General Info

Ride Arabian horses across the beautiful and diverse landscapes of Australia's New South Wales Mid North Coast, including beaches, Eucalyptus forests and farmland.

Ride on carefully selected Australian-bred Arabian horses that have the stamina, endurance and temperament to ensure an excellent equestrian vacation. Horse riding Australia on select routes grant travelers a good variety of scenery and terrain. There will be many opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat both during rides and on the horse farm.

You'll horse ride on small quiet rainforest trails, 4WD Tracks, fire trails and forestry roads through Eucalyptus trees, pockets of rainforests, waterfalls, creek crossings, a historic timber railway line, special rocks and trees and amazing lookouts. There are areas where you can climb up and descend along steep ridges and pass through rolling farmlands.

Guests enjoy visits to a local winery, cafes and a macadamia nut farm to taste the unique products from this region of Australia. Horseback riding on the beach is a highlight of this riding vacation. Ride beautiful, deserted beaches along the Pacific Ocean. Climb up to the picturesque Comboyne Plateau, an elevated farming region of green rolling hills, to take in the breathtaking views to the Pacific Ocean.

Feel at home during your stay on a small Australian farm in comfortable setting and beautiful surroundings. Enjoy healthy homecooked meals with your hosts and fellow riders. This Australian horseback riding vacation is only for strong intermediate and advanced riders and has some fast sections and challenging terrain.
 

Packing

Packing for horse riding Australia

Helmets, short chaps and long riding rain coats (Australian drizabone) can be provided by this outfitter. Guests should bring along these items if they have them. If you'd like to borrow any of these items, please let us know prior to your trip.

Important to pack:
Riding boots (with a small heel - no sneakers).
Wearing helmets is mandatory (can be provided).
Light rain / wind jacket that will fit into small saddlebag (saddlebag is provided). (The long rain coats the outfitter provides are often too warm and only suitable in really heavy rain weather)
Sunscreen, sunglasses.
At least one long sleeved shirt.
If they book the progressive ride/ trek, a small bag for the 2 nights elsewhere.

There are no laundry facilities due to water restrictions.

Please visit Equitrekking Travel's packing list for other suggestions.

About the Horses

Long Distance Arabian Trail Riding Horses

The horses are well schooled, Australian pure and part bred Arabian horses, including Arab-Quarterhorse crosses, carefully selected and trained for long distance trail riding. Many of the horses were bred specifically for endurance riding and completed endurance rides as part of their training.

The horses stand between 14.2 and 15.3 hands and are sure-footed and good-natured. The horses are kept on large paddocks on farm. The Arabian horses' agility, great stamina, adaptabilty 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 are trained to be ridden on a loose rein in English style for horse trekking Australia. We ride with English Style lightweight endurance or all purpose saddles and use snaffle or bitless bridles.

The horses' well being and safety is this outfitters main concern and riders can be assured that all trail riding horses are maintained and cared for to the highest standards. 

Activities/Events

In addition to the horse riding, there are stunning coastal walks, pristine beaches, surfing, fishing, waterfalls, lookouts, Australian wildlife watching, birdwatching, bushwalking, national parks, golf courses, Macadamia Nut Farm, wineries, Port Macquarie and Taree coastal tourist towns, Koala-hospital, historic Timbertown and Port Macquarie Whale Watching tours (season is May to November).

Please note guests and non-riders would need a rental car for the above additional activities. If non-riders join, this outfitter would recommend that they rent a car.

Accommodations/Food

The main accommodation is based at a 60-acre horse riding property in the Lorne Valley near Kendall and Port Macquarie, approx 400 km north of Sydney.

This small horse riding farm is owned and operated by a Dutch-German equestrian who has lived in Australia since 2000 and in this particular area since 2001. The horse trail business opened in 2004. The owner has had horses almost all her life, trains all the horses herself and guides all the rides herself, granting riders an intimate experience.

There is 1 cabin and 3 bedrooms in the main house. There are two types of purpose built guest accommodations on the farm:

1. Studio-style cabin, in private surroundings with view over the horse paddocks and eucalypt forests, with shower/toilet, veranda, air-conditioning, fridge, coffee & tea facilities. Ideal for a couple or two singles travelling together.

 The guest cabin is built in a contemporary modern Australian design with a light, natural and airy interior.

2. Single or double/ twin rooms with private bathroom in the main guesthouse.

The main residence has wide verandas which overlook the horses grazing in the large undulating horse paddocks and the lush forest valley landscape, a garden with many native plants and trees as well as plentiful Australian wildlife - including colorful parrots and wallabies - and swimming pool. There is a large communal entertainment area for horse riding guests to sit together and have meals and drinks in a family atmosphere.

On the Progressive Ride, 2 nights are spent elsewhere:
1 night in a quality B&B Farmstay - small working alpaca farm
1 night in a small cabin in a unique mountain top location with magnificent views and an outdoor hot tub.

Food

All food and non-alcoholic drinks are included except for 1 lunch at local café. Wine is included with dinner. Guests can expect 3 meals a day. 

Breakfast is served as a buffet where guests can help themselves to coffee, tea, juice, cereal, muesli, toast, jam, cheese, fresh fruit, yogurt and bacon & eggs on request. Lunch mostly will be in the forest, brought by 4WD vehicle. Everyone unsaddles the horses and usually has at least a 1 hour break. Lunch is mostly light: salads, bread & cheeses.

One riding day, you'll take a sandwich lunch in the saddlebag. One day (usually the day of the beach ride)- time permitting- you'll have lunch at a local café (at guest's own cost).

Dinner consists of healthy, fresh, home cooked international and Australian meals.  Vegetarians can be catered for on request at booking. Wine is included with dinner. Guests can buy their extra beer / wine at local bottle shop on arrival.
  
 

The Ideal Traveler

Strong Intermediate and advanced riders who want to experience an Australian farmstay and ride horses in small groups on the beach, through rainforests and beyond. 

Country & Coast Farmstay Horse Ride

7 days/ 6 nights/ 5 riding days: Arrive Sunday - Depart Saturday, unless stated otherwise

2012 Dates
Jan 1-7, Jan 15-21, Jan 29-Feb 4, Feb 12-18, Feb 26-March 3, March 11-17, April 15-21, April 29-May 5, May 13-19, May 27-June 2, June 10-16, July 1-7, July 15-21, July 29-Aug 4, Aug 12-18, Aug 26-Sept 1, Sept 9-15, Sept 23-29, Oct 7-13, Oct 21-27, Nov 4-10, Nov 18-24, Dec 2-8, Dec 16-22

$1,618 USD*

* Pice is all-inclusive (except 1 lunch at local café). Price subject to changes due to currency conversions. Transfers included in price, but at fixed times. Please inquire with us for details. If minimum group size is not reached (only 1 rider booked) tour will go ahead but with surcharge of $304 USD (AUD$300).

Sample Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in the afternoon. Transfer from Port Macquarie Airport or Kendall Railway Station. Dinner with your hosts and co-riders and discussion of the week-long equestrian adventure.

Day 2: Ride through the hilly terrain of a forest with eucalyptus trees and a rainforest. Stop at a creek side picnic ground in the middle of the forest for lunch.

Day 3: Ride to impressive Comboyne Mountain, whose peak can be seen from the riding center. Take in a magnificent 360 degree view at the top. Horses and riders enjoy a well deserved lunch break at the peak, before descending back home.

Day 4: Long day ride, starting along a historic timber railway line, to local Bago Winery. Creek crossings and ample opportunities to watch wildlife (eg Kangaroos, Wallabies, Black Cockatoo's, Goanna's).

On arrival, taste the local produce while looking over the vineyards. Transfer back to riding center.

Day 5: Fantastic beach horse riding along the Pacific Ocean. Watch out for dolphins in the waves and a close encounter with kangaroos. Lunch in the dunes or at a local café. Transfer by horse float.

Day 6: Farmland horse ride to the beautiful green rolling and fertile farmland of the Comboyne Plateau. On clear days, take in views of the Pacific Ocean.

Day 7: Departure after breakfast. Transfer to Kendall Railway station or Port Macquarie.

* This itinerary is subject to changes based on the weather, trip guide's discretion or other factors. 

Progressive Farm, Forest & Beach Ride

Arrival Sundays, departures Saturdays

2012 Dates
Jan 1-7, Jan 15-21, Jan 29-Feb 4, Feb 12-18, Feb 26-March 3, March 11-17, April 15-21, April 29-May 5, May 13-19, May 27-June 2, June 10-16, July 1-7, July 15-21, July 29-Aug 4, Aug 12-18, Aug 26-Sept 1, Sept 9-15, Sept 23-29, Oct 7-13, Oct 21-27, Nov 4-10, Nov 18-24, Dec 2-8, Dec 16-22

$1,922 USD*

* Pice is all-inclusive (except 1 lunch at local café). Price subject to changes due to currency conversions. Transfers included in price, but at fixed times. Please contact us for details. Mostly all private bathrooms, but occasionally, depending on group, 2 guests may have to share a bathroom some nights. min/max: 2-4 riders. If minimum for overnight trek is not reached (only 1 rider booked), program will be changed to Stationary ride.

Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and overnight at the farm, owned by your trekking guide.

Day 2: Get introduced to your Arabian and Arabian cross mounts on an introductory ride through Eucalyptus forest and rainforests. Ride your horse through the hilly terrain of the area forests. Stop at a creek side picnic ground in the middle of the forest for lunch. Overnight at the farm.

Day 3: Ride to adjoining valley, stop for lunch at a hidden waterfall and continue to your accommodations, a small working Alpaca Farm and eco-friendly yet luxurious Country Retreat B&B.

Day 4: After a hearty cooked country breakfast, ride to the Comboyne Plateau. On the way, stop to take in the valley views from Flat Rock Lookout.

Your accommodation tonight is a unique retreat situated atop the magnificent Comboyne Plateau, where you can indulge in amazing uninterrupted views of the coastline and relax your muscles in the outdoor spa (hot tub/ jacuzzi) on the veranda deck. At dinner, experience cooking your own Aussie steak on the barbeque.

Day 5: Farmland & Forest ride. From the Comboyne Plateau, ride back to the riding center. Overnight at the farm.

Day 6: Conclude the week with a fantastic beach ride along the Pacific Ocean. Watch out for dolphins in the waves and perhaps have a close encounter with kangaroos. Lunch in the dunes or at a local café. Transfer by horse float. Overnight back at the farm.

Day 7: Departure after breakfast or extend your stay with another riding vacation in Australia or New Zealand or let us help you plan other sightseeing or adventure activities.

* Itinerary subject to changes based on the weather, trip guide's discretion or other factors. 

Related Travel Articles

Meet Your Host - Australia Coast Arabian Horse Vacations

Learn why your host for the Australia Arabian Horse Vacation choose Arabians for her equestrian vacations and why she enjoys welcoming experienced riders to pound the surf in New South Wales. Equitrekking Travel: Why did you choose the Arabian breed for your equestrian vacations? Kathy: Arabian horses are fairly popular saddle… Read more »

Traveler Reviews

We have had such fun. It is truly a first- class operation. Your easy-going hospitality along with the great horses, scenery, accommodation and food all added up to a memorable vacation for us. Thank you for everything!

-- A.& S.K. Santa Barbara, California

I wish I had another week of trail rides and picnics. I was so glad to find a place with exciting horses to ride. Charlie was certainly a handful on the first day so I knew I wouldn't be bored. Charlie, Ness and Manni were all great and such hardy little workers. The scenery was also fantastic and I can't think of a better location for exploring the beautiful country that Australia has to offer. Also thank you for all the lovely picnics and beautiful meals that spoiled us every day. The food was fantastic and the company even better. Thank you to you and the horses! 

-- E.K. Baltimore, Maryland

We truly enjoyed your hospitality - we felt like we were living in someone's home. We will always carry with us the memory of your wonderful friendly horses. I wish we could stay in your peaceful place for much longer. PS. Who'd want to ride an Arab if you can ride Copper!

-- A. & I.B. USA & Czech Republic

You really have created Paradise here. The spectacular setting, the exotic birdsong in the morning, the wallabies hopping around the garden, the love and attention you put in for your guests, your love for your horses, all that makes the experience so special. The riding was wonderful- how exciting to fulfill a lifetime dream to gallop along the beach! Manni is my favorite although they are all great. Thank you so much for a wonderful week!

-- H.S. Alberta, Canada

Thank you for a wonderful week. Your horses are so well mannered and enjoyed being on the trail as much as we did! It was a great experience for me to ride endurance horses from Australia who also have a personality of their own. You have made my holiday very special and I hope to return to Australia someday.

-- D.G. Florida

Thank you very much for making our riding holiday experience exploring beautiful Australia everything we'd hoped it would be and more! You spoiled all of us for the future! The horses-especially Aliya & Charly - were great fun and have given us renewed appreciation for arabians. It was truly an experience we will treasure for our lifetime.

-- L.T. & T.M. California

Thank you for a delightful week! Great horses, accommodation and food - the best we have ever experienced on any of our rides. We have done many riding holidays around the world and this one surpassed our expectations. It's wonderful to see how much you care about your horses and they truly were a delight to ride and be around. Thanks for taking such good care of us, for the humour, excellent meals and fun and relaxing atmosphere.

-- B.H., A.P. & J.H. Toronto, Canada

Reading List

Frommer's Australia Guidebook
 Completely updated every year, Frommer's Australia features gorgeous full-color photos of the Outback vistas, curious wildlife, and white-sand beaches that await you. Our authors have lived in and written about Australia for years, so they?re able to provide valuable insights and advice. They'll steer you away from the touristy and the inauthentic and show you the real heart of the land Down Under. Let them take you to exciting cities, Aboriginal homesteads, Barossa Valley vineyards, and natural wonders, from the Wet Tropics Rainforest to Uluru to the Great Barrier Reef. You'll travel Australia like a pro using their candid advice and in-depth knowledge of the culture.

Also included are accurate regional and town maps, up-to-date advice on finding the best package deals, a free color fold-out map, and an online directory that makes trip-planning a snap!

Beach Reading
In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
Nothing seems to deter the intrepid, ever-resourceful Bill Bryson -- and all the better for his many readers. Here he revels in Australia's eccentric characters, dangerous flora and fauna, and other oddities. As has become his custom, he also effortlessly imparts much history in this wildly funny book. Included at the end is a short bibliography. 



Equitrekking Coffee Table Companion Book & DVD

Equitrekking Travel Adventures on Horseback by Darley Newman with Photographs by Chip Ward available at Amazon.com
This companion to the PBS TV series, Equitrekking, proves that the world's most beautiful views are often best seen from atop a horse. This gorgeous book features dozens of scenic rides in the U.S. and around the globe. Denver Post review: For horse folk and dreamers, as well as fans of the show, it's a beautiful trip through stunning equestrian-friendly possibilities.   "



Equitrekking DVD's featuring Emmy winning PBS episodes, available in the Shop section of Equitrekking.com 

Get off the beaten path to see some of the world's most beautiful horses and classic riding destinations with host and equestrian travel expert Darley Newman with Emmy Award-winning Equitrekking, the horseback riding travel series on PBS. 

Season One: Vermont, the Carolinas, Georgia Coast, Wyoming, Colorado and Spain.

Season Two: Iceland, Coastal Ireland, Hawaii's Big Island, Irish Countryside, Maui, Virginia Hunt Country and California Wine Country.

Season Three: Arizona, Belize, Costa Rica, Kentucky, Quebec, Texas and Utah.

Season Four: Southern Spain, Alaska, Central Turkey, Quebec City and Beyond, Scotland and Wales.

    

Good Books for Horse Lovers and Equestrians

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (Paperback) by Temple Grandin
Philosophers and scientists have long wondered what goes on in the minds of animals, and this fascinating study gives a wealth of illuminating insights into that mystery. ---Publishers Weekly

The Horse: A Miscellany of Equine Knowledge (Hardcover) by Julie Whitaker with Ian Whitelaw
The Horse is an informative gallop through everything to do with the horse:  evolution, history, biology, breeds, behavior, training, competition, health, and care—all gathered into an accessible gallery of solid information, essential facts, and fascinating trivia.                                                           

Hunter Seat Equitation (Hardcover) by George H. Morris
A classic by a world-renowned teacher and master equestrian--the definitive work on the art of teaching and riding the hunter seat, now updated to include refinements in Morris's insightful program of riding instruction.

The New Encyclopedia of the Horse (Hardcover) by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
Chronicling the history of the horse, this guide encompasses the early domestication of the horse, classical riding styles, as well as a survey of the great stud farms and current international sporting events.