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 you will be collected from Sydney Airport at 10am (or a location south of Sydney on request) 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 test your skills on the obstacle course before heading out 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.

Yet another splendid day dawns at Champagne Hill, where you have the option to hit the pool or the tennis court to get your blood pumping ahead of the day’s horse riding and wine tasting. First up, you’ll be driven to Bangalay Luxury Villas at Shoalhaven Heads (better known as Seven Mile Beach), where you’ll savour the region’s best coffee and a breakfast made with local and native ingredients. You’ll then start the day’s winery trail at the award-winning Two Figs Winery, where you’ll be treated to a personalised and informative wine tasting experience.

Next up is Coolangatta Estate Winery, where you’ll enjoy an adventurous climb up Mt Coolangatta onboard Bigfoot (a huge 4WD open sided tractor-bus), from where you’ll get to enjoy some of the best views of the South Coast. Then it’s back down to the winery for another tasting followed by a regional lunch plate with matching wines. You’ll be kept entertained with live music while you eat, then with your cheeks tickled pink and your belt buckle loosened, it’s on to the highlight of the day: the riding.

After tiptoeing across a golf course, you’ll reach 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. Then you’ll head over to Mountain Ridge Winery for one last wine tasting experience as the sun sets over the mountains. And just in case you haven’t quite had enough great food and wine, dinner is at Queen Street Eatery in Berry, where the menu draws inspiration from classic French bistro dishes with a fresh, South Coast spin. 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! This morning’s ride has actually brought you close to the entrance of Bundanon Grounds and Art Gallery, a place rich in history and Indigenous culture. So after a siesta, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the homestead and gallery, before gathering 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 – $70 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, wave goodbye to your hosts and Champagne Hill, and take a drive through Kangaroo Valley, often called ‘Australia’s prettiest valley’!

Stopping for lunch on the drive back, you’ll visit Kangaroo Valley Pie Shop (‘the world’s best pies’ according to many!) for their infamous apple pie in the shape of an apple. From here you’ll be picked up and transported back to Sydney, arriving at either a location south of Sydney (on request and subject to time/distance) or Sydney Airport by approximately 4:30pm.

Guests have the opportunity to enjoy a remedial massage (at an additional cost) on day 4 of the itinerary. The cost is $70 for 45 minutes 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.

Transfers are included in the ride price. 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.