Today is the day, globetrotters. You’ve made it to Margaret River, and you’re moments away from meeting Amber Marshall – insert SQUEALS of excitement!

Whether you drive, take the bus or fly, you’ll need to arrive at your hosts’ gorgeous property in Margaret River between 5 and 7pm this evening. A delicious al fresco welcome dinner will help break the ice and you’ll be able to get to know Amber, your fellow guests, your hosts Paul and Fiona, and their hardworking team. Then it’s into the canvas bell tents to get your beauty sleep.

Waking up to a chorus of birdsong from the surrounding eucalypt forests and the realisation that yes, this amazing experience is actually real, you’ll emerge from your teepee to refuel with good coffee and a cooked breakfast shared with Amber and the gang. Then you’ll meet your horse for the week and head out for a three-hour ride to a natural waterhole hidden within a stunning conservation park. Traversing sandy-bottomed tracks, there is plenty of time to get acquainted with your trusty steed. Depending on the weather, it’s worth having a plunge in the waterhole before enjoying a picnic lunch nearby.

Returning to Paul and Fiona’s property, you’ll be treated to a Welcome to Country by proud Waljin woman, Mitchella (Mitch) Hutchins. After an afternoon spent with Mitch, you’ll feel spiritually connected to the bush that you’ll ride through for the next four days. With eyes wide open, you’ll appreciate the land, flora and fauna through an Indigenous person’s eyes and understand how their relationship with their surrounds is one of mutual respect. You’ll have some truly spine-tingling moments in Mitch’s company -it’s an incredibly special off-the-horse highlight of this colourful and sensory-overloaded itinerary. Tonight, dinner will be prepared by local catering legends who specialise in hearty farm-style, regional food.

This morning, you’ll mount up and ride overland to a special lunch spot. You’ll ride through neighbouring properties and conservation parks and gain a wonderful appreciation of the native bushland of Margaret River. Your guide, Paul, is a wealth of knowledge and will keep you thoroughly entertained. Maybe Amber will share some stories, too! This is a three-and-a-half hour ride with a morning tea break. You should arrive at your lunch spot by 12pm, where you’ll enjoy some fabulous gourmet platters with farm-fresh produce.

When everyone’s ready, you’ll head back to base either on horseback or in the support vehicle if you’re feeling a little weary. Dinner will be enjoyed under the twinkling night sky.

After another stomach-filling breakfast, you’ll load the horses into the truck and set out for an old growth karri forest. This beautiful ride will take your breath away. Towering karri trees, some well over 60 metres in height, undulate across the valley. With sunlight streaming onto their smooth trunks, this forest is a feast for the senses – wildflowers, orchids and fungi (in season) coat the forest floor, the fresh smell of eucalyptus fills your nostrils and the sounds of native birds punctuate the silence. Lunch is packed in your saddle bags today so you can take a break whenever the time seems right!

Later, after a siesta back at Paul and Fiona’s property, you’re invited to mount up and try your hand at polocrosse, as tutored by Paul, who played polocrosse for Australia for a number of years. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience this fast-paced game in a safe environment on Paul and Fiona’s home field. You’ll also have the opportunity to try novelties such as barrel racing, flags and rescue racing games – let’s see if anyone can give Amber a run for her money! Afterwards, another hearty dinner awaits.

Wake up to another day in paradise! Why not take part in an early morning yoga session to stretch out those weary muscles and prepare for another day in the saddle? After a sumptuous breakfast, you’ll be reunited with your horse, then Paul will take you cross-country, weaving along narrow bush tracks until you arrive at one of the many vineyards that flank the Margaret River township. There will be plenty of opportunities to kick up the dust along bushland tracks and through the vineyards.

Once you catch your breath, you’ll be treated to a barbecue lunch under a grove of trees in a park-like setting with a local wine tasting. Then it’s another stunning forest ride back to the farm for dinner.

Sadly, it’s your final day with Amber at this beautiful home away from home. But the adventure ends with a BIG bang, that’s for sure. This morning you’ll set off for the deserted white sandy shores and emerald green waters of a nearby beach. No doubt you’ll fulfill a lifelong dream when you find yourself cantering uninhibited along the sand! If you like, you can unsaddle your horse and take them into the calm, turquoise sea, and if you’re super lucky you might even spot dolphins and whales.

Finally, you’ll return to the property for a celebratory long table lunch, reflecting on an unforgettable Aussie adventure.

At around 4pm, you’ll say your fond farewells to Amber, your fellow globetrotters, and the horses and humans who made this trip possible, then depart for your onward travels.

You will need to organise your own transport to and from Margaret River. The drive from Perth to Margaret River is approximately three hours. Various car hire companies and public bus services (South West Coachilines, TransWA) are available from Perth. You can also fly direct from Melbourne to Busselton Airport in Margaret River.

On day 1, you’ll need to arrive at your hosts’ property between 5 and 7pm. A delicious welcome dinner will be served while you get to know your hosts and fellow guests.

If possible, we recommend staying an extra night in the area (at your own expense) after the ride finishes at 4pm on the final day, although there is the option of leaving straight from the beach near Busselton at around 12 noon if you would prefer.

Guests have the opportunity to enjoy a chair massage (neck, shoulders & back) at the end of one of the days of the trek for a rate of $25 for 15mins (prices subject to change). If you think you’d like to opt for a massage, please let Globetrotting know, but last minute bookings are also possible.

Amber Marshall is a Canadian actress best known for her portrayal of Amy Fleming on the beloved family drama series ‘Heartland.’ Born and raised in Ontario, Amber’s passion for acting and animals blossomed at an early age. Having learnt to ride as a toddler, she is a horsewoman through and through – both in character on Heartland and at home on her ranch in Alberta.

18 years ago, when Amber landed the role of Amy Fleming on Heartland at age 18, she embarked on a journey that would forever intertwine her love of acting and horses. The series, filmed in the foothills of the Rockies in Alberta, allowed her to fully immerse in the Western lifestyle. Over the years, Amber’s involvement in Heartland deepened, and she eventually took on the role of Consulting Producer, contributing to the creative process behind the scenes.

Today, Amber lives her dream, blending her love for acting and horses in her iconic role on Heartland. Off-screen, she and her husband Shawn live on a ranch outside of Calgary, where they care for their beloved horses and a menagerie of farm animals, embodying the Western lifestyle that they’ve always loved.

AMBER’S CHOSEN CHARITIES
Amber has chosen to donate the funds raised from this Margaret River Ride to local wildlife and animal rescue charities in the Margaret River region. This includes charities that work with horses, as well as other domestic animals and Australia’s unique native species.