This program is designed for experienced riders who are looking for a quality riding holiday on well trained and groomed horses. The quality of the horses and the special training determine the pace of the rides with long trot and gallop distances.
Starting point is an idyllically situated farm in the Lorne Valley. From there you ride through beautiful forests and farmland, enjoying first class food and service.

During the week you will ride through very different landscapes of New South Wales. Along the way you will encounter many animals and with a bit of luck you might spot koalas in the trees of the forest or dolphins on a beach ride. You ride along small trails through 20,000 hectares of forest with rainforest, eucalyptus forests and waterfalls. Again and again creeks have to be crossed. The paths down to the coast lead along narrow mountain ridges and later through slightly hilly farmland.
You visit a winery where you can taste the local wines or a typical Australian pub. Here you can try regional specialities that taste twice as good after a ride along the Pacific Ocean with its miles of beaches.

The Comboyne Plateau is farmland. From the highest point you have a magnificent 360-degree view. In the evening you can relax by the swimming pool, enjoy the view from the veranda of your private cottage or sit with your fellow riders and listen to stories and have a drink. Dinner is served at the lodge. During the cooler months next to a crackling open fire, in summer on the veranda.

Itinerary

Star rides

Day 1: Arrival in the afternoon; transfer from Kendall Station or Port Macqaurie. Program meeting and dinner.

Day 2: You will ride through the hilly eucalyptus and rainforests of the Kerewong State Forest. The lunch picnic awaits you along a river in the forest. Here you can take a refreshing swim in a small natural pool. Back at the farm you will be spoilt for choice between a relaxing massage (bookable on site), relaxing by the pool or a "bush walk". But you might also want to end the evening in a relaxed atmosphere, watch the horses and kangaroos graze and feed the parrots and numerous other native birds.

Day 3: Beautiful ride to Comboyne Mountain (670m), the top of which you can see from the farm. From the highest point you have a fantastic panoramic view while enjoying your well-deserved picnic. In the afternoon you will ride back to the farm.

Day 4: Today you will go on a long day´s ride starting at a historic railway line to a winery. Along the way there are numerous opportunities to observe Australian wildlife. After the ride you can taste the local produce and relax with a view of the vineyards. Transfer back to the riding centre.

Day 5: The Pacific calls! On the tour you will look out for dolphins playing in the waves. And kangaroos will also cross the path. Lunch will be served in the dunes or in a local café.
Today you still have the possibility to go on a whale watching tour (May - November) or visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie.

Day 6: Ride to the Comboyne Plateau over the green, hilly and fertile farmland. On clear days you can see as far as the Pacific Ocean. In the evening farewell dinner with a hearty Australian barbeque.

Day 7: Departure after breakfast; transfer to Kendall train station or Port Macquarie.

Riding program will be adapted to the weather conditions.


Expected again from 2020: Riding tour

Day 1: Arrival in the afternoon; transfer from Kendall Station or Port Macqaurie. Program meeting and dinner.

Day 2: Introductory ride through the eucalyptus and rainforest, overnight on the farm.

Day 3: Ride to a nearby valley, lunch picnic at a hidden waterfall. Today you will stay overnight on a small alpaca farm or alternatively in a comfortable B&B.

Day 4: After a hearty breakfast you will ride to the Comboyne Plateau. On the way you will pass the Flat Rock Lookout. From here you have a wonderful view into the valley. Your accommodation today is a unique resort on the Comboyne Plateau. From here you have an unforgettable view of the coast and the sea. Relax your stressed muscles in the whirlpool on the veranda.

Day 5: Ride through farmland and vast forests. From the Comboyne Plateau you ride back to the starting point.

Day 6: Fantastic ride on the beach (like the star ride program). With a little luck you will see dolphins jumping in the waves.

Day 7: Departure after breakfast; transfer to Kendall Station or Port Macquarie.

Note: If the minimum number of participants for the riding tour is not reached (only one rider booked), the tour will be changed to the star rides.

Accomodation
The comfortable guest house on the farm was built in 2007 and the atmosphere is familiar and private. Double or single rooms with shower/WC are available.
The 25 hectare property has a swimming pool and a wide veranda where you can relax after a day of riding and enjoy the wide view over the horse pastures, the garden with native plants and the valley.
At lunchtime the picnic is either brought by the accompanying vehicle or stowed in the saddlebags. In the evening good food with international and local specialities, table wine and coffee.

Rooms mainly with private bathroom, but depending on the group composition, two participants may share a bathroom for a few nights.

The riding groups consist of maximum 4 riders. Your host speaks fluent English, German and Dutch.

Saddle & Tack: English Endurance saddles, comfortable and gentle for rider and horse back. English snaffles or bitless bridle.
Wearing a safety helmet is mandatory. Helmets and chaps can be rented.

Experience: You should be safe in all gaits and in different terrain. Daily 4-6 hours in the saddle (beach ride: about 2-3 hours).
Small groups of maximum 4 riders.

Horses: Forward going thoroughbred Arabs and Arabian quarterhorse mix.
All year round group keeping in the paddock; the horses are well balanced and sure-footed.