Yippee, the moment has finally come – you’re off to the glorious Shoalhaven for five days of what can only be described as total bliss! This morning, if you’ve opted for the transfer service, you will be collected from Sydney Airport at 10am and transferred to Crooked River Winery in Gerringong (unless you’re self-driving, in which case, please arrive at the winery by 12pm). Here you’ll have a meet and greet with your ride host and guide Tiffany Gale, over a wine tasting and sumptuous two-course lunch.

After lunch you’ll head to your accommodation at Champagne Hill to freshen up and change into your riding gear. You’ll then hit the round yard and get to know your trusty steed over a groundwork session, creating a strong foundation of trust, connection and relaxation. Then it’s time to mount up for a scenic trail ride in Champagne Hill’s conservation area, where you’ll wander amongst ferns and gaze up at the canopy of red bloodwood, Sydney peppermint gums and rough barked apple trees. 

After this first glimpse at the Shoalhaven’s postcard-worthy scenery, you will retire with a glass of Prosecco and a cheese board just in time to soak up the sunset and the gorgeous views over Morton National Park before sitting down to dinner at Champagne Hill. If it’s a balmy evening, you’ll be treated to a wildlife/stargazing walk on which you just might spot a rock wallaby, wombat or eastern grey kangaroo.

After a big country breakfast, you’ll head to the horses and do some focus and relaxation work before setting out on the trail. Today you’ll trit-trot through Bugong National Park, winding through quintessential Australian bush in the aptly named Shoalhaven Sandstone Forest. If you’re lucky, hidden amongst the banksias, grass trees, turpentines and hard-leaved scribbly gums, you may spot an echidna, yellow bellied glider, yellow tailed black cockatoo or a goanna. The park’s unspoilt nature, combined with the nearby escarpment and Shoalhaven River, creates a strong sense of peace and solitude.

After a canter along the open tracks, you’ll arrive at a breathtaking cliff edge overlooking the Shoalhaven Gorge – a view you won’t forget in a hurry! You’ll then trot on along bush-fringed tracks, with the opportunity to pop over a log or two if you wish. Finally, arriving at the awe-inspiring Coolendel Lookout, you’ll be met with a high tea with Prosecco scones, served upon rock formations overlooking the Shoalhaven River, Morton National Park and into the Ettrema wilderness.  Once everyone’s bellies and eyes are satisfied, you’ll mount up and meander back through the park before breezing through the vineyards of Lyrebird Organic Winery for a wine tasting of Chambourcin (red) and fortified wines (port).

You’ll then unwind with a glass of your choice accompanied by local cheeses and condiments in front of the pot belly fire. Dinner will be at the award-winning Silo’s Estate – a delicious farm-to-plate, two-course meal accompanied by the infamous Silo’s Estate ‘Duck’s Nuts’ Shiraz or ‘Cat’s Meow’ Rose. Then it’s back to Champagne Hill for a well-earned rest.

Today’s itinerary will see you make the most of every single minute of your time on the NSW South Coast. Depending on the tide, your beach ride will either be at sunrise or early afternoon so today’s itinerary will be scheduled accordingly.

For the beach ride, you’ll tiptoe along a golf course, before reaching a pristine beach as long as the eye can see.  Now’s your chance to canter on a loose rein for as long as your heart desires – a true highlight of the trip that will have you feeling completely at one with your horse.

The wineries you’ll have the pleasure of visiting are Coolangatta Estate and Mountain Ridge Winery for wine tastings and a regional lunch platter (if you have an afternoon ride).

You’ll also head over to Berry for a boutique shopping experience and let’s not forget a visit to the infamous donut van where you can enjoy some hot cinnamon donuts.

And just in case you haven’t quite had enough great food and wine, lunch or dinner is at Bangalay Luxury Villas at Shoalhaven Heads (better known as Seven Mile Beach), where you’ll savour the region’s best produce made with local and native ingredients. Naturally, the wine list boasts a unique selection of fun, contemporary Australian wines as well as beautiful French varieties. No doubt you’ll be asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow tonight, globetrotters!

**Please be advised, today’s order of activities is largely dependent on the ocean’s tides, with the beach ride taking place at the best possible time to ensure there is a large stretch of sand on which to enjoy a wind-swept canter.

If you can fit in another bite, a beautiful breakfast is provided at Champagne Hill. You’ll then get re-acquainted with your horse and your guides will lead you out through the bush in search of a colony of threatened grey-headed flying foxes. You’ll then scamper down alongside a mountain of amazing rock formations, with opportunities to trot and canter along the way, before reaching the Shoalhaven River for a picnic lunch and swim. Your horse will gladly follow you into the water to freshen up as well! Then after a siesta, you’ll gather all your pluck to steer your horse back up the mountain and return to Champagne Hill.

After this exhilarating ride, there’s the opportunity to enjoy a remedial massage (at an additional cost – approximately $85 for 45mins) in the privacy of the Pool House. Should you wish to indulge, it’s recommended that you make a booking at the same time that you reserve your saddle seat so you don’t miss out. The evening will be spent relaxing around the pool or the open fire (depending on the weather) with a Champagne Hill specialty cocktail before a casual on-site dinner and cards night.

It’s the last day of your ride today, boo! Once you’ve lapped up one final scrumptious breakfast at Champagne Hill, you’ll take the reins and follow you guides down nearby Abernethy’s Road, winding alongside caves, rock formations and streams with mountain valley views. Then you’ll head back up the mountain, where you’ll be able to really get the horses going with long trots and canters through the pristine bush.

Finally, the time will come to bid adieu to the horse who has carried you bravely on your journey. You’ll enjoy a final lunch at the homestead then wave goodbye to your hosts and Champagne Hill and depart, bellies and hearts full!

If you have booked the transfer service, you’ll be picked up and taken back to Sydney Airport, arriving by approximately 4:30pm – 5pm.

This shorter 3 day, 2 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, we’ve got you covered – THIS is the ride for you.

You’ll need to arrive at your host, Tiffany Gale’s property, Champagne Hill, no later than 10.30am today, so that you’re ready to hit the trail at 11am. You’ll trit-trot through Bugong National Park, winding through quintessential Australian bush in the aptly named Shoalhaven Sandstone Forest. After a canter along the open tracks, you’ll arrive at a breathtaking cliff edge overlooking the Shoalhaven Gorge – a view you won’t forget in a hurry! You’ll then trot on along bush-fringed tracks, with the opportunity to pop over a log or two if you wish.

Finally, arriving at the awe-inspiring Coolendel Lookout, you’ll realise the morning’s adventures have worked up an appetite. But don’t worry, as you’ll be met with a high tea with Prosecco scones, served upon rock formations overlooking the Shoalhaven River, Morton National Park and into the Ettrema wilderness. 

Once everyone’s bellies and eyes are satisfied, you’ll mount up and meander back through the park before breezing through the vineyards of Lyrebird Organic Winery for a wine tasting of Chambourcin (red) and fortified wines (port). You’ll then unwind with a glass of your choice accompanied by local cheeses and condiments in front of the pot belly fire.

Dinner will be enjoyed at Champagne Hill. If it’s a balmy evening, you’ll be treated to a wildlife/stargazing walk on which you just might spot a rock wallaby, wombat or eastern grey kangaroo, before retiring to your rooms for a well-earned rest.

Today’s itinerary will see you make the most of every single minute of your time on the NSW South Coast. Depending on the tide, your beach ride will either be at sunrise or early afternoon so today’s itinerary will be scheduled accordingly.

For the beach ride, you’ll tiptoe along a golf course, before reaching a pristine beach as long as the eye can see.  Now’s your chance to canter on a loose rein for as long as your heart desires – a true highlight of the trip that will have you feeling completely at one with your horse.

The wineries you’ll have the pleasure of visiting are Coolangatta Estate and Mountain Ridge Winery for wine tastings and a regional lunch platter (if you have an afternoon ride).

You’ll also head over to Berry for a boutique shopping experience and let’s not forget a visit to the infamous donut van where you can enjoy some hot cinnamon donuts.

And just in case you haven’t quite had enough great food and wine, lunch or dinner is at Bangalay Luxury Villas at Shoalhaven Heads (better known as Seven Mile Beach), where you’ll savour the region’s best produce made with local and native ingredients. Naturally, the wine list boasts a unique selection of fun, contemporary Australian wines as well as beautiful French varieties. No doubt you’ll be asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow tonight, globetrotters!

**Please be advised, today’s order of activities is largely dependent on the ocean’s tides, with the beach ride taking place at the best possible time to ensure there is a large stretch of sand on which to enjoy a wind-swept canter.

Your final breakfast will be served at Champagne Hill, before you mount up one last time and follow your guides as they lead you out through the bush in search of a colony of threatened grey-headed flying foxes. You’ll then scamper down alongside a mountain of amazing rock formations, with opportunities to trot and canter along the way, before reaching the Shoalhaven River for a picnic lunch and swim. Your horse will gladly follow you into the water to freshen up as well! You’ll then steer your horse back up the mountain and arrive back at Champagne Hill at around 3.30pm after which you’re free to depart with your bellies and hearts full from three incredible days of adventure, food and wine.

Guests have the opportunity to enjoy a remedial massage (at an additional cost) on day 4 of the 5-day itinerary. The approximate cost is $85 for 45 minutes, or $120 for 60mins, payable direct in cash. It is recommended that should you wish to indulge in this alternate activity, bookings be made at the same time you reserve your saddle seat (or as early as possible) so you don’t miss out.

5 DAY ITINERARY:

Transfers** are included in the ride price (for 2022 only). On day one, you’ll be picked up from Sydney Airport at 10am (please ensure your flight arrives no later than 9.30am to give yourself time to collect your luggage and meet the transfer) or Heathcote Train Station (Princes Hwy) at 10.45am. You’ll then be transferred to Crooked River Winery in Gerringong. Here you’ll meet your host, Tiffany Gale, and enjoy a wine tasting and two-course lunch before heading to Champagne Hill to begin the ride.

Self drive is also an option; please ensure you arrive at Crooked River Winery in Gerringong by 12pm. Private vehicles can be parked at Champagne Hill for the duration of the ride.

On the final day of your ride, you will be dropped off at either Heathcote Train Station (at 3.45pm) or Sydney Airport by 4:30pm. Please book departing flights after 6:30pm.

**NB: For the 2023 season, transfers are not included in the ride price but are available if required, starting from $150 per person (price variable depending on how many guests require this service).

3 DAY ITINERARY:

Transfers are NOT included in the ride price. It is recommended you self drive for this shorter itinerary (approx 2hrs 15mins south of Sydney Airport), and you’ll need to arrive at Champagne Hill by 10.30am on day 1 so you’re ready to ride out at 11am. On the last day, the ride will finish at around 3.30pm after which you’ll be free to depart.