From a secluded equestrian farm on idyllic property in the upper reaches of the Lorne Valley, this week long 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.

The 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 beautiful, wide verandas which overlook the magnificent garden filled with native plants and trees, the large horse paddocks where the animals graze and the swimming pool.; beyond is the lush forest valley of the Camden Haven region of Port Macquarie hinterland on the Australian NSW east coast.The lodge also has a large communal entertainment area for guests to sit together to enjoy meals and drinks in a family style atmosphere.

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”.

Meals: All meals are included except 1 lunch out at a local cafe. Saddlebag lunches are packed on the rides or lunch is brought out to riders by 4WD vehicle. Dinners consist of International and Australian specialties, and we offer complimentary table wine with dinner. Some drinks (in one of the overnight accommodations) are not included and to be paid locally.

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

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. We ride with English Style lightweight endurance or all purpose saddles and use snaffle or bitless bridles.

Western Riders must have basic training in English riding and be comfortable in posting to the trot and a two point canter.
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.

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!

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.

Progressive Ride 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: Introductory Eucalypt and Rainforest ride - similar to Day 2 of Stationary Ride Program. Overnight at farm.

Day 3: Ride to the adjoining Hannam Vale Valley. Stop for lunch at Waitui Waterfalls and continue through Eucalypt Plantations to your accommodation for the night, a newly built Luxury Country Guesthouse with all the comforts you could wish for.

Day 4: After a hearty cooked country breakfast we ride to the Comboyne Plateau. On the way we stop to take in the valley views from Flat Rock Lookout. Your accommodation is a unique Retreat situated atop the magnificent Comboyne Plateau where you can indulge in amazing uninterrupted views to the coastline and relax your muscles in the outdoor spa (hot tub/ Jacuzzi) on the veranda deck.

Day 5: Farmland & Forest ride. From the Comboyne Plateau we ride back to the riding center.

Day 6: We conclude the week with our fantastic beach ride (as in Stationary Ride)

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

Note: If minimum for overnight trek is not reached (only 1 rider booked), the program will be changed to the Stationary ride.
All-inclusive (except 1 lunch at local café); mostly all private bathroom but occasionally, depending on group constitution 2 guests may have to share the bathroom some nights.

Dates Note: First 2 riders decide if they want the Stationary or the Progressive trip itinerary for the requested date.

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

Climate averages for PORT MACQUARIE NSW
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mean daily maximum temperature - deg C	25.7	25.9	25	23.1	21	19	18	18.8	20	22	23	25
Highest daily Max Temp - deg C	41.2	33.5	32	33.3	30	27	28	29.4	34	38	42	41
Mean daily minimum temperature - deg C	18.3	18.4	17	14.1	11	8.5	7.2	7.7	9.9	13	15	17
Lowest daily Min Temp - deg C	10	11.7	9.1	7.2	2.7	0.7	0	0.6	2.8	4.4	8	9.8
Mean monthly rainfall - mm	153	177	176	168	147	132	98	82.6	82	94	102	127
Mean no. of raindays	12.4	13.3	14	12.7	11	10	9.2	8.6	8.9	11	11	11
Highest monthly rainfall - mm	1388	845	678	619	916	652	774	776	356	420	462	637
Lowest monthly rainfall - mm	5.7	1.8	9.8	7.2	6.9	3.3	0.5	0	0	9.4	1.6	8.1

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 during your trip!

Comboyne Plateau Ride

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Packages and Options

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