Discover Penwortham

Penwortham brings together a range of reasons to take a holiday: the Riesling Trail reaches its highest point near the town, alongside the history of the region’s first European settlement and distinctive wine destinations. The surrounding eucalyptus bushland and the Skilly Hills offer another perspective on the character of the area. You can decide whether cycling, culture, wine or scenery should be the focus of your trip.

Cycling routes in different formats

The Riesling Trail has a high-quality sealed surface and is suitable for walkers and cyclists of all ages and experience levels. It is about 33 kilometres long and runs between Riverton and Spalding along the section of the original railway line from Auburn to Barinia. Its approximate length is useful for planning your day; it also gives you an idea of the scale of this route without specifying a particular walking or cycling time. Its highest point is near Penwortham.

Another option for cycling is the John Horrocks Loop: this 10.3-kilometre ride goes around Sevenhill and Penwortham and is rated moderate. If you’re looking for a loop with a stated distance, you can take this into account when choosing. The Riesling Trail and the loop therefore offer different route formats; the moderate rating applies to the loop.

History in Penwortham

Penwortham is considered the site of the region’s first European settlement. John Horrocks Cottage is a tangible part of the town’s history: pioneer and explorer John Ainsworth Horrocks built the cottage in 1839. Those interested in early European settlement history will find a specific historical connection to the town here. Together with the Riesling Trail, which reaches its highest point near Penwortham, it offers a choice between outdoor activity and a glimpse into the area’s history.

Wine and distinctive places

At Mitchell Wines, tastings are led by a member of the Mitchell family. They take place in the 1890s cellar. Mitchell Wines also offers a cheese platter and carefully selected wines by the glass in the garden. The cellar tasting and the garden offering provide different experiences: when planning your trip, you can choose according to the kind of experience that interests you most.

Kilikanoon Wines’ cellar door is in a carefully preserved 1860s farmhouse in Penwortham. From its terrace, views stretch across the Skilly Valley and the Tregea Vineyard. This place therefore combines historic architecture with a distinct sense of the landscape. When comparing wine destinations, you can consider both a family-led tasting in the old cellar and a cellar door in the historic farmhouse.

Landscape around the town

Penwortham is surrounded by natural eucalyptus bushland and a section of the Skilly Hills, which are part of the Mount Lofty Ranges. This landscape gives the town a strong connection to nature alongside its cycling and wine offerings. A scenic drive to Skillogalee Valley is also accessible from Penwortham. You can therefore choose between a bike ride and a drive through the countryside without needing to combine both experiences into one route.

Nearby places: Watervale, Auburn, Clare, Mintaro.

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