moderate
5 days, 4 nights
Participants should be comfortable riding for several hours daily and able to manage uneven mountain trails on horseback.
Ride through Australia’s High Country on a 5-day horseback adventure with Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides. Experience stunning river views, pioneer homesteads, and wildlife among iconic ‘Man from Snowy River’ landscapes.
Return transfers to Melbourne Airport |
Embark on a breathtaking 5-day horseback adventure through Australia’s High Country, exploring the iconic ‘Man from Snowy River’ landscapes. Experience authentic pioneer hospitality, savor gourmet meals, and encounter stunning wildlife. From majestic river views to historical sites, this journey promises unforgettable memories in a picturesque setting.
$2750.00 per adult/child (inc GST) Ages 10+
Note: Children between 8-9 years old with some riding experience may be allowed.
5 Days, 4 Nights
DAY ONE Arrive at 9.30am at our high country farming property that’s been in the Watson family for many generations. After saddling up, we set off on our ‘Man from Snowy River’ experience on horseback. We ride up to spectacular 360 degree views and along the way, watch out for the wildlife that often takes a look at us, including kangaroos, wallabies and Australia’s largest bird of flight, the wedge tail eagle. We stop at our bush hut for a picnic lunch and then in the afternoon we traverse the bridle tracks through quiet valleys and points of rich historical interest. We arrive at the celebrated “Riverhouse at Howqua Dale”, a magnificent country house hotel on the banks of the Howqua River. The 6 double rooms with ensuites all have beautiful views of the garden or countryside. Enjoy a relaxing hot shower before a riverside BBQ dinner in one of Victoria’s prettiest valleys.
DAY TWO Next morning we enjoy an early hearty country breakfast and start our journey up the majestic Howqua River along the high track towards “Stockyard Creek”. It is a challenging days riding with spectacular views over the river, tree fern gullies and long cantering sections. We stop for a pack lunch on the river bank surrounded by just mountains. After lunch we ride through Wares Flat, Whisky Flat and Tobacco Flat and into Stockyard Creek to the Stoney families Pioneering Homestead. Here we are greeted with a cool drink and warm hospitality by Wendy Jubb Stoney. Enjoy a sumptuous traditional Australian dinner at the homestead with all the trimmings and then retire to your room furnished with original pioneer relics and sun kissed sheets.
DAY THREE A relaxing sleep in then an indulgent breakfast awaits. This is a day of relaxation where we explore the historic Howqua Hills area including ‘The Lookout’, ‘The Chinese Gold Diggings’, ‘Professors Hut’, ‘Fred Frys Hut’ and ‘Tunnel Bend’. Tonights dinner is a special affair at “Greenstone” the Stoney family house where we will enjoy a 8 course degustation.
DAY FOUR Again an early rise and cooked breakfast. Today we return via the river track to the Riverhouse with long cantering flats and 64 river crossings. Lunch today is at the ‘Hideout’ with much memorabilia from the “Man from Snowy River” movie. Tonight we take a drive to the historic Kevington Hotel on the banks of the Goulburn River for dinner. This is one of the longest continually licensed hotels in Victoria dating back to the Gold Rush era.
DAY FIVE Next morning we enjoy a hearty country breakfast that gives you a big energy boost before we set off for “Kate Camerons Peak” where we see the perilously steep hill where the famous jump scene from the movie was filmed. We wind our way back down to the farmhouse for lunch to complete our ride.
Temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day, so dress in layers to stay comfortable during riding and rest stops.
Good ankle support and a heel help maintain stability and safety in the stirrups across varied terrain.
Carry a refillable water bottle and drink regularly, especially on warmer days where exertion is high.
Multiple water crossings are part of the route—waterproof boots or quick-dry socks can enhance comfort.
The ride passes sites key to Victorian Gold Rush-era settlement and the filming locations of the classic Australian film 'Man from Snowy River.'
Watson's Trail Rides promotes low-impact riding practices and supports local land conservation to protect High Country ecosystems.
Provide proper foot support and prevent slipping from stirrups during long rides.
Protect skin and eyes from intense sun during exposed river flats and open mountain tracks.
summer specific
Ensure comfort during unexpected rain or chilly mountain winds.
spring|fall|winter specific
Stay hydrated throughout daily rides across variable terrain.