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 jawdropping 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.
You don’t need horse riding experience to join a Cape Tribulation horse ride, and children as young as ten are encouraged to join. Along your gentle walk, your guide will share stories about the ancient landscape and its cultural significance, and point out native plants and animals. Keep an eye out for cassowaries in the undergrowth, and crocodiles in the waters of Myall Creek.
Every horse is treated wonderfully well, 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’ll 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. The winery has been producing award-winning drops since 1998, and now offers behind the scenes tours where you will meet the winemakers, learn all about the grape to bottle process, and sample wines straight from the barrel. Your tour may even include an indulgent 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. If you’re a more experienced rider, Slickers owner Darly Davies takes groups of confident riders on a much faster trail, while you can also join a classic trail ride and hang back to go for a trot or a canter – just let the team know first.
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 with your little ones. 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 creatures, 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, and 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, and 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.
Plus, families will love the miniature train ride, which winds beneath trees and across a bridge while you enjoy stunning mountain views. Or, take on the new escape room, where your team must help Farmer Bell find his lost key by exploring the Trevena Glen Farm surroundings and solving a series of puzzles.
Equathon Horse Riding
For a Sunshine Coast experience like no other, Equathon Horse Riding is the company for you. The one hour private beach horse riding tour takes you along the sand at Noosa, and is 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.
If you’re planning on staying in town a little longer, the Noosa Overnight Escape Horse Riding package includes a one-hour private riding tour along the beach and overnight accommodation at an award-winning resort with a buffet breakfast for just $472.50 per person.
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 all those 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 from Monday-Friday. All animals are trained to RSPCA-approved standards, and are extremely friendly.To immerse yourself further in this fascinating part of history, you can stay at The Coach Inn, which is located right beside the Cobb & Co courtyard. In pioneer times, each staging post had to offer accommodation for travellers arriving via stagecoach, and this is the modern equivalent. Every room features country-style Aussie decor and wooden finishing.
Can’t get enough of these horse riding experiences in Queensland? For more amazing horse riding experiences in Australia, click here.
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