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Horseback riding tours
Rides in Australia
Intro to Australia
NSW South Australia Victoria
New Zealand
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Snowy Mountains Lodge Ride
NSW
Australia
Led by experienced guides, riders navigate along bush paths, old stock routes, and fire trails as they wind through forests of majestic snow gums and mountain ash. Our journey meanders through the pristine and unique Australian high country on the southern side of Jindabyne. Enjoy canters along the open plains surrounded by the impressive Snowy Mountains in their blue haze, then wind your way through the bush on tracks used by the wild brumbies. This very scenic part of the Australian Alps, houses a large variety of wildlife such as emus, kangaroos, wombats, and an abundance of bird life including eagles. Herds of wild brumbies roam free and you will venture across numerous reminders of the past- old cattlemen's huts and remains of the gold mining and pioneer days. We will climb up to the peaks to view a magnificent panorama of ranges, valleys and lakes.
Highlighted on the trek are the gourmet lunches, carried by the trusty pack‑horse! Riders are treated to a sumptuous selection of delicacies- delicious salads, meats, pate & cheeses. A cool bottle of Australian white wine and fruit juices are included to refresh at lunch. An average distance of approximately 30 km a day is covered so sit back with a cup of our billy tea and breathe in that wonderful fresh air! At the end of each exhilarating day in the saddle there are hot showers to recuperate and some good old fashioned country hospitality to enjoy; an excellent three course meal to delight in followed by cozy evenings around the log fire place.
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Meeting:
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Old Ingebirah
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Airport:
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Canberra
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Transfer:
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Cooma
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2009 | 2010
Rates include:
Accommodation in a picturesque mountain homestead on 6 nights, all meals (including soft drinks, wine with evening meals and gourmet lunches), quality horse and equipment and use of oil coat, 5 riding days.
| A | 2009 | 7 day Lodge Ride, AP | 7d / 6n | $1990 | $1855 |
| kids under 16 - 10% off | $0 | $0 |
| Additional day with dinner | $150 | $140 |
| B | 2009 | 7 day Lodge Ride, AP | 7d / 6n | $2090 | $1945 |
| kids under 16 - 10% off | $0 | $0 |
| Additional day with dinner | $175 | $165 |
Transfer Option:
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2009
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Transfer from Cooma p.p. return
- to be paid locally
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$
155
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$145
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2009
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Transfer from Jindabyne Bus Terminal p.p. return
- to be paid locally
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$
75
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$70
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Fly into Canberra and use the shuttle to Cooma - from there we can arrnge a transfer for you. Look out for airline schedules - they may open up flights into Cooma from Sydney again.
Arrival is at 5 pm. Departure is at 9 am on last day of the 7 day treks.
Day 1: Arrive in time for dinner and settle in. The first evening is an opportunity to get acquainted with your hosts and group that you will be riding with. Over dinner we find out more about people's riding backgrounds and experience in order to match them with their ‘perfect mount’ and answer questions about the trek.
Day 2: Breakfast. On the first morning we ensure that everyone has a horse and equipment that will suit them. Mount up and ride out. We ride out through the varied and scenic 800 acres of Old Ingebyrah. Cattle graze peacefully next to resident emus, wallabies and wombats on the plains and once we climb into the mountain foothills Lyre birds flit across shady trails ahead of us. As we ride up into the surrounding Ingebyrah State Forest, brumbies are often seen in green grassy clearings amongst the forests of towering Alpine Ash. This loop ride of around 30km takes us into the beautiful forests of the Snowy Mountains and through brumby country where, if lucky, we are rewarded with sights of wild horses.
Day 3: Riders set off into the mountains, crossing snow grass plains to find the source of Rendezvous Creek and follow it down on narrow, twisting brumby trails. Enjoy canters up grassy hills and sightings of the plains animals in the afternoon; kangaroo, emu, deer, echidna and wombats are all to be found.
Day 4: Riders set off down the valley to visit old homestead ruins and then climb over the top of the range for a lunch with a view. Excellent views of The Charcoal Range, Main Range and Ingebyrah Valley are a highlight for groups willing to put in a big day. After a ‘Man from Snowy River Descent’ we travel across undulating, open and wooded country.
Day 5: Ride towards Thredbo, penetrating further into the mountains, this day leads through forests of snowgums, following the brumby and fire trails. Stopping at remains of old stockmen’s huts and old gold mining camps. Crossing the Little Boggy Plain, surrounded by mountains in their blue haze, climbing to peaks high above. Dinner and overnight.
Day 6: This can be a final challenge of steep mountainous country, penetrating even further and higher into the mountains or an easygoing ride at a relaxed pace. When there is mustering to be done on the property groups are able to participate in a days stock work on horseback - it will be up to the group.
Day 7: Breakfast and departure after farewell.
**Riding average is 20 miles a day, 5-7 hours in loop rides from the homestead. Every day covers different ground, with lots of variety in the landscape. All the riding is in pristine Snowy Mountain country, varying from open country to densely wooded steep mountain terrain and allowing ample time for photography and little stops along the way.
Meeting:
Old Ingebirah
Airport:
Canberra
Transfer:
Cooma
Distance:
60 km - 1hr
Fly into Canberra and use the shuttle to Cooma - from there we can arrnge a transfer for you. Look out for airline schedules - they may open up flights into Cooma from Sydney again.
Arrival is at 5 pm. Departure is at 9 am on last day of the 7 day treks.
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Tack:
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Australian Stock Saddles
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Horses:
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Australian Stock Horse,
and Clydesdale and Quarter crosses
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Pace:
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All paces, 6-7 hours per day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(2.5
out of 5) Low Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
7
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Max
90
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
1 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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The Riding:
Experienced guides lead riders along bush trails, old stock routes, fire and brumby trails. Riding average is 20 miles a day, 5-7 hours. Every day covers different ground, with lots of variety in the landscape. All the riding is in pristine Snowy Mountain country, varying from open country, to densely wooded steep mountain terrain. Allowing ample time for photography and little stops along the way.
The Horses:
Our partners pride themselves on the condition and temperament of their horses. Horses are carefully matched to riders, considering ability, requirement and even personality.With 6 or more riders we have 2 guides. Due to Insurance regulations in Australia riding helmets are mandatory!
The Saddles:
Australian Stock Saddles and Australian made leather tack are used at Snowy River Horseback Adventure. We are currently purchasing a number of quality saddles from Lyle Kent and Sons and have found them to be strong, comfortable, reliable saddles.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart. Visas Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: (a) those continuing their journey to . more
Average temperature yearly for Cooma, NSW
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Annual
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Mean maximum temp (°C)
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27.5
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26.6
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24.4
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19.5
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14.9
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11.3
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10.8
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13.2
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16.8
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20.3
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23.4
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26.3
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Mean minimum temp (°C)
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11.0
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10.9
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8.8
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5.0
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1.2
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-0.4
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-1.8
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-0.8
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1.7
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4.5
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7.3
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9.5
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Average rainfall for Cooma, NSW
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Unit
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sept
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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mm
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56.0
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52.9
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76.8
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41.9
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37.1
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38.5
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20.8
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23.6
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35.3
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58.0
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57.1
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41.6
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inches
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2.2
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2.1
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3.0
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1.6
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1.5
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1.5
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0.8
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0.9
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1.4
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2.3
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2.2
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1.6
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Driza-Bone oilskin
jackets are supplied for the duration of the trek, but please ensure to include
some warm clothing and gloves in case of cool weather. Wearing layers of
clothing is a very effective way of staying comfortable. Long sleeved shirts are
recommended as protection against sunburn. Hard hats are supplied and must be
worn for safety reasons, you may bring your own if it conforms to Australian
safety ratings. Close fitting jeans, jodhpurs or moleskins are the best leg wear
and chaps or chapettes will protect the lower leg from chaffing. Alternatively
stockings worn underneath will help avoid discomfort if you are not a regular
rider. Riding boots or boots with a heel and without a rough or chunky sole are
required to prevent feet from getting caught in the stirrups. Also handy are sun
screen, insect repellent, lip cream and of course your camera.
You can also
bring a fishing rod, to try your luck in the many trout streams in the area. If
you play a musical instrument, it would be great to bring it along for those
evenings, at the lodges.
Hard hats are MANDATORY for
safety reasons. Please try to keep your luggage to a comfortable minimum on the
trek; atmosphere at all the lodges is homely and relaxed. All linen and towels
are provided.
The luggage is transported by four-wheel drive
back-up vehicle to the accommodation for the night, selected lodges in lovely
locations, they don't have bar facilities, some wine is served with our meals,
but you are welcome to bring along your favorite wines or beers and any
alcoholic beverages, for a pre or after dinner drinks. We can also purchase
anything for you as our back up vehicle goes into Jindabyne nearly every day.
An appointment for a massage can
be arranged, preferably with a day’s notice or more. Cost is ~$85 for an hour,
$50 for half-hour (min 2 people).
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this list is only a guideline
for you |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
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Flight tickets |
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Passport |
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Visa (check with your consulate) |
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RIDING GEAR |
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if
possible!) |
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Riding boots + Minichaps |
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Riding helmet (mandatory) |
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Riding gloves |
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun
protection |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
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Long sleeved shirts |
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
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Jeans |
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Shorts |
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Underwear and socks |
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Pajama |
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Bag for dirty clothes |
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Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
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Swimsuit |
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Bandana |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
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Personal Toiletries |
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Insect protection |
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Personal medications |
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Sore cream (for the emergency) |
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Sewing kit |
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Handkerchiefs |
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Adapter for electric appliances |
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Camera and enough extra films |
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Belt pack |
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Address book and pen (for pictures
postcards!) |
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Sun glasses with strap |
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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Water canteen |
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Flashlight |
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Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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laura gatewood
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3/27/2007
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melanie bass
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5/2/2006
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herb poppe
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5/21/2002
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodation is provided at “Old Ingebirah” homestead, spacious and homely, it is the center of a large working cattle property. Many a fun night is spent around the pool table or in the comfort of a lazy lounge chair, relaxing in front of the fireplace. The lodge has gracious lounge, dining and games rooms. Accommodation is mostly twin share or double, depending on the make up and size of the group, sometimes singles have their own room and other times they share. We always try to space people out as much as possible. Bathroom facilities are shared and all linen and towels are provided.
The lodgings have loads of atmosphere in beautiful bushland, surrounded by mountains and lakes. At the end of an exhilarating day in the saddle, there is nothing like a hot shower to recuperate and then enjoy country hospitality with a three course meal and a cozy open fire.
Meals
A highlight of every day on the trek is the gourmet lunch, carried along by our trusty pack horse. Riders are treated to a sumptuous selection of delicacies, pate' and cheeses. A chilled bottle of Australian white wine or fruit juices are all part of this delicious picnic out in the bush. Feeling thoroughly fulfilled, sit back with a cup of billy tea and enjoy.
Some samples of our gourmet lunches are:
Appetisers: Black pepper pate, Camembert, Sun-dried tomato and herb cheese served with selected crackers and marinated olives.
Main: Freshly cooked corned beef with creamy potato salad.
Green bean salad, beetroot and foccacia bread.
Dessert: Chocolate brownies and fresh fruit of the season, billy tea or coffee.
Appetisers: Hungarian salami, Chives cheese and Sundried tomatoe Camembert cheese served with selected crackers, gherkins and green olives.
Main: Marinated ovenbaked chickenwings, curried pasta, egg and ham salad, cucumber salad, potato and herb bread.
Dessert: Carrot & Pecan cake, fresh fruit of the season, billy tea or coffee.
Appetisers: Smoked trout pate, Blue Vein, South Coast Vintage cheese, with selected crackers and olives.
Main: Green Peppercorn Loaf, coleslaw, mixed bean salad, cheese and bacon rolls.
Dessert: Lamingtons, fresh fruit, billy coffee or tea.
Gourmet lunches are served with a bottle of chilled Australian dry white wine, or a dry red wine and fruit juices.
Dinner at the Chalets:
Our dinners are served with a chilled dry white, or a dry red wine
and iced spring water.
Entree: Smoked trout salad
Main: Fillet Mignon a la Creme, Hasselback potatoes, Seasonal fresh vegetables.
Dessert: Grandma's Chocolate Mouse.
Entree: Caesar salad
Main: Seafood Mornay with rice, seasonal fresh vegetables.
Dessert: Fresh berries with berry icecream.
Entree: Pumpkin soup
Main: Rack of Lamb Tarragon, creamed garlic potatoes, seasonal fresh vegetables.
Dessert: Applecrumble and icecream
Special dietary requirements can be catered for.
Your Guides and hosts:
Glen Dixon has worked as a stockman and managed large grazing properties on the Monaro since his early twenties. Glen has a great love and interest in the Snowy Mountains, its beautiful natural landscapes, wildlife and history and a commitment to the region and the people who call the Mountains home. A life long passion for and involvement with horses and his experience exploring our high country via horseback makes Glen the ideal guide and companion for your mountain adventure.
Danielle Ternes also shares with Glen that abiding love and respect for horses, and has been involved in most sports and disciplines that involve them. Danielle's formal background lies in teaching and Outdoor Education. Having worked for industry leader Outward Bound Australia for four years, she is an adept and well qualified guide. Danielle has worked for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coordinating a Discovery Walks Talks and Tours Program for the Far South Coast Region and for the Department of Sport and Recreation in Jindabyne. She comments, "it is a real joy interpreting the natural marvels of the Australian landscape and via horseback is the best way to see it".
Evelyn has operated a Bed and Breakfast for many years and takes pride in providing great hospitality. Working here lets her combine outdoor life with her love for fine food and entertaining.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
The Riding:
Experienced guides lead riders along bush trails, old stock routes, fire and brumby trails. Riding average is 20 miles a day, 5-7 hours. Every day covers different ground, with lots of variety in the landscape. All the riding is in pristine Snowy Mountain country, varying from open country, to densely wooded steep mountain terrain. Allowing ample time for photography and little stops along the way.
The Horses:
Our partners pride themselves on the condition and temperament of their horses. Horses are carefully matched to riders, considering ability, requirement and even personality.With 6 or more riders we have 2 guides. Due to Insurance regulations in Australia riding helmets are mandatory!
The Saddles:
Australian Stock Saddles and Australian made leather tack are used at Snowy River Horseback Adventure. We are currently purchasing a number of quality saddles from Lyle Kent and Sons and have found them to be strong, comfortable, reliable saddles.
|
Tack:
|
|
Australian Stock Saddles
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Australian Stock Horse,
and Clydesdale and Quarter crosses
|
|
Pace:
|
|
All paces, 6-7 hours per day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
out of 5) Low Intermediate
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
7
|
Max
90
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
1 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
The Riding:
Experienced guides lead riders along bush trails, old stock routes, fire and brumby trails. Riding average is 20 miles a day, 5-7 hours. Every day covers different ground, with lots of variety in the landscape. All the riding is in pristine Snowy Mountain country, varying from open country, to densely wooded steep mountain terrain. Allowing ample time for photography and little stops along the way.
The Horses:
Our partners pride themselves on the condition and temperament of their horses. Horses are carefully matched to riders, considering ability, requirement and even personality.With 6 or more riders we have 2 guides. Due to Insurance regulations in Australia riding helmets are mandatory!
The Saddles:
Australian Stock Saddles and Australian made leather tack are used at Snowy River Horseback Adventure. We are currently purchasing a number of quality saddles from Lyle Kent and Sons and have found them to be strong, comfortable, reliable saddles.
Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart.
Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) those continuing their journey to a third country (who hold confirmation of booking and documentation to enter country) within eight hours of arriving in Australia.
All other nationals must obtain a transit visa before travel if intending to remain in Australia no longer than 72 hours and a stopover is intended. Transit visas are free of charge.
Note: (a) Not all airports remain open all night; travellers should check with the airline. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the Department of Immigration at the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
Australian visa regulations (including visa application charges) change from time to time. The information provided here is valid at the time of publication, but visitors should check that this information is still current by visiting the Department of Immigration online (website: www.immi.gov.au) or by calling the Australian Immigration and Citizenship 24-hour Information Service (tel: 0906 550 8900, in the UK; calls cost £1 per minute).
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visas
The ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia for tourism, short-term business or elective study purposes, that allows multiple entries for stays of up to three months for people from certain countries (see below). The ETA is valid for 12 months from date of issue, or for the life of the passport if it is less than 12 months. An ETA is invisible and therefore will not show up in your passport.
All nationals referred to in the chart are eligible for an ETA except: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
N/A |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
N/A |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
N/A |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
Other types of visa
Visitors not eligible for an ETA, or seeking a longer stay than an ETA offers, may apply for Tourist (Non ETA) and Business Short-stay (Non ETA) visas.
There are also student visas, employers' visas for overseas workers and sponsored family visitor visas available; enquire at the Australian high commission.
Types of Visa and Cost
ETAs: Visitor/Short Validity Business: Free of charge. Business Visitor (Long Validity): A$75.
Note: A service fee of A$20 is charged when applying for an ETA online through the DIMIA ETA website. Some travel agents and airlines issuing ETAs also charge a processing fee.
Non-ETAs: Tourist and Business Short-stay visas: A$75.
Visa fees are generally adjusted on 1 July each year.
Validity
Visitor ETAs are valid for 12 months from date of issue (or until the passport expires, whichever comes first) and permit multiple entries into Australia for a stay of up to three months on each visit. Short Validity Business ETAs are valid for 12 months from date of issue (or until the passport expires, whichever comes first) with stays of up to three months on each visit and can be used for single or multiple entry travel. Business Visitor (Long Validity) ETAs are valid for 10 years (or the life of the passport) and permit multiple entries for a stay of up to three months for each visit.
For non-ETA visas, the validity varies according to the type of visa, the purpose of the trip and the validity of the passport. Visas are usually valid from three to 12 months. The validity will be stated on the visa label in your passport.
Applications to:
ETA: Authorised travel agents or airlines; by telephone; some nationals may apply online through the main Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) (website: www.eta.immi.gov.au) (Visitor and Short Validity Business ETAs only).
Non-ETA: Australian embassies, high commissions and consulates; see Contact Addresses.
There is a Tourist Short-Stay visa available online (website: www.eta.immi.gov.au) for all nationals referred to in chart above.
Working Days Required
ETA: When issued through DIMIA’s ETA website, or through travel agents or airline offices, usually processed and valid immediately or within three working days.
Non-ETA: 10-15 working days.
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Snowy Mountains Lodge Ride
Tour Code: IT-AUIR01
7 days /
6 nights
~$1,855.00
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Horsemanship Trek
Tack:
Australian Stock Saddles
Horses:
Australian Stock Horse,
and Clydesda...
Pace:
All paces, 6-7 hours per day
Walk, Trot, Canter,
Airport:
Canberra
Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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