The centrepiece to both of these itineraries are the desert brumbies – the largest population of wild horses in the world.
The first itinerary, the Brumby Starting & Desert Ride, is perfect for those globetrotters keen to educate and own {optional} a desert brumby. And the best part? No previous horse starting or training experience is required! Instead, this will be the start of your journey in learning how to form a relationship with your horse, and a way to challenge your existing skills and knowledge. #winning
For four days, in a red-dirt round yard, you and the brumby you’ve been given to train will learn from each other under the tutelage of brumby expert Brian Hampson.
“In many ways, leading a wild horse from an untamed state to the point where we can take our first few rides is much easier than starting a quiet, handled domestic horse,” says Brian. “When you step into a round yard with a young brumby colt for the first time, you’ll see horse behaviour in its raw and pure form.”
Brian has an affinity with the Australian brumby, and knows how to impart this knowledge to enable you to lead your desert brumby down the path to becoming a quiet, honest and safe mount. On days six to eight, you’ll jump onto another brumby that has been educated by Brian and a team of Aboriginal stockmen (the brumby you’ve been working with for the past few days won’t be ready for an adventure like this), and spend three days tiptoeing through this mystical region.
The second itinerary, the Desert Brumby Ride, is a week-long experience with five days in the saddle. Based out of the Old Drovers Camp, you and your fellow globetrotters will explore this red desert landscape from the back of a surefooted brumby – PINCH ME NOW! Each day will be delightfully different, from brumby spotting to discovering Indigenous petroglyphs to sand dune riding. The Aboriginal Dreamtime stories swirling through the wide open spaces, the campfire yarns, riding brumbies in their natural habitat and sleeping in a swag under the stars combine to make this a phenomenal, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
*Remember, no prior horse starting or training experience is required. This adventure is for ALL who are keen to learn and develop new skills surrounded by the Australian outback.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:Australian desert brumbies passively trapped at a waterhole before the start of the ride. This area has the largest population of wild roaming horses in the world.
- Pace:The majority of the ride will be at a walking pace (in order to spot brumbies and take in your beautiful surroundings), but there will be opportunities to trot and canter. All guests are expected to be comfortable and confident at all paces.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 90kg / 200lbs.
- Type of tack:Synthetic Australian swinging fender stock saddles (much easier to lift on and off your horse as you are training them to accept the tack than leather saddles will be) and rope halters/bridles will be provided. You’re more than welcome to bring your own saddle if you wish.
- Seasons:September - it’s late winter, so the days are warm in the desert but the nights are cold.
- Group size:A maximum of 6 riders per departure.
- Time in Saddle:BRUMBY STARTING & DESERT RIDE: Each guest will receive 90 minutes of one-on-one tuition daily, and will then train their horse for a further 2 hours per day under supervision. You will also have the opportunity to watch fellow globetrotters start their horses as part of your learning experience. During the second part of the itinerary, the daily desert rides will consist of a morning and afternoon ride of around 2-4 hours each.
DESERT BRUMBY RIDE: on average 5-8 hours per day. This will be broken into morning and afternoon rides of approximately 2-4 hours each. - Riding Ability:This ride is suitable for beginner to advanced riders who are comfortable riding at all paces outside an arena. Previous horse starting experience is NOT necessary.
PLEASE NOTE: There are only two beginner rider places available each departure, and these will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Not sure what your riding experience is? Watch THIS video to find out. - Accommodation:For parts of each itinerary, guests will stay in safari style cabins at Kings Creek Station, with 2 single beds (or queen) per cabin. Heater, linen and towel are supplied. Amenities blocks containing hot showers and flushing toilets are located a short distance from the cabins. While riding out in the desert, guests will sleep outdoors in the famous Kings Creek Station Drovers Camp in stretcher bed swags raised off the ground. The Drovers Camp contains flushing toilets and hot showers, and all meals are prepared by a chef in a camp kitchen.
- Ride Length:BRUMBY STARTING & DESERT RIDE: 9 days, 8 nights with 4 full days of horse training and 3 full days of riding through the Australian desert. DESERT BRUMBY RIDE: 7 days, 6 nights with 5 full days of riding through the Australian desert.
- Inclusions:
The price includes all meals, accommodation, 4WD transfers to/from Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station, and your very own desert brumby whom you may take home (optional).
- Exclusions:
The price does not include flights or travel insurance (compulsory), alcohol, or horse transport of your brumby out of Kings Creek Station should you wish to take him/her home.
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!Departing | Availability | Total | |||||||
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August 1 to 9, 2021 *Brumby Starting & Desert Ride | SOLD OUT! |
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August 9 to 15, 2021 *Desert Brumby Ride | SOLD OUT! |
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August 15 to 23, 2021 *Brumby Starting & Desert Ride | SOLD OUT! |
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August 23 to 29, 2021 *Desert Brumby Ride | 2 spots left |
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August 29 to September 6, 2021 *Brumby Starting & Desert Ride | SOLD OUT! |
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September 6 to 14, 2021 *Brumby Starting & Desert Ride | 3 spots left |
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WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The above prices include all meals, accommodation, 4WD transfers to/from Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station, and your very own desert brumby whom you may take home if you wish.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The above prices do not include flights or travel insurance (compulsory), alcohol, or horse transport of your brumby out of Kings Creek Station should you wish to take him/her home.
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.

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Brumby Starting & Desert Ride - Day 1
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Brumby Starting & Desert Ride - Days 2 to 5
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Brumby Starting & Desert Ride - Days 6 to 8
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Brumby Starting & Desert Ride - Day 9
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Desert Brumby Ride - Day 1
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Desert Brumby Ride - Day 2
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Desert Brumby Ride - Days 3, 4 & 5
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Desert Brumby Ride - Day 6
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Desert Brumby Ride - Day 7
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Transfer Information
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Transport for your Desert Brumby
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Desert Brumby Safari

Becky Trilsbach
‘This experience would need to be explained by a poem, or a song. Or an interpretive dance (my fellow globetrotters will know what I’m talking about).
This is unlike anything you’ll ever do.
Something you’ll be proud of forever.
It will resonate in many other aspects of your life and you won’t forget it.
I’ve made bonds on this trip that I’ll have for life – to the people, the horses and most strongly, The Country.
Motivating, inspiring, enlightening.
An immersive journey.
Anyone serious about brumbies should find a way to be there!’

Penny Richards
‘I had the most amazing journey with the Desert Brumby Safari. I learned so much about horsemanship, horse behavior and a lot about myself along the way. At first I thought it was quite expensive, but after the experience I would say it was great value for money. Every day was jam packed with wonderful experiences. I loved every minute. I’d highly recommend this holiday to anyone who owns a horse and wants to improve their knowledge and relationship with their horses at home. I also gained a beautiful addition to our family, who I love dearly.’
STORIES FROM THE SADDLE
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Meet our Guide: Brian
Brian Hampson is the guiding force behind our Desert Brumby Safari, which takes globetrotters into the heart of ...
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Meet a Globetrotter: Penny Richards
Penny Richards has just returned home with her very own brumby after completing our debut Desert Brumby Safari. ...
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Horse Breed: Brumby
Name of breed: Brumby Country of origin: Australia Breed origin: ‘Brumby’ is the name given to Australia’s ...
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Brumby Week!
In the middle of the Australian outback sits Kings Creek Station, a place where red sands blow and ...
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A Day Spent in Alice Springs
If you’re booked on the life-changing Desert Brumby Safari in the red heart of Australia, you’ll ...
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