There’s no end to the number of incredible horse riding experiences in Queensland, perfect for a family friendly adventure or romantic date.
Queensland is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, with dense tropical rainforests, coastal, inland and outback deserts, rolling green tablelands, stunning beaches, and some of the most beautiful islands in the country.
All of these environments offer a huge array of terrains that make for peaceful, scenic routes and unforgettable horse riding adventures.
From pony rides and animal encounters, to overnight trips and wine country rides, Queensland’s horseback riding opportunities are quite literally endless.
Here are some unique horsey adventures to suit all tastes and budgets.
Cape Tribulation Horse Rides
Cape Tribulation is the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet. Located between the Daintree National Park and Great Barrier Reef, this coastal area within the Daintree Rainforest boasts jaw-dropping views and an abundance of wildlife.
Cape Trib Horse Rides is the only company that offers horse rides on the beach at Cape Tribulation, giving participants the opportunity to ride a horse all the way to Myall Beach. Then, if weather permits, it’s all about walking the horses into the shallow water and snapping some great photos.
There’s no previous experience needed to join a Cape Tribulation horse ride, and children as young as 10 are encouraged to join.
Every horse is well treated, and just as friendly as the hosts. On arrival, you will be supplied with a helmet to ensure complete safety on the ride.
The tour duration is 90 minutes and runs twice daily departing at 11:00 and 14:30.
Slickers Horse Riding
Just 45 minutes from Brisbane, on a 3,500 acre farm property, you will find Slickers Horse Riding. The team here offer a number of different riding adventures, including trail rides, lessons, pony parties and cross country rides.
However, a standout at Slickers is the winery ride. Starting on the Ocean View property, this all-day experience leads you to the Oceanview Estate Winery for a guided tasting and cheeseboard. You may also have the chance to meet the winemakers and learn all about the grape to bottle process, or indulge in a seasonal lunch.
This experience runs from 10am to 4pm, and includes the chance to bond with your beautiful horse. In fact, the farm is home to more than 100 horses – so you’re guaranteed to find a perfect fit.
The Slickers farm property also boasts a koala forest, rainforest, creek, and farm stay tucked within the valley.
Fordsdale Horseback Adventures
Deep within the Lockyer Valley is a 1000 acre property known for its horseriding experiences. Fordsdale Horseback Adventures has been running trail rides and overnight adventures for years, with options for adults and children.
On an overnight horse riding adventure, you will enjoy more than two hours of riding each day, a country-style breakfast, Aussie-style BBQ dinner with the property owners, and incredible views as you traverse the lush valley.
For those travelling with kids, sign up for the Pony Club Experience to practice riding around cones, collecting flags from poles, and stepping over logs. While the overnight trail is only for adults, this exciting experience is for horse-lovers of all ages.
Fordsdale offers one and two hour rides every weekend, with the longer rides reserved for more experienced riders. At the horse yards, children can spend time grooming the horses and meeting their new best friends.
Trevena Glen Farm
At Trevena Glen Farm, located only 40 minutes from the Brisbane CBD, you have the chance to meet 10 different types of animals. On a one hour animal experience, a friendly guide will take you and your family around the farm to interact with all of the adorable animals, including horses, rabbits, goats, alpacas, pigs, sheep and more.
Children aged over two can opt to enjoy a short pony ride on a set route around the farm, led gently by one of the farm’s staff members. This experience is the perfect first-experience for children who love horses.
For those after a more comprehensive ride, make sure to book a three hour private animal tour. As well as feeding the rabbits, hens, and guinea pigs, as helping to walk the sheep and alpacas, you will have the chance to get up close and personal with the farm’s lovely horses. This means brushing your horse, leading it on a walk, painting the manes, before embarking on a horse ride around the farm.
Adults can also choose to book a Wine and Ride, which includes an afternoon of riding, sunset views, and a wine and cheese platter to finish it all off.
Equathon Horse Riding
For a Sunshine Coast experience like no other, Equathon Horse Riding is the company for you. Embark on an award-winning horse riding tour along the beach at Noosa, perfect for beginners and experts. This private tour allows you to spend time with loved ones while making memories you won’t forget.
Choose between a one or two hour private beach ride, or embark on a hinterland ride through the Noosa Hinterland, across rolling hills and beside beautiful native wildlife.
Tours depart throughout the day, and can accommodate anyone over the age of seven.
Cowboy Up Trail Riding
For those after an authentic country experience, check out Cowboy Up around two hours west of Brisbane and near Toowoomba.
This husband and wife duo have been providing popular horseriding experiences since 2009, and now own a number of friendly, sturdy, good natured horses.
Choose between a one or two hour trail ride to embark on an adventure through a working cattle property, surrounded by bushland. Children as young as five are welcome to join the one hour ride, and may even get to visit the farm’s fairy house.
Once a month, Cowboy Up hosts an advanced riding trail, for those who are comfortable riding at all gaits including cantering and galloping. This two hour ride is perfect if you want to test your capabilities while feeling the wind rushing through your hair.
Cowboy Up often hires its horses out for movies, meaning you could be riding a world-famous steed on your trail.
Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience
For a horse riding experience with a historic twist, head to Outback Pioneers in Longreach. In the heart of the Queensland outback, you’ll be invited to step aboard a historic stagecoach, and recreate the original Longreach-Windorah mail route taken by pioneers years and years ago.
Sit in comfort while the team of horses takes you along a bush track, and even breaks into a short gallop to ‘outrun the storm’. This experience includes a delicious outback morning tea, informative and entertaining commentary from your hosts, and a classic family-friendly movie in a traditional theatrette. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture of the country.
In total, this experience runs for around four hours Monday-Friday. All animals are trained to RSPCA-approved standards, and are extremely friendly.
For more amazing horse riding experiences in Australia, click here.
