Comboyne Plateau Ride

Introduction
NSW Australia

From a secluded equestrian farm on idyllic property in the upper reaches of the Lorne Valley, this weeklong program offers riding through stunning forest and farmland combined with excellent food and top service.

During the week we ride through the diverse landscape of Australia’s New South Wales Mid North Coast there will be lots of opportunity to see wildlife in their beautiful natural habitat. We follow quiet little trails, 4WD tracks and fire trails through 20.000 hectares (50,000 acres) of state forest with pockets of rain forests, eucalyptus forests, waterfalls, creek crossings, and historic timber railway lines. Climb up and descend along steep ridges, then pass through rolling Australian farmland.

Visits to a local winery, cafes and a Macadamia Farm to taste the unique products from this region are featured, before riding along the Pacific Ocean on miles of long deserted beaches. We will climb up to the Comboyne Plateau, an elevated farming region of green rolling hills with breath-taking views out to the Pacific Ocean- don’t forget to bring a camera!  In the evenings refresh yourself with a swim in the pool, then relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the view from the veranda of your private cottage or share drinks and stories with fellow riders in the large communal area of the lodge, where guests and tour guides have dinner together. A delicious meal with complimentary wine and coffee will be served beside a crackling log fire in the cooler months or in summer alfresco on the veranda. The riders will retire to the comfort of beautiful bedrooms and awake the next morning to a leisurely country breakfast.

Horse Treks Philosophy
Every precaution is taken to ensure the comfort and safety of both horse and rider. Welcoming Australian hospitality, comfortable, quality accommodation and meals await you following your day of horse riding through magnificent Australian countryside - an opportunity not to be missed.

The center caters for small groups of up to four riders. Your host and guide is fluent in English, German and Dutch. 

Accomodation
This trip is based at the 60 acres horse riding property, in the Lorne Valley between Taree and Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast NSW Australia.
The main lodge has wide verandas which overlook the horses grazing in the large undulating horse paddocks and the lush forest valley landscape of the Camden Haven region of the Port Macquarie hinterland on the Australian NSW east coast.
After a day of horse riding through the Australian bush the verandah is the ideal place to rest, relax and refresh yourself with a cool drink.
Enjoy the magnificent view of the garden with native plants and trees, the large horse paddocks and valley and swimming pool.
The lodge also has a large communal entertainment area for horse riding guests to sit together and have meals and drinks in a family atmosphere.
After riding refresh yourself with a swim in the pool, then relax and enjoy the natural beauty around the farm, the view from the verandah of your private cottage or share drinks and stories with fellow riders in the large communal area, where guests and tour guides also have dinner together.
 
 There are two types of accommodation:
 
1. Studio-style cabin, in private surroundings with view over the horse paddocks and eucalypt forests, with shower/toilet, veranda, air-conditioning, fridge, coffee&tea facilities. Ideal for a couple or two singles travelling together.
2. Single or double room with ensuite in the main guesthouse building “Kerewong Lodge”.
 The Lodge also has a large communal entertainment area for guests, to sit together and have meals and drinks in a family atmosphere. There is a wide veranda to relax after a day ride and enjoy the magnificent view of the garden with native plants and trees, the large horse paddocks and valley.
 
Meals:  All meals are included except 1 lunch at a local cafe
Lunches:  Saddlebag lunch or lunch brought by 4WD vehicle.
Dinners:   Dinner consists of international and Australian specialties, complimentary table wine with dinner at the riding centre.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Expertly Trained Long Distance Trail Riding Horses

We use well schooled, Australian pure and part bred Arabian horses, including Arab-Quarter horse crosses, carefully selected and trained for long distance trail riding. Many of the horses were bred specifically for endurance riding and complete endurance rides regularly.

The horses stand between 14.2 and 15.3 hands (145 and 157 cm) and are sure-footed, good-natured and in excellent condition. The horses are kept in groupings on large paddocks on the 60 acres property in Lorne on the Mid North Coast of NSW east coast Australia.

The Arabian horses' agility, great stamina, adaptability to the Australian climate conditions and excellent people- and work- friendly temperament make them ideal horses for multi-day long distance trail riding through challenging terrain.

The horses are trained to be ridden on a loose rein in English style but some are used to Western style riding also. We ride with English Style lightweight endurance or all purpose saddles and use snaffle or bitless bridles.

The horses' well being and safety is our main concern and riders can be assured that all trail riding horses are maintained and cared for to the highest standards. 

Your host and guide

The riding center  is operated by Kathy Holtrust & her equestrian farm & riding team. Wanting a change in lifestyle, Kathy migrated to Australia from The Netherlands in 2000 with the plan to start a horse riding holiday establishment.

Kathy found the perfect property for the purpose on the NSW Mid North Coast Hinterland near Port Macquarie, where she opened for business in January 2004.

Your trail guide Kathy has a diverse equestrian background. Starting riding lessons at the age of 6, her first own horse at the age of 12 and extensive competing in her teenage years. She was a successful Dressage rider competing at Advanced level in The Netherlands and also competed in Show jumping and Cross Country (Eventing).

She later obtained her Dutch horse driving qualifications and drove the Cobb & Co Stage Coach in Echuca, Victoria, during her 1993 working holiday in Australia.

She now enjoys taking her Arabian horses to local endurance rides.

Having been on many trail riding holidays and treks throughout Europe and Canada, your trail guide knows what makes a great horse-riding holiday.

Kathy and her team are also responsible for the gourmet side of the business, from cooking breakfast to your request, bringing lunch to the riders in the Australian bush or preparing a sumptuous evening dinner meal or barbecue. Riders are well looked after when they are not on the horses!

Itinerary

2009 Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in the afternoon. Transfer from the Kendall Railway Station or Port Macquarie. Dinner with your hosts and co-riders to discuss the week program.

Day 2: Ride through the hilly terrain of the Kerewong State Forest with its eucalypt forest and rain forest. Stop at a creek side picnic ground for lunch with the opportunity to swim in a rock-pool swimming hole.

Day 3: Ride to impressive Comboyne Mountain (670 m). The peak can be seen from the riding centre. Magnificent 360 view at the top. Horses and riders enjoy a well-deserved lunch break at the peak, before heading back to the centre. 

Day 4: Morning ride through neighboring farm properties and a stop at a hidden waterfall. Return to the riding centre for a relaxing lunch on the veranda and then enjoy a quiet afternoon resting, swimming in the pool, having a massage (booking on request), visit a nearby Macadamia Farm and café, go for a bush walk, watch the horses and kangaroos in the fields, feed the parrots and other birds. 

 **Optional whale watching tour (season is May to November) and visit to koala hospital (extra charge).

Day 5: Long day ride, starting along a historic timber railway line to a local winery. Creek crossings and ample opportunities to watch wildlife (eg Wallabies, Black Cockatoo’s, Goanna’s). On arrival, taste the local produce while looking over the vineyards. Transfer back to riding centre.

Day 6:  Fabulous beach ride along the Pacific Ocean. Look out for dolphins in the waves and and enjoy close encounters with kangaroos. Lunch in the dunes or at a local café. Transfer by horse trailer.

Day 7:  Ride to the beautiful green and rolling farmland of the Comboyne Plateau. On clear days views to the Pacific Ocean. In the evening farewell dinner with an authentic Aussie Barbecue.

Day 8:  Departure after breakfast. Transfer to Kendall Railway station or Port Macquarie.

2010 Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in the afternoon. Transfer from the Kendall Railway Station or Port Macquarie. Dinner with your hosts and co-riders to discuss the week program.

Day 2: Ride through the hilly terrain of the Kerewong State Forest with its eucalypt forest and rain forest. Stop at a creek side picnic ground for lunch with the opportunity to swim in a rock-pool swimming hole. Back at the center you may opt for a relaxing massage (booking on request), visit a nearby Macadamia Farm and café, go for a bush walk, or watch the horses and kangaroos in the fields, feed the parrots and other birds.

Day 3: Ride to impressive Comboyne Mountain (670 m). The peak can be seen from the riding centre. Magnificent 360 view at the top. Horses and riders enjoy a well-deserved lunch break at the peak, before heading back to the centre. 

Day 4: Long day ride, starting along a historic timber railway line to a local winery. Creek crossings and ample opportunities to watch wildlife (eg Wallabies, Black Cockatoo’s, Goanna’s). On arrival, taste the local produce while looking over the vineyards. Transfer back to riding centre. 

Day 5:  Fabulous beach ride along the Pacific Ocean. Look out for dolphins in the waves and and enjoy close encounters with kangaroos. Lunch in the dunes or at a local café. Transfer by horse trailer.  

**Optional whale watching tour (season is May to November) and visit to koala hospital (extra charge). 

Day 6:  Ride to the beautiful green and rolling farmland of the Comboyne Plateau. On clear days views to the Pacific Ocean. In the evening farewell dinner with an authentic Aussie Barbecue.

Day 7:  Departure after breakfast. Transfer to Kendall Railway station or Port Macquarie.

                        
  Itinerary is subject to forestry activities and weather & terrain conditions.

Rates and Dates for Comboyne Plateau Ride

Dates Note: other dates are available for 2+ riders

Other Info
Meeting: Kendall
Airport: Port Macquarie
Transfer: Pick up: Port Maquarrie 5 PM or Kendall at 6 PM Drop off: Kendall 10:15 AM or Port Maquarrie at 1:30 PM

Climate:

Best time for riding is April to November. December-March is very hot and often humid (sub-tropical).

We will supply your horse and the necessary riding equipment for the horse.
Your guides will care for the horses and riding equipment.