Horse Riding In Australia’s Victoria State

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30th November -0001

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Dude Ranch Trail Rides are on the northeast outskirts of the metropolitan area (Extons Road, Kinglake).

Upper Plenty Trail Rides, in Wallan Whittlesea Rd, Upper Plenty, operate trail rides through Mount Disappointment State Forest and 200ha of private property. Two and three hour rides can be arranged on weekends (depart 10am or 2pm). Overnight trails are also available for groups of 10 or more (there is no set schedule for these longer rides, phone to arrange by appointment). Lunch is provided on full-day rides.

The Mornington Peninsula coast

Gunnamatta Trail Rides specialise in leading rides along St Andrews beach they’re licensed by Parks Victoria to leave footprints in the sand and local bushland. They own about 80 horses but try to limit rides to smaller groups of eight to 10 people. The emphasis for beginners is on learning to ride on the trail. There’s also more easy-going bush rides for absolute beginners and children. Gunnamatta Trail Rides say they attract riders from all walks of life – schools and colleges, day-trippers, international and interstate visitors and community groups. The centre has been operating since 1980 and was awarded a 1999 Victorian Tourism Award. You can find out more by visiting www.gannamatta.com.au

Spring Creek Farm in Main Ridge stretches over 25 acres of rural tranquillity and offers something a little different – horseback winery – where you can ride through the vineyard region of Red Hill and Shoreham. Along the way, you get the chance to taste wines at wineries such as Montalto, Tucks Ridge, Red Hill Estate, Mantons Creek, T'Gallant and Ten Minutes by Tractor Wine Company, then enjoy a great lunch at one of these award winning wineries or a gourmet BBQ by the lake at the farm.

The Great Ocean Road coast

Blazing Saddles Trail Rides is only a few minutes drive from the hub of Aireys Inlet, between open pastures and the Angahook-Lorne State Park. There are many trails that lead through the state park or you can take a ride along the spectacular coastline and beaches from one-hour to one-day rides. Blazing Saddles’ specialty is twilight rides in summer.

Rundell’s tend to specialise in offering riding experiences for beginners, and provide riding boots, oilskins and safety helmets. More experienced riders would probably enjoy the 360 degree views of coastal Warrnambool and surrounding areas afforded from the Rundell’s track anyway. The Portland operation conducts longer rides through the State Forest up to four days camping overnight, with a horse-drawn wagon accompanying the ride to transport equipment. The terrain is flatter country, with some hilly areas along the beach.

The Grampians

Reportedly the last riding school left in the Grampians, Cameron McDonald of the Grampians Horse Riding Centre says horses are his life, not just his business. Indeed, the 18 horses from which you can choose are all members of his family and the emphasis at the centre is on personal attention. You will be supplied with riding boots and Drizabone if weather necessitates, as well as a hat. Riders are encouraged to travel at their own pace, according to skill level, and there are predetermined meeting points to regroup. Cameron’s web site also warrants that during your trek through the 1000 acres of dedicated riding country (which includes an outdoor arena and small obstacle courses), you’ll see three varieties of kangaroo, 120 species of bird life and lots of wildflowers along the way. The centre is located at the foothills of the spectacular Grampians National Park, next door to the Wartook State Forest (which they seldom use because their own land is more suitable).

Country Victoria (within two hours of Melbourne

Pretty Sally Trail Rides are only 40 minutes from Melbourne (turn off the Hume Highway on to the Northern Highway at the Kilmore, Bendigo or Echuca turn-offs). There are 50 horses from which to choose and the centre is open during the week for corporate rides by request. Rides across the undulating hills range from one and a half hours to a full day, and also overnight rides.

Mt Buller Road at Merrijig, is Merrijig Lodge and Trail Rides.

Owner/operator Chris Dunlop has been in the Merrijig area for 30 years and set up Merrijig Lodge in 1982 and then Merrijig Trail Rides in 1990. In 2001 Chris purchased a rival trail riding business, Mount View Safaris. The two trail riding businesses have now been combined to form High Country Horses and run approximately 65 horses on rides ranging from two hours to eight days.

The extended ‘camp-out rides’ travel up the headwaters of the Delatite River over the summit of Mt Stirling, to Craig's Hut and down into the lush King River Valley, through forests of majestic Alpine Ash and the twisted, gnarled multi coloured snow gums. For the more adventurous spirits, Chris runs rides into the mysterious Wonangatta Valley, the beautiful Howqua Valley, and the surrounding areas of Mt Howitt, Mt Cobbler, Mt Magdala, the Bluff and beyond. These are just a few of the horse riding centres in Victoria, that give you a flavour for what’s on offer, for more check through your travel agent or contact the RACV

So for a holiday with a difference why not combine a visit to Australia’s Victoria State and the highlights and luxury of Melbourne with a few days or even a weeks horse riding break in one of the worlds most open and beautiful territories.