It is the aim to provide a quality equestrian experience on well trained and cared for horses, for capable and assured riders from around the world. The horse quality and special training sets the pace of this ride with long trots and canters. From a secluded equestrian farm on idyllic property in the upper reaches of the Lorne Valley, this week long program offers riding through stunning forest and farmland combined with excellent food and top service. During the week we ride through the diverse landscape of Australia’s New South Wales Mid North Coast there will be lots of opportunity to see wildlife in their beautiful natural habitat. We follow quiet little trails, 4WD tracks and fire trails through 20.000 hectares (50,000 acres) of state forest with pockets of rain forests, eucalyptus forests, waterfalls, creek crossings, and historic timber railway lines. Climb up and descend along steep ridges, then pass through rolling Australian farmland. Visits to a local winery, cafes and a Macadamia Farm to taste the unique products from this region are featured, before riding along the Pacific Ocean on miles of long deserted beaches. We will climb up to the Comboyne Plateau, an elevated farming region of green rolling hills with breath-taking views out to the Pacific Ocean- don’t forget to bring a camera! In the evenings refresh yourself with a swim in the pool, then relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the view from the veranda of your private cottage or share drinks and stories with fellow riders in the large communal area of the lodge, where guests and tour guides have dinner together. A delicious meal with complimentary wine and coffee will be served beside a crackling log fire in the cooler months or in summer alfresco on the veranda. The riders will retire to the comfort of beautiful bedrooms and awake the next morning to a leisurely country breakfast.
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: Kerewong Forest Ride. Introductory Forest Ride through the hilly terrain with tall eucalypt forests and pockets of rainforest, beautiful quiet bush trails and short fun canters. Stop for lunch under the tall gum trees in the middle of the forest. 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, Goanna’s and many bird species including Black Cockatoo’s. Occasionally we may even see a koala or echidna too!
Riding: 3 hours, approx. 22 km. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at the Lodge.
Day 3: Mountain Top Ride. Ride to impressive Comboyne Mountain (670 m), which peak can be seen from the lodge. Magnificent 360-degree view at the top: lookout over the expanding eucalyptus 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. This is the most strenuous day ride for the horses with uphill cantering, long steep up- and downhill sections and some rough terrain. Horses and riders enjoy a well-deserved lunch break at the peak, before descending back home at an easy walking pace.
Riding: 5 hours, approx. 30 km. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at the Lodge.
Day 4: Winery Ride. Long day ride, starting along a historic timber railway line, to local Bago Vineyards. Creek crossings (platypus live here but are rarely seen) and maybe move some cattle while riding through neighbouring farm properties. We follow the Longworth's Tramway Heritage Trail and see the remnants of a historic timber railway line that was operational in the 1920's for timber log transport. Saddle bag lunch, sitting in the shade of tall eucalypt trees. Then, adventurous steep descent and fantastic long gallops of up to 4 kms on beautiful forest trails. On arrival taste the local produce while looking over the vineyards. Highlight in October - November are the purple blossoming Jacaranda Trees. Transfer back to riding centre by car.
Riding: 5 hours, approx. 35 km. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at the Lodge.
Day 5: Beach Ride. Fantastic beach horse riding, galloping along the Pacific Ocean. Watch out for dolphins in the waves and 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. Sometimes, whales can be seen between May and November.. Transfers each way to the beach is by car & horse transport (45 minutes each way).
Riding: 2 hours, approx. 15 km. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner. Overnight at the Lodge.
Day 6: Comboyne Plateau Ride. Farmland and forest horse ride to the beautiful green rolling and fertile farmland of the Comboyne Plateau with on clear days views to the Pacific Ocean. Comboyne is a volcanic plateau with a unique topography and fertile red soil and the ride takes us past dairy farms and avocado orchards. We stop at Waitui Waterfall and have lunch at an amazing rocky escarpment lookout before cantering along a spectacular old forest. Panoramic view to the landmark of the Three Brother Mountains, an Australian Aboriginal Place of spiritual significance to the local Biripi Aboriginal people, and on clear days the view goes all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Many great galloping sections in the morning and afternoon, as well as long walks to take in the beautiful scenery. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner.
Riding: 5-6 hours, approx. 40 km. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Overnight at the Lodge.
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 trip is based at the 60 acres horse riding property, in the Lorne Valley between Taree and Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast NSW Australia. 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.
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.
2024 PRICE / PERSON:
2300 € in 2 person bedroom
No single bedroom supplement.
Supplement to guaranty only 1 person departure: +400 €
Booking fees: 15 €
Prices are based on the $ and may vary up or down when you register.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Equipped horse rental, guide, accommodation, meals (except 1 lunch in a local bar), drinks during meals (excluding alcoholic beverages), transfers during the ride, transfers from / to the airport from Port Macquarie (flights from Sydney) or Kendall station at fixed times, the financial guarantee of your payments by our travel operator deposit.
THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, 1 lunch in a local bar, drinks excluding meals, alcoholic drinks, any visits, tips, the trip to Australia, all that is not indicated in "the price includes" .
INSURANCE:
A civil liability and travel insurance (assistance/repatriation) is compulsory. A cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
A payment by credit card can make you benefit from its possible insurance (check your contract).
We offer to Europe Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway residents: the Chapka insurances.
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
See prices & information
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.