Equestrian tourism in Australia

By: Nestor Imberti Posted: 18/06/2024

Equestrian tourism in Australia, in Noosa’s Mary Valley, on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland and in Kootingal, New South Wales. Enjoy horse riding during your holidays!

A Young Nation in an Ancient Land

Some of Australia’s ethnic groups have been here for over 60,000 years, but one third of the population have arrived in the last sixty.

This makes Australia's culture a unique blend of ancient and modern.

Being one of the least densely populated countries in the world, Australia offers visitors vast, unpopulated areas of wild outback.

Horseback riding is a way of life in this nation, and they have some of the best horses in the world.

The Australian Brumby is a feral horse that roams freely through rugged bush land and the harsh outback areas of Australia where the breed survives in extreme conditions.

Brumbies are the descendants of escaped or lost horses, dating back in some cases to those belonging to the early European settlers.

The horses in Australia were bred for their stamina and strength, with only the strongest allowed to breed on.

In the 1830s, additional Thoroughbreds were imported into Australia to improve the local strains, and the mid-20th century had infusions from the American Quarter Horse. The Australian Stock Horse ASH) and the Waler Horse Horse share similar roots.

With an array of Equestrian Tourism options, Australia is undoubtedly an interesting destination for horse lovers.

Of all the direct suppliers that this country has, we have selected the following Horse Riding Holiday Programs

Equathon Horse Riding Adventures

Owned and operated by a triple Olympian, Equathon offers horse riding tours on the beach at Noosa North Shore and the Sunshine Coast hinterland, in Australia.

Australian Horse Adventures

With years of experience in horse training and riding education, they offer premium equestrian adventures on the island of Tasmania.

Leconfield

This family-run estate, where you can share and learn some farming skills, is just one hour away from the city of Kootingal, New South Wales.

Mary Valley Adventure Trails

North of Brisbane, on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland lies the scenic Mary Valley.

Adventure Trails offer guided horse riding tours through Queensland's rainforest and farmland in Noosa Hinterland.

Equathon

Located in the beautiful bushland of Sunshine Coast, they specialize in award winning horse riding tours on the beach at Noosa Hinterland.

Offering hourly, private, overnight adventure packages, there is a horse riding experience perfect for riders of any skill level.

If you are looking for something special, you can ask for their private tours with a personalized itinerary, where you will agree all the details of the ride in advance.

Once you arrive, Equathon will choose the right horse for you according to your height, weight, and skill level.

Their Riding Lessons

If learning to ride a horse is on your bucket list, Equathon offers personalized private and group tuition for riders of all ages and abilities.

Their experienced coaches can cater for general riding tuition suitable for a range of riding disciplines with emphasis on dressage and showjumping.

Their goal is to make you confident in the saddle and to provide their students with a solid riding foundation based on universally accepted principles of riding promoted by leading international equestrian federations.

Their experienced coaches are led by triple Olympian, Alex Watson, and can instruct beginners to experienced rider.

All lessons are held at Equathon’s horse property at Verrierdale on the Sunshine Coast, where they have a purpose-built arena and horse working areas for instruction and horse training.

Riding instruction includes a combination of riding in and outside of an arena.

The Hosts

Equathon is owned and operated by triple Olympian, Alex Watson, and his wife Rebecca.

Riders that visit their stables and home benefit from their decades of international equine experience in both sporting and recreational use.

Their home is in the Noosa area, a region with a diversity of beach, bushland and hinterland.

Alex has always been involved in the Olympic Games, first as a competitor and later as a member of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Organizing Committee.

In February 2009, he was appointed as a consultant to new Queensland State Equestrian Centre Planning and Management Team, which was built in Caboolture, South East Queensland.

Their Horses

Carefully trained, Equathon's Australian Stock horses are in excellent physical condition and they have experience in all the terrains where they offer their tours, including the Noosa Trail Network, Noosa North Shore and a wide range of other stunning trails along the Sunshine Coast.

You can find more information about them and their special offer at https://www.equathon.com.

/ All photos in this section are property of Equathon /

Australian Horse Adventures

With a rich history of European colonization, Tasmania is the smallest state in Australia, but its natural beauty and cultural heritage attract many tourists.

The island offers very different landscapes, with mountains, green hills and wild rivers. Over 20% of Tasmania's landmass is listed as “World Heritage” and 10 % is protected as national parks or reserves.

Its temperate climate, with four distinct seasons, makes Tasmania a great year-round travel destination, and the short distances makes it easy to explore it almost entirely on horseback.

Australian Horse Adventures is owned and operated by a Tasmanian couple that is both professional and passionate about horsemanship, and their focus on a deep connection with the equestrian experience delivers you a holiday with a horse, not just on a horse’s back.

With their five-star hospitality, they take care of everything for you. Your accommodation, local food and wine, beverages and transport are all sorted.

A Space with a Positive Impact

At their base Junction Farm, with 900ha of farmland and native bush and more than 10km of river frontage, they have 200ha of pasture under a Carbon Farming initiative, actively improving soil and animal health.

In addition to their 600ha of protected bushland, their current project includes planting 80,000 new native trees.

The irrigation and farm power is 100% solar, and they partner with local and regional land holders, producers and hospitality providers.

Australian Horse Adventures is entrusted by Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife to offer unique riding trails in national park areas and on the fringe of world heritage areas.

Their Programs

Australian Horse Adventures offers a variety of programs with different tours and durations.

Stanley Adventure Tour

This 3 or 5 day tour offers a horse riding adventure at the edge of the world in North West of Tasmania.

Based in Stanley, a historic coastal fishing village, this tour travels along the Bass Strait and through the enchanting surrounding landscape.

From your private waterfront suite with uninterrupted views of Sawyers Bay to the riding base at the historic Highfield House, you'll come across friendly locals keen to show you their beautiful region.

You will traverse pristine beaches and famous North-western farmland on their Arabians.

From serving the finest northwest delights of Cape Grim Beef, fresh caught seafood and locally grown produce to riding along a private access only beach, this experience leaves nothing out.

Tassie Tiger Trail

A ride to discover what makes the island of Tasmania so magical.

On the Tassie Tiger tour, ride through farmland and parks with the people who love and work on the land. You'll be able to share their stories, take in the views, and taste the food this land produces.

On this five-day horse riding holiday adventure you will experience the island's history, culture, industry and wildlife.

This equestrian experience will help you build a beautiful and unique relationship with a magnificent creature – the Arabian horse – to take your holiday experience to the next level.

Other tours include Galloping Gourmet Weekend, where you can visit Carrick and Narawantapu National Park and spend the weekend enjoying the best wines and recipes of Tasmania.

And if you are looking to work on your riding and horsemanship or learn about cattle handling, they also offer special 2 or 4-day programs.

Their Horses and their Vision on Horsemanship

Australian Horse Adventures steeds are their most outstanding asset. They are Arabs and Arab crosses and fit for endurance riding.

For more information: www.australianhorseadventures.com.au/

/ All photos in this section are property of Australian Horse Adventures /

Leconfield - The Original Outback School

Located in Echo Hills, Kootingal, Leconfield offers a ranch life experience in the Australian outback.

It is in a part of the region that makes up the Great Dividing Range, Australia’s most substantial mountain range.

They offer something more than just equestrian tourism, they will show you how a true Australian cowboy’s life is.

Leconfield has two outback schools, which specialize in training young men and women to become cowboys or cowgirls or as spoken in the Australian lexicon, Jackaroos (male) and Jillaroos (female).

Both schools are owned and managed by Brian Skerrett and his son Tim Skerrett.

Located near Tamworth, the heart and soul of Australian country music, Leconfield has belonged to the Skerrett family for four generations.

Both Brian’s and Tim’s love for horses began at a young age.

Brian believes horses are an asset to the human race and like his son sees the relationship riders have with their horse as important and one based on trust.

What Can You Learn?

At their Jackaroo and Jillaroo school (the longest running school in Australia), they will teach you skills needed to do farm work on Australian farms.

You can take a 5 or 11-day program.

You can come and take part in farm training and enjoy five days of fun horseback riding in the nearby trails.

Participants will be trained in many new skills euseful as a preparation for farm work, learn how to ride horses, get to know the farm life in Australia, or perhaps, they just want to find a peaceful place, surrounded by nature to relax.

Their 5-day program includes natural horsemanship lessons and exercises, and you will practice on the trails surrounding the Farm.

Besides, this is an excellent opportunity to learn how to muster sheep and cattle, to catch and saddle horses, and other important farming skills.

All evenings are around the campfire with open-air camp oven cooked meals.

Accommodation in Leconfield, a Special Experience

During your week you’ll be staying on the premises of Leconfield farm. It adds value to the entire farm life experience and creates a team building atmosphere.

The entire ‘shed’, all of the bunks, kitchen, bathroom and even ‘The Beast’ (cast-iron fireplace to heat the inside on cool nights) are made from scratch and materials found on the farm.

The drink water is caught from the sky, the hot water is heated through solar panels, and most of their vegetables and herbs are from their organic garden.

Even the chickens and the ducks provide them with their organic eggs!

Don’t worry if you’re not able to bring a sleeping bag, because they have plenty of blankets and pillows for guests.

There are programs for teenagers, couples and families.

Learn more about them and their services on their web site: www.leconfield.com/about-us/

/ All photos in this section are property of Leconfield /

Mary Valley Adventure Trails

This outfitter offers different types of horse riding activities.

Traditional Horseback Riding

They conduct half-day or full-day rides through Queensland's rainforest.

Three-hour trail rides provide for a full morning or afternoon ride, or both combined, with a picnic lunch along the tour.

What will your ride be like?

After arriving at the stables you will be helped to prepare for the ride.

You will mount the selected horse according to your skill level and experience.

Then, adjustments will be made to the saddle and tack to make your ride safe and comfortable.

Multiple Day Rides

Multiple day rides are conducted through the vast network of trails available.

These rides are perfect for overseas visitors and local clients who want to ride throughout their stay.

You are able to ride the horses out as many days as you wish, and all the rides will start and finish at their ride base, without traversing the same routes.

This is what is known as Centre Based riding holidays.

There is a small number of people in each riding group (approx. 4 – 12), which makes it easy for their guides to lead and assist everyone, making the ride safer for both riders and horses.

On their guided tours, you ride through the trails of the Amamoor, Kandanga and Imbil State Forests with unlimited access through their scenic property.

They provide well fed, well trained and well cared for horses, comfortable saddles, safety helmets and tack, and the horseshoes they use are suitable for the terrain they traverse.

Adventure Trails offers the possibility of tailoring all their rides to suit any group or individual needs.

Another Option to Consider: Riding Lessons

Designed for every level of rider, from beginners to advanced, riding lessons are available if you want to work on your horsemanship and riding skills.

Accommodation

You can either:

Camp at their ride base, using your own equipment or the equipment they provide.

Or, if you are looking for a little more comfort, they will recommend several accommodation facilities in the area, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences.

For more information about Mary Valley, go to http://www.adventuretrails.com.au/

/ All photos in this section are the property of Adventure Trails /

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling Oceania on horseback?

India offers charming and magical horse riding holidays to its visitors. Discover in this guide other destinations in Oceania for your next equestrian trip.

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