 minutes from Clare, this park is a significant paleontological site, once home to megafauna. The “Landscapes of Change” interpretive trail allows visitors to walk through striking red earth gorges and observe modern-day kangaroos. It also offers camping facilities.
Mokota Conservation Park
This park protects native grassland and is home to over 150 indigenous plant species, including some with conservation significance. It also provides habitat for various animal species, including the rare white spotted skipper butterfly.
Martindale Hall Conservation Park
A majestic 19th century estate and grand mansion, providing an insight into historical life. While centered around the historic Martindale Hall, it offers walking trails within its grounds. Run by the wonderful Sharon and Mick of the iconic Mintaro Maze, Martindale is open for walks, tours and private events.
UNique Geology & Landscape
The Burra, Tothill Ranges, and Mount Bryan region of South Australia is geologically fascinating, showcasing a rich tapestry of ancient sedimentary formations, tectonic activity, and salt-related structures. As first inhabitants of the region, the Ngadjuri people discuss these formations as ‘songlines’ across the landscape of significant importance both to culture and navigation across the region. These geological songlines connect the broader region and are fascinating to explore.
Burra Group and Willouran Ranges
- Burra Group: This sequence includes the Skillogalee Dolomite and Myrtle Springs Formation, which are part of the Adelaide Geosyncline.
- Skillogalee Dolomite: Characterized by dolomitic and siliciclastic sandstones, cryptomicrobial laminated beds, and stromatolites—evidence of ancient shallow marine environments.
- Myrtle Springs Formation: Composed of green siltstone, quartzite, and dolomite, often interbedded, indicating fluctuating depositional conditions in an extensional basin.
Mount Bryan Land System
- Dominated by fine-grained alluvial sediments of the Pooraka Formation.
- Features level alluvial plains and outwash fans, and gentle sloping hills.
- Soils include hard loams over red dispersive clay and red clay loams.
Tothill Ranges
- Part of the broader Adelaide Fold Belt, these ranges are composed of folded and faulted sedimentary rocks.
- The geology reflects Delamerian Orogeny deformation (~500 million years ago), which shaped much of South Australia’s Mid-North terrain.
Regional Context
- These formations lie within the Adelaide Geosyncline, a major geological province that includes the Flinders and Mount Lofty Ranges.
- The area is a key site for understanding Neoproterozoic sedimentation, tectonics, and early life (via stromatolite fossils).
Mid NOrth of South Australia
LaNDSCAPE
The “Mid North” is a broader region that encompasses the Clare Valley and extends further north and east. Its outdoor qualities are largely characterized by agricultural landscapes, rolling hills, and pockets of significant natural beauty, with the southern Flinders Ranges forming part of its northern boundary.
The Mid North generally features diverse topography, transitioning from the vine-covered hills of the Clare Valley to more open agricultural plains and, further north, the rugged ranges.
Conservation and National Parks
within or bordering the broader Mid North region:
While the Clare Valley has its specific conservation parks, the broader Mid North area also has parks like:
- Pandappa Conservation Park
- Brookfield Conservation Park
- Morgan Conservation Park
- Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park
- Ridley Conservation Park
- Swan Reach Conservation Park
- Marne Valley Conservation Park
These parks often focus on protecting native vegetation, particularly mallee woodlands and grasslands, and provide opportunities for wildlife observation, particularly birds and marsupials. Some may offer basic facilities like picnic areas and walking tracks.