Margaret River Ride | Horse Riding Holidays in Australia | Globetrotting

The Margaret River Ride, Australia

3-5 NightsBeginner to AdvancedFrom $2,070 AUD

Imagine salty, windswept, never-ending beach canters, swimming your horse bareback in the tranquil ocean and riding along secluded bush tracks alive with native wildlife including kangaroos, emus and cockatoos.

Margaret River: synonymous with white-sand beaches, aquamarine waters, world class vineyards, top-shelf regional fare and vino, and a temperate climate. It’s no secret why this southern region of Western Australia has been the number one tourist destination for decades.

So it’s with great excitement that Globetrotting presents to you The Margaret River Ride, in partnership with husband and wife duo, Paul Brennan and Fiona Flugge. These two beautiful souls have been making equine enthusiasts grin from ear to ear for the past ten years with their morning and afternoon rides from their Margaret River property, which also happens to be a boutique vineyard.

With help from these two locals, we’ve engineered a ride that encompasses everything we love about the iconic Margaret River region. Imagine salty, windswept, never-ending beach canters, swimming your horse bareback in the tranquil ocean and riding along secluded bush tracks and wide open, golden pastures alive with native wildlife including large mobs of kangaroos, emus and red-tailed black cockatoos.

From arrival to departure you’ll eat and drink some of the best regional food and wine that this hub has to offer. If you’ve always wanted to explore this very special part of Australia then you MUST make a beeline for The Margaret River Ride.

Fast Facts

  • Horse Breed:Australian Stock Horse, Quarter Horse cross, Thoroughbred and Arabian. The majority of the guest herd are home-bred and educated on the hosts' property.
  • Pace:The pace varies throughout the itinerary. Rest assured, your guides will ensure that those who wish to enjoy a canter can do so, while less confident riders continue at a gentler pace.
  • Weight Limit:95kg / 209lbs *please contact us if you’re above this weight.
  • Type of tack:English all-purpose saddles or Australian stock saddles.
  • Seasons:February to April, September to December (inclusive).
  • Group size:A maximum of 10 guests.
  • Time in Saddle:On average, four to six hours each day.
  • Riding Ability:3-day itinerary: beginner* to advanced riders.
    5-day itinerary: intermediate to advanced riders.
    *Beginner riders are expected to be capable of riding at a walk and posting/rising to the trot, and learning to canter.
     Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
  • Accommodation:Five-metre bell ‘glamping’ tents. Fully-appointed teepee style tents with all bedding, lights and towels. Hot showers and flushing toilets are a one-minute walk from your tent.
  • Ride Length:There are 5 day, 4 night itineraries available as well as shorter 3 day, 3 night itineraries over specific weekends. In 2024, there are 5 day, 5 night itineraries and 3 day, 3 night itineraries available.
  • Inclusions:

    The price includes meals, accommodation and riding.

  • Exclusions:

    The price does not include flights, travel insurance (compulsory), or transfers to and from Margaret River.

 

DEPARTURE DATES & RATES

NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!
Departing FinishingAvailabilityTotal
December 8, 2023December 12, 2023SOLD OUT!
$3,260 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
$3,515 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
$2,340 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
February 2, 2024February 5, 2024SOLD OUT!
$2,070 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
$2,240 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
$990 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
February 15, 2024February 20, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,520 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
$3,870 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
$2,620 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
February 29, 2024March 5, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,520 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
$3,870 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
$2,620 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
April 18, 2024April 23, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,520 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
$3,870 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
September 6, 2024September 9, 2024SOLD OUT!
$2,070 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
$2,240 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
$990 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
September 26, 2024October 1, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,520 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
$3,870 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
$2,620 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
October 11, 2024October 14, 2024SOLD OUT!
$2,070 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
$2,240 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
October 24, 2024October 29, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,520 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
$3,870 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
$2,620 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
November 14, 2024November 19, 2024Only 1 spot left!
$3,520 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same genderBook
$3,870 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
November 24, 2024November 29, 2024SOLD OUT!
$3,520 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
$3,870 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
$2,620 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest

The non-rider price is inclusive of meals, accommodation and activities other than horse riding (Berry Farm, beach, vineyard lunch etc). Assistance can be provided with coordinating external tours.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

The price includes meals, accommodation and riding.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

The price does not include flights, travel insurance (compulsory), or transfers to and from Margaret River.

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 Before

    We ask globetrotters to arrive in Margaret River the day before the ride, so you’re ready to meet Jesters Flat at 9:30am on day one. Your ride hosts are graciously allowing guests to stay at Jesters Flat (at no extra charge!) the night before the ride begins. Please be advised that check in this day is between 5pm to 7pm only, and make sure you notify Globetrotting of your intention to stay at Jesters Flat today.

    NB: For any 5-day rides in 2024, this night’s accommodation and meals (dinner and breakfast) are included as it’s a 5 day, 5 night ride package in 2024.

  • Five Day Ride - Day 1

    All globetrotters are to meet at Jesters Flat by 9:30am, and please make sure you’ve eaten breakfast. After meeting your hosts, Paul and Fiona, and their team of hard-working staff, you’ll be partnered with your horse for the week based on your ability.

    This morning you’ll take a three-hour ride to Irishman’s Pool through Rapids Conservation Park. Traversing sandy-bottomed tracks, there is plenty of time to become acquainted with your horse. Depending on the weather, it’s worth having a plunge in Irishman’s Pool before enjoying a picnic lunch.

    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. Globetrotting had some spine-tingling moments in Mitch’s company and believe it’s an incredibly special off-the-horse highlight to this colourful and sensory-overloaded itinerary.

    Dinner will be prepared by local catering legends who specialise in hearty farm-style, regional food.

  • Five Day Ride - Day 2

    Today, after a cooked breakfast, you’ll mount up and ride overland to the iconic Berry Farm, which is a highlight for the throngs of tourists who visit Margaret River. You’ll ride through neighbouring properties and conservation parks and gain a wonderful appreciation of the native bush that surrounds Margaret River. Your guide, Paul Brennan, is a wealth of knowledge and will keep you thoroughly entertained. This is a three-and-a-half hour ride with a morning tea break. You should arrive at the Berry Farm by 12pm, where you’ll enjoy a lovely lunch of gourmet platters. Following lunch you’ll have some time to peruse the shop and gardens of this iconic tourist hot-spot, before heading back to Jesters Flat either on horseback or in the support vehicle if you’re feeling a little weary. Dinner will be enjoyed under the twinkling night sky.

  • Five Day Ride - Day 3

    After another stomach-filling breakfast, you’ll load the horses into the truck and set out for the Boranup Karri Forest. You’re welcome to follow the truck in your own vehicles, or use the Jesters Flat transport options should you wish. This beautiful ride through the tall timbers of the karri forest 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. This will be one magical ride, globetrotters. 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 Jesters Flat, 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 – reliving your Pony Club days! Then another hearty dinner awaits.

  • Five Day Ride - Day 4

    Wake up to another day in Globetrotting 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 St Margaret’s Vineyard, one of the many vineyards that flank the Margaret River township. There will be plenty of opportunities to trot and canter 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 a forest ride back to Paul and Fiona’s property for dinner.

  • Five Day Ride - Day 5

    Sadly, it’s your final day 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 Forrest Beach. No doubt you’ll fulfill a lifelong dream when you find yourself cantering uninhibited on the beach! 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.

    For those wishing to depart straight from this beach near Busselton, the ride will wrap up at around 12 to 1pm, and you can head off after that. Alternatively, you can return to the property for a final long table lunch, which will also give you the chance to have a leisurely pack-up.

    At around 4pm, you’ll say your fond farewells to the horses and humans who have become firm friends over the last couple of days, and depart for your onward travels.

  • Three Day Ride - Day 1

    This shorter 3 day, 3 night itinerary takes in the very best highlights from the longer 5 day trek, and packs them tightly into a long weekend! So if you’re tight on time and budget, we’ve got you covered – THIS is the ride for you.

    You can arrive anytime from 5pm this first afternoon for a classic Margaret River ‘Wine & Cheese’ welcome. A shared dinner will follow. If you arrive late, you can join in the delights right through to 9pm. Then it’s into the canvas bell tents to get your beauty sleep so you’re ready to swing your leg over the saddle tomorrow for a full day’s ride.

  • Three Day Ride - Day 2

    After a continental breakfast and meet and greet session with the horses, you’ll mount up and ride overland to the iconic Berry Farm, which is a highlight for the throngs of tourists who visit Margaret River. You’ll ride through neighbouring properties and conservation parks and gain a wonderful appreciation for the native bush that surrounds Margaret River. You’ll enjoy a lunch break in the Blackwood State Forest before continuing on, wandering through unsullied bushland and cantering along wide sandy tracks.

    You’re expected to arrive at the Berry Farm in time for a sumptuous afternoon tea, after which you’ll have some time to peruse the shop and gardens of this iconic tourist hot-spot, before heading back to Jesters Flat in the support vehicle for a shower to wash off the day’s dust.

    Drinks and dinner will be enjoyed at Jesters Flat under the twinkling night sky. If the weather is suitable, there’s also the option of participating in a stargazing session with the crew from the Bunbury Observatory. Your guides will be sure to inform you should this be a possibility this evening.

  • Three Day Ride - Day 3

    Once everyone’s bellies are full this morning, you’ll load the horses into the truck and set out for the Boranup Karri Forest. You’re welcome to follow the truck in your own vehicles, or use the Jesters Flat transport options should you wish. This beautiful ride through the tall timbers of the karri forest 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 eucalypt fills your nostrils and the sounds of native birds punctuate the silence. This will be one magical ride, globetrotters. Lunch is packed in your saddle bags today so you can take a break whenever the time seems right!

    After this morning’s ride, you have the option of spending some free time exploring the Margaret River sights at your leisure, or heading back to Jesters Flat for an afternoon of fun and games on horseback, with some polocrosse coaching thrown in for good measure.

    Your final dinner (complete with cocktails) will again be enjoyed on the lawn of your hosts’ beautiful property.

  • Three Day Ride - Day 4

    Your long weekend adventure finishes with a BANG, globetrotters – after breakfast you’re heading to the shores of the deserted white-sand Wonnerup Beach, with its emerald green waters. This pristine beach is a good 45min drive north from Jesters Flat, but with hard sand perfect for long stretches of cantering, and tranquil waters equally perfect for swimming with the horses, it’s definitely worth the drive.

    For those wishing to depart straight from the beach, you’ll be finished around 12 midday and can head off after that. Alternatively, you can head back to Jesters Flat for a final long table lunch, which will give you the chance to have a leisurely pack up and say farewell to your new friends and fabulous horse buddies. You’ll then depart Jesters Flat at 2pm to head home.

  • Transfer Information

    5 DAY ITINERARY:

    We recommend you arrive in Margaret River the day before the ride begins, so you’re ready for the ride to begin at Jesters Flat at 9:30am on day one. Your hosts are graciously allowing guests to stay at Jesters Flat (at no extra charge!) the night before the ride begins. Should you wish to take them up on this generous offer, please notify Globetrotting of your intentions prior to departure. Please be advised that check in this day is between 5pm to 7pm only. Arrival outside of this time frame is not an option. While tea and coffee making facilities will be available, dinner and breakfast will not be provided. We recommend heading into the town of Margaret River where there are a plethora of restaurants and cafes to choose from. The ride will officially begin at 9.30am on day one.

    And depending on your travel plans, 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 midday on the last day if you would prefer.

    NB: In 2024, all guests will arrive at Jesters Flat the night before, as dinner this evening and accommodation is included in the ride package – it’s a 5 day, 5 night ride in 2024.

    3 DAY ITINERARY:

    You can arrive at Jesters Flat anytime between 5pm and 9pm on the first evening, keeping in mind that drinks, nibbles and a lovely shared dinner are on offer this first evening. And the tour will finish after lunch at 2pm on the final afternoon, although there is the option of departing from the beach near Busselton at around 12 midday if you would prefer.

    It would be best that globetrotters find their own way to Margaret River for the start of the ride. The drive from Perth to Margaret River is approximately three hours. Various car hire companies (approximately $300 for a six day hire) and public bus services (South West Coachlines, TransWA) are available from Perth. On the ride, all transfers are covered in the cost, including a final transfer from the beach ride on day five to either Jesters Flat or your Margaret River accommodation. Private vehicles can be parked at the property for the duration of the ride.

  • Other Activities

    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.

What our valued Globetrotters say about The Margaret River Ride

The Margaret River Ride, Western Australia - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Ali Lamond

‘I have loved all my Globetrotting rides, but this one stands out the most. All five days in the saddle were fantastic. My horse Delilah was lovely and our guide Paul was very intuitive in matching horses to riders. The guides were outstanding: they loved their work and were very knowledgeable. The fast canter home after lunch in the vineyard and riding through grapevines was a real highlight. A wonderful family-run outfit that I would definitely recommend.’

Margaret River Ride, Western Australia - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Lisa Vanderhorst

‘The Margaret River Ride was amazing – highly recommended. The horses are fabulous and well looked after. We cantered out on great trails, played polocrosse, rode on the beach and swam with the horses. The hosts and crew are experienced, lovely, caring and welcoming. The food was spectacular, and the atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed. There were always smiles and laughter; all the guests were lovely, too. I had the best three days.’

The Margaret River Ride, Western Australia - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Katrina Borg

‘Paul and Fiona have nailed it! What a perfect blend of adventure and leisure… loads of cantering, swimming, wine, and delicious food! The glamping tents were huge and well equipped, with super comfy beds. I twas love at first sight when I was matched with a horse called Wills – very responsive and well-behaved with a little sass, exactly what I asked for. We played polocrosse, which was super addictive, and on the beach ride, two dolphins swam with us – unreal! We also lucked out with a great group of like-minded horse lovers to enjoy the experience with. 10/10!’

The Margaret River Ride, Western Australia - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Tatiany De Paula

‘After one COVID-induced rebooking and more than a year of waiting, I finally had three remarkable days in Margaret River. The package included great hosts and food, awesome new friends, amazing horses, a fair dose of adrenaline with polocrosse and the most incredible experiences (including a beautiful forest, white sand beach and dolphins). I’m already planning my next horse trip.’

The Margaret River Ride, Western Australia - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Tegan LeBrun

‘The Margaret River Ride was everything I’d hoped it would be and more. This was my first riding trip and I enjoyed it so much I’ve already booked my next one! The hosts, Paul and Fiona, were extremely kind and welcoming and our guides were very knowledgeable and encouraging. We had a wide range of riding experience within our group and everyone was really supportive of each other – it was a lovely group of people to spend the trip with. Each day offered a good deal of variety in terms of riding trails and scenery and the extra activities were fun and interesting. Polocrosse was a first for me and a definite highlight. I loved every minute of this experience and I can’t wait until my next trip with Globetrotting!’

The Margaret River Ride, Western Australia - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Diana Sofia

‘I had been wanting to do a Globetrotting holiday for ages but kept putting it off. When one spot became available on the 3-day Margaret River Ride a week before my 50th birthday, I saw it as a sign and jumped on it. And I’m so glad I did! Fiona and Paul were so welcoming and everyone was so supportive and helpful. Our guides kept a constant eye out for us and gave us little tips along the way that really helped improve our riding. I honestly learned more in 3 days than I did in all the years I’ve been going to lessons back home. And the horses! Stunning, fit and beautiful! If I could have taken Frieda home with me, I would have. As for the price, it was worth every cent. The food was delicious, the drinks were free flowing and the accommodation was spacious and comfortable. For anyone who is umming and ahhing about whether or not to book this ride, just do it. You seriously will not regret it.’

The Margaret River Ride, Western Australia - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Jennifer Aldrick

‘This was my first ever Globetrotting experience. I was excited about the weekend ahead and making memories with my daughter, but at the same time I was a little unsure of riding again after 40 years out of the saddle. The whole weekend was way beyond my expectations, right down to the glamping tents and the way Fiona, Paul and the team put my mind at ease. I definitely recommend a Globetrotting experience in Margaret River. You won’t be disappointed! I even learnt how to play polocrosse – that was the best fun ever!’

The Margaret River Ride, Western Australia - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Rachel Macdonald

‘The Globetrotting experience at Margaret River was awesome. The horses were amazing and the friendly, helpful guides and hosts made you feel so welcome. The glamping accommodation was very homely, with everything we needed. The home cooked food was amazing and catered to everyone’s needs. The rides we went on discovering the amazing southwest Margaret River, and the fun we had playing Polocrosse, have got me hooked once again on horse riding. I rode Stacey and she was a real gem, easy to ride and very comfortable. I would highly recommend this ride to anyone who loves the outdoors and experiencing it on horseback. I am sure this will not be my only Globetrotting adventure!’

The Margaret River Ride, Western Australia - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Elise Hardy

‘I loved every day and every experience of this trip. Paul, Fiona, their family and the guides offered exceptional hospitality and their knowledge, experience and encouragement was terrific to be around. Paul and the team did a great job of matching everyone with the right horse. I’m an intermediate rider who has had a bit off time off after having a baby last year, but I’ve also got a bit of attitude and I’m not scared of a bit of get up and go. That’s what I’d put on my wrap sheet and when I sat aboard my little mare Stacey, who pinned her ears back at everything that came close, I laughed and knew I’d got exactly what I asked for! She was a terrific little mare and so well educated. I would’ve trucked her home with me if I could!
Having followed Globetrotting for a number of years, I’m so glad I finally bit the bullet and went on a trip, and I’m thrilled that it was to Margaret River. An amazing experience.’

STORIES FROM THE SADDLE

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