THE RIESLING TRAIL
THREDBO VALLEY TRACK
ROTTNEST ISLAND / WADJEMUP
SPECIAL SECTION: NUTRITION & WELLBEING
THE RIESLING TRAIL
Where: Clare Valley, SA Length: Up to 33km
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THREDBO VALLEY TRACK
Where: Snowy Mountains, NSW Length: 5 – 37km
A fun thing about the Snowy Mountains is you can tell they were named not just in a hurry, but also at which time of year. From November to May, however, the Thredbo Valley Track sheds its white winter coat and becomes one of the state’ s great outdoor experiences. A one-of-a-kind and( mostly) downhill combination of three trails, it begins at Thredbo Village and winds all the way to the trout hatchery at Lake Eucumbene, including crossing several fun suspension bridges. The final 18km stretch is more challenging, but never fear – less conditioned riders can organise a shuttle pick-up in advance. thredbo. com. au.
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Australian wine cycling trails have taken off over the past decade, with most regions boasting two-wheeled options to literally soak up some of the nation’ s best drops. The pick may be Clare Valley’ s all-gravel Riesling Trail, which was recently nominated for the top spot by Halliday Wine Companion, who suggest the 25km stretch of trail following the old railway line from Auburn to Clare is the highlight. Think open air, rolling hills – but mostly flatness – and artisan produce in the country’ s best riesling region. Is riding this track Australia’ s ultimate balance of fitness and indulgence? southaustralia. com.
ROTTNEST ISLAND / WADJEMUP
Where: 18km west of Fremantle, WA Length: Up to 22km
Named by Dutch sea captain Willem de Vlamingh in 1696, who declared it“ pleasurable beyond all islands I have ever seen”, Rottnest Island today offers a variety of both quokka- and non-quokka-based activities. The isle’ s iconically cute residents remain unmolested by cars – there are almost none on Wadjemup – and the supermodel marsupials will be your constant companions as you meander along any of the 22km of cycle paths available. If the incredible 3 – 5-hour return trip around the entire island feels daunting, there’ s also the family-friendly 4km Rotto Mini Loop to try first, or the 10km Beaches, Lighthouses and
Lakes cycle trail, which offers spectacular vistas that stretch forever toward bracing cobalt horizons. And quokkas. rottnestisland. com.
TOURISM AUSTRALIA
COSTCO CONNECTION Find bikes at Costco. com. au.
BEN SMITHURST
Ben is a freelance motoring, travel and camping reporter for Costco Connection.
26 | JUL / AUG 2025 COSTCO CONNECTION