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Saddle up for a two-hour horseback adventure along St Andrews Beach, where coastal bushland meets golden dunes and gentle waves. Perfect for beginners and nature lovers, this ride showcases the Mornington Peninsula’s stunning shoreline like few other experiences.
Saddle up for a two-hour horseback adventure along St Andrews Beach, where coastal bushland meets golden dunes and gentle waves. Perfect for beginners and nature lovers, this ride showcases the Mornington Peninsula’s stunning shoreline like few other experiences.
Book with Gunnamatta Trail Rides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Gunnamatta Trail Rides · Fingal, Victoria
Discover the invigorating experience of horseback riding along St Andrews Beach, a stretch of golden sand kissed by the gentle waves of the Bass Strait on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula. This two-hour ride offers an authentic connection with Australia’s coastal wilderness, blending scenic bushland trails with the expansive dune systems and pristine beaches. Whether you're a family seeking a calm outdoor escape or a couple chasing a romantic adventure, this beach ride aboard Gunnamatta’s gentle horses promises unforgettable moments in a distinctive natural setting.
Located near the town of Fingal, St Andrews Beach is renowned for its sweeping coastline and rugged beauty—ideal for riders eager to engage both senses and spirit. The adventure begins through coastal bushland, where native eucalyptus and banksia thrive alongside colorful wildflowers, leading riders over rolling dunes that frame the shoreline. As horses step onto the soft sands, the soundscape shifts—the crash of waves, the cry of sea birds, and the salty ocean breeze enrich the journey.
Gunnamatta Trail Rides operates this experience with a commitment to safety and personalized attention. Limiting group sizes to eight riders ensures an intimate, manageable pace, perfect for beginners aged 10 and older. Horses with calm temperaments familiar with beach terrain provide confidence and comfort throughout the ride. With no advanced riding skills required, newcomers can comfortably enjoy the unique thrill of tidal-edge horse riding under expert guidance.
What sets this trip apart is its seamless fusion of terrestrial and coastal environments rarely accessible on horseback. The Mornington Peninsula’s geological backdrop, composed of ancient sedimentary formations, invites riders to appreciate a landscape shaped for millennia by wind and sea. Additionally, the ride offers scenic diversity—from shaded tracks beneath coastal scrub to open vistas where sea and sky merge.
Visitors should arrive equipped with long pants and enclosed shoes suitable for riding, and a jacket for variable weather, as rides proceed rain or shine except in severe storms. This thoughtful preparation complements Gunnamatta’s commitment to rider readiness and safety.
In summary, the St Andrews Beach Ride offers a compelling way to engage with one of Victoria’s cherished coastal environments through a gentle but exhilarating outdoor pursuit. It stands out as a highlight for its accessibility, proximity to Fingal, and the rare opportunity to trot along where bush meets surf. For anyone exploring the Mornington Peninsula, this horseback ride is an essential adventure that blends scenic exploration with a genuine connection to Australia’s natural heritage.
easy.
2 hours.
Suitable for beginners with basic fitness; no prior riding experience needed.
No prior riding experience is required; the horses are gentle, and guides provide instruction suitable for beginners.
Participants must be at least 10 years old to join the group rides.
Yes, guests can book private beach rides for a more exclusive experience.
Long pants and enclosed shoes are recommended for safety and comfort. A jacket for variable weather is also advised.
Rides continue in light rain but will be rescheduled during extreme storm conditions for safety.
The meeting point is at 150 Sandy Rd, Fingal, VIC 3939, close to St Andrews Beach.
The Mornington Peninsula has a rich Aboriginal heritage with the Bunurong people traditionally caring for this coastal region.
Gunnamatta Trail Rides supports sustainable tourism by adhering to environmental guidelines to protect fragile dune ecosystems.
Gunnamatta Trail Rides is a horseback riding operator based in Fingal, Victoria that provides guided trail rides, lessons and horsemanship programs along coastal and nearby inland terrain. The business offers beach rides to St Andrews Beach, private and group sessions, a Family Play introduction for children aged 6–12 with parents or carers, one-on-one private lessons structured across three skill levels, and multi-day horsemanship clinics including one-day and immersive three-day options plus an extended four-week package. Riders are asked to arrive early for safety briefings and gear fitting; many activities continue rain or shine. Experienced instructors lead shore and dune rides, clinic sessions and private lessons that focus on riding technique, horse care and confidence-building. Signature packages combine a beach ride with local experiences such as the Peninsula Hot Springs or a meal at St Andrews Beach Brewery. Private bookings include tailored early-bird and group options to suit different riding levels and schedules. Gunnamatta Trail Rides emphasizes horse welfare and participant safety through supervised grooming, arena work for beginners, and clear instructor guidance during trail and beach rides. Programs are suitable for families, adults seeking private coaching, and riders wanting structured progression or concentrated horsemanship training. Flexible scheduling and a range of single-day and extended packages support both casual visitors and those exploring horse ownership and long-term skill development. Notable offerings include Mane Insights, Family Play, 1:1 Private Lesson, Horsemanship Clinic (one-day and three-day options), Horsemanship Clinic 4-week Package, St Andrews Beach Ride, Private St Andrews Beach Ride, Beach & Bathe Package. Available.
Book with Gunnamatta Trail Rides