Is prior horseback riding experience necessary?

No, riders of all skill levels are welcome, and horses are well-trained for beginners.

What is the age requirement for this ride?

Participants must be 18 years or older to book this ride.

Are rides available year-round?

No, rides operate during specific months—primarily April and August/September.

What happens if the minimum participant number isn’t met?

The ride requires at least five riders; if unmet, you will be contacted to reschedule.

Is alcoholic beverage included in the experience?

Yes, a complimentary beer or glass of wine is provided during the sunset stop.

What is the weight limit for riders?

The maximum weight is 90kg, with limited slots above 80kg; contact the company before booking if you exceed 80kg.

Sunset Trail Ride through Great Otway National Park: Horseback Adventures near Bellbrae

Set against the backdrop of the Great Otway National Park in Victoria, Australia, the Sunset Trail Ride offers a distinct opportunity to experience horseback riding in one of the region’s most captivating natural landscapes. Starting near Bellbrae, a quiet town tucked between Geelong and the iconic Great Ocean Road, this two-hour experience immerses riders in the park’s diverse environments — lush fern gullies, ancient eucalyptus forests, and open grasslands — all while the day winds down toward the golden hues of dusk. What sets this ride apart is its perfect blend of accessibility and atmosphere. Suitable for riders of all skill levels aged 18 and above, the trail affords 70 minutes aboard gentle horses trained for relaxed, guided exploration. Throughout the route, riders traverse undisturbed park trails featuring towering gum trees and verdant undergrowth, characteristic of the Otways’ temperate rainforest ecosystem. This area is known for its cool, damp soils nurturing bright mosses and a chorus of native birds — including crimson rosellas and powerful owls — which often accompany your quiet passage. The real highlight arrives toward the end of the ride: a leisurely stop to savor a complimentary beer or glass of wine while gazing at a sunset spilling color over the forest canopy. This moment encapsulates the magic of the ride, merging nature’s calm with a relaxed social atmosphere. The experience is thoughtfully designed to connect riders with the unspoiled wilderness, offering a serene counterpoint to the hustle of nearby coastal towns. Spring Creek Horse Rides, the operator based at 245 Portreath Road, Bellbrae, is a respected part of the local outdoor recreation community, championing responsible and inclusive riding experiences. They prioritize safety and comfort by requiring suitable clothing such as long pants and closed-toe shoes and maintaining small group sizes with a minimum participant number to ensure quality. Available primarily in April and again in the cooler months of August and September, the ride embraces the shifting seasons of Victoria’s landscape. Riders can expect cool air punctuated by fresh forest scents and the chance to witness the Otways’ unique flora shift with the light, highlighting patches of wildflowers or the dense, glossy leaves of native vines. For anyone seeking a peaceful introduction to horseback riding combined with the natural charm of one of Australia’s famed national parks, the Sunset Trail Ride near Bellbrae delivers a genuinely authentic outdoor adventure that celebrates both the environment and the simple pleasures of riding at twilight.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for basic physical conditioning; no advanced skills or endurance required.

Wildlife

Crimson rosella
Powerful owl

History

The Great Otway National Park was established in 2004 to protect the diverse temperate rainforest and coastal ecosystems of the region.

Conservation

Spring Creek Horse Rides operates with low impact practices ensuring horses and trails are managed sustainably to protect this sensitive environment.

Spring Creek Horse Rides is a Bellbrae-based equestrian operator offering a range of guided trail rides, riding lessons and family-friendly pony experiences on the Surf Coast of Victoria. Located beside a spring-fed creek and a sandy arena, the business provides personalized riding lessons led by a qualified instructor, with horses matched to each rider’s ability to ensure comfort and safety. Trail rides explore nearby bushland and the Great Otway National Park, with options that include one-hour, 1.5-hour and two-hour rides suitable for beginners and more experienced riders. Specialty experiences include a Sunset Trail Ride that pairs evening riding with a complimentary beer or wine stop, and a Winery Ride that finishes with wine tasting and wood-fired pizzas at Moshulu Estate. Family-focused offerings include a Pony Patrol short ride designed for young children under supervision, and one-hour rides that are noted as suitable for families and beginners. Age and skill requirements vary by trip: some longer trail rides require riders to be older teens or adults. All experiences emphasize a guided, instructor-led approach, natural scenery, and encounters with native wildlife. Spring Creek Horse Rides promotes a safe, enjoyable equestrian experience on the Surf Coast by pairing riders with appropriate horses and offering multiple ride lengths and formats to match different interests and abilities.

Base locationBellbrae, Victoria

Tours offered7+

Specialtyland-adventures

StewardshipLeave No Trace

My Trip