THIS RIDE IS NO MORE OFFERED
SEE THE STATIONARY RIDE IN AUSTRALIA
A progressive horseback riding tour in Australia, between the Pacific East Coast and the mountains. You ride through stunning fragrant eucalyptus forests, then ascend mountain peaks for breathtaking views. Then, you join the vine and culture territory which make the reputation of Australian wine. ... before going galloping on the Pacific wild beaches ! A rider's dream ...
AUSTRALIA HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDE
INDICATIVE ITINERARY*
Day 1: Arrival. Arrival at lodge in the late afternoon. Transfer from Port Macquarie Airport or Kendall Railway Station (fixed times). Dinner with your hosts and co-riders and discussing the week program.
Meals included: Dinner. Overnight at the Lodge.
Day 2: Day 2: Forest Horse Ride
Introductory Forest Ride through the hilly terrain of the Kerewong State Forest with tall eucalypt forests, pockets of rainforest, beautiful quiet bush trails and fun canters. Stop for lunch under the tall gum trees in the middle of the Aussie bush.
This is a shorter ride with an easy-going pace, to enable riders to get accustomed to the terrain and horses and settle international travelers into the time- and climate zone.
Wildlife we may encounter on our rides and on the farm are Wallabies, Pademelons, Bandicoots, Reptiles, Goanna’s and many Australian bird species including Parrots, Lyrebirds, Black Cockatoo’s. Occasionally we may even see a koala too!
Riding: 3 hours, approx. 20 km
Day 3: Hannam Vale Ride
Prepared for an Australian horse trekking adventure we leave the Farm and head south towards the picturesque, lush and green rolling hills of the Hannam Vale Valley. A scenic horse riding day with a wonderful destination await. The tiny hamlet of Hannam Vale is tucked away in the NSW Hinterland between Taree & Port Macquarie.
Trails take us through peaceful private property farmland with a crystal clear creek crossing, where we stop to enjoy a short morning tea break. Then continue onto a soft forest trail for fantastic long gallopping and through Eucalyptus (Gum Tree) Plantations to the Hannam Vale Valley, passing the old loggers cottages of Waitui and dairy farms on the way.
Tethering the horses outside the quirky little Hannam Vale General Store (built in 1914) we stop for a late lunch and seriously good coffee in the centre of "town".
The Hannam Vale General Store has a lovely garden to enjoy refreshments and is a popular haunt of locals. You get a chance to experience the rural Australian lifestlye and friendly country hospitality, before setting out on horse back again for a short easy pace ride and last stretch to the overnight accommodation.
Tonight, riders stay in a luxury modern Australian private home situated on a 100 acres farm property in Hannam Vale, enjoying a gourmet evening meal together and a relaxing overnight rest in stylish spacious bedrooms.
Riding: 5 hours, approx. 27 km
Day 4: Hannam Vale to Comboyne Plateau
After a hearty cooked country breakfast we saddle the horses and set off for a long day of horse riding through an ever-changing variety of landscapes to the Comboyne Plateau, our destination for the day.
A steep climb takes us out of the Hannam Vale Valley and up an escarpment where we stop to take in the breathtaking valley views from Flat Rock Lookout.
Canter on along the escarpment into beautiful and remote forest until the dense old forest opens up into green pasture fields of the Comboyne Plateau.
An afternoon tea stop at a water trough to let the horses have a pick of grass after the long trotting and cantering sections and for riders to take in the stunning views of the escarpment and rocky outcrops.
Shortly after we arrive at our rider's accommodation at the Roundhouse at Comboyne Hideaway, a unique cabin retreat situated atop the magnificent Comboyne Plateau. Indulge in amazing uninterrupted views to the coastline and relax your muscles in the outdoor hot tub on the verandah while gazing at the stars.
Enjoy a BBQ dinner and another restful night after a long day of trekking.
Riding: 5-6 hours, approx. 33 km
Day 5: Back to the Lodge
Start the day with a ride through the beautiful green rolling and fertile farmland of the Comboyne Plateau. Comboyne is a volcanic plateau with a unique topography and fertile red soil and the ride takes us past dairy farms and avocado orchards.
Panoramic view to the landmark of the Three Brother Mountains, an Australian Aboriginal Place of spiritual significance to the local Biripi Aboriginal people. On clear days the view goes all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Ride through expansive eucalypt forests to the impressive Comboyne Mountain Peak (670 m), which can be seen from our Lodge and Cabin.
Magnificent 360-degree view at the top - lookout over the blue green hills of the NSW State Forests landscape, regional farm properties, NSW Mid North Coast coastline, Bago Bluff National Park, Comboyne Plateau and the start of the Great Dividing Range. Riders can already see the Kerewong Lodge and Cabin from a distance.
Horses and riders enjoy a well-deserved lunch break at the peak, brought to you by a helper in the 4wd support vehicle.
Descending back home to the Lodge at an easy walking pace.
Riding: 4 hours, approx. 25 km
Day 6: Beach Horse Ride
Fantastic beach horse riding along the Pacific Ocean await. Long uninterrupted galloping on a deserted beach is an unforgettable lifetime experience for many.
Watch out for dolphins in the waves and a chance of a close encounter with kangaroos.
Lunch during a break on the beach, at the ride base near a colony of the unique native Australian Grasstrees, or Aussie Fish & Chips at the local Fish Co-op.
Transfers each way to the beach is by car & horse transport (45 minutes each way).
In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner.
Riding: 2 hours, approx. 15 km
Day 7: Departure after breakfast. Transfer to Kendall Railway station or Port Macquarie airport, with optional stop at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital (only included with departure transfer to Port Macquarie).
Meals included: Breakfast
* Itinerary is indicative, subject to Forestry activities and weather & terrain conditions.
MEETING:
Pick-up/ drop-off are available from Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ) or the Kendall train station. Pick-up Port Macquarie Airport around 5:15pm and Kendall train station at 6:15pm. Train information: www.countrylink.info)
DEPARTURE:
Drop-off at Port Macquarie airport from mid-morning and Kendall train station drop off at 9:00am.
FLIGHTS:
Flights to Australia are not included in our prices because it is generally more interesting to book your flights yourself, an inclusive flights package is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best rates or to offer you a trip including transport on request: free service.
RIDING LEVEL: 
Only capable experienced riders are accepted. Minimum riding level is Good Intermediate. Horse riders must be able to mount / dismount unassisted, have a firm seat and be confident and capable to control a forward going and fit horse at all paces (including long stretches of posting trot and gallops) in varied open terrain. Leading your horse over short distances may sometimes be required. Riders benefit if they are “riding-fit”, because the riding can be quite intense due to hilly forest terrain and pace of ride.
RYTHM:
4-6 hours in the saddle, except beach ride 2-3 hours some long trots and canters.
GUIDE:
Your trail guide, Kathy, has a diverse equestrian background. She was a successful Dressage rider competing at Advanced level in The Netherlands (she moved to Australia in 2000) and also competed in Show jumping and Cross Country (Eventing). She now enjoys taking her Arabian horses to local endurance rides. Having been on many trail riding holidays and treks throughout Europe and Canada, your trail guide knows what makes a great horse-riding holiday. Kathy and her team are also responsible for the gourmet side of the business, from cooking breakfast to your request, bringing lunch to the riders in the Australian bush or preparing a sumptuous evening dinner meal or barbecue. Kathy is fluent in English, German and Dutch.
SAFETY:
The guide carries a special mobile phone for regional areas (but not with 100% reception), UHF radio for communication with forestry workers and first aid kit. Riding helmets must be worn at all time while on the horse.
GROUPS:
2 to 6 riders.
HORSES:
Well schooled horses, including Arab-Quarter horse crosses, carefully selected and trained for long distance trail riding. Many of the horses were bred specifically for endurance riding and complete endurance rides regularly. 6 pure & part-bred Arabian horses (14.2 and 15.3 hands / 145 and 157 cm), 1 Andalusian-Thoroughbred cross (16.2 hands) and 2 Brumbies. The horses are sure-footed, good-natured and in excellent condition. They are kept in groups on large paddocks on the 60 acres property. The horses' agility, great stamina, adaptability to the Australian climate conditions and excellent people- and work- friendly temperament make them ideal horses for multi-day long distance trail riding through challenging terrain. The horses' well being and safety is the main concern and riders can be assured that all trail riding horses are maintained and cared for to the highest standards.
TACK:
Tack is of a very high standard and kept in good condition. Australian made Endurance saddles: leather (Mackinder) and synthetic (Wintec). Wintec All Purpose and Dressage Saddles. Snaffle bits, hackamores or bitless bridles/ Natural Horsemanship halters.Synthetic Endurance breastplates, some with martingale. Small saddle bag to carry water bottle (supplied), personal items for the day, lunch on some days. Guests can offer to help with the horses and get their horse ready in the morning, saddle / unsaddle and wash & clean up the horse and tack, if they want (always supervised), but this is by no means compulsory or expected.
ACCOMMODATION: 
This Australian horseback ride begins and ends on the 25 hectare equestrian property in the Lorne Valley between Taree and Port Macquarie on the east coast of Australia..
Night 1, 2, 5 & 6: Kerewong Lodge
The main lodge has beautiful, wide verandas which overlook the magnificent garden filled with native plants and trees, the large horse paddocks where the animals graze, and the saltwater swimming pool (open October-April); beyond is the lush forest valley of the Camden Haven region of Port Macquarie hinterland on the Australian NSW east coast. The lodge also has a large communal entertainment area for guests to sit together to enjoy meals and drinks in a family style atmosphere. Sometimes, riders may have to share bathroom if the trip is fully booked with single rooms. WIFI is available. Laundry is not available.
Private surroundings with view over the horse paddocks and eucalypt forests. Contains one queen and one twin bed, a shower/toilet, veranda, air-conditioning, fridge, coffee & tea facilities. Ideal for a couple or two singles travelling together. The bedrooms in the lodge are accessed from the main guest living / dining area. Each bedroom also has an external door leading to its own decking space / verandah. Most with private bathrooms. Two single rooms who may have to share bathroom depending on group numbers.
Communications: Mobile phone reception on the farm property is poor and limited to SMS texting. Most riding days have some opportunity for mobile phone reception. Free WiFi internet access is available for guests who bring their own Internet device. The use is limited to "standard" internet and email usage and short Skype phone calls. Please don’t download large files like movies or large photo files, make long Skype video calls, etc.
Night 3: Farmhouse in Hannam Vale
Stay overnight at a 100 acres private hobby-farm property in the rural community of Hannam Vale. Your hosts welcome you in their luxurious modern Australian home, situated in the middle of their lush property with stunning views towards the unusual rock formations (volcanic plugs) of the Coorabakh National Park. Enjoy stylish spacious bedrooms.
Night 4: Comboyne Farmhouse
This private accommodation boasts a large, open-plan living and dining area with two bedrooms, each unique in style. A hot tub sits on the private deck providing the perfect spot to unwind, while taking in the glorious view of the Comboyne Plateau region. To keep you warm in the colder months, there is a fireplace where you can enjoy the views while being cosy.
MEALS:
All meals are included except 1 lunch out at a local cafe. Emphasis is on fresh home-cooked meals and light salad lunches. Buffet style breakfast with toast, condiments, cereals, yogurt, fruit. Cooked eggs & bacon on some mornings. Lunch during day rides: light picnic lunches (cheese and salads) brought to you by 4WD support vehicle or saddlebag (sandwich) lunch. 2 course dinner at the dining table in the communal area, international and Australian specialties: beef stew, pasta, chicken, fish, roast dinner, barbecue. We offer complimentary table wine with dinner. Extra alcohol can be bought at local store on arrival (pick up during arrival transfer). Juice, soft drinks (lemonade and coke), filtered rain (tank) water, milk, tea, coffee and hot chocolate are freely available on a self-serve basis.
THIS RIDE IS NO MORE OFFERED
SEE THE STATIONARY RIDE IN AUSTRALIA
THIS RIDE IS NO MORE OFFERED
SEE THE STATIONARY RIDE IN AUSTRALIA
CLIMATE:
|
Month |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Average High Temperature (°F) |
82 |
81 |
78 |
74 |
69 |
64 |
63 |
66 |
71 |
75 |
77 |
80 |
|
Average Low Temperature (°F) |
63 |
63 |
60 |
54 |
48 |
44 |
42 |
42 |
47 |
51 |
57 |
60 |
|
Average High Temperature (°C) |
28 |
27 |
26 |
23 |
20 |
18 |
17 |
19 |
22 |
24 |
25 |
27 |
|
Average Low Temperature (°C) |
17 |
17 |
15 |
12 |
9 |
7 |
5 |
6 |
8 |
11 |
14 |
15 |
|
Average Precipitation (days of rain) |
8 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
7 |
8 |
6 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
9 |
8 |
Seasons:
Australia is a country of extreme weather conditions. Although most of the time the weather is fantastic, there can be quite severe weather conditions, in particular when compared to European weather. Ride pace is adjusted to weather and terrain conditions (slower pace in hot, humid and / or wet weather, slippery trails). In case of severe weather warnings (severe rain or storms) and local bush fire danger we may be unable to go out riding due to safety concerns. We will try to arrange an alternative program for you whenever possible (Wine Tasting Tour, Port Macquarie town, Koala Hospital).
Summer (November to March):
The hottest months are usually January and February. At this time of the year, you should expect a tropical hot and humid weather (>30 degrees Celsius) with potential afternoon thunderstorms. January and February are generally also the months with the highest rainfall. On the hottest summer days we start the rides very early in the morning and return early afternoon to spend the afternoons relaxing near the swimming pool.
Winter (June to August):
Winter months usually have good weather for riding: mostly dry conditions, warm sunny days and cold frosty nights.
In-between-seasons (April, May, September, October, November) have a variety of weather due to the changing season: generally sunny and warm but also rain or wind; many flowering trees and scrubs.
The best time for riding is usually from April to November.
Special note – Wildlife:
Most of Australia’s wildlife is active at night, but during the day on the farm or on horseback you may see wallabies, kangaroos, bandicoots, goannas, lizards, colorful bird life (king parrots, rainbow lorikeets, black cockatoo’s, kookaburras, eagles) and if you are lucky maybe even a koala in a gumtree! We regularly see dolphins in the ocean during the beach ride. Snakes are sometimes seen on the rides but have never caused any problems as the horses are used to seeing the snakes and the snakes will move away when we encounter them, as most are not aggressive.