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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Australia
Intro to Australia
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New Zealand
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Gold Rush Trail and Beach Ride
Queensland
Australia
This is a complete seven day, six night riding tour in Queensland with five days of riding featuring the best beach and bush trails of Noosa, the Sunshine Coast hinterland and the Fraser Coast and South Burnett.
The rides will take you riding along the beach in Noosa, through a variety of the best rainforest and bush trails in the Mary Valley and into the Australian beef country to muster on selected private cattle properties. You will be amazed by the scenery and wildlife - kangaroos, koalas, hundreds of native Australian birds including many species of colorful parrots. Experience world-class riding on the back of beautiful Australian Stock Horses.
Join us on an all inclusive tour with horses, saddlery, local transport, quality accommodations, great guides and hosts and fine regional foods. The trips are led by triple Olympian Alex Watson and professional staff and guides.
There are some great canters over the wide open beaches and an opportunity to muster cattle when the ride heads inland. You ride 3 to 5 hours on most days, leaving enough free time to relax, explore the local towns or go for a swim. At night you stay in comfortable B&Bs full of Aussie character and a luxury beach resort with spa, pools and in-room massage options.
The climate in this region is reputed to be one to the best in the world. Winters are mild and during summer cooling sea breezes make for a good riding experience.
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Progressive Ride (no camping) Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Noosa Heads
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Airport:
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Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) or Brisbane
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Transfer:
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Sunshine Coast Airport at 12pm
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
8 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
Video
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
6 nights accommodations, 3 daily meals, 5.5 guided riding days (3.5 - 5 hours in saddle daily), safety helmets, group transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport, Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%
| A | 2013 | 7 day Lodge Ride, AP | 7d / 6n | $2800 | $2830 |
| Single supplement | $330 | $335 |
| Non-rider Rate | $1500 | $1515 |
| B | 2013 | 7 day Lodge Ride, AP combined w/ Melbourne Cup / Snowy River Tour | 7d / 6n | $5200 | $5255 |
Rates Note:
Please email/telephone HT to inquire about the price for the special Melbourne Cup / Snowy River departure! May be subject to change.
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
|
Transfer is included from the Sunshine Coast Airport at 12-noon
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$
0
|
$0
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|
2013
|
Private transfer from Brisbane airport - per person, each way
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$
75
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$75
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It is approximately a 1.5 to 2 hours drive from Brisbane or Brisbane Airport to Noosa (depending on traffic).
A group transfer is available from the Sunshine Coast airport or hotel is included around 12 o'clock noon on Day 1.
A private transfer from the Brisbane airport (85 miles) can be arranged at an additional charge (to be paid locally).
Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
|
| A |
2013
|
03/24
- 03/30
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7d / 6n
|
7 day Lodge Ride, AP
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2
/8
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
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04/14
- 04/20
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7d / 6n
|
7 day Lodge Ride, AP
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
04/28
- 05/04
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Lodge Ride, AP
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
05/12
- 05/18
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Lodge Ride, AP
|
2
/8
|
Expired
|
| A |
2013
|
05/26
- 06/01
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7d / 6n
|
7 day Lodge Ride, AP
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2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
06/16
- 06/22
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7d / 6n
|
7 day Lodge Ride, AP
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2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
07/07
- 07/13
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7d / 6n
|
7 day Lodge Ride, AP
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2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
07/21
- 07/27
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7d / 6n
|
7 day Lodge Ride, AP
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2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
08/04
- 08/10
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7d / 6n
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7 day Lodge Ride, AP
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2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
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08/18
- 08/24
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7d / 6n
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7 day Lodge Ride, AP
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2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
09/01
- 09/07
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7d / 6n
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7 day Lodge Ride, AP
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2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2013
|
10/13
- 10/19
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7d / 6n
|
7 day Lodge Ride, AP
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2
/8
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2013
|
10/19
- 10/25
|
7d / 6n
|
7 day Lodge Ride, AP combine...
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2
/8
|
Reserve
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| A |
2013
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11/24
- 11/30
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7d / 6n
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7 day Lodge Ride, AP
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2
/8
|
Reserve
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Additional dates are available for groups of 4+ only
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Rates do not include:
Alcoholic beverages - can be purchased separately at the accommodation venues, transfer from Brisbane airport (private)

Itinerary:
Day 1 On arrival you will be transferred to Amamoor Lodge in the heart of the
Mary River Valley and introduced to our hosts for the next two days,
Cynthia and John Hayes. Amamoor Lodge is nestled on 50 picturesque
acres with mountain views. Amamoor Lodge has a working Cobb & Co.
Coach, sulky and carriage and resident harness horses driven by host,
John. There are also resident wildlife – wallabies, koalas, echidnas,
possums and birdlife. Depending on your arrival time, today will include a ride orientation
at either the equestrian centreeor Amamoor Lodge. This introduction
will include a short familiarization session on basic horsemanship and
caring for your horse. Time permitting; it will be followed by a short
introduction ride In the early evening there are drinks and then
dinner at Amamoor Lodge. (1 - 2 hrs of riding)
Day 2 An early breakfast and then prepare for departure to Charlie Moreland
Conservation Reserve. Today you ride through beautiful state forest and
rainforest country west of Kenilworth for approximately four hours.
Stop for lunch at McGinn’s Café in Kenilworth. This afternoon travel
through the beautiful Obi Obi Valley on the way to Mapleton and
Montville, towns high on the Blackall Range. Then return to Amamoor
Lodge for drinks and dinner. (3.5 to 5 hrs of riding)
Day 3 After breakfast head off for "The Left Bank" at Kilkivan, where you
will be staying for the next two nights. Kilkivan is the place where
gold was first discovered in Queensland and led to a gold-rush in the
area which finally centred itself around the historic town of Gympie.
The Left Bank is an historic building as it was the former Union Bank in
Kilkivan. After being shown to your rooms, have a delicious morning
tea. Mid morning start on the Wongella Trail Ride for approximately
four hours – part of the trails which make up the annual Kilkivan Great
Horse Ride. During this ride you will pass through a variety of open
range country and an area called the Valley of the Grasstrees. The ride
will include a special BBQ lunch served by Bruce Hurley at Mudlo
National Park entrance. Local historian and bush poet, Mike Webb may
entertain us with some of his talents. After lunch transfer back to The
Left Bank. You can go out and explore the town or just relax and have
dinner at approximately 7 pm. (4 hrs of riding)
Day 4 Not such an early breakfast this morning and then depart for ‘Jaylyn
Downs’ an Australian Stock Horse Stud of over 10,000 acres of riding
country and nearly 200 horses, plus quite a few cattle. Justin and
Lyndal Hafey are our hosts today. Mount up and ride through the property looking for herds of cattle or
horses to be mustered. After stopping for lunch the afternoon will
include a visit to Goomeri and the Emporium (a well known riding store
in the area). Time permitting, you may be able to visit the local
saddler, Trevor Scott and the Goomeri Pub. Then it is back for drinks
and dinner at The Left Bank. (4 hrs of riding)
Day 5 After breakfast with bags packed transfer to Kin Kin in the heart of
the Noosa Trail Network. Arriving at Kin Kin’s Country Life Hotel, help
prepare the horses and then mount up to ride the Noosa Trail Network.
Usually the ride is a loop, riding for approximately 3-4 hrs, complete
with ocean and hinterland views. Your light lunch today is at the Kin
Kin Pub. After lunch transfer to your accommodation for the next two
nights. Either Noosa Springs Resort and Spa or Noosa Blue. Both have
swimming pools and pampering facilities. Dinner tonight will be at one of Noosa’s quality restaurants. (3 hrs of riding)
Day 6 After breakfast head over to the equestrian center and ride through the
bush to the spectacular Laguna Bay and Teewah Beach for a memorable
ride along the pristine Noosa North Shore. Returning to Noosa for a
light lunch then return to your accommodation and spend the afternoon
relaxing with a massage, spa treatments (payable locally) or explore
Noosa’s famous Hastings Street, beach or National Parks.
Before dinner your host Alex, will arrive to settle any extra accounts
(airport transfers and product purchases, if any) and then
transport you another restaurant on Gympie Terrace along the Noosa
River precinct or Hastings Street for your last dinner together. There
will be many stories to tell around the table tonight. (3 hrs of riding).
Day 7 Transfer back to the airport in time for your flight or your own onward arrangements for the rest of your stay in Australia.
--Subject to changes.

Meeting:
Noosa Heads
Airport:
Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) or Brisbane
Train station:
Cooroy
Transfer:
Sunshine Coast Airport at 12pm
Distance:
25 / 85 miles
It is approximately a 1.5 to 2 hours drive from Brisbane or Brisbane Airport to Noosa (depending on traffic).
A group transfer is available from the Sunshine Coast airport or hotel is included around 12 o'clock noon on Day 1.
A private transfer from the Brisbane airport (85 miles) can be arranged at an additional charge (to be paid locally).
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Tack:
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Australian Stock Saddles (similar to or English tack
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Horses:
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Australian Stock Horses
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Pace:
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We ride at all paces depending upon the riding level of our guests. If we have a mixed group of riders we take additional guides so that the group can be split and ride at different paces. During our tour we walk, trot, canter and occasionally gallop.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate to Advanced
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Age:
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Min
10
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Max
80
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Weight:
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|
Max
220 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
8 riders
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RIDING LEVEL
We ride at all paces depending upon the riding level of our guests. If we have a mixed group of riders we take additional guides so that the group can be split and ride at different paces. - therefore this ride is suitable for all riding levels. During our tour we walk, trot, canter and occasionally gallop. The terrain is a mixture of semi-tropical rain forest, pastures and beaches. Riders will be going up and down hills and through rivers and occasionally chasing cattle. We don’t typically swim the horses unless it is a special request.
Most rides range from 2 hours to 4.5 hours depending on the trail, time of year, weather and any other relevant conditions. Longer or shorter rides can be arranged where possible.
HELMETS
We recommend all guests wear an internationally approved (must meet current Australian safety standards) riding helmet. We recommend you bring your own suitable approved helmet or we can supply you one of ours.
SADDLERY
Quality Australian stock and English saddles. There will usually be an opportunity to visit some saddleries, tack supply stores and a saddle maker. Guests will have the chance to purchase goods at reasonable prices.
TYPE OF HORSES
We predominantly showcase well-bred, well trained and well mannered Australian Stock Horses. We also have a few discipline-specialist horses and cross breeds with Clydesdale and Quarter Horse bloodlines.
The
horses
are Australian stock horses famous for their all round ability
and temperament. Riders need to be confident and comfortable at all
paces on a well mannered forward going horse. The riding is slow
at times, moderate to fast at other times when the terrain is suitable.
The maximum weight for the average rider is 220 lbs - or 240 lbs for
very experienced riders.
LANDSCAPE
Varies greatly over undulating terrain. We ride on everything from white sandy beach to forest trails, rainforest and open range country.
WILDLIFE
Mobs of grey kangaroos are often seen on rides. Also in the bush we might see rock wallabies, koalas, pythons, goannas, kookaburras, platypus, dingoes, echidna, wedge tailed eagles, a variety of beautiful parrots, honey bee- eaters, finches and wrens and water birds.
NON-RIDERS
We have an extensive range of activities in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast for non-riders. In addition to the excellent cafes, restaurants and art galleries there is surfing, scuba diving, golf, tennis, nature walks,, fishing (river and ocean), kayaking, spa facilities and much much more.
There are numerous nature based experience tours to places such as Fraser Island (world’s largest sand island and world heritage area), Noosa Everglades, Eumundi Markets etc…Most of these activities can be accommodated within a riding tour for non-riders but are best booked in advance as far as possible.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in chart. Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except: (a) those continuing their journey to a third country (who hold confirma. more
The climate is usually a pleasant sub-tropical to temperate blend of warm sunny days between the low 20s Celsius (Mid 60s Fahrenheit) up to mid 30s Celsius (95+ Fahrenheit).
Early mornings and evenings can be cool to cold and require a light jacket or pullover. We can receive heavy rainfall at times. The itinerary may be changed on the day due to weather considerations ensuring safety and comfort for all.
Being the southern hemisphere the seasons are the reverse of the northern hemisphere and are as follows:
Winter June July August
Spring September October November
Summer December January February
Autumn (Fall) March April May
Noosa’s average annual temperature is 25 degrees Celcius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), making it an ideal climate for year-round outdoor activities such as horse riding and swimming plus alfresco dining. The maximum air temperature in Noosa rarely drops below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), even in winter.
Water temperatures
Temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, rivers and lakes in the Noosa region range from a mild 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter to 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) in summer.
WATER SAFETY
Swimming in open water in designated areas of the Noosa River and Sunshine Coast Beaches is a pleasant year-round activity for many thousands of beach goers. For your own safety always swim between the red and yellow surf lifesaving flags on patrolled beaches only and in clear water swimming areas of the Noosa River. Never dive into water which is murky or where you are unsure of the water depth or hidden objects. Beaches on the Sunshine Coast have shark nets and there has never been a fatal shark attack on Noosa beaches. Marine stingers are rare and although can be painful are not fatal. Patrolled surf beaches will usually have warning signs out when marine stingers are about.
Average air temperatures
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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
|
|
Max temp C
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29
|
28
|
28
|
26
|
23
|
21
|
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Min temp C
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21
|
21
|
20
|
18
|
14
|
12
|
|
Water temp C
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25
|
25
|
25
|
24
|
22
|
20
|
|
Rainfall mm
|
221
|
235
|
240
|
173
|
144
|
118
|
|
Jul
|
Aug
|
Sep
|
Oct
|
Nov
|
Dec
|
|
Max temp C
|
21
|
22
|
24
|
26
|
28
|
28
|
|
Min temp C
|
10
|
11
|
13
|
16
|
18
|
20
|
|
Water temp C
|
20
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
24
|
|
Rainfall mm
|
78
|
53
|
69
|
94
|
94
|
156
|
Wearing layers of
clothing is a very effective way of staying comfortable. Long sleeved shirts are
recommended as protection against sunburn. Hard hats may be 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.
The luggage is transported by vehicle to the accommodation for the night
A limited supply of half riding chaps and boots are available. Strongly recommended however, that you bring your own for comfort sake.
SUN PROTECTION -- DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE AUSTRALIAN SUN. Even in winter you can get badly sunburned. Wear sun protective clothing and carry a good quality 30+ protection factor sunscreen and protective head wear.
An appointment for a
massage can
be arranged, preferably with a day’s notice or more. .
ESSENTIAL ITEMS
- Robust luggage – easy to transport Flashlight Torch
- (2 smaller bags better than one huge one) Small back-pack or carry bag
- Wet gear/laundry bag Light weight riding gloves
- 2 sets of riding clothes Swimming suit
- Sunscreen lotion factor 30+ Insect repellent
- Light weight rain jacket/gear long-sleeved riding tops/shirts
- Riding boots (short or long) Half chaps or chapettes
- Head wear for sun protection Personal riding helmet
- Light weight jacket or pullover (winter) Light weight digital camera in w/proof case
- Walking shoes or runners Flip flops or sandals
RECOMMENDED ITEMS
- Small back-pack or carry bag
- Light weight riding gloves
- Swimming suit
- Insect repellent
- long-sleeved riding tops/shirts
- Half chaps or chapettes
- Personal riding helmet
- Light weight digital camera in w/proof case
- Flip flops or sandals
*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.
..view other reports for different trips
Guests stay in three different unique locations during their tour. You are driven between the locations in Land Cruisers (we don’t ride from inn to inn). The longest transfer is approximately 1 ½ hours.
Meals are a very important part of our tour experience! The region is known for its variety of quality fresh produce and seafood. Meals are served either by our bed and breakfast hosts or at cafes and restaurants we select as part of the tour. We provide full cooked breakfasts, usually light but tasty and nutritious lunches and 3 -course sit-down dinners with hosts and guides which are a very pleasant social aspect of the tours. At Amamoor Lodge camp-fire pre-dinner appetisers and drinks are served before the main meal. Special dietary needs can be catered for with advance notice at the time of booking.
Water, soft drinks, tea and coffee are freely available at the bed and breakfast facilities and water is provided for each ride. Alcoholic beverages are available at our bed and breakfast facilities on a user pay basis and some of our cafes and restaurants allow bring-your-own wine and/or are licensed premises.
Most accommodation facilities have plug-in internet connection or wireless. There are a number of internet cafes and facilities also available on the tour.

Day 1 and 2: Amamoor Lodge (private bath in all rooms), licensed bar, Jacuzzi, pool, fireplace
Amamoor lodge offers an authentic country bed and breakfast experience in picturesque Mary Valley near Gympie on the Sunshine Coast

Day 3 and 4: The Left Bank B&B (shared bathroom facilities), bar and bring your own, fireplace
The Left Bank has 4 rooms in the historic bank manager's residence plus the Unique Bungalow. The configuration is two rooms with king sized beds which share a bathroom and one with a queen bed which has an ensuite, one room with a queen sized bed in the old servant's quarters on the back veranda which uses the old bathhouse with a claw foot bath and shower and in the Unique Bungalow there is one double bed and two single beds.

Day 5 and 6: Noosa Springs Resort (private bath in all rooms), licensed bar, Spa, Jacuzzi, pool, fireplace, tennis, Golf
Nestled between lush, green rainforest and the azure Pacific Ocean, you'll discover a place that leaves the everyday behind. Noosa Springs where nature and style come together to create the ultimate sanctuary. Noosa Springs' Clubhouse and leisure facilities are complemented by luxury accommodation nestled alongside the first fairway of the golf course.
The open plan apartments, spacious design and two private balconies create an environment conducive to relaxation and comfort.
ROOM FEATURES: Fully equipped kitchens with modern appliances, king sized beds, two private balconies, air conditioning, LCD flat-screen television, DVD/CD player, cable television, internet access.
If Noosa Springs is not available - we will alternatively stay at "Noosa Blue" or "The Plantation"
Noosa Blue:
Noosa Blue Resort offers guests the ultimate in indulgence amidst a relaxed yet decadent environment. Perched high on Noosa Hill, the resort offers some of the most breathtaking hinterland, river and ocean glimpses of Noosa and is situated just 450 metres from Noosa's Main Beach and the renowned Hastings Street with its superb selection of restaurants, cafes and boutiques.
The sleek design of white clean lines combined with striking contemporary interior designs and décor set the resort apart. Each rooms features vibrant feature walls, crosscut travertine stone floors, cedar wooden shutters and stunning original artworks. Noosa Blue features 65 superbly appointed self contained spa suites, including 24 penthouses complete with roof top garden with large outdoor heated spa, BBQ facilities, entertaining area and some have views across Noosa's ocean, river and hinterland. They will sleep up to 4 persons in a queen bed or 2 king singles and double sofa bed.
The Plantation: The Plantation is a 21 acre private estate surrounded by pristine Eucalyptus State Forest. The award winning design includes eight accommodation guest suites, all appointed with luxurious bed and bath linen, L’Occitane guest toiletries and waffle bath robes. Guest rooms open onto stunning wrap-around tiled verandas with sweeping views of the surrounding estate. The Plantation gives the sensation of an exotic far away destination without the hassle of traffic or the expense of extensive travel. Luxuriously appointed yet casual and welcoming
This trip includes
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
|
Tack:
|
|
Australian Stock Saddles (similar to or English tack
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Australian Stock Horses
|
|
Pace:
|
|
We ride at all paces depending upon the riding level of our guests. If we have a mixed group of riders we take additional guides so that the group can be split and ride at different paces. During our tour we walk, trot, canter and occasionally gallop.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(2.5
to
4
out of 5) Low Intermediate to Advanced
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
10
|
Max
80
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
220 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
8 riders
|
|
RIDING LEVEL
We ride at all paces depending upon the riding level of our guests. If we have a mixed group of riders we take additional guides so that the group can be split and ride at different paces. - therefore this ride is suitable for all riding levels. During our tour we walk, trot, canter and occasionally gallop. The terrain is a mixture of semi-tropical rain forest, pastures and beaches. Riders will be going up and down hills and through rivers and occasionally chasing cattle. We don’t typically swim the horses unless it is a special request.
Most rides range from 2 hours to 4.5 hours depending on the trail, time of year, weather and any other relevant conditions. Longer or shorter rides can be arranged where possible.
HELMETS
We recommend all guests wear an internationally approved (must meet current Australian safety standards) riding helmet. We recommend you bring your own suitable approved helmet or we can supply you one of ours.
SADDLERY
Quality Australian stock and English saddles. There will usually be an opportunity to visit some saddleries, tack supply stores and a saddle maker. Guests will have the chance to purchase goods at reasonable prices.
TYPE OF HORSES
We predominantly showcase well-bred, well trained and well mannered Australian Stock Horses. We also have a few discipline-specialist horses and cross breeds with Clydesdale and Quarter Horse bloodlines.
The
horses
are Australian stock horses famous for their all round ability
and temperament. Riders need to be confident and comfortable at all
paces on a well mannered forward going horse. The riding is slow
at times, moderate to fast at other times when the terrain is suitable.
The maximum weight for the average rider is 220 lbs - or 240 lbs for
very experienced riders.
LANDSCAPE
Varies greatly over undulating terrain. We ride on everything from white sandy beach to forest trails, rainforest and open range country.
WILDLIFE
Mobs of grey kangaroos are often seen on rides. Also in the bush we might see rock wallabies, koalas, pythons, goannas, kookaburras, platypus, dingoes, echidna, wedge tailed eagles, a variety of beautiful parrots, honey bee- eaters, finches and wrens and water birds.
NON-RIDERS
We have an extensive range of activities in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast for non-riders. In addition to the excellent cafes, restaurants and art galleries there is surfing, scuba diving, golf, tennis, nature walks,, fishing (river and ocean), kayaking, spa facilities and much much more.
There are numerous nature based experience tours to places such as Fraser Island (world’s largest sand island and world heritage area), Noosa Everglades, Eumundi Markets etc…Most of these activities can be accommodated within a riding tour for non-riders but are best booked in advance as far as possible.
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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Gold Rush Trail and Beach Ride
Tour Code:
IT-AUIR03
7 days /
6 nights
~$2,830.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Australian Stock Saddles (similar to o...
Horses:
Australian Stock Horses
Pace:
We ride at all paces depending upon th...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Gallop,
Airport:
Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) or Brisbane
Location on Google Map
Video
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF
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