Rider cantering on an Australian beach on an Arabian horse

Kerewong centre-based ride

Enjoy a relaxing centre-based riding holiday in the Lorne Valley of New South Wales, Australia. Join Kathy at her lovely farm and become part of the Kerewong family. Every day, you ride out in a different direction, exploring trails and riding across a variety of terrain and sub-tropical natural landscapes. Highlights of the trail include an exhilarating beach gallop, and a winery tour!
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Centre based holidays
7 days (5 days riding)
From £1,670
Open to non-riders
  • Rider and horse on a beach in Australia
    On horseback in Australia
  • Riders and horses splashing in a creek during a riding holiday in Australia
    Ride friendly, responsive horses - a mix of Arabians, Brumbies and Andalusians
  • Rider in NSW in Australia in front of a jacaranda tree in bloom
    Enjoy the Jacaranda trees in bloom from October to November
  • Arabian horse and endurance saddle seen during a trail riding holiday in Australia
    You ride forward horses in excellent trail riding tack
  • Horseback riding holiday in Australia, New South Wales
    On horseback, enjoy the rolling green hills of the NSW east coast of Australia
  • Group of riders on a beach trail ride in Australia, New South Wales
    Beach riding in Australia
  • Trail riders riding in Australia, New South Wales
    Experience the best of the Australian hillly bush landscape
  • Rider cantering on an Arabian horse on an Australian beach
    The beach ride is always a very popular day!
  • Horseback rider in a creek on horseback in Australia
    An relaxing riding adventure in Australia for competent riders
  • Beach riding in Australia on fit endurance horses
    Enjoy a blast down the beach!

Itinerary

Highlights

- Experience the best of the Australian hillly bush landscape, eucalypt-& rainforest, secluded beaches and green farm valleys of the NSW East Coast of Australia.
- Return to your comfortable farmhouse accommodation at the end of each day ride for relaxing late afternoons and evenings in scenic surroundings - a peaceful place to unwind, relax and enjoy the horses, hospitality and Australian nature and wildlife.
- You may encounter Wallabies, Pademelons, Bandikoots, Reptiles, Goanna’s and many Australian bird species including Parrots, Lyrebirds, Black Cockatoo’s. Occasionally you may even see a koala too!
- Ride fit and forward horses - Arabians, Brumbies or Andalusians, all very responsive and a pleasure to ride.
  • Day 1 1: PORT MACQUARIE - KEREWONG

    Kerewong lodge
    Fly to Port Macquarie, NSW. Flights are not included but we can help with this on request.

    On arrival at Port Macquarie airport, you will be picked up by your guide and transferred to the farm, in Kerewong (1 hour drive). If you are already travelling throughout Australia, we can also arrange pick-ups from the Port Macquarie bus station or Kendall Trail station (20 min drive). Transfers are scheduled at set times – please see dates and prices for specific transfer information. You can also self-drive to the farm if you have a car.

    You will arrive at Kerewong Farm in the late afternoon or early evening, on time to meet the Kerewong horse herd in their home pastures. You will have dinner with your host and other riders, giving you a chance to be briefed on the week's riding program and discuss your previous riding experience with your guide.

    Please note: The itinerary below is not a set order as riding days can vary according to circumstances. The tour guide chooses the order of the day rides to give riders the best possible experience in their specific riding week.
  • Day 2 2: KEREWONG FOREST RIDE - 3h riding / 22 km

    Kerewong lodge
    Your first day in the saddle starts with an introductory forest ride through the hilly terrain of the Kerewong State Forest. Enjoy its tall eucalypt forests, pockets of rainforest, beautiful quiet bush trails and fun canters. You will stop for lunch under tall gum trees in the middle of the Aussie bush. You may encounter Wallabies, Pademelons, Bandikoots, Reptiles, Goanna’s and many Australian bird species including Parrots, Lyrebirds, Black Cockatoo’s. Occasionally you may even see a koala too!

    This is a shorter ride with an easy-going pace, to enable riders to get accustomed to the terrain and horses and settle international travellers into the time- and climate zone. Back to the farm and relaxed afternoon before dinner.
  • Day 3 3: MOUNTAIN TOP RIDE - 5h riding / 30 km

    Kerewong lodge
    Today’s trail ride takes you to the impressive Comboyne Mountain (670 m), which peak can be seen from the farm. Enjoy magnificent 360-degree view at the top, over the expanding eucalyptus forest landscape, beautiful coastline, farmlands and the start of the Great Dividing Range. This is the most strenuous day ride for the horses with uphill cantering, long steep up-and downhill sections and some rough terrain. Horses and riders enjoy a well-deserved lunch break at the peak, brought to you by a Kerewong helper in the 4wd support vehicle. You ride back home downhill at an easy walking pace.
  • Day 4 4: WINERY RIDE - 5h riding / 35 km

    Kerewong lodge
    Today is a long riding day to local Bago Vineyards and Maze, a small family-owned and operated winery. Enjoy beautiful scenic creek crossings (platypus live here but are rarely seen) and maybe move some cattle while riding through neighbouring farm properties. As you follow Longworth's Tramway Heritage Trail, see the remnants of a historic timber railway line that was operational in the 1920's for timber log transport. Saddlebag sandwich lunch while sitting in the shade of tall eucalypt trees.

    In the afternoon, get ready for an adventurous steep descent and fantastic long gallops of up to 4 km's on beautiful forest trails. On arrival, taste the wine of this unique little winery and enjoy a gourmet local cheese plate under the pergola. If riding in October – November, a highlight of this ride is the purple blossoming Jacaranda Trees. And the best news is… you can taste and drink as much as you like – you will be transferred back to the farm by car (45 minutes drive).
  • Day 5 5: BEACH RIDE - 2h riding / 15 km

    Kerewong lodge
    One of this riding holiday’s most popular features is definitely the beach ride… Get ready for long uninterrupted gallops on a deserted beach – an unforgettable lifetime experience for many horseback adventurers. Watch out for dolphins in the waves and a chance of a close encounter with kangaroos. Lunch is usually taken at the local restaurant "Fish Coop". Transfers each way to the beach is by car (45 minutes each way).
  • Day 6 6: COMBOYNE PLATEAU - 5-6 hrs riding/40 km

    Kerewong lodge
    Enjoy today’s trail ride to the beautiful green rolling farmland of the Comboyne Plateau. Comboyne is a volcanic plateau with a unique topography and fertile red soil. You ride past dairy farms and avocado orchards, enjoying panoramic views over the Three Brother Mountains, an Australian Aboriginal Place of spiritual significance to the local Biripi Aboriginal people. On clear days the view goes all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Morning coffee stop and grazing for the horses on arrival at the Comboyne Plateau and a second stop for a late picnic lunch. There are several great galloping sections in the morning and afternoon, as well as long walks to take in the beautiful scenery. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner.
  • Day 7 7: KEREWONG – PORT MACQUARIE

    Kerewong lodge
    Depart Kerewong after breakfast. Transfer to Kendall Railway station or Port Macquarie airport or bus station (set times). Optional stop at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital (only included with departure transfer to Port Macquarie).

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.     

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room during the ride. 

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 2 riders and a maximum of 4 international riders, plus guide. Please note: the ride will also confirm for 1 rider on payment of a supplement of c. €330/£285/US$350 in 2024, or €305/£265/US$330 in 2025. Once the group has reached 2 people, we will remove this supplement from your invoice and refund you if you have already paid it.

- There is no single supplement on this ride and genuinely solo travellers will be given a single room (bathrooms may be shared).

- Transfers from Port Macquarie and Kendall (train station) are included at set times.
> Arrival Day Pick up: Port Macquarie: airport, central bus station or hotel: between 5:15 - 5:30pm - Kendall train station 6:15pm to meet the train from Sydney - Separate pick-up times for Brisbane train times possible on request.
> Departure Day Drop off: Port Macquarie airport from 10:00 am (earlier on request for international connections) - Kendall train station: to meet 09:00 am train to Sydney
Private transfers can be arranged and will be priced on request - usually around US$160/€150/£130 per way.

- The ride is full-board except for one meal (lunch or dinner) at a local establishment, at your own cost.

- Children (15 years and older) with strong intermediate riding skills, and who are accompanied by a riding parent, may be able to participate on request.

- Non-riders are welcome to stay at the lodge with accompanying riders. We recommend you rent a car to explore your surroundings - fishing and golf are available locally, and the beach is a 30-min drive. It is possible for you to meet the group of riders during their picnic lunches.

- Rider weight limit: Maximum weight is 80 kilos/176lbs/12st6. Advanced riders up to 85 kilos/187lbs/13st4 will be considered depending on their height. We will request your height/weight before confirming your booking.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 vehicle and driver
1 horse per rider

Inland transport

Airport transfers at set times (see above for details)

Accommodation

Double, twin or single room - guesthouse

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7, except one meal (lunch or dinner) at local establishment, at own cost.
All non-alcoholic drinks and wine served with dinner

Additional equipment

Saddle bags

Price doesn't include

Meals

Extra beverages and personal extras
Excludes meal (lunch or dinner) at local establishment, at own cost.

Transport

International and domestic flights or transportation to Port Macquarie/Kendall
Local airport fees

Extras

Tips to the local team
Small group supplement - see above for the details

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation
Visas and personal purchase
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    06/12/2024 12/12/2024 £1,670 €1,921 $2,071
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    20/12/2024 26/12/2024 £1,670 €1,921 $2,071
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    04/01/2025 10/01/2025 £1,695 €1,949 $2,102
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    20/03/2025 26/03/2025 £1,695 €1,949 $2,102
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    03/04/2025 09/04/2025 £1,695 €1,949 $2,102
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    17/04/2025 23/04/2025 £1,695 €1,949 $2,102
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    04/05/2025 10/05/2025 £1,695 €1,949 $2,102
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    18/05/2025 24/05/2025 £1,695 €1,949 $2,102
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    05/06/2025 11/06/2025 £1,695 €1,949 $2,102
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    31/08/2025 06/09/2025 £1,695 €1,949 $2,102
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    14/09/2025 20/09/2025 £1,695 €1,949 $2,102
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    28/09/2025 04/10/2025 £1,695 €1,949 $2,102
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    12/10/2025 18/10/2025 £1,695 €1,949 $2,102
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    26/10/2025 01/11/2025 £1,695 €1,949 $2,102
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    09/11/2025 15/11/2025 £1,695 €1,949 $2,102
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    27/11/2025 03/12/2025 £1,695 €1,949 $2,102
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Equestrian info

Horses

The small herd of a dozen horses is made up of Australian-bred Arabian horses, with some Andalucians and Brumbies. They are level-headed and sure-footed, well adapted to the varied terrain. The horses are small, between 14.1 and 15 hands. There are only 2 taller horses: a 15.3 hh Arabian and the 16.2 hh Andalusian-TB. Each horse has its own personality and there is a horse for every rider at the farm. They are part of the family and well looked after by Kathy and her team. They live outside in the herd year-round and are occasionally stabled in bad weather.

All Arabian horses come from good endurance bloodlines and have completed 40 km endurance competitions as part of their early training. The Brumbies were originally captured as wild horses in the Guy Fawkes River National Park, NSW using humane passive trapping yards. They were then professionally trained using Natural Horsemanship Techniques.

Guide & local team

This is a one-woman (Kathy) operated small business. Local volunteers, international travelling helpers (backpackers) and casual workers (depending on group size) provide additional support (e.g. support vehicle for transfers and bringing lunch). The guide carries a special mobile phone for regional areas (but not with 100% reception), UHF radio for communication with forestry workers and first aid kit.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

Strong intermediate and advanced riders only. You ride in open, varied, sometimes challenging country so need to be balanced in the saddle with an independent seat, and must be able to mount and dismount unassisted. Riders are requested to canter and gallop in a two-point position. You must be able to ride in English saddles.

Rider weight limit: Maximum weight is 80 kilos/176lbs/12st6. Advanced riders up to 85 kilos/187lbs/13st4 will be considered depending on their height.

Pace

There are options for a slow-moderate pace for intermediate riders or a moderate-fast pace for strong intermediate-advanced riders. Expect long downhill walks, fast pace uphill gaits. There are regular canters for all, and exhilarating gallops for experienced riders.

In 2024, the pace will be moderate-fast while keeping in mind rider's ability and preferred pace.

Tacking ability and participation

Guests can offer to help with the horses and get their horse ready in the morning, saddle / unsaddle and wash & clean up the horses and tack, if they want (always supervised), but this is by no means compulsory or expected.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

Most country is undulating to steep terrain with some narrow overgrown rainforest trails. Rides go into remote and isolated areas, with limited mobile phone reception and assistance from third parties not immediately available. Leading the horses on foot over short distances may on occasion be required and a reasonable level of fitness is required for all horse riding tours. After each stop riders lead the horses for a few minutes to loosen the horses' (and the riders') muscles before mounting.

Equestrian equipment

Tack is of a very high standard and kept in good condition: Australian endurance saddles. The horses are ridden in snaffle bits, hackamores or bitless bridles/ Natural Horsemanship halters.
There are small saddlebags to carry a water bottle (supplied), personal items for the day, lunch on some days.

Helmets are mandatory and we recommend you bring your own.

Travel info

Comfort

The farm is located in lush surroundings with gently sloping horse paddocks, timber post & rail horse fences, a few orange trees, macadamia nut trees and many Australian native trees and plants, with an abundance of visiting birds and wildlife. The Kerewong Farm stay offers a total of 4 bedrooms (single, double or twin) for up to 7 guests (maximum of 4 riders in any group). Enjoy a comfortable night's sleep in one of the Lodges bedrooms or in the separate studio-style Cabin. Guests can enjoy a saltwater swimming pool (4m x 9m) with a tropical garden feel (In use October - April). All linen and pool towels are provided. There are two friendly dogs on-site: Jedda and Bowie.

There is no mobile phone or television reception on the farm. Guests can use the main phone for emergency calls and enjoy free WiFi Internet.

Meals

All meals are organized by your host. There is a focus on healthy home-style cooking and fresh ingredients with well balanced menus for your stay and when on day tours and treks.
• Breakfast: Buffet style continental breakfast with toast, condiments, cereals, yoghurt and fresh fruit. Cooked eggs & bacon, on some mornings on request.
• Lunch: Light salad lunches and picnics brought by support vehicle or saddle bag sandwiches
• Dinner: 2-course dinners are served at the dining table in the communal area and are home cooked International and Australian dishes.

Juice, soft drinks, filtered rain (tank) water, tea, coffee and hot chocolate are freely available on a self-service basis. Wine is served with dinner. Beer and additional wine can be purchased at a local bottle shop on arrival (during pick-up transfer), the winery ride destination or BYO (Bring Your Own).

Guests with special dietary requirements can be accommodated and must indicate their needs at the time of booking.

Climate

During the month of April, May, August, September and October, the weather is generally pleasant with temperatures between 20-25°Celsius (68°F - 77°F).
The months of January, February, March, April, May, June, August, October, November and December have a high chance of precipitation. The summer months from December to February are rather hot and humid.

Tips

Tips are not expected. It is, however, always welcome to show appreciation for exceptional service

Packing list

Head
- Helmets are mandatory and we recommend you bring your own. There are many lightweight options available nowadays
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana

Upper body
- Thermals (long or short sleeved)
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and are an extra layer
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Light and waterproof jacket

Legs
- 2 Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Casual trousers for the evenings, such as jeans or tracksuit bottoms

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps as an extra layer against inclement weather. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for evenings
- Socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, cold or rain whilst riding.

Other useful items:
- Bathing suit
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Water bottle (2 litres or 2 x 1 litre) – one is provided.

Medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

Miscellaneous
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- You should also bring a copy of your passport/insurance in case you lose your documents. You can also save a copy into your mobile phone.

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.