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Kerewong State Forest, NSW

Overview

The North Coast Hinterland of New South Wales (NSW) provides fantastic terrain for horse riders - a mixture of hilly eucalyptus forests, gently undulating farmland, forested mountain climbs, rocky escarpments, creek crossings and hidden riding trails with pockets of rainforest. You can also discove…

Highlights

  • High-quality Arabian endurance horses.
  • Access to trails crossing 50,000 acres of forest & park
  • Opportunity to ride on the beautiful local beach
  • See some of Australia's amazing wildlife on horseback
  • Challenging riding for fit and adventurous equestrians

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 3 riders per group
  • Average of 4 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: Absolutely maximum dressed weight of 80kg / 176 lbs / 12 stone 8 lbs.
    more info Only 1 rider over 73kg per group will be accepted - this is due to the small size of the horses and the challenging terrain and climate.

Description

The North Coast Hinterland of New South Wales (NSW) provides fantastic terrain for horse riders - a mixture of hilly eucalyptus forests, gently undulating farmland, forested mountain climbs, rocky escarpments, creek crossings and hidden riding trails with pockets of rainforest. You can also discover one of the fantastic beaches of the Port Macquarie region on horseback.

Kerewong State Forest is located in the beautiful Lorne Valley and your home for the week is the 60-acre farm belonging to your host and guide. The farm has access to trails crossing 50,000 acres of seemingly endless and remote NSW State Forest and Australian National Parks.

A highlight of the ride is the chance to ride high-quality Arabian horses. These intelligent, willing, energetic and sensitive horses are a delight for competent riders who will relish the opportunity to canter on endless forest trails and gallop down long, sandy beaches. All of the horses have been trained for long-distance and endurance riding, with them all having completed 40km endurance rides as part of their training. The horses live out together as a herd and are in excellent condition.

Your guide, Kathy, moved to Australia from the Netherlands in 2000 and set up her equestrian trails business in 2004. In the Netherlands, she competed in Dressage up to Advanced level, show jumping and eventing, later obtaining her Dutch horse driving qualifications too. She now regularly competes in local endurance rides on the horses she uses on these trails. Kathy prepares all your meals as well as guiding you on your adventure, so this is a truly personal experience.

This ride is for competent riders only with long active walks, trots, canters and fast galloping sections of up to 4kms at a time and both include the same beach ride. The programme offers opportunities for fast gallops following forest trails, The ride can be confirmed for one person on payment of a supplement.

Rides are offered during the cooler months of the year, between March and late November. In general, the weather is usually fantastic with even the winter months (June-August) usually being dry and sunny with cold nights. Spring and autumn can bring a variety of different weathers, including sunshine and some rain showers too.

This is a ride for true riders who want to experience authentic, rural Australia on fit and forward-going horses - an ideal rustic thrill to fit into a longer Australian itinerary.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Australian made leather Endurance saddles, with endurance breastplates. Bridles comprise simple snaffle bits, hackamores or bitless Natural Horsemanship halters. Each saddle comes with a small saddle bag for your water bottle.

Horses

Mainly purebred Arabian, with one Andalusian x Thoroughbred.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Kerewong Country and Coast is a based ride

Ages

Typically 18 years+. Those aged 15-17 may be accommodated if they are strong, competent riders and accompanied by a riding adult (please enquire).

Health

General good health and riding fitness

Weight

Absolutely maximum dressed weight of 80kg / 176 lbs / 12 stone 8 lbs. Only 1 rider over 73kg per group will be accepted - this is due to the small size of the horses and the challenging terrain and climate.

Food & Accommodation

Food

Meals are fresh and home-cooked.

Breakfast is buffet-style with toast, condiments, cereals, yoghurt, fruit and eggs.

Lunch is usually light and picnic style, either from your saddlebag or brought by the support vehicle.

Dinners are taken at the dining table in the communal area and are comprised of two courses. Meals will include Australian and international specialities such as beef stew, pasta, chicken, fish, roast dinner or barbecue.

Vegetarians and other special diets can be catered for with advance notice.

Juice, soft drinks, filtered rainwater, tea and coffee are available freely on a self-serve basis. Wine is served with dinner. Beer and additional wine is available at extra cost (payable locally).

Accommodation

You will stay at Kerewong Lodge, which is a separate guest wing of the main farmhouse. The lodge is typically Australian, clean and comfortable but not luxurious. It contains 2 single rooms and 1 double/twin room. There is also a separate studio/cabin with a queen and a single bed, suitable for double or twin occupancy. All rooms have their own bathroom with toilet and shower, except for one single room, so if there are four solo riders then the two singles will share one bathroom. Maximum occupancy is 6/7 people but only 4 riders.

There is a centrally located guest living/dining area and each room has an external door leading to its own decking space.

Itineraries

Kerewong Country and Coast Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

Horse-riding is the priority here and most days are filled with riding. After the rides, there is some leisure time where you can relax by the pool, read a book, snooze or take a walk. There are some opportunities for viewing local wildlife and birds.

Time permitting you could visit the Lorne Valley Macadamia Farm and Cafe, a local winery or the Koala Hospital and historic Roto House.

Whale watching boats operate in Port Macquarie from May to November.

Non-riders can be accommodated on the stationary programme but would be advised to hire a car to explore the area.

Travel

The nearest airport is Port Macquarie domestic airport, which is a 1-hour flight from Sydney or 1,5 hour flight from Brisbane.

Alternatively, you can arrive by bus or train into Port Macquarie or Kendall. There is no public transport past Kendall and so you will require a transfer or hire your own car.

Transfers are included at a set time as follows:

Arrival:
Port Macquarie airport/bus station/hotel: 5:15-5:30pm
Kendall train station: 6:15pm (to coincide with Sydney train; Brisbane trains on request).

Departure:
Port Macquarie airport: to meet 11am flight
Kendall train station: to meet 9am train to Sydney

Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You will arrive at Kerewong Lodge in the late afternoon after your transfer from Port Macquarie or Kendall. Over dinner with your guide and fellow riders you can discuss the programme for the week ahead.

Day 2

Riding: 3 hours

Your introductory ride takes you through the hilly terrain of Kerewong State Forest with tall eucalyptus trees and pockets of rainforest. Stop at a creek-side picnic ground in the middle of the forest for lunch. You may spot some of the local wildlife such as wallabies, "goannas" and many birds like the Black Cockatoo. Return to the farm for dinner.

Day 3

Riding: 5 hours

Ride to the impressive Comboyne Mountain (670m), whose peak can be seen from the lodge. There are magnificent 360-degree views from the top. Enjoy your lunch at the peak and then descend back to the farm for dinner and overnight.

Day 4

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

Today is a longer ride which starts along a historic timber railway line to the local Bago vineyards. There are creek crossings, adventurous steep descents and fantastic long gallops along the way. On arrival, you can taste the local produce whilst you look out over the vines. Transfer by road back to the lodge.

Day 5

Riding: 2 hours

Today is your opportunity to experience the beach with a fantastic ride galloping alongside the Pacific Ocean. Watch out for dolphins in the waves or a close encounter with kangaroos. Stop for lunch at a restaurant or cafe in the dunes (payable locally) where you can opt for fish and chips from the local fisherman's coop or something from the local Macadamia Farm Cafe. Transfer back to the lodge in the horse trailer.

Day 6

Riding: 6 hours

A farmland ride takes you to the beautiful green, rolling farmland of the Comboyne Plateau. On clear days you can see the Pacific Ocean. On return to the lodge, you are treated to a farewell dinner.

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

Depart after breakfast.

Please note that the itinerary is subject to forestry activities and weather/terrain conditions but always with your best interests at heart.

* An optional mini trail may be organised for 3 or more riders, staying overnight in 2 different accommodations along the route. Additional charges for this apply (please see supplementary costs).

Accommodation

All nights are at Kerewong Lodge in single or twin/double rooms. If the lodge is full then the two single rooms have to share a bathroom.

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Strong intermediate and competent riders only. The riding can be intense with some long and fast sections of galloping. You need to be riding fit and capable of riding forward going endurance horses.

Minimum group size 2
Maximum group size 3
Departure windows

March 29, 2024 - April 4, 2024  (Easter Ride)

April 12, 2024 - April 18, 2024

April 29, 2024 - May 5, 2024

May 11, 2024 - May 17, 2024

May 30, 2024 - June 5, 2024

Sept. 12, 2024 - Sept. 18, 2024

Sept. 29, 2024 - Oct. 2, 2024

Oct. 10, 2024 - Oct. 16, 2024

Oct. 24, 2024 - Oct. 30, 2024

Nov. 7, 2024 - Nov. 13, 2024

Nov. 21, 2024 - Nov. 27, 2024

Dec. 6, 2024 - Dec. 12, 2024

Pricing

2024
Rider; sharing
£1650 $2080 €1925
No single supplement, but you must be prepared to share a bathroom depending on the group size.
Included 6 nights accommodation, five days of riding, all meals except lunch on the beach ride day, soft drinks and wine with dinner, transfers at set times
Not included Flights, additional drinks such as beer, lunch on one day, travel insurance, tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2024 - Small Group Supplement £280 $355 €330
Paid to Far and Ride
Supplement to confirm ride departure for 1 guest. Removed/refunded once a minimum of 2 riders are booked.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.