Get ready to swing your leg over a plucky mountain-bred horse into a stock saddle and delve deep into the heart of the High Country.
Your guides are Christian and Laura Hayes, a husband and wife duo who are renowned for guiding first-class riding holidays in two of Australia’s most iconic landscapes: the Kimberley and the High Country.
Astride your surefooted horse and with your bush guides leading the way, you’ll scale windswept mountain escarpments, canter along wildflower-fringed tracks and weave through groves of silver-trunked snow gums. The raw and rugged beauty of this region will take your breath away at every turn.
When night falls you’ll be rolling your swag out in either rustic pioneer huts or a secluded campsite in the middle of the bush. Evenings are spent around a smoky campfire under a dazzling, starlit sky. The luxury of a hot shower is available each night. You certainly won’t go hungry on this ride – the country cooking is flavoursome and plentiful. Some of the trademark dishes that will appear magically from the well-equipped camp trailer are chicken risotto, rump steak, self-saucing chocolate pudding (made in the camp oven) and pavlova.
Alongside Christian and Laura is a team of horse people who have bush souls and will look after your every need from start to finish. This ride is a rite of passage for every globetrotter who has dreamed of riding in the High Country.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:Mountain-bred stock horses, Quarter Horses, Percheron cross and Clydie cross.
- Pace:Variable depending on the day and terrain. Guests will have the opportunity to trot and canter. Remember, this is the Victorian High Country so you’ll be riding along steep and high mountain tracks – that’s why it’s called the ‘High Country’!
- Weight Limit:Maximum of 95kg/210lbs.
- Type of tack:Australian made swinging fender stock saddles.
- Seasons:November through to March.
- Group size:A minimum of 8 guests and a maximum of 16 guests.
- Time in Saddle:On average 5 to 8 hours a day, depending on the distance needing to be travelled.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for all abilities but a good level of fitness is required to wholeheartedly enjoy this ride and safely navigate the steep terrain and high mountain tracks.
*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 be willing to try cantering.
**Please also note, the 8-day itinerary in February is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders only, due to the technical nature of the terrain you will traverse. If you suffer from vertigo this is NOT the ride for you. Not sure what your riding experience is? Watch THIS video to find out. - Accommodation:Bush camping - swags and simple dome tents are provided, but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow (these can also be hired for $50). A hot shower and a long drop toilet will be available each night (rustic, but clean).
- Ride Length:6 day, 5 night and 8 day, 7 night itineraries available.
- Inclusions:
The price includes meals, twin share accommodation and riding.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include flights, travel insurance (compulsory), alcohol, transfers to and from Mansfield and accommodation in Mansfield.
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!Departing | Finishing | Availability | Total | |||
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November 23, 2021 | November 28, 2021 | SOLD OUT! |
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December 14, 2021 | December 19, 2021 | SOLD OUT! |
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January 11, 2022 | January 16, 2022 | SOLD OUT! |
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WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes meals, twin share accommodation and riding.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include flights, travel insurance (compulsory), alcohol, transfers to and from Mansfield or accommodation in Mansfield.
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
Expand AllCollapse All*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. This riding itinerary can also be run either way and is dependent on a number of variables.

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Day Before
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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8-day itinerary notes
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Transfer Information
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Trip Notes
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What to expect in the bush camp
What our valued Globetrotters say about the Craig's Hut & High Country Ride

Annette Clark
‘Turning 60 and having my daughter with me made this ride a very special time that I will never forget. Thank you, Kate and Laura, for your excellence in managing our horse holiday of a lifetime. The comprehensive information provided on your website is a credit to you. I love your enthusiasm and encouragement, always reminding us that we shouldn’t wait to book these extraordinary rides. Covid threw a spanner in a lot people’s lives but you kept me confident to look forward and believe! My special time on the Craig’s Hut ride has ignited my enthusiasm and I trust Globetrotting to find the next perfect ride for me.’

Wendy Richardson
‘This was the most amazing experience and I would highly recommend it. I was fortunate to ride both Bella and Matilda, and I was ecstatic with them both. Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable and so helpful. It was such a surprise to realise that Christian is not only an expert horseman and a great tour operator but an amazing chef, too. The pancakes and maple syrup measured up to Canadian standards! I also loved our little excursion at Wonnangatta Station, when Swampy, Al and Don took three of us out on horseback to explore the valley a bit more. Sleeping under the starry sky at Pikes Flat and Lovicks Hut was another stand-out.
There were so many special moments because the scenery was so spectacular. My top three were: 1. Hell’s Window atop Mount Magdala, a location made famous in ‘The Man from Snowy River’; 2. the beautiful Wonnangatta Station; 3. getting a video of me cantering up to the iconic Craig’s Hut. I can’t wait to join Christian and Laura again on another excursion.’

John Harriott
‘I thought cantering up the hill to Craig’s Hut would be the climax of the ride, but it was tame compared to the variety of riding throughout the following days! My favourite was day six, riding along the Howqua River to Sheepyard Flats with prolonged canters and river crossings. On day one and two I rode Billie, but he developed a saddle rub and I was privileged to ride George for the remainder. I wish I could thank him for his patience. He was exciting to canter and I had complete confidence in his ability to negotiate the exposed tracks above the Howqua River.
The guides maintained a safe environment and tailored their approach to the individual rider. Their level of service was consistently high and the hospitality and respect given to each of the guests was five star. The menu, variety, presentation, portion size and quality of the meals was excellent. The view from my swag “was clear as crystal, and the white stars fairly blazed at midnight in the cold and frosty sky…”
I want to go back again and explore more of the Victorian High Country astride George.’

Erin Harriott
‘The whole trip was an outstanding experience. Christian and Laura have created a well oiled, highly coordinated and seamless ride. Everyone was professional and friendly, with client experience and safety at the forefront. Every night we were given the option to sleep in a swag, in a hut at the campsite, or in a tent with our swag inside. This catered for everyone’s preferences. I loved sleeping under the crystal-clear sky watching shooting stars from my warm, comfy swag. The food was plentiful and tasty, and I loved Swampy’s nightly entertainment around the campfire. Other highlights included day three, when Christian and Swampy took us to Picture Point for a thrilling photo opportunity, followed by some hardcore bush riding that went well and truly off the beaten track! Not to mention our final ride, when we gave the horses their heads up the hill and a few logs offered some good jumping opportunities!
Once you globetrot, you won’t holiday any other way!’

Maria Serra
‘The Craig’s Hut ride is amazing for so many reasons. It is truly an Aussie experience, from sleeping in swags under the stars to listening to Swampy sing songs around the campfire. The scenery was absolutely amazing – like nothing you could ever experience unless on horseback, and all the secret trails we were taken down added to the amazing experience. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming and the horses were extremely well trained and fun to ride. I rode Ronnie, who was very comfortable, well-behaved, friendly, responsive, and photogenic, which is always a plus. All of the meals were absolutely fantastic and the variety was very impressive considering we were in the middle of the bush! My favourite day was the day we climbed Mt Stirling. The view from the summit with the wind whipping around you was truly an amazing feeling. The trip flew by so quickly between the breathtaking views, absolutely amazing food and wonderful company, and I cannot wait to ride with Christian, Laura and their team again.’

Lauren Perrett
‘An amazing ride on brilliant horses with fantastic people who really know their stuff. The whole experience was great and I feel it is very well priced. Our guides were all extremely pleasant and fun to be with. They all had great knowledge of the area and its history. Christian and his team are just amazing cooks! I rode Questro and was more than happy with him. He was very sensible and a pleasure to ride with his free-going, long stride. We were perfectly matched. I would definitely recommend this trip!’

Jillian Brady
‘When Dean announced we were going to canter whilst walking through thick undergrowth on a narrow twisty track, we all thought, “Really? Here? Where? Well, okay, let’s go!” And then we burst out in to the open and cantered up to Craig’s Hut! A brilliant ‘Man from Snowy River’ moment!
Our guides were all brilliant. I could not recommend Christian and Laura and their crew highly enough! My horse Blackie was brilliant, too – a fabulous little Stock Horse who was super keen to pick up the pace when ever we could. All of the horses were well trained and well cared for. I was very happy with this ride.’

Jean Rode
‘I recently went on the Craig’s Hut & High Country Ride, which has been a bucket list item of mine for many years. The ride far exceeded my expectations in the way of scenery, beautiful horses and amazingly accommodating hosts. The guides were absolutely fantastic. They all went out of their way to be accommodating for their guests. The food was absolutely amazing, and the campsite was wonderful. I highly recommend this holiday and will definitely be doing another ride via Globetrotting in the future.’

Carmen Gjalevski
‘The Craig’s Hut & High Country Ride was my 50th birthday present to myself and I enjoyed every minute. I especially loved when we were riding up Mount Sterling and it started to snow. Reaching Craig’s Hut was a special moment, too. The guests who did the ride with me were a fantastic bunch of people. Laura and Christian Hayes and their staff were excellent, and always willing to help when needed. Lou was a fantastic cook – her meals were tasty and filling. The week went so fast! It was sad for all of us when it was time to go home. I truly recommend this ride. It’s a great experience that will get you out of your comfort zone.’
STORIES FROM THE SADDLE
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