Is horseback riding experience necessary?

Basic horseback riding skills are recommended to fully enjoy the ride, but expert guidance is provided for all levels.

What accommodation is included?

Guests stay in a restored miner’s cottage equipped with spa facilities to unwind after riding days.

Yes, all meals are included, featuring carefully sourced regional produce to offer authentic local flavors.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

Common sightings include wallabies, kookaburras, and sometimes platypuses along the riverbanks.

How physically demanding is the ride?

This is a moderate-level excursion suitable for people with decent fitness and a willingness to spend several hours each day riding.

What is the best time of year to book?

Spring through fall are ideal due to milder weather, but winter offers a serene, snowy experience for those prepared.

Discover Luxury Horseback Adventure Along the High Country’s Howqua River

Venture into Victoria’s rugged High Country for a two-day, two-night horseback journey that blends luxe comfort with wild, open landscapes. The Howqua River region, located deep within Australia’s alpine wilderness, offers an immersive outdoor experience layered with splendid natural beauty and an echo of iconic Australian heritage. Known for sweeping valleys, dense eucalyptus forests, and the rolling ranges immortalized in the tales of the "Man from Snowy River," this horseback adventure invites riders to step into those very stories with a modern twist of pampered adventure. Your journey begins with a private horseback ride through historic mining trails that wind alongside the pristine Howqua River. The trail presents breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the High Country’s distinctive granite peaks and river valleys. Along the way, it’s common to spot native wallabies, kookaburras, and occasionally the elusive platypus in the waterways. The landscape’s diverse flora—from towering snow gums to delicate wildflowers—adds to the region’s natural charm. Evenings here redefine rustic comfort. You’ll rest in a beautifully renovated miner’s cottage, thoughtfully restored to preserve its heritage while offering a soaking spa bath and cozy living spaces. Meals focus on regional ingredients prepared with care to highlight local flavors, bringing the taste of Victoria’s countryside right to your plate. What sets this Howqua River expedition apart is its perfect balance of adventure and ease. Experienced riders and newcomers alike benefit from expert guides who share stories of the land’s cultural significance and natural history, deepening each guest’s connection to this storied region. The ride’s moderate challenge suits those with a reasonable level of fitness, promising exhilaration without exhaustion. This trip captures a unique slice of Australian outdoor culture—where horseback riding, pristine wilderness, and historic narratives unite. It’s a standout offering in the High Country’s outdoor recreation options, ideal for travelers seeking an authentic yet luxurious bush experience beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you come for the landscape, the legendary vibes, or simply a peaceful escape with horseback elegance, the Howqua River Luxury Ride delivers an unforgettable encounter with the wild heart of Victoria. Nearby, the town of Howqua provides essential services and local warmth, making it a convenient base before or after your horseback escape. Adventure Collective readers looking to combine natural beauty, quiet luxury, and a deep dive into regional legends will find this journey to the Howqua River a captivating reason to visit Australia’s High Country.

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

2 days.

Fitness level

Riders should have moderate fitness to enjoy long hours on horseback and occasional walking over rough terrain.

Wildlife

Mountain wallaby
Kookaburra

History

The High Country’s trails recall the gold mining era and inspired Australian folklore such as 'The Man from Snowy River.'

Conservation

This adventure promotes low-impact tourism, emphasizing waste reduction and respect for native habitats to protect the fragile alpine ecosystem.

Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides is a family-owned horse riding operation based in Boorolite, Victoria, offering guided trail rides across Australia’s High Country. The business specialises in short rides for newcomers and multi-day packhorse adventures that explore the Howqua River, Delatite Valley and surrounding ranges. Guests can choose from one-hour and two-hour rides to full-day excursions and immersive multi-night itineraries including five- and seven-day heritage rides. Rides are run from a working family farm and focus on safe, guided horsemanship, regional interpretation and authentic bush hospitality. Meals range from farmhouse refreshments after short rides to fully catered bush meals on extended trips. Accommodation on multi-night journeys varies between rustic bunkhouses, renovated miners’ cottages and campsite stays, depending on the selected itinerary. Several signature experiences highlight local history and film locations associated with "The Man from Snowy River," while other rides concentrate on river crossings, mountain vistas and wildlife observation. The property’s routes traverse varied terrain, providing opportunities to trot and canter for capable riders and gentle walks for novices; guides match pace and route to rider ability. Bookings are available for individuals, families and small groups; seasonal availability reflects high-country weather and river conditions. Watson's Mountain Country Trail Rides maintains local knowledge and long-standing operation in the region, making it a reliable choice for visitors seeking authentic horseback experiences in Victoria’s High Country. Experienced guides provide safety briefings, gear and local insights to ensure riders of varying experience levels can enjoy secure and memorable mountain trail rides with friendly staff.

Base locationHowqua, Victoria

Tours offered13+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace

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