This ride is based at a cattle property owned by guide and host, Andrew McCarthy. The property skirts Mount Goomboorian, east of Gympie in the southeast corner of Queensland (three hours drive from Brisbane). For the first two days you’ll ride this patch of paradise, slipping into the day-to-day runnings of a small-scale cattle property.
In a former life, Andrew managed cattle stations in remote Western Australia and was a police officer. As part of these first two days, you’ll help muster and draft cattle and work in the yards. This is all conducted as a hands-on experience where you’ll get down and dirty and catch a glimpse into everyday life as a grazier.
The third riding day will see you head to Rainbow Beach, where you’ll ride along the shore in the shadows of the towering cliffs of colourful, mineral-rich sand. Then it’s back to the cattle work, with campdrafting royalty Rod Cotter dropping in to coach you and your horse (5-day ride only). Rod and Andrew are both kind, patient teachers who will break down the art of cattle work into sections that you’ll master with one-on-one tutelage, before joining it all together in a safe and fun environment. No doubt about it, by the end of your holiday you’ll be a dab hand in the cattle yards!
SO if you’ve always wanted to run away to the bush and be a jillaroo or jackaroo, then THIS is the ride for you!
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:The majority of the riding herd are Quarter Horses, all with close connections to one of two famous Quarter Horse stallions: Acres Destiny and Doc’s Spinifex.
- Pace:The pace can vary from a walk right through to a canter, depending on the terrain.
- Weight Limit:A maximum of 95kg / 210lbs.
- Type of tack:Australian-made swinging fender stock saddles.
- Seasons:June through to September.
- Group size:A minimum of 10 and a maximum of 12 guests.
- Time in Saddle:On average, 5 to 6 hours per day.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for all riding abilities from beginner through to advanced. *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. Not sure what your riding experience is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Accommodation:Tents with all bedding and towels provided. Hot camp showers and a long drop toilet a short walk from the campsite.
- Ride Length:There are 5 day, 5 night itineraries available as well as shorter 3 day, 3 night itineraries over specific weekends.
- Inclusions:
The price includes all riding, accommodation and meals (from dinner on day 1 through to lunch on the final day).
- Exclusions:
The price does not include transfers to and from the ride (available for $250 AUD per person round trip), alcohol, flights or travel insurance (compulsory).
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes all riding, accommodation and meals (from dinner on day 1 through to lunch on the final day).
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include transfers to and from the ride (available for $250 AUD per person round trip), alcohol, flights or travel insurance (compulsory).
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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Five Day Ride - Day 1
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Five Day Ride - Day 2
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Five Day Ride - Day 3
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Five Day Ride - Day 4
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Five Day Ride - Day 5
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Five Day Ride - Day 6
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Three Day Ride - Day 1
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Three Day Ride - Day 2
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Three Day Ride - Day 3
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Three Day Ride - Day 4
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Transfer Information
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Rainbow Beach, Bush & Cattle Ride

Carolyn Dowse
‘What can I say other than wow, it was an amazing adventure! My partner Tony loved it too, and it sounds like he will be joining me on more rides in the future, which is amazing.
I rode Destiny and Tony had Nelson – two perfectly trained horses. Andrew and the crew were awesome and I truly learnt so much about riding that I will take back to my own horse. The group of people were amazing and Tony and I will definitely catch up with our fellow Queenslanders again.
Honestly, we could not fault a thing and had the best time. We wish we did the 5 day ride instead of the 3 day!’

Judy Kitcher
‘Globetrotting offer an amazing range of rides worldwide and having done two of them, the standard seems to be very high. All the guides on this holiday were exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly and Andrew’s instruction was excellent. I rode Flint, who was a very quiet and well trained horse. My main reason for joining the ride was to be able to ride a fully trained cutting horse and learn how to “press the buttons” for that style of riding and I was able to do just that.’

Margie
‘Andrew and his team make you feel welcome from first contact. Warm, honest, down to earth, country hospitality at its finest. Their love of their horses is inspiring. The riding education offered is the best I’ve ever had the privilege to experience. The diversity of experiences – mountain, bush, beach, working cattle – is utterly sublime.
Honestly, we were spoilt rotten and I could not recommend this joyful experience more highly. Do it!! And although they offer WiFi and electricity from their mountaintop paradise, my suggestion is to leave all that behind and really soak up the connection with nature that this slice of heaven offers.
Book now – you wont regret it!’

Maegan McFawn
‘I arrived to absolute paradise and throughly enjoyed my five days! Every little detail had been thought of and guest comfort was priority. Andrew and his staff were fantastic, down-to-earth, a lot of fun, and highly educational regarding the local area and horsemanship. The group I was with were an absolute hoot, but the heroes of the ride were the horses. My gelding, Teddy, was fantastically trained with a mouth like butter, and super responsive. He was safe and surefooted whilst also having plenty of get up and go. I wanted to bring him home with me! Horse welfare is the highest priority, and that was so easy to see with the passion that both the staff and the horses displayed. There was a great variety of riding in a short space of time. Cantering down one of the prettiest beaches imaginable then swimming bareback cannot be described. The food by Chef Dan was spectacular and individual catering needs were no issue. I really cannot put into words how incredible this experience was and I can’t recommend it enough!’

Kirsty Thys
‘Where to even begin with the best ride ever? First and most important is Globetrotting. Nothing was too much trouble for Laura and Kate. Communication from the day I booked right up until the ride was fabulous.
Andrew is a guru at his job and Zac and Georgia were both so sweet and professional.
Every day was different, yet seemed to build on the previous day’s experience. T-Rex was my very able steed. He was as steady as can be, especially down the mountains. When we got the go-ahead to canter, he was brilliant – he just picked up and flew along, and stopped easily at the end.
To call our glamorous accommodation ‘tents’ is not an accurate description. ‘Five star bedroom under canvas’ might just about cut it. Absolutely everything had been thought of. I had the best night’s sleep. The food – OMG. I wish I could give out Michelin Stars for the amazing, huge and delicious concoctions that Dan cooked in the camp kitchen.
The whole experience was a bucket list item fulfilled. I’ve made some awesome friends and can’t wait for my next trip.’

Honor Cochrane
‘I booked this trip on a whim and went by myself and it’s honestly one of the best things I have ever done! Andrew and his team are some of the loveliest people you will ever meet and they make you feel instantly at home. The accommodation is cosy and comfy with the most stunning views, and showering on top of a mountain with a view of the countryside is something everyone should try!
I rode Turbo and I’ve never felt more safe on a horse I had just met. Andrew was a fantastic teacher and explained how best to ride and communicate with his horses, which made things a whole lot smoother for both me and Turbo.
All three days were unique and wonderful. We had the most incredible weather for the beach day and getting to ride bareback into the surf is something I won’t forget in hurry! Riding to the pub and cantering around the countryside with a group of amazing people was so much fun, but learning how to work with cattle was definitely my favourite part. Andrew broke everything down into easy to understand steps and in no time at all we were wrangling baby cows like it was no big deal (or so we thought!).
Three days flew by and I loved it so much that I’ve already decided to come back and do the five day adventure. I can’t recommend this ride enough!’

Brenda Woodroffe
‘I can’t rate this ride highly enough. Andrew and his team are first class – so knowledgeable and patient. Andrew taught me so much about his discipline of riding. Zac, Brett, Rod, Georgia and Jenny were very professional and such fun to be with at all times. Sean and Dominic are to be commended for all the beautiful food. The horses were so well behaved, and so obviously loved. I could not believe how responsive they all were. Riding bareback in the ocean was seriously exhilarating, but I felt safe with Andrew, the team and his fabulous horses. This is a dream holiday for the horse lover.’

Jan Harrison
‘This riding holiday was amazing. All the team were so knowledgeable and helpful – nothing was too much trouble. The accommodation was very comfortable and the location was stunning. Having drinks and nibbles every afternoon watching the sunset on top of the mountain was the perfect way to end each day. The meals were fantastic and Dan the chef made sure everyone was looked after. I rode Destiny. He was very well educated and it was a privilege to ride such a beautiful horse of such high quality. Everyone was looked after according to their ability and made to feel safe. Every day was something different and mustering and working with the cattle was the highlight for me. Cantering along the beach and swimming the horses was fabulous. The fact that the guides were all so lovely and everyone in the group got along so well made this trip unforgettable.’

Erika Ebersohn
‘My husband and I went on this ride as part of our honeymoon and wow – we were blown away with the quality of the experience. Andrew and his team are not only wonderful teachers, hosts and guides but have cracking senses of humour. We had an amazing week filled with laughter, horses and (regrettably) sunburn. I rode Dolly, who was as grumpy as the title “chestnut mare” invokes, but an absolute dream to ride. Responsive, well trained and fabulous on cattle. She taught me so much and I was amazed at how she could switch on when needed, then relax totally when trail riding. Overall, everything was incredible. I would highly recommend this ride!’
STORIES FROM THE SADDLE
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Globetrotting Guest Horse: Flint
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Horse Breed: Quarter Horse
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Feedback on The Rainbow Beach, Bush & Cattle Ride
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