As we approach summer and the weather starts to warm up nicely, there’s no better time to hit the great outdoors.
Sure, you can do this via hiking or mountain biking. However, if you are really looking for a serene way to experience the majestic views of the Victorian countryside, you can’t beat horse riding.
Throughout Melbourne, there is a good selection of local stables and equestrian schools that offer a splendid programme of trekking adventures. This provides a fabulous opportunity for Melbournians to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the tranquillity of nature.
From trekking through pristine national parks and stately forests to riding along the shoreline of the Mornington Peninsula or the magnificent Yarra Valley, wherever you choose to tour on horseback, you are sure to have a wonderful time.
If you really want to channel your inner Burke and Wills, some of these stables offer treks that last several days and involve overnight stops.
So why not get the saddle at the ready and check out these 5 best places near Melbourne to go horse riding.
1. Gunnamatta Trail Rides
For many visitors to Melbourne, the sensational beaches and gorgeous, verdant coastline around the Morning Peninsula are one of the first places they head to.
If you like the thought of exploring these places on horseback, then Gunnamatta Trail Rides is a good starting point for you.
They offer a number of horseback trips that take you up and down bronzed sand dunes and along beautiful stretches of shoreline that showcase terrific views of the bay. Along the way, you will feel a wonderful thrill as you make your way through the sand and the ocean breaks before you.
Offering several different rides for all levels of ability, Gunnamatta Stables provide everything from fun family days out to romantic twilight dates for couples. A few men have even proposed to their girlfriends during their bookings.
One of the best features of Gunnamatta is that they have cleverly partnered up with a number of local businesses to provide short getaways and packages that add even more value to the experience.
This includes everything from breweries and wineries to the peninsula’s famous Hot Springs.
For this reason, Gunamatta provides some of the best places for people to enjoy horse riding near Melbourne.
Address: Cnr Truemans Rd & Sandy Rd, Fingal, VIC 3939
Phone: +61 (03) 5988 6755
Email: [email protected]
2. Watson’s Mountain
For close to 40 years, Watson’s Mountain Country Trail Rides has enabled Melbournians and tourists alike to explore the stunning landscape of Victoria’s high country via horseback.
Blessed with a plethora of picturesque rivers and lakes, as well as magnificent mountains, this historic region is a photographer’s dream. So be sure to bring your camera with you.
Traversing various trails and tracks, these guys have many packages in their portfolio. This includes everything from short rides of up to three hours, to longer tours of the wilderness that span the course of a week and include several stopovers under the stars in either private tents or swags.
Should you sign up to a longer tour you will also be served up hearty breakfast, lunch and dinners made from local produce, as well as evenings spent chatting and singing around a campfire.
If you are into fishing, you should enjoy the overnight trek which includes a lovely afternoon of fly fishing within some little-known local spots. You will also be able to stay in a former miners’ cottage as well. Which means four walls and a bed for those who like their creature comforts!
Watson’s Mountain Country Trail Rides take place 7 days a week, all through the year. So be sure to dress appropriately.
Address: 296 Three Chain Road, Booroolite, VIC 3724
Phone: +61 (03) 5777 3552
Email: [email protected]
3. Chum Creek Horse Riding
The Yarra Valley is a wonderful place to tour around and on horseback, it is even more appealing. Particularly as you look out towards imperious mountains and marvel at the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape.
Renowned for having some of the friendliest, most knowledgeable and most patient guides in the industry, Chum Creek Horse Riding attracts both seasoned and beginner riders.
Starting practically right from their front door, you will find yourself in the heart of Victorian nature and bushland within just a couple of minutes of leaving their premises.
If you are after a serene romantic getaway or a well-needed detox from the big city, they offer tours which allow you to stay in private huts overnight.
Providing wonderful views that overlook the scenic paddock, you’ll be able to drink in the fresh,
unpolluted mountain air until your heart is content. You will also be able to view wildlife like kangaroos and wild deer, while also watching the horses go about their day.
These huts even include wooden decks, roaring fireplaces and a cool loft hut that has a fabulous Japanese bathtub that offers sweeping views. As you can imagine, they are very popular. So you will have to book well in advance to secure them.
Address: 221 Heath Road, Chum Creek VIC 3777
Phone: +61 (04) 0732 6276
Email: [email protected]
4. Hepburn Shire
Situated just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne, you might know Hepburn Shire better for its mineral springs and general offerings of relaxation, spirituality and indulgence. Indeed it has even been dubbed the ‘Spa Capital of Australia’.
However, what is not so well known is that it also houses a fabulous range of outdoor activities including hiking and horse riding that is designed to get you out and about in nature.
The horse rides are delightful as they also give you the opportunity to enjoy some gourmet food and wines.
This takes place at the Swiss Mountain Hotel, which is accessed via a bush trail and the Captain’s Creek Organic Winery. The latter of which enables you to enjoy a tipple among its gorgeous grapevines.
Boasting a stunning backdrop of lush, rolling hills, you will be able to trek your way through a twisty country road or through a dense state forest, depending on which tour you book.
Address: 60 Telegraph Road, Newlyn North, VIC 3364
Phone: +61 (04) 0805 9125
Email: [email protected]
5. Woodlands Trail Riding
Located in Greenvale, just half an hour from the Melbourne CBD, the Woodlands Trail Riding is a terrific place to enjoy a thrilling horse riding experience.
On a tour with them, you will be able to ride through the gorgeous terrain of Woodlands Historic Park. A native habitat for birds, kangaroos and other wildlife species, it provides guests with a bona fide Aussie trail riding adventure.
The trail will take you through the various pastures and indigenous woodland that enrich this national park. Eventually, you will get to a sensational lookout where you will be able to take in magnificent 360-degree views of the Melbourne cityscape.
This is a great place to come as a family as children aged 2 to 9 years old are very well looked after. As well as providing them with top-quality horse riding lessons from some of the best coaches in the business, they will also be able to ride ponies on the trails.
Therefore, they need not miss out, as you make your way deeper into the national park.
Address: Woodlands Historic Park, Somerton Road (Park Access Road) Melbourne, Greenvale, VIC 3059
Phone: 1300 966 352
Email: [email protected]