High Country horseriding in a remote part of Victoria

The Bundarrah Valley is part of the Omeo region in East Gippsland, Victoria. A good 5 1/2hr drive from Melbourne. It's a remote part of Victoria via Omeo, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham, Bairnsdale or Mitta Mitta.

The Horses

There's a selection of all breeds of horses.Experienced riders will find a willing,comfortable ride. Horses like Spot have taught novices for the last 20 years, and is still as patient as ever. From Australian stockhorses, Clydesdale crosses, brumby stock, mountain ponies, there's a mount to suit most.We have been breeding Friesan sporthorses over the 6 years and they've proved themselves on the trails.

Prices

1 1/2hr $80

2hr $100
Half day $150

Full day with lunch $220

All prices are per person

SHORT RIDES

The hourly and day rides are taken at a pace to suit the rider and the terrain we travel over. It's real Man From Snowy River Country.

Supplied are current Australian Safety Standard 3838 helmets, oilskin coats and short riding chaps. We recommend riding boots, or closed shoes, and wearing of long sleeved, collared shirts for protection. All footwear will be checked to ensure it fits stirrups safely.

Yes, there are flies and the sun can get hot.

Longer Rides

These are recommended for riders who have been on a horse before. However if you are reasonably fit and keen to try, rides can be tailor made to suit the less experienced rider.

Conditions in Alpine areas are variable so you do get hot, cold, tired, dirty and ride over uneven, sometimes steep terrain, put up with flies whist seeing some amazing scenery and travelling through an ever changing landscape.The Bogong High Plains at about 1600m are a large expanse of alpine grasses and heaths dotted with colour during the wildflower season. On a clear day you can see forever, across the plains towards the Mt.'s Feathertop, Bogong, Fainters, Niggerheads, Cope and Jim and way into the distant ridge lines of the NSW Alps . In winter it's covered by metres of snow though heavy snowfalls do fall unexpectedly in summer months. And that makes a riding trip interesting.

Rides all start and finish at The Willows, Anglers Rest. Twin share , double or single accommodation is included prior to and after the ride. All meals are supplied from the night before ride departs until after breakfast on the day of onward travel.

The Willows Bush Ride Indulgence

2 nights accommodation/meals/day of riding. Choice of accommodation is one of the bush huts or staying in the farmhouse. The farmhouse, with large open decks, overlooks the Bundarrah River It's an ancient landscape, some 400 million years old with lines of pink granite boulders trickling out of the dominant Mt. Ned, along grassy ridge lines sprinkled with snowy white gums down to the river flats.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast of cereals and fruit salad, bacon and poached eggs, toasts and homemade preserves and real honey. After breakfast with horses selected we ride off into the nearby bush up and over hills and mountain tracks, along rivers and a stop at The Blue Duck(a local watering hole) before heading back to home. If the weather permits a dinner is held on the deck under the stars. Otherwise we dine inside and watch the weather through the walls of glass. $440per person all inclusive.

The Kimberley

Horsereks, run by Roderick and Alida Woodland, operates out of Diggers Rest station, just south of Wyndham. Five to seven day treks, camping out, are on offer from May till late August during the dry season.And it's where I go to escape the cold and ride in some amazing country.

Treks follow river systems and old stock routes passing by towering sandstone escarpements. It's a vast landscape, of ancient red soils, boab trees, aboriginal rock art, hidden gorges, big river systems and unbelievable night skies.

In addition to horse trekking, the station offers different levels of accommodation, meals, trail rides,fishing and bushwalking.

More information and ride schedules can be found by contacting Diggers Rest on 08 91611029 or woodland@diggersreststation.com.au

Children

Yes children are allowed to ride. All children under the age of 10 must be on a lead unless they can trot or canter independently. Bookings are essential and children only taken if the appropriate number of guides are available.

Important information

All rides are guided by suitably qualified guides
First aid and mobile communications carried
Riders are asked to sign disclaimer forms before riding. Riders under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign for them
As rides go into remote areas a reasonable level of fitness is recommended, particularly for longer horserides
Weather in Alpine areas can change suddenly at any time of the year so be prepared for all seasons.
We reserve the right to change itineraries or to cancel rides to ensure safety and comfort for riders and horses.
We reserve the right to refuse permission to ride if rider is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It is strongly recommended that you have ambulance cover and appropriate insurance.
Be aware that you are participating in a high risk adventure activity and that you are taking responsibility for your own decisions and actions.