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Saddle up for a two-hour horse ride with Spring Creek Horse Rides through Great Otway National Park’s forest trails. Ideal for riders aged 12+, this trip reveals a quieter side of the Surf Coast wilderness beyond the beach.
Saddle up for a two-hour horse ride with Spring Creek Horse Rides through Great Otway National Park’s forest trails. Ideal for riders aged 12+, this trip reveals a quieter side of the Surf Coast wilderness beyond the beach.
Book with Spring Creek Horse Rides
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Spring Creek Horse Rides · Bellbrae, Victoria
Spring Creek Horse Rides offers a compelling way to connect with one of Victoria’s most evocative natural landscapes: the Great Otway National Park. Situated in Bellbrae, between Geelong and the renowned Great Ocean Road, their two-hour horse trail ride delivers a dynamic journey through the heart of the Surf Coast’s lush hinterlands. This isn’t your average seaside adventure — riders aged 12 and above saddle up to traverse verdant forest tracks, slippery fern-lined gullies, and patches of ancient eucalyptus woodland that quietly pulsate with wildlife activity.
Great Otway National Park covers more than 100,000 hectares of rugged terrain, from towering rainforest pockets to windswept ridges. The ride duration allows time not only for steady trotting but also moments to pause and absorb views seldom seen by casual visitors. Spring Creek carefully curates this experience, balancing accessibility with authentic immersion. The property at 245 Portreath Road is a staging ground that blends hospitality with adventure, appealing especially to riders who travel from Melbourne seeking a refreshing day trip or a deeper connection to the landscape beyond the coast.
What sets Spring Creek apart is their commitment to safe yet spirited riding—trotting is included, but cantering is reserved for verified experienced riders on designated days. The ride navigates lesser-known sections of the Otways rather than just tourist trails, showcasing a striking blend of native flora including towering manna gums and ground-hugging mosses. Birdcalls and the occasional sighting of wallabies or echidnas punctuate the ride.
This is a region steeped in both natural and cultural history; the Otways were traditionally home to the Gadubanud people, and conservation efforts today focus on maintaining biodiversity and protecting endangered species. Spring Creek Horse Rides plays a vital role in sustainable tourism here by limiting group sizes and minimizing impact on the trails.
For riders seeking a memorable outdoor pursuit on horseback, this two-hour trail delivers a crisp, genuine taste of Victoria’s wild Surf Coast terrain, cherished by locals and visitors alike.
moderate.
2 hours.
Riders should be comfortable sitting and trotting for up to two hours and able to mount/dismount unassisted.
Yes, riders aged 12 and up with basic riding ability can participate. Trotting is included, but experienced instruction is provided.
Cantering is only offered on specific dates for proven experienced riders and requires prior approval.
The standard weight limit is 90kg, though the company may accommodate exceptions with advance notice.
Wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes. Bring a jacket for rain, as rides run in most weather.
Riders must be at least 12 years old to join this two-hour ride.
Meet at Spring Creek Horse Rides’ property located at 245 Portreath Road, Bellbrae, VIC 3228.
The Great Otway National Park sits on traditional lands of the Gadubanud people, whose knowledge shapes conservation efforts today.
Spring Creek Horse Rides supports low-impact trail use and works with park authorities to maintain the natural ecosystem integrity.
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.
Book with Spring Creek Horse Rides