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High Country horseriding in a remote part of Victoria
The Willows, Anglers Rest, is a 350acre high country farm nestled amongst farm lands and National Park in the hidden Bundarrah Valley of the Omeo region in East Gippsland, Victoria. A good 5 1/2hr drive from Melbourne, It's a remote part of Victoria reached by roads weaving through river valleys and mountains.
The farmhouse, with large open decks, overlooks the Bundarrah River which winds it's way through river flats, boulder strewn rapids into the Mitta Mitta River and onwards in a very roundabout way to the Murray River and the South Australian sea.
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.
Indigenous history says that the Bundarrah Valley was a woman's place. White man history was of cattlemen.
Gold was never found in this valley but a short ride over a ridge line takes you along the Mitta Mitta river where there was apparently plenty. Omeo is the closest town having a chequered history of lawlessness being so far away from any major city. Goldminers and followers came in search of gold as cattlemen looked for greener pastures.
The riding country is varied as we ride up onto the Bogong High Plains which were once dotted with the brown and white Herefords, and at one stage sheep.
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.
The Horses
There's a selection of all sorts, tried and trusted who've been the mainstay of the business and served their various riders well. From Australian stockhorses, Clydesdale crosses, brumby stock, thoroughbred, mountain ponies, Spot the heroic appaloosa, and the boss horse Spook there'll be a mount to suit.
Short Rides
One hour to day rides are available from The Willows, Anglers Rest. Rides follow along the Bundarrah River to where it meets the Mitta Mitta River. Or around through the back paddock to the Cobungra River and on to the Blue Duck Inn.
For the novice rider two hours is generally enough as you will feel muscles you didn't know you had!
Rides are taken at a pace to suit the rider and the terrain we travel over. Experienced riders are allowed to canter! 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 are comfortable at trot, canter and gallop and can use leg aids to control a horse. 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.
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 and drinks are supplied from the night before ride departs until after breakfast on the day of onward travel.
Prices
1 1/2hr $80
Half day $140
Full day with lunch $200
All prices inc GST
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.
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 before heading back to home. If the weather permits a 3 course dinner is held on the deck under the stars. Otherwise we dine inside and watch the weather through the walls of glass. $400 per person all inclusive.
The Kimberley
"Kimberley Pursuits" horsetreks, 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.
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 kimberleypursuits@bigpond.com
Children
It is possible for children to ride as long as parents/guardians are prepared to sign a disclaimer form and take full responsibility for the child undertaking a high risk adventure activity. 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.
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