Cradle To Coast Ride, Australia - Horse Riding Holidays and Safaris

Cradle to Coast Ride, Australia

2-4 NightsBeginner to AdvancedFrom $3,400 AUD

This ride is everything we love about Tassie packed into five {or four, or three} unforgettable days.

There is SO much about Tasmania that keeps us coming back for more. The Apple Isle is not just a smorgasbord of awe-inspiring natural beauty, it’s also a foodie’s paradise. Imagine waking up to birdsong and a country sunrise, downing a moreish breakfast of local produce, then hitting the saddle to explore temperate rainforests, windswept mountains, time-worn bush tracks and THE most heavenly beach. Come sundown, you’re sitting back with a plate full of gourmet goodies, watching the horses grazing peacefully alongside kangaroos and wallabies.

THAT is the Cradle to Coast Ride in a nutshell. It’s everything we love about Tassie packed into five {or four, or three} unforgettable days. 

Your hosts, Ray and Laura Becker, are passionate locals through and through. They have exclusive access to some extraordinary riding trails within easy reach of two unique accommodation sites: the shearer’s quarters of ‘Armitstead’, a property equally rich in history and stunning scenery; and Bakers Beach Homestead, at the wildlife-filled heart of Narawntapu National Park.

With just six guests per departure, your guides can create a truly customised experience for everyone. Beginners can build their confidence on safe, reliable horses while more advanced riders let loose on free-spirited canters.

Trust us, once you bite into the Apple Isle, you’ll be hooked. It will make your heart sing, your spirit soar, and its beauty will leave you breathless.

Fast Facts

  • Horse Breed:From Arabians to Quarter Horses to Percherons, and everything in between!
  • Pace:The pace will vary depending on your riding ability. Those who are capable of trotting and cantering will be able to do so when the terrain allows.
  • Weight Limit:A strict maximum of 100kg / 220lbs.
  • Type of tack:A mixture of English all-purpose and Australian stock saddles.
  • Seasons:November through to April for the summer 5-day itinerary. May to July & September for the winter 3 & 4-day itineraries.
  • Group size:A minimum of five a maximum of six guests.
  • Time in Saddle:On average, four to five hours in the saddle per day.
  • Riding Ability:All riding abilities are catered for, from beginner* to advanced riders.
    *If you are a beginner rider, you’re expected to be capable of riding your horse at a walk and posting/rising to the trot, and willing to try cantering.
     Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
  • Accommodation:5 DAY RIDE: For the first two nights guests will stay in rustic shearer’s quarters surrounded by trees and expansive views, with the horses grazing nearby. Guests will have their own private bedroom on nights 1 & 2, with shared toilet and shower located a short distance away at the end of the verandah.
    Nights 3 & 4 are spent at Bakers Beach Homestead in the heart of Narawntapu National Park. There will be twin share accommodation at the homestead, with a shared toilet & bathroom.

    4 & 3 DAY RIDES: All nights at Bakers Beach.

    NB: The rooms at Bakers Beach are twin-share, and there is only one bathroom {with a shower and toilet} shared by 6x guests and 2x guides. But the location and exclusive access to this property is worth the occasional bathroom queue.
  • Ride Length:5 day, 4 night; 4 day, 3 night; and 3 day, 2 night itineraries are available.
  • Inclusions:

    The price includes all food, accommodation, riding and activities as outlined in the individual itineraries, and transfers to/from Launceston Airport or accommodation.

  • Exclusions:

    The price does not include flights, travel insurance (compulsory), or alcohol.

 

DEPARTURE DATES & RATES

NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!
Departing FinishingAvailabilityTotal
December 18, 2023December 22, 2023SOLD OUT!
$4,250 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
January 5, 2024January 9, 2024SOLD OUT!
$4,250 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
January 15, 2024January 19, 2024SOLD OUT!
$4,250 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
January 29, 2024February 2, 2023SOLD OUT!
$4,250 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
February 12, 2024February 16, 2024SOLD OUT!
$4,250 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
February 26, 2024March 1, 2024SOLD OUT!
$4,250 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
March 11, 2024March 15, 2024SOLD OUT!
$4,250 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
March 25, 2024March 29, 20243 spots left
$4,250 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderBook
April 1, 2024April 5, 20245 spots left
$4,250 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderBook
April 15, 2024April 19, 2024SOLD OUT!
$4,250 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
April 29, 2024May 2, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,400 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
May 13, 2024May 16, 20243 spots left
$3,400 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderBook
May 28, 2024May 31, 20246 spots left
$3,400 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderBook

June 9, 2024

*including a local Navigation Ride (super fun!)

June 11, 20246 spots left
$2,600 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderBook
June 17, 2024June 20, 20246 spots left
$3,400 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderBook

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

The price includes all food, accommodation, riding and activities as outlined in the individual itineraries, and transfers to/from Launceston Airport or accommodation.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

The price does not include flights, travel insurance (compulsory), or alcohol.

Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.

WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN AUD?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.

Itinerary

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*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

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  • Five Day Ride - Day 1

    Welcome to Tassie, globetrotters! You’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Launceston bright and early – make sure you’re wearing your riding gear. Your hosts will take you to their home base, a property called ‘Armitstead’ near the tiny town of Kimberley. Since its establishment in 1860, Armitstead has served many purposes. It has grown various crops, raised countless animals, detained Italians during WWII, and sparked the founding of Kimberley itself. These days it is covered in timber plantations and native forest reserves, with a few cattle paddocks and of course great riding trails.

    After meeting the horses, you’ll mount up and explore these trails while getting to know your trusty steed (mostly at a walk). Lunch will be served where the Mersey and Dasher Rivers meet – if you’re lucky, you might see a platypus or leaping trout! In the afternoon there’ll be more wildlife-spotting opportunities and chances to trot and canter as you meander through the scrub.

    For dinner, you will be treated to locally sourced, succulent, spit-roasted pork (vegetarian options are always available) followed by a homemade dessert featuring more gourmet local produce.

  • Five Day Ride - Day 2

    Waking up in your cosy private room, you’ll fuel up with bacon and eggs before heading to the mountains. Starting in the Vale of Belvoir Conservation Area, the original 1830s livestock track takes you through wet eucalypt forest, temperate rainforest and up to the Button Grass Plains. Due to the terrain, today’s ride is purely at a walk. The climb is rewarded with stunning views of Cradle Mountain, Barn Bluff, the Great Western Tiers, Mt Roland and the Black Buff Range. Suffice to say, you’ll be picking your jaw up off the ground! On the descent, you’ll ride down narrow, rocky tracks, along Fleece Creek, and past a small, abandoned gold mine. You’ll dismount for a saddlebag picnic lunch on the way.

    Returning to the trailhead, the horses will rest while you visit Devils at Cradle, a Tasmanian Devil and quoll sanctuary. Here you’ll get up close and personal with young Devils and learn about the breeding program aiming to ensure the Devils’ survival. On the way back to Armitstead, you’ll stop for dinner at Cradle Mountain Hotel. Finally, belly and heart full to the brim, you’ll roll gratefully into bed in the shearers’ quarters.

  • Five Day Ride - Day 3

    Get ready for a breathtaking day, globetrotters! It’s time to pack your bags and head to Narawntapu National Park: Tasmania’s smallest national park, and the only national park where horses are allowed on the trail. You’ll stop for breakfast en-route at Anvers Chocolate Factory (you’re on holiday, of course you can have chocolate for breakfast!). Whatever your typical morning beverage is, you must try the hot chocolate.
    Arriving at Bakers Beach Homestead, you’ll saddle up for a glorious ride across the grasslands and sand dunes to the beach itself. This pristine, 7-kilometre stretch of coast is all but deserted on any given day. Dolphins can sometimes be spotted playing in the waves. The sense of freedom is palpable and the temptation to let loose in a long, windswept canter is all but irresistible (although you can keep to a trot if preferred).  

    Back at the Homestead, cheese, crackers and antipasto await. Once everyone’s had time to unwind after the morning’s excitement, you’ll be driven into Devonport for a whip cracking demonstration and some retail therapy at Simon Martin Whips. Returning to the Homestead, you’ll savour drool-worthy baked Tasmanian salmon in mustard honey butter while hundreds of kangaroos, wallabies and pademelons graze outside.

  • Five Day Ride - Day 4

    Continuing the exemplary breakfast streak, this morning begins with succulent mushrooms and spinach on sourdough bread. It’s a full day’s ride to The Razorback today – the name will make sense when you reach the summit. A long, steady climb along the Grass Tree Track and through the tranquil coastal forest offers opportunities to trot and canter. The Razorback itself boasts sweeping views over the azure-blue waters of Bass Strait, Narawntapu National Park, the Tamar River Valley, the Great Western Tiers (seen from the opposite direction of your Cradle Mountain ride!) and, on a clear day, the high plateau of Table Cape.

    Your final dinner will be something along the lines of a slow-cooked brisket, or perhaps a barbeque of local meats, seasonal veggies and salad.

  • Five Day Ride - Day 5

    This morning your hosts will take you back towards Launceston for a 3 to 4 hour ride at a beautiful property called Harveydale. Setting off from the rodeo grounds, you’ll soon find yourself trit-trotting through tranquil forests of native eucalypt. In the early afternoon, you’ll bid farewell to your wonderful horse and be transferred back to Launceston for your onward travels.

  • Four Day Ride - Day 1

    Welcome to Tassie, globetrotters! You’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Launceston bright and early – make sure you’re wearing your riding gear. Your hosts will take you to their home base, a property called ‘Armitstead’ near the tiny town of Kimberley. Since its establishment in 1860, Armitstead has served many purposes. It has grown various crops, raised countless animals, detained Italians during WWII, and sparked the founding of Kimberley itself. These days it is covered in timber plantations and native forest reserves, with a few cattle paddocks and of course great riding trails. After meeting the horses, you’ll mount up and explore these trails while getting to know your trusty steed (mostly at a walk). Lunch will be served where the Mersey and Dasher Rivers meet – if you’re lucky, you might see a platypus or leaping trout! In the afternoon there’ll be more wildlife-spotting opportunities and chances to trot and canter as you meander through the scrub.

    You’ll be driven to Bakers Beach Homestead in time for a delicious dinner with locally-sourced ingredients followed by a homemade dessert featuring more gourmet local produce.

  • Four Day Ride - Day 2

    It’s time to explore Narawntapu National Park: Tasmania’s smallest national park, and the only national park where horses are allowed on the trail. But first, you’re going out for breakfast at Anvers Chocolate Factory (you’re on holiday, of course you can have chocolate for breakfast!). Whatever your typical morning beverage is, you must try the hot chocolate.

    Returning to the horses, you’ll saddle up for a glorious ride across the grasslands and sand dunes to the beach itself. This pristine, 7-kilometre stretch of coast is all but deserted on any given day. Dolphins can sometimes be spotted playing in the waves. The sense of freedom is palpable and the temptation to let loose in a long, windswept canter is all but irresistible (although you can keep to a trot if preferred). 

    Back at the Homestead, cheese, crackers and antipasto await. Once everyone’s had time to unwind after the morning’s excitement, you’ll be driven into Devonport for a whip cracking demonstration and some retail therapy at Simon Martin Whips, before returning to the Homestead to savour drool-worthy baked Tasmanian salmon in mustard honey butter while hundreds of kangaroos, wallabies and pademelons graze outside.

  • Four Day Ride - Day 3

    Continuing the exemplary breakfast streak, this morning begins with succulent mushrooms and spinach on sourdough bread. It’s a full day’s ride to The Razorback today – the name will make sense when you reach the summit. A long, steady climb along the Grass Tree Track and through the tranquil coastal forest offers opportunities to trot and canter. The Razorback itself boasts sweeping views over the azure-blue waters of Bass Strait, Narawntapu National Park, the Tamar River Valley, the Great Western Tiers, Mt Roland and, on a clear day, the high plateau of Table Cape. 

    Your final dinner will be something along the lines of a slow-cooked brisket, or perhaps a barbeque of local meats, seasonal veggies and salad.

  • Four Day Ride - Day 4

    This morning your hosts will take you back towards Launceston for a 3 to 4 hour ride at a beautiful property called Harveydale. Setting off from the rodeo grounds, you’ll soon find yourself trit-trotting through tranquil forests of native eucalypt. In the early afternoon, you’ll bid farewell to your wonderful horse and be transferred back to Launceston for your onward travels.

  • Three Day Ride - Day 1

    Welcome to Tassie, globetrotters! You’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Launceston bright and early – make sure you’re wearing your riding gear. Your hosts will take you to their home base, a property called ‘Armitstead’ near the tiny town of Kimberley. Armitstead is covered in timber plantations and native forests, with a few cattle paddocks and of course great riding trails.

    After meeting the horses, you’ll mount up and explore these trails (mostly at a walk). A lunch of homemade soup and bread will be served at the shearers’ quarters, then you’ll trot and canter along the Dasher River before heading off to your accommodation at Bakers Beach Homestead. Here you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner with locally-sourced ingredients followed by a homemade dessert featuring more gourmet local produce.

  • Three Day Ride - Day 2

    After fuelling up on bacon and eggs, it’s time to explore Narawntapu National Park: Tasmania’s smallest national park, and the only national park where horses are allowed on the trail. A glorious ride across the grasslands and sand dunes brings you to the beach itself. This pristine, 7-kilometre stretch of coast is all but deserted on any given day. Dolphins can sometimes be spotted playing in the waves. The sense of freedom is palpable and the temptation to let loose in a long, windswept canter is all but irresistible (although you can keep to a trot if preferred).

    Back at the Homestead, cheese, crackers and antipasto await. In the afternoon, you can choose to ride back to the beach for more equestrian fun or head out in a courtesy vehicle for a self-guided tour of local foodie destinations such as Anvers Chocolate Factory and Ashgrove Cheese.

  • Three Day Ride - Day 3

    This morning’s breakfast is succulent mushrooms and spinach on sourdough bread. It’s a full day’s ride to The Razorback today – the name will make sense when you reach the summit. A long, steady climb along the Grass Tree Track and through the tranquil coastal forest offers opportunities to trot and canter. You’ll dismount for lunch at a scenic spot along the way. The Razorback boasts sweeping views over the azure-blue waters of Bass Strait, Narawntapu National Park, the Tamar River Valley, the Great Western Tiers, Mt Roland and, on a clear day, the high plateau of Table Cape.

    In the late afternoon, you’ll bid farewell to your wonderful horse and be transferred back to Launceston for your onward travels.

  • Transfer Information

    All guests will need to arrive and stay in Launceston (at your own expense) the night before the ride begins, so that you’re ready for pick up from your hotel accommodation between 8 – 8:30am on day 1 of your ride.

    On the final day, departing flights can be booked anytime after 7pm.

    Transfers from your hotel to/from the ride are included in the price.

The Cradle to Coast Ride, Tasmania, Australia, Globetrotting horse riding holidays.

Carly Culleton

‘I recently took my first globetrotting trip on the Cradle to Coast ride, and it was the perfect way to celebrate my milestone 40th birthday! My sister and I had never been to Tasmania before, and the experiences we had there were truly unforgettable. It’s hard to find other places that offer such a diverse array of landscapes to explore on horseback, from the mountains to the beaches and forests. Plus, being on a food and wine trail meant we got to indulge even when we weren’t riding. The warm hospitality of the Tasmanian locals made it a truly once-in-a-lifetime holiday that we will always cherish.’

The Cradle to Coast Ride, Australia, Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Debbie Smith

‘I had an absolute blast in Tassie! The Cradle to Coast ride was such a fabulous experience. Wonderful guides, Stacy & Barb and Ray our host was quite the storyteller and a great cook, except when he took his eyes off the garlic bread for just a minute! Most importantly, the horses were so lovely, all with different personalities, much like their riders! My boy was Chockie, and he was a sweetheart! This was my first Globetrotting experience, but certainly won’t be my last.’

 

The Cradle to Coast ride, Tasmania, Australia, Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Tori Vittle

‘The Cradle to Coast Ride was a super spectacular adventure that was just far enough out of my comfort zone, but still close to home (NZ). Tassie is a beautiful place, and we got to see a different side of it every day. The guides and hosts were wonderful people, and of course, the horses were AMAZING. I rode Graham and I loved him! He was just as happy plodding along or kicking up his heels, and could follow the leader or listen to me as his rider. Everyone was catered for, and the guides are well practised at working with people who want to go fast and others who prefer to take it at a slower pace. There is never any pressure. I would 100% recommend this ride to anyone who is unsure. You will LOVE it.’

Cradle to Coast Ride, Tasmania, Australia - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Kez Walker

‘I could not fault this ride in any way. The accommodation was amazing and the food we were spoilt with was second to none. Our guides were so friendly and caring. Nothing was too much trouble for them, and their knowledge made for some very interesting riding. My horse Leo was a gentleman: surefooted, easy on the eye and I felt very safe on him. Each day was very different, which made for an amazing and memorable experience.’

Cradle to Coast Ride, Tasmania - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Hope Grunfeld

‘I had the best time on this trip. We had the best weather and I loved the small group of six globetrotters. The riding was just amazing, with a different landscape and another amazing view each day. As someone returning to riding after 20-something years, I was matched to the most dependable, surefooted horse, Captain, who escalated my confidence. We had the best guides, and our hosts were so easygoing and good to have a laugh with. It was lovely to see their genuine, longstanding love of their horses. We also had fantastic out-of-saddle activities – chocolate for breakfast is not typically my thing, but when on holidays…!
I would thoroughly recommend this ride. What an awesome experience. I have come away with great memories that I will hopefully remember forever.’

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