Not just for wine lovers, Yarra Valley is an adventure destination, especially on horseback. The beautiful rolling hills, pristine Australian bush and picturesque vineyards of Yarra Valley provide the perfect setting for horseback adventures. Whether you’re riding through the Chum Creek trails or taking a gentle ride through the vineyards, horseback riding in Yarra Valley has something for all levels of riders.
Horseback riding is the best way to see the region, get up close and personal with the natural beauty of the valley. From panoramic views of the Dividing Range to peaceful bush treks, these rides give you a different perspective of the land. Yarra Valley has some of the best horse trail rides, including tours through famous vineyards like Tokar Estate and along the Dandenong Ranges National Park and Kinglake National Park trails.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, Yarra Valley has something for all. Operators like Chum Creek Horse Rides & Huts and Valley Park Riding School offer horseback riding experiences. Chum Creek is famous for their Mountain Hut experience, where you can ride scenic trails and stay overnight in cozy huts in the bush.
Valley Trails
Yarra Valley has many horseback riding trails, each with its own scenery and challenges. Some of the most popular are:
- Chum Creek Horse Trail Rides: Ride through the beautiful Chum Creek landscape and enjoy views of the valley and beyond. Suitable for both beginner and experienced riders and with plenty of photo stops at Horse Yards along the way.
- Warburton Rail Trail: This historic trail, once a railway line, is a flat and easy ride, perfect for families and beginner riders. Scenic views of river crossings, mountains and peaceful woodlands.
- Mountain Country Trail Rides: If you want a more challenging ride, Mountain Country Trail Rides have trails that take you through rough terrain with stunning views of the valley. More suited for experienced riders or those looking for an adventure.
If you want to ride and wine, many operators offer wine tours through the vineyards of Yarra Valley, including Tokar Estate. These tours often include wine tastings and lunch so you can experience the best of both the natural and culinary Yarra Valley.
Riding for All Levels
Horseback riding in Yarra Valley is for all levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Many operators have gentle horses for beginners and tailor the trails to ensure a safe and fun experience. Chum Creek Horse Rides & Huts, for example, has rides for both beginners and advanced riders, with trails that go through bush and along public roads with minimal traffic.
For beginners, short rides like the 1 hour horse trail ride are available with expert guides to make sure everyone feels comfortable. Riders can enjoy the valley while building their horse riding skills. For more experienced riders, operators like Gunnamatta Trail Rides and Hepburn Lagoon Trail Rides have longer and more challenging rides, including multi day rides and loop horse riding trails. These rides take you through different terrains, from the open meadows of Beltain Park to the mountainous tracks of the Dandenong Ranges.
Wine Tasting and Riding
One of the most special and fun ways to experience Yarra Valley is to combine horseback riding with a wine-tasting tour. Many operators, including Yarra Valley Wine Tours, have exclusive horseback rides through the vineyards where riders can stop at wineries like Tokar Estate. After a 1 hour trail ride through the vineyards, you can enjoy a glass of wine with local cheese or fruit drinks while taking in the views.
These rides go through areas like Christmas Hills and the Heath Road region,, where you’ll find some of the best views of Yarra Valley. Along the way, you’ll ride through bush and horse trails of typical size, which provide plenty of opportunities to take in the views. For a more indulgent experience, some tours offer gourmet picnics or lunches in the vineyards.
Multi-Day Rides and Adventure Trails
For the more adventurous riders Yarra Valley has several multi day rides that allow you to see even more of the valley’s stunning landscapes. Tours like Mountain Country Trail Rides or Gunnamatta Trail Rides go through more remote parts of the valley, like Toolangi State Park and Kurth Kiln Regional Park. These rides are for those who want to get off the beaten track and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.
Multi day rides stop at various Trail Heads or overnight at places like the Mountain Hut or Bogong High Plains so riders can experience the valley in a more personal way. These tours are led by experienced horse trail guides who will keep you on track and share their knowledge of the area’s history, wildlife and natural features.
Riding Safety and Standards
Safety is paramount on all Yarra Valley horseback riding tours, operators follow strict safety standards so you have a safe and fun experience. Helmets are provided and you will be given a full briefing before we hit the trails. Experienced guides lead all tours so the trail is suitable for the group’s experience level and everyone is comfortable with their horse.
Most tours also have minimum age requirements for riders, usually 7 years old so these are suitable for families with children. For younger riders or beginners operators like Valley Park Riding School offer shorter rides or school holiday programs that focus on building confidence and basic riding skills.
Cultural and Scenic Highlights
As well as the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley horseback riding tours also offer the chance to experience some of the area’s cultural attractions. Rides through Beltain Park or Banksia Park often include stops at historic landmarks or seasonal gardens like Alowyn Gardens, Cloudehill Gardens and Blue Lotus Water Garden. These gardens are stunning in spring and autumn when the flowers are in bloom.
For those who want to experience more of Victoria’s cultural heritage rides through Kinglake National Park or Dandenong Ranges National Park offer the chance to see cultural attractions like the Toolangi Sculpture Trail where local artists display their work along the trail.
Plan Your Horseback Ride
When planning a horseback ride in Yarra Valley make sure you choose the right tour for your experience level and interests. Whether you’re booking a short trail ride or multi day ride it’s best to book in advance especially during peak season (spring and autumn). Many operators offer alternative times or late arrival options so you can find a time that suits you.
When preparing for your ride make sure to wear the right clothes, drizabone coats for rain protection and comfortable shoes. Some tours, especially longer rides, may require you to bring snacks or fruit drinks for the ride.
FAQ
What’s the best time of year to horse ride in Yarra Valley?
Spring and autumn are the best times to horse ride in Yarra Valley when the weather is mild and the gardens and landscapes are in full bloom.
Can kids horse ride?
Yes, most operators have a minimum age requirement for kids, usually 7 years old. Many operators, like Valley Park Riding School, offer family rides and school holiday programs.
Do I need to have experience to horse ride?
No, Yarra Valley has tours for all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced riders. Many tours have gentle horses and an experienced trail guide to make it a comfortable and safe experience.
Are there horse rides with wine tasting?
Yes, many operators offer horse rides with wine tasting, especially through the vineyards of Tokar Estate and other wineries. These tours often include wine tastings and gourmet lunch stops.
How long are the horse rides?
Horse rides in Yarra Valley range from hour long to full day or multi day rides. Most operators offer flexibility in the ride length, shorter rides for beginners and longer rides for more experienced riders.
