The brainchild of local riders and funded by the wineries and the Community Benefit Fund. The Moffatdale Winery Route is fast becoming a popular ride for visitors and locals alike.
The Moffatdale Winery Route starts on the South Burnett Rail Trail about 7kms north of Murgon and takes riders on a 20km (160m of elevation), journey through the wine district surrounding Moffatdale. Follow the signposts on the Rail Trail to cross the Bunya Highway, please be careful here as this is a 100km section of highway. Signage instructs riders to walk from the Rail Trail to the Moondooner Road intersection (approx. 50m). Visibility is good in both directions.
Once you cross the Bunya Highway you follow Mooddooner Road for approximately 4.2kms. This is a quiet country road. The surface is bitumen and generally in good condition. Traffic is always light, but remember the road rules please. The route is fully signposted, so look for the signage along the way. Moondooner Road merges with Sippels Road as you travel generally downhill into the Moffatdale Valley. The country side opens up to farmland with expansive views in all directions. Crossing Redgate Rd into Steinhardts Road the countryside really opens up with farmland on either side. The road will remain quiet and the bitumen continues all the way to the first winery. There are two small climbs on this section. However with an overall route elevation of 160m these are only slight with around a 3-5% gradient.
The first winery that you will come to on your right hand side in Clovely Estate. They have a wonderful cellar door, great food and accommodation. Whether you sit inside near the picture window or outside under the trees this is a very relaxing setting for something to eat or drink and well worth the stop.
After Clovely Estate you will come to a T-intersection. Which means you have two choices, left or right. Either way you will be heading towards another winery. Let’s start by turning left to Nuova Scuola Wines. This is a small family owned winery that offers terrific platters and wines and some of the best views of the Moffatdale area (looking north towards Boat Mountain), from their deck and some delightful accommodation close by to the cellar door, which is an advantage at times. This winery has a very relaxed vibe and is wonderful for a platter or two while having a glass of wine. I can definitely recommend their Verdelho.
If you turn right at the T-intersection, the first winery that you will come to almost immediately upon passing the Moffatdale School (100m) is Dusty Hill Vineyard . Dusty is the biggest winery in the region. They boast some amazing accommodation, wonderful wines and food and a variety of reception venues. They are a definite must do when visiting the region.
If you continue on past the Dusty Hill turn off, the next winery is only 2 kms down the road. Moffatdale Ridge Winery continues the Moffatdale tradition of wonderful wines and food. They have a terrific view of the Moffatdale Valley an Barambah Creek from the main deck. This is a great spot to spend a Sunday lunch or afternoon out relaxing with friends.
So 20 kms of riding, minimal hills and four quality wineries to explore. What more could you ask for? Remember three of the wineries have accommodation and there is further accommodation available at Yallkool Caravan Park, with a variety of cabins and campsite on offer. Always check ahead for opening hours for each winery as these can change on the season and special functions.
